Aunt Mildred sets off on an adventure …..

'Toodle Pip!' shouted Aunt Mildred, 'don't forget to keep an eye on the stew!' Uncle Humperdinck waved back and called out, 'it smells so good, won't be long before I'll be eating it - don't worry I'll leave you some for tea!' He laughed as Aunt Mildred smiled back and waved her hat in the air - between you and me, it is always a good sign when a gnome waves their hat in the air, a sure sign of happiness that all gnomes recognise the world over!

As was usual when they parted, Uncle Humperdick began to sing. Gnomes usually sing when they leave or arrive on a special journey, as well as at parties and special occasions and well, pretty well anytime they feel like it. Uncle Humperdinck sang of sure footedness, of a radiant sky and of the lift to the heart that an adventure can bring and most especially of a warm home waiting at the end of a day.

Aunt Mildred waved again and then turned and went busily on her way. Soon she was indistinguishable amongst the fallen leaves and the tree roots as she set off along the path to the river's edge. 'What a day! Such a treat to be out and about on such a glorious day, Archimedes will be pleased!' For Aunt Mildred was on her way to see her cousin Archimedes who lived on Look Out Island in the middle of a bend in the river.

'Shooo, whis, whis, off you go, on your way, Mildred is coming and she wants to be able to moor her boat, move along now!' Archimedes was trying to persuade several rather obstinate ducks to make room on his little beach for Aunt Mildred's boat. Now if you have ever tried to persuade a duck to move when it doesn't want to - then you know what a job it can be. 'Always so time consuming, I suppose I'll have to bribe them again!' With that the ducks stood up, waggled their tail feathers and started waddling up to the foot of Archimedes' tree house. 'Now I know you understand, you naughty ducks, still I suppose I've trained you up out of desperation.' And with that poor Archimedes who was very, very old and more than a bit arthritic, climbed all the stairs up to his tree house to fetch some bits of stale bread for the ducks.

Meanwhile Aunt Mildred had reached the shore and was busy uncovering Archibold's boat from under it's blanket of leaves. 'Best bale it out before I get in' she muttered. Soon she had finished her preparations and after carefully stowing her basket of treats, was ready to push off. 'Not a day for much of a sail' she thought, 'bit too breezy, best use the oars'. Soon she was rowing the little blue boat out from under the trees and into the fast current of the river.

Golden leaves and friendship!

Hortensia was walking through along the forest floor with Baby Harriet all snuggled in her basket on her back. 'You see Harriet, sometimes the leaves look even more beautiful on a grey and misty morning, see how our path is all golden and luminous ahead of us and smells so good!'  Harriet was gazing around intently, they were supposed to be looking for mushrooms, but the light of the golden leaves against the darker greens and trunks of the trees was so beautiful that Hortensia had decided to stop and and just gaze about for while.

Harriet wasn't really talking yet, at least she thought that she was, but no one could quite work out what she was saying, 'Brrrr bub, bub, booooo', she pointed at a little clump of mushrooms . 'Oh Harriet you are clever, just what we are looking for!' Hortensia carefully collected a few of the mushrooms in her basket and they set off on their way again. Two tiny gnomes - well, one grown up and a really tiny baby gnome, walking along in their forest home, rejoicing as they went in the glorious radiance of an autumn morning.

They were on their way to see Mrs Partridge, 'I want to ask her if she would like anything in particular for our Winter Festival, and truth to tell Harriet, we are all a bit relieved that she is spending Christmas with her son, it will be too cold to eat outside and the rules of hospitality demand that we entertain her next time!'

Since Mrs Partridge's tea party, the friendship between the gnomes and Mrs Partridge had deepened. 'We always liked you and knew you through your garden, it's just that some of the others where a bit shy, and now they know for sure now that you are our friend!' Aunt Mildred had confided to Mrs Partridge.

For her part Mrs Partridge couldn't remember a time when she had felt more happy or excited. She didn't mind what the neighbours thought, she was having a wonderful time sharing her garden, and truth to tell, a lot of her life with her new friends. When Hortensia and baby Harriet had arrived and were settled on a flower pot next to her bench, Mrs Partridge couldn't wait to share her news. 'That foot ointment of Aunt Mildred's, my Dear, quite miraculous, my hands haven't felt so good for ages, and my feet aren't nearly so sore!'

Just at that moment Uncle Humperdinck bobbed up amongst the winter pansies where he had been doing a spot of weeding, 'It's what has kept me going the past fifty years! I'd have been in my rocking chair years ago without her foot balm!' He winked at Mrs partridge 'she'll never tell you whats in it, but as long as it does the job and keeps me bringing home the chestnuts - that's all that matters! Mind you, best not to let her know I polish my boots with it too sometimes, keeps the ants away you know!' Hortensia and Mrs Partridge burst out laughing as Aunt Mildred's very fierce 'Humperdinck!' echoed around the garden, 'just joking my Dear!' Laughed Uncle Humperdinck as he hid behind the clematis.

So that was how it was, most days the gnomes came by for a chat and to see how Mrs Partridge and her garden were doing. Altogether a most unusual friendship  - but a truly precious one for everyone concerned!

Freesias and happiness, cheesy scones and honey baklava …….

After the gnomes had finished singing, they sat quietly waiting for Mrs Partridge to wake up. 'Doesn't she look peaceful' muttered Aunt Mildred loudly to Hortensia 'never have met a human who can stay awake once they hear us sing!' Hortensia smiled and then burst out laughing as Mrs Partridge suddenly woke up, 'I heard that Mildred, I could still hear the lovely singing, I was just shutting my eyes for a minute!'

The gnomes were awestruck at the amazing feast that was laid out on the tea table. 'Such a relief that she hasn't made any more of that jelly' Archibold was very relieved indeed, 'horribly rubbery and very hard on the digestion!' He had never forgotten the jelly that Mrs Partridge had brought to the midsummer revels picnic.

Today however Mrs Partridge had excelled herself. Not only had she prepared Aunt Mildred's special requests, but she had also included some of her own. There in the middle of the bower of freesias was the little dining table that she had taken from the dolls house. She had used one of her best handkerchiefs as a table cloth and an upturned egg cups as a cake stands. 'How about some tea my Dears? I'll be right back'.

Mrs Partridge rushed to the kitchen to make a pot of nettle tea, 'even the smallest pot is still enormous for them - never mind it will have to do!' She placed the tea pot on the tray with a plate of warm mini cheese tarts and tiny scones and rushed back to her guests.

The gnomes were having a wonderful time admiring all the exotic treats on display. A bowl of peanut butter nestled next to a little glass dish full of the most beautiful and shiny ruby red seeds. 'They're pomegranate seeds!' Aunt Mildred was beside herself with excitement, 'it's my menu, what I requested! Look at the honey!' The gnomes fell silent at the sight and smell of the glistening Baklava 'look at the pastry, so fine and delicate', Hortensia had to sit down, 'what kindness, its all so very lovely'.

'Never mind lovely to look at, lets tuck in!' shouted Uncle Humperdinck, very excited indeed. For as long as he could remember he had heard Aunt Mildred describe the wonderful dishes she had read about in Mrs Partridge's cookbooks, and now at last the moment had come to taste some of them. 'Lets start with peanut butter spread on a scone and then some houmous with pomegranate seeds on top!'

Well I am sorry to say that there was rather a lot of enthusiastic tasting and talking with mouths full and all manner of wild gestures about how, ' simple the best, so tasty, perhaps a little more?' from the very happy and excited gnomes. Eventually they began to feel more than usually full and soon found themselves settling into the little chairs and seating areas that Mrs Partridge had made in-between the flowers. 'Stop snoring Dear!' Aunt Mildred shouted into Uncle Humperdinck's ear at close range 'its not polite at a tea party!'

However, gnomes are used to having a restorative nap after a feast and despite their very best intentions, they soon found themselves fast asleep as they breathed in the sweet air of fragrant freesias and honey, baklava, plum cake and cheesy scones.

Mrs Partridge smiled contentedly, 'well what a success! They seemed to have liked everything, perhaps this a moment for me to have a little rest too?' So that was that, Mrs partridge's house was soon filled with the sound of gentle snoring, golden sunlight and happiness - as everyone - human and gnome, enjoyed a little nap!

Tea time and an unexpected surprise!

Mrs Partridge was busy making napkins for the tea party. 'Very tricky' she thought 'very tricky indeed to make them the same size and so very small!' She was using her best scissors to cut up a tissue into tiny squares, 'drat, drat DRAT! there is no way that I am going to be able to fold them, my fingers just aren't as nimble as they used to be.' Mrs Partridge sighed, she so wanted the tea party to be a treat for the gnomes and had an idea in her head of how she wanted the little tea table to look.

'Not every day that gnomes come for tea!' Truth to tell Mrs Partridge was feeling pleased with herself. The shopping trip had been a great success due to her inspired idea of stopping off at the new health food shop for supplies. 'Fancy them having nettle tea and chestnut milk - and pomegranate juice, a bonanza, that was what it was, a bonanza!'

As for the gnomes, well there was much brushing of jackets and tweaking of hats as they assembled at Aunt Mildred's house to set off. Uncle Humperdinck had even decorated the cart, 'Nice as a jar of ointment is, looks a bit more special decorated, and we want our friend to know how special she is to us!'

Finally they were ready to set of, Aunt Mildred had decided to ride on the cart with Hortensia and baby Harriet, 'No point in walking in my best cape if we can ride in comfort.' Hortensia wasn't sure that sitting in oak leaves in a bumpy cart was comfortable, but thought that baby Harriet, however smelly the jar of ointment was at close quarters, would probably love the experience.

Of course there were frequent stops to check that no humans were out and about in the wood, but surprisingly soon they found themselves at the edge of Mrs Partridge's garden. There they stopped in amazement, because through the open patio doors they saw a most unusual sight.

'There you are my Dears, come along all is ready, come along this way please...' Mrs Partridge gestured to the long ramp she had made from an old bit of fencing that led up to her coffee table. 'Well I never'  muttered Aunt Mildred 'we are going to have tea on her table!' The gnomes valiantly pushed and puffed as they inched their cart up to the table, there was a bit of a bump and there they were, in Mrs Partridge's 'Tea Garden for Gnomes!'

The table was covered in a pale green table cloth with lots of Mrs Partridges house plants and small vases and jars of fresh flowers carefully arranged all over the tabletop. 'Look Archie she has made a pathway through the flowers!' Hortensia and Harriet set off leading the other gnomes around the path until they came to a bower of freesias and the little tea table itself.

Mrs Partridge found herself near to tears as she saw the gnomes gasp in wonder at the beautiful sight before them. 'I found the table and chairs in the old dolls house, you can take it all home with you if you like it?' She sat down in her chair, 'I just wanted to be able to see your faces and talk with you more easily, I hope it's suitable?'

There was only one thing to do, the gnomes turned to face her and started to sing. They sang of friendship and of golden autumn leaves, of loss and of coming home and of the precious gift of kindness and the gentle warmth of a hot cup of nettle tea!

Preparations and excitement all around!

It is true that Mrs Partridge had gasped when she had seen Aunt Mildred's suggestions for the tea party - that is after she had found her glasses and spent about half an hour trying to read Aunt Mildred's writing. 'I suppose she learnt to write rather a long time ago, and writing giant letters when you are very small must be tricky, especially with such a large pencil!' Mrs Partridge felt sympathy for Aunt Mildred's efforts but was truely shocked at the recipe selection. 'I've never even heard of Aloo Gobi, I remember lovely sticky baklava from our holiday in Greece all those years ago, but to make it myself, Oh Dear, Oh Dear, what a to do!'

'I don't suppose we need more than one pomegranate, a seed per gnome will be more than enough, and peanut butter, how do I serve that to the gnomes?! After a few days of careful thinking and planning, Mrs Partridge caught the bus to the supermarket. She wore a straw hat with a blue ribbon for courage.

'Nothing like a hat for boosting ones morale' she had thought as she checked the angle of the brim in the mirror before she left. Between you and me, Aunt Mildred often made the same kind of comment about wearing a cape, of which of course, she had rather a large selection.

The gnomes were wondering what to bring Mrs Partridge as a gift at the tea party. Everyone was so very busy with the harvest that there wasn't a lot of time to even think. Hortensia's kitchen smelt of blackberry jam and apple sauce, blackcurrant cordial and drying crab apples. 'Can't remember a better year for blackberries Archie, and the cobnuts - just so firm and tasty! All that rain and sunshine has served us well!' Archibold had mumbled a crumbly sort of 'yes' as his mouth had been full of fresh apple pie at the time. Everyday he had been out from dawn to dusk gathering the harvest and extra supplies of wood for the fire.

'I've been thinking Hortie' Hortensia's eyebrow raised, sometimes Archibold's thoughts could lead to wild escapades. 'About Mrs Partridge's present, what she really needs and will never have experienced, is the benefits of Aunt Mildred's foot balm!' 'Oh Archie what a good idea!' and with that Hortensia took off her apron, put on her second best tweed jacket, kissed Archibold on the cheek and rushed out to speak with Aunt Mildred.

So that was that, Uncle Humperdinck had found a huge jar (for the gnomes that is) and Aunt Mildred had spent a whole day becoming increasingly hot and cross, locked in her kitchen making up up an enormous quantity of her famous foot balm. She had refused all offers of help, 'even you Hortensia, when the time's right I'll tell you the recipe but till then I'll manage on my own.' Secretly Hortensia had been relieved, even talking through the closed door to Aunt Mildred had made her feel very faint, 'the fumes, Archie, the fumes, I don't know how they sleep at night.'

The tea party was just a week away and preparations were well on the way at Mrs Partridge's. She had been trying out all kinds of recipes and even taken more furniture from the old doll's house to make a seating area for the gnomes. 'Just so lovely to see it being used at last, they can take it home afterwards if they want any of the furniture!' She thought that she hadn't felt so happy for a very long time. 'Sad that I can't tell anyone about the gnomes' she sighed, 'but there we are, not everything makes sense to everybody!' and with that she settled down to watch the rugby on television. Mrs Partridge liked the rugby 'such handsome young men, and so brave too!'

The delights of a tea time invitation and exotic possibilities ......

'Very strange' muttered Mrs Partridge, 'No accounting for what they will or won't like!' Mrs Partridge had decided that the best course of action was to invite Aunt Mildred and Hortensia and few of the other gnomes to tea.

'What to serve them that they will like - that's the problem...nothing too strange either....' She remembered the jellies that she had made in thimbles for the mid summer revels, 'very polite they certainly were, but there is no getting around the fact that they didn't fancy eating the jellies at all.'

She sat down in the kitchen for a restorative cup of tea, and of course - as anyone would do on a late and warm summer's afternoon - fell asleep in her chair. Just considering the practicalities involved in having a tea party for gnomes - was turning out to be quite an exhausting prospect.

As soon as they were sure that Mrs partridge was sound asleep, proved by the gentle whistle and woo of her breathing as she dozed in her chair, Aunt Mildred and Hortensia crept into the kitchen through the open window where as usual, they had been resting under the geranium leaves in the window box. 'Very helpful that she mutters when she is worried about what to do, now we know how to help her decide what to cook!'

For ages and ages, Aunt Mildred had been reading the recipes in Mrs Partridge's cook books, especially on summer evenings. As soon as Mrs Partridge was happily watching television in the front room, Aunt Mildred would creep in and sit on the counter on an upturned egg cup, and read about all kinds of exotic foreign cooking.

Sometimes, it is true she had had to ask Archibold to help her lift a book from the shelf, and to turn the pages if it had been a particularly large book. Archibold never minded as he especially loved the large coloured pictures of foreign places that were the backgrounds for illustrating special dishes. Many an evening they decided, as Archibold frequently remarked, 'it's like all the benefit of taking a holiday but without any of the bother!'

'I've been waiting years to taste peanut butter Hortensia, now's my chance!' Aunt Mildred was struggling with Mrs Partridge's pencil as she wrote in somewhat wobbly letters on the bottom of Mrs Partridge's shopping list. 'Peanut butter sandwiches, hummus dip, aloo gobi, pomegranate seeds and then baklava for pudding! Oooo Hortensia I can't wait, what a treat it will be!' Hortensia smiled as she tried to help control the end of the pencil, Aunt Mildred's writing had become a little wild with excitement.

Hortensia wasn't sure about some of the suggestions as she had no idea what they might be, but after years of experience, thought it best to let Aunt Mildred enjoy the moment, after all an invitation to tea with a human was a most exceptional occasion!

Tea and a surprising decision ......

Mrs Partridge had come to a decision, 'No use trying to dissuade me My Dear,' she had told her son, 'I've made my mind up, you can have the house but I'm giving the wood and the farm to The Trust, that way it will be safe as a haven for everyone.' As we know, what she really meant was that the wood would continue to be a safe home for her friends the gnomes! Though this may sound a bit tough on Mrs Partridge's son, he too felt that the wood was a special place and was relieved that he wouldn't have to look after it on his own.

Mrs Partridge had made sure that even if the wood was managed as a nature reserve, that certain areas would be out of bounds to visitors. As she put it to Aunt Mildred over a morning cup of tea, 'No need to worry My Dear, think of all the new visitors and their dogs enjoying the peace of the wood - and imagine the benefits of a cafe!'

Mrs Partridge and Aunt Mildred had taken to sitting together for a morning cup of tea since the warm weather had arrived. Serving Aunt Mildred with a cup of tea had initially proved rather problematic. Mrs Partridge had tried filling an egg cup with tea, but could see that Aunt Mildred, however polite she was trying to be, was finding the experience of trying to sip hot tea from an egg cup rather daunting.

Then as she woke up one Saturday morning, she had what she thought was a brilliant idea. 'By Jingo, why haven't I thought of it before?' She had lept out of bed, put on her glasses and hobbled up to the attic. As she had pulled off the old sheet that covered the dolls house, Mrs Partridge had felt a sudden pang of sadness. 'I remember playing with it myself, always hoped that I would have grandchildren to enjoy it too one day, but goodness me, won't the gnomes find it useful?' She had fumbled about in the dainty kitchen and retrieved a miniature cup and saucer from the sideboard, 'just the ticket for Aunt Mildred' she had proclaimed as she rushed to wash and dress in time.

Well as you can imagine Aunt Mildred was shocked at the kindness of being presented with her very own cup and saucer. She had news for Mrs Partridge too, the gnomes were going to hold a meeting of the Council of Elders that very afternoon, 'and you are invited as our guest of honour!' Mrs Partridge was still for a moment, 'are you sure the others will want me to come to the meeting, to stay awake and be part of your Circle? ' For as we all know, most humans fall asleep when anywhere near a gnome.

Aunt Mildred was firm in her reply, 'we want to hear what you have planned in your very own words!' Aunt Mildred knew that the other gnomes of the Council wanted to thank Mrs Partridge and to give her a gift. She knew better than to mention this in advance, for as she said to Hortensia later,' she would never have agreed to come if she had known about the gift, far too embarrassing, best to surprise her!'

So that was that, Mrs Partridge went upstairs again to retrieve more useful items from the old dolls house to bring to the meeting as a gift, and the gnomes rushed about gathering bracken and moss to make into a soft cushion and nest for Mrs Partridge to sit in, so that she could be comfortable during the meeting.

'What a day Hortie,' Archibold had puffed, 'imagine the kindness of a human safe-guarding our future!' Hortensia had smiled, for she knew that a good heart surpasses all difference, and that old Mrs Partridge had a very good heart indeed.

Leap Frog Races and a picnic!

'Well today is the the day Hortie, hot or not it is time for the Leap Frog Races!' Archibold grinned at Hortensia to try and reassure her. Hortensia was packing a substantial picnic into several baskets and a  small cart, 'never too sure that I like race day Archie, such a messy activity and so much slime, still I suppose it is hot enough this year to enjoy swimming in the river afterwards!'

For the last week or so, for the sake of coolness, most of the gnomes of the Forest had taken to sleeping high up in their summer houses in the tree tops. Hortensia adored the roar of the leaves in the wind and even the gentlest of rustles brought news of the forest and music to her heart. 'Seems a shame to have to be at ground level when we could stay up here in the cool, still a summer picnic by the river is not be missed!'

The wild strawberries were gleaming red under their leaves as Hortensia and Archibold passed by and Hortensia quickly filled a basket with the cheerful berries, 'What a treat - oooh Archie look at Harriet' for Baby Harriet was sitting up in her nest in the cart giggling and smiling at a young blackbird that was perched next to her. 'Sometimes Archie, she makes me wonder what is going to happen next.' Harriet clapped her hands as the bird chirped, 'She is just hearing the latest news Hortie, nothing to worry about, and now the blackbirds can tell the rest of the forest about the races!'

Soon they were on their way again and as they passed by on the windy path down to the river, most of the other gnomes came out to join them. Soon the procession of hand carts and happy gnomes laden with baskets and rugs, fishing rods and kettles reached the rivers edge.

The frogs had already agreed to meet in a particularly wet and muddy inlet and were happily hidden in the shade of the long grass as the gnomes set up camp. 'I'll hang the hammocks and set the fire for the kettle', Archibold was rushing about eager to finish so he could limber up for the start of races -  limbering up meant warming up for the race with all sorts of strange lunges and hops and stretches, the frogs of course were ready just as they were. Stephanotis and even Uncle Humperdinck were going to join in this year and as everyone knew, Aunt Mildred, who had been a legend in the leapfrog racing world of her youth, was a stern and very strict judge.

Hortensia smiled as she saw Archibold's enthusiasm, try as she might, she could never understood why anyone would want to leap over frogs in the mud whilst trying to stay on the back of a slimy frog themselves. 'I know you and the frogs love it Darling, but Harriet and I will be very happy to watch from the shore.' Harriet blinked and smiled at her Mother, she was looking forward to when she could join in too, but thought it best to keep her thoughts to herself for a while yet!

Dandelions and fighting talk!

Archibold was sitting in his armchair relaxing and reading aloud from his favourite newspaper, 'The Gnome's Digest', after enjoying a tasty dinner of mushroom stew with herby dumplings. 

Hortensia was resting her feet, (which truth to tell were still recovering from dancing at The Mid Summer Revels), in a bowl of sweetly scented lavender water. She was feeling rather sleepy and in fact was just beginning to doze off when Archibold suddenly exclaimed, ' there I knew it, at last, O'Dophoplus has taken up the cause for Dandelions!' and with that he began to read aloud........

'The humble dandelion - friend or foe?, you see Hortensia, just what I have been saying all along?' Hortensia tried to look interested but was too sleepy to say anything other than a quiet 'really Dear?' That however was quite enough for Archibold who began to read aloud in earnest..... 

' Here goes Hortie, I'll just read the whole article to you, to save you having to read it yourself.' Hortensia loved being read to, especially by Archibold as to her mind he had the loveliest of voices, she just wasn't too sure she wanted to hear about dandelions at the end of a long day. 

Archibold coughed, sat up straight and began, 'The vagaries of human taste are most peculiar - especially with regard to what humans call 'weeds'. Imagine a flower bed full of the riotous joy of dandelions intermingled with ox eye daisies and cornflowers, yet what human would gladly introduce such a thing to their beloved garden?  - Just what I think Hortie, that was a mix we tried in the long field, looked a treat too!' Hortensia rolled her eyes and tried hard to stay awake.

'From a Gnome's perspective, a human's hatred of dandelions is just plain absurd. Compare the humble dandelion with the common, and to humans, most acceptable marigold. Both glorious in bloom, radiant with colour, both upright and of good character in their cheerfulness inducing qualities - but the lowly dandelion is despised and removed in disgust whilst the marigold cherished and nurtured!

As a gnome of many years experience in supporting humans in their efforts to bring an earthly paradise to their gardens, I can truly report that their tastes are often most at variance with the natural abundance that could be theirs for the planting, for what we call The king of Cheerfulness, is much loved by the insect world and by us gnomes, and is deserving of a nobler future!

Toddle pip for now!

Yours in service, Humbert O'Dopholus - author of 'From a Gnome's perspective'

Well Hortensia, what an article, how right he is!' Sadly for Archibold and his enthusiasm, all that Hortensia could manage in reply was a gentle snuffle, for she was well and truely asleep!

'Well, well, nothing for it I suppose, I might as well have forty winks too ' and with that Archibold leaned back contentedly, patted his folded newspaper and fell asleep too!

Fruit jellies and a pink hat....!

Mrs Partridge was experimenting, she had been thinking for days about what to bring as a special treat to The Mid-summer Revels. ' I know it is old fashioned' she thought, 'but there really is nothing as lovely as a cool fruit jelly on a hot summer's day.'

She had a vision of a tray of little gleaming jellies - but what to make them in that was the right size so that they could set - that was the problem. Much to her surprise as she woke up from a mid-afternoon doze in her chair, her eyes alighted on the perfect solution! There across the room - all lined up on the bookshelf, was her collection of thimbles! 'The very thing, right in front of me all the time, well fancy that, I must try them out at once.'

Imagine Aunt Mildred's surprise when, casually looking in the kitchen window - she was of course officially checking on the herbs in the window box - when she saw Mrs Partridge pouring a red liquid into upside down thimbles, which were being kept upright by being tucked into slices of brown bread, and then, put the whole lot into the fridge!

'Never ever seen her cook anything so strange' Aunt Mildred later reported to Hortensia 'can't think what she was up to, most peculiar indeed.' Aunt Mildred prided herself on her cooking (especially her renowned mint humbugs) and often liked to see what Mrs Partridge was cooking in her kitchen, as inspiration for her own dinners.

If she was honest, Aunt Mildred rather liked Mrs Partridge's company in general. Mrs Partridge had very good taste in television programmes, and most afternoons both she and Aunt Mildred would watch television together, though of course, Aunt Mildred was the other side of the patio doors resting in the cool under a geranium leaf. They both liked cookery programmes and had a penchant for a lean young man (young at least to Aunt Mildred) known as Nigel, who had a gnome in the garden off his kitchen where he demonstrated - what Mrs Partridge called 'real cooking with flavour and most tasty too!'

Mrs Partridge herself was very pleased with the results of her jelly experiment. Just the ticket, just tickety boo, they'll never have tasted anything like these! Next I'll try blackcurrant flavour, or maybe even lime?' She had decided to bring chocolate brownies as her cake, mainly it has to be said, because she thought that it could easily be cut into small cubes suitable for gnomes to enjoy as small cakes. 'The size of things is what is tricky, still what an honour it is to be invited, I must do my best to be the perfect guest.'

She had been sorting out a suitable hat and had decided on a salmon pink straw with a large brim which she had last worn for a niece's wedding many years previously. 'Some fresh sweet peas will go very well and look lovely on top and best of all, hide the worst of the worn bits!' It had been a long time since Mrs Partridge had had an occasion to dress up,  'Such fun, I haven't been this excited for years,' she exclaimed out loud after trying on her hat to make sure that it still fit.

Through the window Aunt Mildred smiled with joy, she felt the same way, 'first time in many a long year My Dear, that a human has been part of our lives - and about time too!'

Ivy rope and a pebble invitation......

'Well that really is a good idea Hector!'Archibold gazed in admiration at the ivy rope walk-way that Hector had attached between two branches. They were sitting high up in the old oak tree where they had traditionally built their Helter Skelter ride for the Mid Summer Revels. 'A little risky, but so much more fun! Next I think we should have a suspension rope with ivy leaf seats to sit in, so we can swing down and along to the next level.'

Archibold gasped, he knew that Hector was renowned for his bravery and expertise in abseiling (mainly developed as a necessity,  living as he did on a balcony in a block of flats in a nearby city), but a suspension rope between different branches with seats to swing along in - well, such a thing had never even been heard of! 'Not to worry Archie, I saw it on a TV programme on skiing that I watched through the window, humans use them in them on mountains when they want to get up and down them quickly.'

Archibold gulped, ' you really are very brave Hector, but will ivy rope be strong enough?' Hector grinned a wild grin as he uncoiled from his rucksack a length of old washing line, ' salvaged it myself from a neighbors balcony, the very best there is!' Archibold thought that Hector was looking particularly daring, maybe his years in the city were making his love of adventure ever more dangerous than ever. 'Just think of it Archie, we will go down in gnome history as the builders of the greatest Helter Skelter ride of all time?'

Archie thought to himself that that was just the sort of comment that could lead to disaster, but thought better of saying anything out loud whilst Hector was looking so wild. So they set to working out the best angle and even tried out a few practice runs. 'I think for safety's sake we had best ask Hortensia's advice about the seats don't you think Horatio?'

So that is how it came to be that Hortnsia came home from her evening stroll with baby Harriet to find her kitchen floor covered in ivy leaves, and Archibold and Hector in fierce discussion about the whys and wherefors of suspension hocks!

'Dinner first' said Hortensia firmly, ' no use trying to think straight when you are hungry!' Ad with that she set out a lovely stew of chestnuts and some pease pottage. Once she had grasped what was involved, Hortensia announced that she had just the thing upstairs in her sewing chest and that she would be back soon. Archibold and Hector waited anxiously but soon Hortensia reappeared with her price collection of curtain rings. 'Donated by the old lady when she changed her curtains last year, you can use them, but I want them back safely at the end of the Revels.' Hortensia raised her eyebrow at Archie as he nervously promised to return them.

'Curtain rings are a prize to be treasured, just think of the uses and how precious they are, humans almost always use plastic nowadays and a brass ring is so much better!' Hortensia had ideas of her own that she was waiting to announce. Both she and Aunt Mildred were very fond of their old lady human who lived in the house and garden at the edge of the forest, and this year they were planning to invite her to the Revels. Hortensia knew that most of the other gnomes would be shocked at such a radical idea, but she was determined that having established trust over the past year or so, that this year their friend could come along and be part of such a happy event.

And so one fine summer's morning the old lady, or Mrs Partridge to use her real name, walked out into her garden and saw her invitation carefully spelled out by pebbles on the lawn. The gnomes had made a great effort to make the message clear and in plain English, ' YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MID SUMMER REVELS ON JUNE 12th AT TWO O'CLOCK UNDER THE OLD OAK IN THE LONG FIELD. HATS REQUIRED.'

Mrs Partridge almost jumped in shock but steadied herself and spent the next hour rearranging the pebbles with her walking stick replying, ' DELIGHT TO ATTEND, BRINGING HAT AND CAKE.'

Blossom and Plans....!

'Gently does it, ease yourself along..." Uncle Humperdinck was sitting aside a branch in the pear tree holding Aunt Mildred's hat for her, as she edged along the branch towards him. 'No need to rush My Dear, we'll be settled in minute.' Most of the gnomes were already comfortably nestled on their branches, but Aunt Mildred had been busy making a poultice for poor Humbert's gouty foot and was the last to arrive.

They were having a meeting to discuss the Mid-Summer Revels which were fast approaching. Long ago, The Council of Elders had realised that holding a meeting in the branches of a tree in blossom time, resulted in a much better outcome!

Hortensia had settled on holding the meeting in a wild pear tree as a seasonal treat. The soft white and pale pink petals and the warmth of the morning sunlight were intoxicating, and for ages the gnomes just rested on their branches, gazing into the beauty of the blossom all around them.

'Time to get down to business then' said Archibold, and with that Aunt Mildred passed around the mint humbugs. 'Nothing like a humbug to help one think' she muttered.

Soon the little tree of blossom was pervaded by the strong scent of mint and the sounds of loud sucking.
'Whose in charge of the marquee, and are we having a theme this year, that's what I want to know?' Archibold knew that he would be put in charge as usual of finding the perfect canopy for he marquee, (his skills at finding the right plastic bag to make the tent secure, waterproof and striking to look at, were legendary), but he wasn't too keen on a theme.

They all remembered the year that Aunt Mildred had decided on a Rabbit Rodeo, and the large number of carrots that they had been forced to borrow - as well as the trouble they had had from the rabbits for months afterwards. (Aunt Mildred had been watching television through the old lady's patio doors when she had thought up the idea, and though Hortensia had tried to persuade her that rabbits were not horses, and gnomes very different to humans - Aunt Mildred had won the day that year.)

Hortensia quickly spoke, ' I think that it would be wonderful to have the helter-skelter adventure ride again as well as the usual games.' So it was decided in minutes, lots of enthusiastic volunteering and hat tossing as the gnomes remembered the dangerous excitement of the helter-skelter ride through the tree tops and down to the games ground.

'Aunt Mildred, I think that you should present the prizes along with Archimedes, if we can persuade him to come along.' Aunt Mildred glowed, surely now she had the perfect excuse to make a new ceremonial hat! 'Well if you are sure, I could of course contribute towards the prizes?' Wild cheering from all the gnomes confirmed the decision as in the best interests of the whole community, and soon they were all scampering home to plot and plan the most perfect Mid-Summer's Day Revels ever held!

Blue bells and a Birthday tea!

Archibold was out and about on a little jaunt, today was his Birthday and he was rather proud of the new tweed jacket that Hortensia had made especially for him as his Birthday present, and that he was wearing for the very first time.

He was pleased too with all the extra pockets that she had placed in the lining. 'Never can have too many pockets you know, never know when you might need a bit of string or dried moss', he had smiled his especially happy smile which Hortensia knew meant he wasn't just being polite, but really did like the jacket.

She had made the jacket from an old tweed cap that Archibold had found abandoned on the bank of the stream. 'Waited two days as is polite, then said to myself, no time to let it rot, best to take it home to my Hortensia!' Now he was wearing the smartest jacket he had ever owned and sporting a large daisy on his collar that Hortensia had given him, so that everyone would know that it was his Birthday!

'Today is my Brithday' Archibold announced to the plants and trees as he passed. Truth to tell he was more than a little excited, 'best be a bit nippy today, Birthday tea in the bluebells later, mustn't be late for that!'

Gnomes take Birthdays very seriously, as you know they take celebrating in general very seriously, so a Birthday nearly always involves a party and lots of dancing and singing. What Archibold didn't know was that one of his best friends, Hector, was making a trip home just for his special day.

Hortensia had sent a long letter, kindly delivered by a sprightly sparrow, to Hector where he lived on the balcony of a block of flats in the nearest city. 'I don't think Hector, that he remembers that this year is a special year, he has never been that good with numbers, so he won't be expecting you to make the trip home at all, and it would be a perfect Birthday present!' Hector adored an adventure, and after checking all was well with the bulbs and plants on his balcony and in the local park, had set off at once.

For the truth was that Archibold was one hundred years old! Now, to you and I, one hundred seems very old indeed, but to a gnome, though a significant Birthday and one to be seriously celebrated, being a hundred was not very old at all. Gnomes can live a long time, and maybe as Aunt Mildred was fond of saying, 'best not to take time too seriously, its how you live it that makes it long or short...' was really true!

In any event, up in the glorious blue haze and sweet scent of the blue bells, table cloths were being laid out, swings tied on to branches, 'hoop la' and 'toss the hat' and other games pitches being measured out. Best of all, an enormous Birthday Tea was being prepared with a delicious hazelnut cake carefully being wheeled over on a cart  - Archibold's favourite of course!

Elevenses and Spring time treats.....

'Very busy time of year, very busy indeed,' Archibold had popped back home for elevenses and a piece of cake, and of course, to deliver the fresh new dandelion leaves he had collected his way home. 'Some of the gardens, Hortensia you wouldn't believe how neglected they are, no bedding plants in and so few buds.'

Archibold took his gardening responsibilities seriously, long ago he had realised that once he had taken the great step of choosing to look after a garden, well, then that was that - he was committed for life to both to the garden and all plants within it, and often to the human that cared for it too! Of course humans could put out statues of gnomes in their gardens thinking they might entice a gnome to become a Head Gardener, but as Aunt Mildred frequently remarked 'just because they have a statue out doesn't mean they deserve a gnome!'

For as you can imagine, to a gnome's way of thinking, humans often have the strangest ideas about gardening - and if we are honest, about gnomes themselves. 'No use thinking they are just like us, similar but different, that's all you have to remember, similar but different!' Aunt Mildred was often wise, sometimes grumpy too it has to be said, but mostly wise and kind. 'Poor things they are just so big and in such a rush they forget to look and listen, how they think they can garden without looking and listening - well, you only have to look around to see the results!'

Hortensia winked at Archibold, Aunt Mildred had come round to borrow something, but as she couldn't remember what it was she needed, she had decided to stay and have a cup of tea and a slice of apple cake instead. 'Can't ever remember a Spring so late, no time for snoozing now the buds are on their way!' this last remark was aimed at Uncle Humperdinck, who grateful for the very comfy chair had dozed off. 'Marmalade My Dear, it was quince marmalade that you wanted to borrow, I wasn't asleep at all My Dear, just trying to remember!'

Soon it was time to be on their way, and off they all set. Hortensia had strapped Baby Harriet on her back safely tucked into her basket and Archibold had a large sack of dandelion and cow parsley seed to put out and about. Uncle Humperdinck and Aunt Mildred were setting off home with an enormous pot of quince marmalade between them and a basket with a few dried apple rings just in case they might be running out.

'See you all later' called out Hortensia, 'Stephanotis is coming over for his tea and bringing his bagpipes!' The sun was beginning to come out for the first time in ages and the gnomes knew, this time for sure, Spring was on it's way.....!

The comfort of a snug and happy home....

Archibold was sitting by the fireplace watching the crackling fire as he soaked his poor feet in a bowl of warm lavender water. 'You are a treasure Hortensia My Dear, my feet feel better already.' Hortensia smiled, she was heating up the soup for their evening meal, 'just been so cold and damp for so long Archie, hard for your feet to always be in clammy wet boots day in and day out.'

Archibold sniffed the air as Hortensia lifted the lid and the sweet smell of onion and barley broth filled the air, 'don't feel damp or cold now My Dear, downright toasty inside and out!' he slurped at his soup and smacked his lips with delight. Hortensia had given up years ago trying to curb his enthusiasm for soup, and was now resigned to accepting that all slurps and burbs were a sign of great contentment and appreciation.

The two gnomes sat looking into the flickering flames, usually at this time of year, their friends would be dropping by, and the air would be full of excitement at the news of the latest buds and flowers that they all had spotted that day. 'The bluebells have started to show their leaves, that's something to look forward to, best we wait for Spring to finally come by keeping warm and planning an escapade or two.'

Hortensia agreed, the truth was that the unseasonal cold was becoming exhausting. 'Its not that I don't see how beautiful it all is, but frost every morning at this time of year is a little wearing....' Hortensia's voice faded away as she realised that the room was filling up with sounds of soft snoring and the occasional snuffle - Archibold was sound asleep.

'Fancy falling asleep with his feet in a bowl of water, he must be very tired indeed!' Hortensia gently lifted his feet out of the water and wrapping a shawl around them, placed them on the rug.

She sat back in her rocking chair looking into the glowing flames, 'seems the poor earth is tired too' she thought 'perhaps it needs a rest as well, humans are so busy these days and doing so many silly things, perhaps they need some dream time too....nature is wiser than us, best to go with how things are...' and with that Hortensia found her eyes slowly closing as she too gently drifted into a little snooze. 'Must start on my embroidery, nearly Aunt Mildred's Birthday and she will want to wear her new hat.' But her head kept nodding forward and soon she was fast asleep - the little room began to fill with the sweet air of adventurous dreams and the snug comfort and peace of a happy home.

Dancing into Spring.......

'What a to do, what a to do....' Hortensia was muttering to herself as she eyed the huge pile of fresh wild garlic leaves that Archibold had proudly brought home after his morning forage. 'I really only needed a few leaves.......' Suddenly she knew what to do with the unexpected surplus, 'a party, that's what, we'll have a party, and I can use all the leaves for a lovely dish of cheese and garlic bake!' Hortensia tied on her lucky blue apron, the one with little red hearts embroidered on the hem and set to washing the leaves.

Archibold was presented with a lump of really rather hard cheese and an old roll when he returned home for lunch, Hortensia had even prepared a long list of invitations for him to deliver as soon as he had finished his cup of tea. 'Nothing like a Start of Spring Party' said Hortensia, 'best to give everybody lots of notice so they can plan what they are going to wear.'

Gnomes are mostly quite practical about clothing, but as Archibold remarked later that afternoon when he was flopped in the rocking chair exhausted by delivering all of the invitations, 'not often we get a chance to wear something bright.' Like all gnomes, Archibold and Hortensia honoured the old code that all the creatures of the forest lived by, and only wore clothing that blended in with their natural habitat so as to be as inconspicuous as possible. 'Thats why parties are essential Archie, can you imagine never having an opportunity to wear your red velvet waistcoat again?'

Hortensia was quite red in the face herself from the effort of making ten large dishes of rolled garlic leaves stuffed with fresh cheese, herbs and breadcrumbs in a cheese sauce. 'I'll have to start putting them in the oven soon, and then there is the bramble crumble to finish, oh my oh my, so much to do!' Archie smiled at her as he offered to be in charge of keeping the oven hot and baking the delicious treats. 'More than enough My Dear, you really have excelled yourself his time!'

Hortensia dashed upstairs to cool her face and choose her outfit for the evening ahead. 'Such a relief to be having a supper party, no need to set the table and just think of the dancing!' Downstairs Archibold was keeping an eye on the dishes in the oven as the glorious smell of cheese and garlic began to waft about the house. He began to lift the extra chairs of their wooden pegs where they hung high up on the walls. All gnomes keep extra chairs in case visitors come by, sensibly storing them out of harms way high up on the walls of their houses, but conveniently within reach from a small step ladder.

'Ta da da, ta ta da ta!' Archibold whirled around holding a chair as his dancing partner when he suddenly stopped in amazement, Hortensia stood in the doorway, she was wearing a glorious blue dress the colour of a summer sky and Archibold knew with all his being, that he just had to sweep off her feet for a little dance of happiness..............

Nettle tea and honey flapjacks........

Hortensia and Archibold were sitting by the fire enjoying a delicious cup of tea. 'Oooh Archie, I do love our morning cup of tea, and such a lovely pot of the very best nettle top too!' Archibold smiled - long ago they had decided that every day - unless on an escapade - that they would stop whatever they were busy doing and meet up for a morning cup of tea at eleven am. Eleven in the morning is just the right sort of time for a refreshing cup of tea and a proper sit down to organise the day.

Archibold took great pride in collecting leaves for Hortensia's teas, and the first tender tips of spring nettles were her most favourite of all. Archibold liked to gather them early in the morning, of course he had to be careful because nettles are quite tall, and the stems most prickly and could give a terrible rash to a careless gatherer.

Humbert, Archibold's father had taught him how to lasso the plant tops without hurting himself. 'There you go boy' he used to shout, Humbert was very keen on shouting - and singing - whenever possible, 'Swing the rope over your shoulder and bring the tip down!' Of course, as you can well imagine, it was easier said than done and poor Archibold had found learning an aggravating experience, especially as Humbert would accompany all of his attempts with loud shouts of 'one, two, three and away she goes!' and other, sometimes rather rude, comments.

However, now that Archibold was an expert forager and had human gardens of his own to look after, he could bring home lots of special treats for Hortensia to blend into her teas. Hortensia was very proud of Archibold's prowess and in return would bake the special honey flapjacks that he absolutely adored.

'Very tasty indeed My Dear' Archibold mumbled, 'helps keep the damp out'. Not that gnomes are particularly prone to damp, but as Archibold then said 'you can never be to careful at the end of a long winter, damp gets about, nasty thing damp.'

Hortensia agreed, she had seen her Mother, Wispy, become quite bent over with the effects of damp. Wispy was short for Wisteria, but as everyone knows, Wisteria is not thought of as a proper name for a young gnomette because it rhythms with Hysteria - and any thought of hysteria was thought of as rather a bad omen for an adult gnomes temperament. Besides Wispy's hair was always floating out of her hats in gentle golden curls, so Wispy suited her very well indeed.

' Thank you Archie for the lovely fresh milk, perhaps a saffron custard might be nice for tea?' Archie's eyes twinkled, he had been thinking about a custard when he brought home such a big jug of milk, ' just perfect My Dear, just perfect!' And with that he kissed Hortensia and Baby Harriet and was off out to tend a wild rose that needed pruning!

Spring sunshine and mending hats.........

One fine Spring morning, Hortensia decided to sit in her rocking chair by the open kitchen door with a large basket full of hats, her sewing basket, her precious box of extra ribbons, and her wool bag - all arranged about her.

Hortensia was involved in a very important job - inspecting and mending her family's hats. Now that Spring sunshine was a possibility, sorting out and mending hats seemed a necessity. You would be surprised at how much needs to be done to keep a hat in tip top condition. Of course most humans think that gnomes just wear pointy hats, but, as we well know, gnomes wear hats of all shapes and sizes and made from all kinds of useful and practical materials.

'First' thought Hortensia 'I'll tackle Archibold's fishing hat, it gets the most wear and tear and is really beginning to look a disgrace.' She had carefully unearthed Archibold's favourite hat from his basket of fishing tackle, 'best he doesn't know that I've got it yet' she thought as she carefully began to darn a large hole where the hat been snagged on a branch. Archibold hated his hat being mended, he liked things being just the way they were and been known to complain vigorously about enforced changes to his favourite hat.

In fact when he saw his mended hat later that afternoon, he was quite cross, 'I'd liked my hat the way it was, I liked the feeling of fresh air on my hair, Hortensia I wish you wouldn't mend my fishing hat.' Hortensia just smiled, she knew that when it was wet and windy and he was out in his boat, that he would be very grateful not to have a large hole where the rain could soak his hair. Archibold stomped about a bit, but soon forgot all about his hat once it was back on his head and he was sitting eating a big bowl of onion soup for lunch.

Hortensia had also mended his best hat, which she had left out for him to admire. 'See Archie, I've put new feathers in the brim and given you a new ribbon and silk lining'.' Archibold was very impressed, 'Hortensia, that's the best it has ever looked, and it's much more comfy now,' He strutted about a bit looking important, holding his head up so that the purple ribbon shone and the feathers looked most impressive. After all, best hats were for High Days and Holidays, so wearing a hat of character could certainly boost a gnome's confidence when out and about or dancing a reel.

Hortensia was particularly proud of the silk lining and ribbon, she had found the silk handkerchief wet and abandoned by a careless human by the side of a picnic table. 'What to do?' she had thought,  'it would make such a good eiderdown cover, but no one would see it, I shall save it and use it for mending hats!' Now that she saw the results of her handiwork, she knew that she had made the very best decision!

The Sweet Air of Spring........

'With a hop and a skip and a jump we go, with a hop and a skip and a jump we go, tum tum tiddly pom, tum tum tiddly pom with a hop and a skip and a jump we go!' Hortensia was singing one of her favourite songs for the first time in what felt like ages. Things were becoming a little easier at Fir Tree Cottage now that Hortensia could hop about a bit, her toe was mending fast, and though both Archibold and Hortensia were grateful for the miraculous healing benefits of Aunt Mildred's foot balm - as Archibold kept on saying - 'I can't wait for that terrible smell to go away!'

In fact just today Hortensia had been up early and was gently pottering about in what she called her garden. 'Just seeing how things are Dear' she smiled at Archibold's worried face 'I'm feeling much better now I know that some of the primroses are on their way!'

Gnomes adore Spring time and Hortensia longed for the brave cheerfulness of the first snowdrops and the creamy yellow of the gentle primroses. 'The frost and ice hasn't done any damage Darling, such good leaf cover that they are all safe and ready.' Hortensia sat down in her rocking chair by the front door, Archibold had very kindly brought it out so that she could sit in the morning sunshine. 'What do you think about a trip my Dear? It's been ages since we have been to see Eleanora, or even perhaps to see the sea?' Archibold smiled, there is nothing that stirs the heart of a gnome more than the thought of an adventure, 'My Dear Darling - simply a splendid idea!'

'SNOW DROPS, SNOW DROPS and VIOLETS.' Poor Stephanotis was quite red in the face what with the effort of shouting his good news as he passed every gnome dwelling and running at a fast trot at the same time. 'Snow drops AND Violets, you have to come and see....you must come.'

Well that was that, Hortensia stood up and firmly announced that, with the help of her walking stick and Archibold's arm, today was the day for her first walk since she had broken her toe! Archibold rushed to get their hats and a scarf and gloves for each of them, and arm in arm they set of to view the new arrivals.

After a little while, Hortensia felt a bit tired and so as she sat resting on a convenient hummock, she suddenly lifted her head with an incredulous smile. 'Oooh Archie, I can smell them....the scent of Spring, Darling we must go at once!' And with that they were off again and soon indeed they were joining other gnomes - all standing gazing up at the beauty of the white and green snowdrops and breathing in the sweet air of Spring!

An unexpected outing.....

Archibold was very worried, though excellent at making bread, he wasn't particularly gifted at cooking - and most importantly given his current predicament - Hortensia was! Uncle Humperdinck had brought around several of Aunt Mildred's tasty stews and soups which had been very gratefully received by the whole family, but now the responsibility was on his shoulders. ' Nothing for it Harriet, we will have to go over to Stephanotis's and ask him for some of his dried mushrooms, he won't mind, might even give me a few tips for my stew!'

Archibold and Harriet were ready to set off through the frosty forest, they were both bundled up against the cold with Harriet carefully strapped on to her Father's back. 'Don't be too long Darling, I've put a baked potato in your pocket to keep your hands warm.' Of course to you and me, the baked potato was very small indeed - in fact one of the teeny weeniest new potato you have ever seen - took up all of Archibold's pocket! Hortensia was in her rocking chair by the fire, her poor foot resting on a foot stool, Archibold smiled at her, ' not to worry Darling, just you rest up, mushroom stew for dinner!' and with that Archibold set off.

Hortensia sighed, resting up was proving a real challenge, ' I suppose I could start chopping a carrot to help '. She hopped over to the table and set to chopping, she had nearly finished when there was a loud knock on the kitchen door and Stephanotis suddenly rushed in. ' Hortensia my Dear, we've had a wonderful idea! We've brought the sled and as I've made a giant pot of stew we've come to collect you and take you out for dinner!'

Hortensia instantly felt thrilled, ' truth to tell, Stephanotis, I've been a bit desperate for a change!' Soon she was nestled in fluffy blankets in the sled with Baby Harriet in her arms while Archibold and Stephanotis pulled them through the golden light of the snowy dusk. ' How kind of you, how kind of you,' Hortensia felt the best she had felt in ages, ' what fun, dinner at Stephanotis tonight!' Archibold and Stephanotis smiled at each other, Hortensia had been noticeably glum since she had broken her foot, ' looks like your idea has worked Stephanotis! What a relief for her to be out and about again, not good for gnome to be stuck indoors for too long!'

Stephanotis smiled, he was relieved too but was secretly worrying if his stew would be tasty enough for his unexpected guests.

Aunt Mildred comes to the rescue!

Hortensia was resting in her rocking chair, things had been rather hectic of late, what with the unexpected return of Hector from his planting expedition, and of course the all important New Year Celebrations. Hortensia stretched out her feet and rested them on the round footstool in front of her. She prided herself on her dainty feet, gnomes aren't always known for their dainty feet and so Hortensia took great care in looking after hers.

She had worn her best red slippers for the dancing, but even so her feet were very sore this morning, her right foot in particular was throbbing horribly. Archimedes had been mortified when he had accidentally stepped on her foot when engaged in a tricky double looping reel, but Hortensia had carried on dancing assuring him that all was well. Today was a different story, her big toe was now throbbing persistently." feels like a rabbit chewing a carrot - nothing for it, I shall have to ask Aunt Mildred for some foot ointment." Now as we all know, gnomes revere Aunt Milded's foot ointment for its almost legendary healing ability, but no one would keep a jar in the house. Even safely encased in a pot or jar, the ointment had a habit of making a whole house smell of the eye watering strong ointment.

Hortensia needn't have worried, Aunt Mildred had observed Hortensia limping home the previous evening and at that very moment walked through the kitchen door. She was of course, wearing her High Days and Holidays Cloak of emerald green silk with a sky blue ruffle and hood and underneath, safely tucked in her basket, was a large pot of very smelly ointment, a packet of lavender tea and a six scones.

'Oh Aunt Mildred, you are so kind - always here when I need you! Warm scones too, what a treat!' Aunt Mildred had her reasons, she put the kettle on and sat down by Hortensia to have a good look at her foot. ' just as I thought My Dear, I think you have broken a bone, good thing I brought my bandages'. Hortensia felt a little weak at the thought, ' but I have so much to do, dear oh dear and little Harriet has taken to crawling everywhere!' Aunt Mildred snorted and were about making tea and spreading the scones with butter and strawberry jam, 'that was the reassuring thing about visiting another gnome' she thought, ' always jam in the cupboard!'

Aunt Mildred placed the plate of scones and a cup of tea by Hortensia, then she carefully lifted Hortensia's poor foot onto her lap and gently rubbed in a little of her ointment. ' nice cup of tea there, ready for when we finish' she reassured Hortensia. Hortensia wasn't feeling like tea or scones at all but she knew her foot would get better if she let Aunt Mildred look after it.

Soon Hortensia's foot was back on the footstool carefully bandaged and reeking of ointment. She found herself feeling a little faint so was grateful for the cup of tea and the comfort of a warm scone with strawberry jam. ' I'll speak to Archibold, rest is what you need, foot up as often as possible! Humperdinck will be round with some supper for you all later and I will pop in before nightfall to check on your progress.' Hortensia sighed, she was very grateful but she had so much planned that the idea of rest was a bit of a shock, ' thank you Aunt Mildred........' That was all she could say before she found herself drifting off into a gentle snooze. ''Poor girl, needs to watch it with that foot.' And with that Aunt Mildred rushed off to catch Archibold and Harriet before they returned home from their early morning forage.