Reels and Celebrations.....

They were all very tired after the long walk and had flopped on the new grass under the big oak tree. Spring was so late this year that the new leaves were still an intense, vivid green. 'Like little green hands stretching out in the light' thought Archibold. The gnomes had made the trek out of the forest and across several fields, in order to enjoy the delights of lying stretched out under the venerable tree. When they had arrived and settled down in their favourite spots, they had marvelled at the beauty of the colours as they looked up though the vibrant greens, into the radiance of Spring sunshine and blue sky.

This was an annual ritual, The Celebration Of The Opening Of The Oak Leaves And The Spring Picnic. Today there was an extra treat, for the wind had sprung up and the gnomes were smiling with joy as they listened for the first time this year, to the sound of the rustling of new leaves. The gnomes never tired of hearing the news that the breeze brought as it ruffled and stirred the leaves, for indeed half the year the tree only had bare branches to rattle and shake, so hearing the leaves talk again was the most positive of signs for the coming of Spring.

Truth to tell, the gnomes were rather enjoying being off duty and having time to spend just on their own having fun. Two of the younger gnomes, Stephanotis and Isabelle had remained as stewards of the forest, but everyone else was relishing the chance to catch up and enjoy themselves.

Aunt Mildred and Hortensia were discussing the likelihood of an early crop of wild strawberries, as the little plants had been spotted full of white posy flowers, and both of them were more than a little proud of their strawberry conserve. Uncle Humperdinck began playing his concertina and slowly the singing began. Before long, the gnomes were leaping about singing and dancing. Reels were their favourite Spring dance, and wild circles of giggling, leaping gnomes were rushing round and colliding with glee as the music went faster and faster and they became a little wild with excitement.

At last they flopped down again and turned to the assorted baskets and knapsacks of proper picnic fare. Great spotted and checked table cloths were stretched out and plates towering with piles of sandwiches and pies, carefully distributed. Flasks of peppermint tea and elderflower cordial were passed around and then the scones, carefully spread with butter and the best jam. Well. after all that had been eaten, there was the sound of the odd burp and of course, what with the warmth and the light and the rather full tummies, there was the sound of gentle snoring. Imagine the peace and happiness of all those happy gnomes  snoozing in the afternoon light, dreaming of the next dance and at peace with the world all around. Spring had indeed finally arrived and been celebrated in all it's glory!