Sunday 1 February 2015

The Mushroom Hunt!



'Good morning Deary Do, time for a spot of mushroom picking, lovely and damp this morning, perfect time for harvesting!' Hortensia stood by the front door well wrapped up against the cold and with two empty baskets, a knapsack stuffed with pairs of gloves, shortbread and a thick rug. 

'All ready, I can smell mushrooms in the air!' Stephanotis was looking jaunty in a new yellow and green stripped jumper (knitted of course by Aunt Mildred) topped off by a matching hat with a large yellow pom pom on top. 

'Archibold is just on his way, he has been up since first light sorting out his collection of seeds and is running a little late.' Hortensia knew that Stephanotis would understand, much as gnomes hate being late, starting and finishing sorting out a seed collection was a forgivable reason to be a little late.


Soon there was a thunder of boots on the stairs and Archibold burst into the hallway 'Everything tickety boo? Right we are, time to be on our way!'

Eleanora and Baby Harriet waved good bye from an upstairs window 'Well My Darling, the house is ours, peace at last!' Baby Harriet gurgled with anticipation, time alone with her precious Aunt was always an unexpected treat.

'First things first, perhaps we should try by the old oak to start, saw a dog with good nose sniffing there last week - sure sign that mushrooms are on the way!' Archibold set off a brisk pace, 'watch where you put your feet, still a bit nippy with the frost, '

Gnomes love gathering mushrooms, the smells of earth and fungi, bark and moss all combined to make an intoxicating and exciting adventure. 'Such a lovely morning, just perfect!' Hortensia was looking up at the trees 'the buds are already forming and the trees waking up, Spring, My Darlings, Spring is in the air!'

So as gentle spring sunshine did indeed warm the air, the three friends carried on their way, happy and excited and looking forward to mushrooms for tea!