Crab Apples and the Long Night of Watching....

'So heavy, must be the best crop we've had for years!' Archibold and Stephanotis were pushing the big barrow back home, full to the brim with shiny golden crab apples. 'Can't wait to taste the jelly' said Archibold 'or the fritters' said a very puffed Stephanotis, who really liked apple fritters best of all the tasty treats that he adored.

Soon they rounded the bend in the track and could see Hortensia and Aunt Mildred bustling about through the open kitchen door.

'Here's your apron Darling, what a magnificent harvest, there will be enough jelly for the whole winter long!'

As the forest resounded to the whack of axes, the gnomes chopped the apples in half ready to be popped into the big cauldron. Then as the delectable sweetness of simmering apples and birch tree sap - with just a hint of rose geranium leaves - wafted through the trees, the gnomes began to sing a song of the joys of harvest and and of having a well stocked larder for the winter ahead.

Aunt Mildred was standing on a stool as she gently stirred the simmering apples, 'soon be ready to strain' she called out.

And with that Archibold and Stephanotis tugged ever more fiercely at the ropes strung between the trees holding up the the big cloth bag made from one of Mrs Partridge's long lost lost handkerchiefs. ' Has to stay high enough to clear the top of the pot even when full of hot apples'  Hortensia called out as Stephanotis leaned precariously from a branch.

Archibold wiggled his eyebrows, always a sign of exasperation, as he pushed the big bowl directly under the bag. 'Just perfect Darling' called out Hortensia, 'Humph' said Archibold but thought better of saying anything more.

Very precariously the gnomes started carrying jugs of hot apple mixture up the ladder to where the big branch leaned out, and handed the jugs to Stephanotis who gently poured them in.

'So brave' murmured Hortensia, 'a truly noble gnome!'

Because there were so many full jugs to carry the gnomes were feeling rather tired by the time the apples began to slowly drip into the bowl below.

'Time for fritters' called out Aunt Mildred just in time to wake everyone up who had begun to doze off. 'Its going to be a long night so best tuck in now!'

So that is how the night of watching began. The gnomes had to watch the apple mixture because as good as their relationships with foxes and badgers and even rabbits were, apple syrup is a rare delicacy and so very tempting to taste!

Mind you, it is hard to stay awake when more than a little bit tired and with a tummy full of soft apple fritters with honey syrup, so who really knows if there might have been any secret early tastings or not.....  it was said that Mrs Badger of Ivy Hollow seemed to take a very long time to clean her whiskers the next morning, but maybe that was for a completely different reason.....

Fun and Games, Pine Cones and Humbugs....

'Humans seem to make things very complicated' said Hortensia as she caught Archibold rolling his eyes as they watched a pair of young humans walk through the woods.

'Courting is supposed to be fun, looks like they have forgotten how to even hold hands!'

'Poor things' said Hortensia as she smiled at Archibold who was looking rather splendid in a new cornflower blue waistcoat that matched his eyes. 'We are so lucky Darling Archie, we have so many precious things that make life wonderful!'

'Right' said Archibold popping a mint humbug into his mouth 'lets go play hide and seek with them, lets give them a day to remember!' and with that he leapt off and hid behind a splendid fir tree.

'Ooo play time' and with that Hortensia straightened her apron and running across the path of the two humans called out 'Boo!' and then 'Lovely day for a walk!'

Archibold started laughing so much he almost forgot to throw a pine cone at Hortensia for her to catch. 'Here' called out Hortensia and threw the pine cone into the air,  'would you like to play catch with us?' She winked at them as their mouths fell open and they slithered to the ground in a messy heap.

'Here, have a humbug, very good for shock' said Archibold as he held out a tiny bag of sticky sweets.

Somehow the young girl found herself holding out her hand as a tiny, weeny mint humbug was thrown into the palm of her hand. 'Its true!' she gasped.

They sat in a daze as Archibold and Hortensia started playing catch with the pine cone. 'Here you are, you have a go....' Slowly they began to throw the cone back and forth to the laughing gnomes, 'Ah' thought Hortensia 'once they can play together then love will blossom!'

Soon the amazed pair found themselves leaning into each other as they gently they fell asleep right there in the middle of the path.

'Ah well, Hortie, that was fun, they'll be much better off now!'

Hortensia smiled as she and Archibold began a little, special song all about tenderness and kindness, playfulness and gentleness. 'Soon they'll wake up and it all will be a dream....'

' 'Except' said Archibold 'they'll know that they're in love!' and with that the laughing gnomes ran off home for elderberry tea and a scone or two or perhaps even three!

Pancakes and Gratefulness!

"You know Archibold, there is very little that matters as much as this" Hortensia snuggled deeper into Archibold's waistcoat and thought how handsome he looked with his deep blue eyes and soft white beard, " We may be older but so is our love!"

"Humph" answered Archibold, "That's quite enough of that!" but he gave her a big squeeze as he held her securely in his arms.

They had woken up early on a late summer's morning to see the beauty of the early dawn lift the sky from pale blues into gold and apricot. "We are so lucky really, still to live here and be guardians of the wood" thought Hortensia, but ever being a practical gnome, she remembered that she had promised to make myrtle pancakes with honey for breakfast!

"Oh my goodness Archibold, everyone will be arriving for our breakfast party and I won't have got the pancake batter ready!" and with that she lept up, straightened her apron and cajoled Archibold into rushing home!

There in the cool of the early morning Archibold had set out benches and tables, Hortensia's oven was lit ready for her to set her skillet on the hob. "My oh My Archibold, quick boil the kettle for tea, I can hear voices!"

There was an abundant selection of teas: rose hip, nettle top, mints of various varieties, lavender, blackberry leaf and fresh Dandelion leaf, Archibold was in charge of the teapots and of course the tables were set with cups and saucers all ready for their guests.

On the side table were set out a huge pyramid of fluffy scones, apple cake and blackberry pie. Gnomes believe in generosity and never want a guest to leave unless they are happily full. Each table had several jugs of fresh elder flower cordial and as a centre piece, a bowl of this years precious mint humbugs. For as you know, a good humbug can help resolve the riskiest of situations or problems, and revitalise body and spirit whatever the weather.

Soon the gnomes had gathered in the glade and Hortensia was banging her spoon on an old saucepan, "Pancakes are ready, take your places!" and an orderly queue formed of very hungry gnomes."Three each for starters and more if you fancy them"

Soon the air was filled with the sound of soft murmurs from the contented gnomes and perhaps, the occasional burp. Archibold stood up, " today, Hortensia and I are celebrating having been together for a hundred and thirty nine years and we wanted to thank you our friends and family, for all the joy that you bring into our lives!"

Well, with that there was great cheering and hat tossing and of course soon a most wonderful song was echoing through the tall trees. The gnomes sang of the delights of summer, of the comfort of friendship, and most of all, of their gratefulness for their beloved wood and each other.

Post from afar and the mint humbug crisis.......

Of course they had received an occasional message every month or so, usually by bird post and Hortensia had even taken the precaution of having a basket of grain ready by the front door, just in case she had to pay extra postage because of stormy weather.

'Fancy asking a goose to deliver your message, just shows how far north they are to be talking with the geese! Not long now and they'll soon be sitting by the fire telling us all about their great escapade!'

Archibold grinned at Hortensia, 'always does to heed the call of the wild, where we would we be without an adventure to look forward to or to remember?' Hortensia smiled back at him, 'I really must make time for a moonlit walk' she thought to herself 'its been a while since we went out and danced in the moonlight on a frosty night and Archie does love a frolic!'

They continued sweeping and dusting and Archibold stacked fresh logs in the basket by the fireplace, 'looks they've never been away....a good thing too as I don't think that its long now till their return'.

'Oh Archie' said Hortensia 'I have missed them, I am very glad that they are having such a wonderful time but I do long to have them home again'.

For Aunt Mildred and Uncle Humperdinck had been away for a whole circle of seasons and the little dwellers in the forest longed for their safe return and for Aunt Mildred to make a new supply of mint humbugs. Humbugs had had to be rationed, as even though Aunt Mildred had make lots extra before she left, she had refused to tell anyone, not even Hortensia, the special recipe - and now there weren't very many left and winter was almost upon them - when the necessity for mint humbugs was essential for good humour and to ward off colds.

'Hold steady' said Archibold 'they'll be here before we know it and then what marvellous stories there will be with fresh humbugs all around and no need for rationing!'

And with that they set off home to have a tasty cup of nettle tea and a flapjack slice, collecting baby Harriet from the rabbit nursery on the way and singing songs of bluebells and springtime.

Acorns and Dreams of the Unknown .......

'Its acorn dropping day' shouted Horensia, I can hear them falling all over the forest!'

'Best sound the alarm' said Archibold as he put on his hard hat (a bottle top with a bit of cushioning underneath and a chin strap to hold it securely in place) 'no one will want to miss out!'

Hortensia climbed up to the top of the tree house and blew into her trumpet, 'Trumph too toooo, Trumph too tooooooo' Now all gnomes instantly know the signal for a grand foraging expedition and soon the gentle plop of acorns landing in the leaves was drowned out by excited calls and rushing feet.

'I've brought my deepest basket' said Aunt Mildred as she puffed along the path, truth to tell it was hard to even see her at all as her basket was so tall and deep and Aunt Mildred was a little little even for a gnome. 'There My Dear, I'll carry it for you, that way you can collect even more' Uncle Humperdinck knew how competitive Aunt Mildred was when out foraging 'don't want to miss out on supplies!'

He had been a bit worried about her lately, she had even refused a fresh mushroom and parsley omelette for tea - one of her absolute favourites - and had then fallen asleep in her chair muttering anxiously.

Aunt Mildred was anxious for she had a secret. Every since she had been a young gnome she had dreamt of going free, of leaving the forest where they were all lived secure and happy and to wander free without a plan to see the world beyond.

'Not that I can tell anyone not even my Humperdinck' she thought 'perhaps I will leave a letter and just go one fine morning and set out and see where I end up? Today though is Acorn Dropping Day" and with that she rushed to her favourite oak tree to gather up as many acorns as she could.

'Remember to leave some for our friends and neighbours' shouted Archibold 'going to be a fierce winter and we all need supplies.' The birds chirped their thanks and looked on in amazement as the  gnomes busily filled their baskets.

Aunt Mildred found herself edging closer along the path to where the forest met the field, Uncle Humperdinck followed her and beginning to understand what was troubling her, asked a special question. 'Why don't we go one day My Dear? Just you and me on an adventure, just see where our feet take us, or even plan a visit to the sea?'

Aunt Mildred looked into Humperdinck's very blue eyes 'Oh Humperdinck, how did you know? I keep feeling the call of new sights and not know quite what to do about it'

'I have been thinking why you might have been troubled and today when I saw you gazing out over the field I just knew, we have been together for so long here in the forest and now is the time for our own adventure, just like these acorns can grow into a tree so can out dreams come true!'

So that was how it came to be that Aunt Mildred and Humperdinck came home and started to pack their baskets for a unexpected trip into the unknown!

Meanwhile of course everyone else was storing acorns and rushing home to warm up with peppermint tea and a scone or two or three!

Today's the day!

I am so sorry for the long delay in writing Hortensia's Dairy, I was unwell for a while but am delighted to now be able to continue with writing about her wonderful family and their adventures...
Alice 

"Today is the first day day for sure Archie!" Hortensia was standing under a large clump of snowdrops breathing in ecstatically  "I can smell Spring!" Archie smiled and patted his waistcoat with delight, "it is true, no question about it, I can feel the earth stirring under my feet!"

Hortensia sighed with the happiness of being able to smell snowdrops again, "nothing like the scent of a young snowdrop, gentle and soft and so sweet, Oh Archie we are lucky to live where we do!" They carried on with their morning walk, busy noticing new buds and listening to the news carried on the breeze as the birds chirped and sang all around.

Eventually they stopped at the edge of the wood and sat on their favourite log to feel the warmth of the spring sunshine on their faces. " Soon be time for picnics" said Archie "and the The Summer Revels will need planning and as for Mrs Busgrove's new vegetable patch, well we will have to decide whether to continue or not, so much to do now that Spring is on its way!"

Hortensia smiled, "Dearest Archibold, what would we do with out you thinking and planning? Simply so exciting to think of all the planting and pruning ahead of us, and isn't this the summer that we promised to visit our friends in the Far North?"

" So it is My Dear, so it is and that is quite something to think about, several weeks we will have to be gone and many are the duties that we will have to ask others to take on for us whilst we are away, but when I think of the golden summer light and of the great trees roaring in the wind, why I know we simply have to go!"

Hortensia shut her eyes and remembered the sound of the wind and of the green of the moss, suddenly she opened them wide "why Archie, we mustn't forget the mushrooms, such mushrooms as I had never tasted before, why we have to go, if only to be able to bring some home to dry for winter!'

Archie smiled with relief, he longed to be free and on a wander, "perhaps July My Dear, perhaps July might be a good month?"

So as they munched on their rather wrinkly crab apples and shared a flap jack between them, they started discussing their plans for their next great escapade!

Wild winds and Bluebells ......

'It's true' said Aunt Mildred 'you can feel the trees waking up, look at the way they are tossing their leaves in the wind!'

'I don't know about you Mildred, but I can't wait any longer, I am going up now!' And with that Uncle Humperdinck bounded away and started climbing up the ivy staircase on the old oak tree, the one that stood in the big field at the edge of the forest.

Aunt Mildred laughed, she had fallen on love with Uncle Humperdinck and his tree climbing skills many years before, 'mind how you go, bit of a gale blowing'. Uncle Humperdinck laughed, 'all the better for that - nothing like a good ride in a wild tree!'

Free Gnomes (that is gnomes who can live as they like and don't have to stay in human gardens) love nothing better then riding out a storm or a wild wind by sitting high up in a big tree. They love  feeling the freedom to sing as loud as they like as the wind roars all around and tosses the leaves and branches.

Sometimes, nimble as he was, Uncle Humperdinck had had to tie himself onto a branch with his scarf and wrap his beard inside his waistcoat, particularly if he was trying to unwrap a mint humbug or snaffle a flapjack. For as he was prone to saying, 'never does to let the mind wander when sitting on a high branch!'

Aunt Mildred pulled her hat over her ears and tucked the ends of her shawl into the band of her skirt. 'Best be on my way if I am going to check on the bluebells.' She hurried off along the path and arrived at the dell just as dusk began to fall.

'Oh my, it does my heart such good to see them!' She stood and being just the right height, sniffed the delicate scent and marvelled at how even the air around her seemed to be filled with a brilliant blue light. 'Perhaps a little sit down might be lovely'.

Soon however Aunt Mildred found herself lying down on the softest bright green moss and gazing up into the nodding heads of the bluebells. 'Just heavenly,' she thought as she gently drifted off into the happiest of dozes.

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!

The Annual Meeting, humbugs and general excitement ......

'So cold outside, cold enough to freeze a rabbits whiskers!' Archibold huffed and stamped his feet on Aunt Mildred's door mat, 'good thing we are having the meeting here, we'd have frozen to death in the glade!' Almost all the pegs on the coat rack were covered in coats and jackets, mufflers and a wild collection of outside hats, 'Must be the last one here" said Archibold winking at Hortensia as he put on his soft green inside hat, 'best be nippy drinking my tea!'

'Everyone seems to be here' Hortensia whispered to Aunt Mildred 'let's give them a few more minutes to settle and then we can begin!'

Soon a general hush came over the gnomes, probably helped along by the most excellent tea of summer meadow flowers and the moist honest cake that Aunt Mildred had passed around, as a warm up against any lingering effects from the cold.

'Today as you know is the day of our Annual General Meeting' Humperdinck was looking splendid in his best waistcoat embroidered with honeysuckle and wild roses, ' a chance for us all to plan ahead and to look back on the previous year's activities, so it is with great pleasure that I welcome this year's  Daisy King - Archimedes Bonaparte, to open proceedings!'

Poor Archimedes had to be helped to his feet, as the journey from his island home had brought on a bought of stiffness. 'New jar of lineament for you Archie - and I'll rub it in your knees myself!' Aunt Mildred looked fierce and protective, Archimedes smiled gently at her as he cleared his throat, patted his pockets till he found his speech carefully written out in his curly writing, and began to speak.

'My Dear Friends, it is with great pleasure that I open this meeting and welcome you all to the comforts of Mildred and Humperdinck's home. This is when we plan our year ahead; The Midsummer Revels, any expeditions, who is to go to the local garden centres for work experience, building projects and of course, to consider which gardens we wish to maintain.'

'Goes with out saying that we will look after Mrs Partridge's garden' there was a general murmur of agreement as Aunt Mildred continued, 'she is our friend and protector, without her we wouldn't know that we are safe here!'

'Too true My Dear, too true and indeed, I am sure that we all agree on maintaining her garden as a matter of great importance!' Mrs Partridge is most unusual in that she is our only human friend, true a few of the other humans still put out statues of us and welcome us as guardians of their gardens, but we do not know them as friends and are probably best choosing carefully who to help.'

Archibold stood up, 'before we make a list of gardens, can we discuss visiting Hector in the city, a grand expedition to see his balcony cactus garden again, perhaps combined with a wild planting trip along the railway?' Well, that was that, any plans for an agenda had to wait as Stephanotis leapt to his feet, 'put your hands up if you are interested in an expedition?'

'No shoving, plenty of time to be excited, calm down, SIT!' Archibold bellowed in his best fierce voice, usually reserved for telling off rabbits when they ate his flowers, 'Perhaps we can agree on a separate planning meeting for an expedition?'

'Jolly good idea' said Archimedes as he quickly sat down, 'perhaps it is time for a humbug and a little thinking?' and with that the assembled gnomes calmed themselves as they passed around the mint humbugs and began to loudly suck on them and considered what to plan next!

A New Year Greeting with Nettle Tea and Shortbread ......

'Today is the day Darlings!' Eleanor set off first firmly holding onto Baby Harriet as she stepped out into the snowy early dawn, closely followed by Aunt Mildred and Uncle Humperdinck, Hortensia and Archibold, Stephanotis and many of their neighbours and friends from the forest.

To say that they were bundled up against the cold would be true, the little group was barely recognisable what with the snow shoes and mufflers and hats and scarves. 'Very hard to walk with this many clothes on!' Uncle Humperdinck was trying to untie a very long knitted scarf that Aunt Mildred had wound around his neck, head and middle. 'Careful Humperdinck, you'll fall over!' Aunt Mildred's words of warning came just too late as with a wild fling of the end of his scarf Uncle Humperdinck fell over flat on his back in the snow.

Now I don't know how many of you are familiar with trying to stand up with snow shoes on once you fallen over, but poor Uncle Humperdinck was fast making a tricky situation much worse what with his kicking and struggling, shouting and general crossness. ' I told you the scarf was too much, wound it round me so tight I can't balance!' Luckily Eleanora came to the rescue, 'Dear Humperdinck, just keep calm, we will have you up in jiffy. Stop right now now and hold onto my hand.'

'Always the same when Eleanora takes charge' Archibold whispered to Hortensia 'She has such a calming voice'. Truth was Eleanora didn't really know how they were going to help him stand up, but she knew that he was frightened and that keeping him calm would help.

'Right you are, always bring a bit of rope in case' Archibold handed one end of the length of rope he had strung over his shoulder 'Tie it around the tree over there Stephanotis, and I'll attach it to Humperdinck!' So that was that, 'Going to burrow under you with the rope, try to keep still.' Archibold was beginning to worry about Uncle Humperdinck's shivering as what with all the falling about he had loosened many of his clothes and it was very cold. 'Now then, hold steady and we will winch you up!'

Slowly Archibold and Stephanotis heaved on the rope as Aunt Mildred and Hortensia pushed from behind. 'I'm up! I'm up!'What a to do, thank you, thank you!' Uncle Humperdinck did a sort of wild snow shoe dance with relief. 'Here have a humbug immediately, you're looking a bit pale!' Aunt Mildred believed in the power of a mint humbug to restore a gnome to health in even the most desperate of situations.

'Right, time to be on the go, good thing we left a little early, not a moment to loose' and with that Archibold popped Humperdinck's hat back on his head and set off along the path.

Nobody felt like talking much as they made their way as fast as they safely could to Look Out Point. 'Here we are, safe and sound, we will soon be warm!' Archibold and Hortensia lit the fire as the little party settled down in the pine bower that Stephanotis had prepared the day before. 'Time for the kettle to be on and some nettle tea with honey.' Aunt Mildred unpacked her basket and soon everyone was holding a warming cup of tea and a tasty piece of shortbread.

'Were just in time, look!' Eleanora pointed out across at the field as the edge of the sky turned a most beautiful rose pink 'it is going to be a wonderful day!' The gnomes sat in silence as the morning sky lit with radiant rose and gold, 'best sign you can have for the year ahead,' Archibold smiled at Baby Harriet ' a new year in your life Darling and the beginning of wonderful adventures for us all!'

So that was how it came to be that the gnomes honoured their age old tradition of a dawn greeting of the New Year - accompanied with tea and shortbread of course!

The Welcome Basket and other Surprises!

'I don't know when I have enjoyed a nap so much' Eleanora's smiling eyes twinkled at Baby Harriet as they lay snuggled together under the new silk eiderdown, 'this bed is just too conformable, I don't think that I can possibly get up yet!'

Baby Harriet however, had other ideas! Now that her Aunt was awake, she quickly slithered out from under the covers and set off crawling at great speed. 'Oops-a-daisy, better follow and make sure she is safe!' thought Aunt Eleanora ' amazing how quickly a baby can can make one get up and about!'

Baby Harriet crawled onto to the landing by the wooden chest where Hortensia kept the extra blankets and gently feeling under the chest, pulled out a little basket that her Mother had given her.

Eleanora sat down carefully on the floor next to her as Harriet held out the basket. ' For me? Why Harriet how very kind of you, what a special looking present!' Harriet blinked her beautiful violet eyes and stared curiously as her Aunt gently peered into the basket and began to lift the soft covering of swan's down. 'Oh Harriet, how wonderful! Why Darling what a precious basket of treasures.'

For there, nestled in the basket, was Harriet's treasure trove of precious things; little coloured stones, a small shell, a pine cone, several feathers, a button and in pride of place in the middle, a lost tag from a dog's collar with the name 'Star' engraved on it.  'Why Harriet what treasures you have found, they all have a story to tell, what a special girl you are to see and find such beautiful things, and how very kind of you to want to give them to me.'

Harriet crawled up onto her Aunt's lap and started to poke the feathers in Eleanora's long white hair - something she had been looking forward to doing for rather a long time -  the sight of which, as you can imagine, gave Archibold a bit of a shock as came up the stairs with a tray and a lovely pot of peppermint tea.

'We thought you might need a pick you up after your long journey and a rest, but I can see that Harriet has already taken matters into her own hands!' He winked at his daughter 'Your Mother is wanting you Darling, why don't you let Eleanora carry the basket downstairs and then we can all share in your discoveries?'

So that was how it came to be that one of the very best welcome parties that anyone has ever known started, with Eleanora sitting in the rocking chair by the fire with baby Harriet on her knee, showing all their guests Harriet's basket of treasures and with Eleanora telling wild and miraculous tales.

As dusk fell and the wind began to howl outside, Hortensia and Archibold smiled at each other, a secret smile that said how glad they were that everyone in the Forest was safe and snug and warm, and of course most important of all, very, very happy!

The Welcome party - tea and delights!

Eleanora could hear the distant singing as she wound her way along the edge of the field, keeping close to the hedge as she went - just in case she came across any late blackberries or other treats. 'So wonderful to be here at last, and what a day it is too!' Indeed it was a wonderful day, one of those Autumn days we all rejoice in when the sky is a radiant blue and the air clear and fresh!

At the very edge of the long field where the forest began stood a welcome party of gnomes, well, some of the gnomes, because quite a few couldn't resist the opportunity to climb up into the trees to keep a look out for Eleanora and to enjoy the view! 'Why don't we sing 'Bluebells in the Glade' Archie? It is one of her favourites and such a lovely tune too.' Hortensia began to sing Eleanora's favourite song and soon the forest began to echo to the sweet harmonies and the accompanying birdsong.

Eleanora, who had been feeling a little emotional as neared the end of her long journey, suddenly found that she had tears in her eyes, ' Always does my heart good to hear their voices, so kind, so very kind!' Soon she had reached the edge of the forest and as her feet touched the earth of their forest haven, she stood still to let the gnomes gather around her in a circle.

'Welcome Eleanora, welcome to our hearts and our homes!' and with that they all began to throw their hats in the air and to sing again in earnest. Soon however, the need for a restorative cup of nettle tea and the knowledge of the wonders of Hortensia's tea time treats ,all ready and set out on her kitchen table, encouraged Archibold to be very bossy! 'Time to be on our way now, best be busy, time for tea!' He hurriedly picked up Eleanora's baskets and started to lead the way back to Persimmon Heights.

So that was that, for nothing much can be said or discussed when enjoying the delights of a really tasty tea. True, there were a few comments such as 'mmmmmm' and ' perhaps another crumpet would be nice' but overall the contented gnomes just sat down and enjoyed themselves.

Eleanora was feeling particularly happy for as she sat gazing at her beloved great niece, Baby Harriet, as she nestled on her lap, she could see what wonderful times they were going to have together, 'what a Darling you are my Poppet, how lucky I am to be here with you all, what happy times we shall have!'

Of course Baby Harriet gurgled back with joy for she too adored Eleanora. 'We are the lucky ones to have you here staying with us' said Archibold proudly 'which means that perhaps after a short nap and time to unpack and settle in, that it is time to celebrate!' Archibold winked at Hortensia as he collected up Eleanora's baskets and knapsack and led the way up the windy stairs to the specially decorated guest bedroom.

Preparations and presents!

Eleanora was sitting resting under a holly tree to escape the drizzle and nibbling on a fresh crab apple. She had filled the basket on her back up to the brim with the tasty, crisp yellow delights 'what a delicious present they will be for Hortensia and Archibold'. She smiled contentedly as she thought of the wonderful possibilities, 'baked apples with honey, apple fritters, apple cake, oh my what treats ahead!'

She had been wondering what to bring as a present, but after long experience she had come to trust that whatever she found along her way, was what was meant to be - and was far better than anything she could have thought of before!

'Best be on my way, want to catch little Harriet before her bed time' and with that Eleanora deftly swung her basket up onto her back, and set off gently picking her way through the tree roots and rustling leaves.

Several blackbirds who had agreed to be look outs, but had fallen into arguing about the best place to perch, suddenly realised who was walking along the almost hidden path beneath them. With great squawks they flapped into flight and rushed away to tell the forest gnomes the Eleanora had been sighted and was only about an hours walk away.

'Well thats that then' said Archibold as he slapped his bread dough on the kitchen table, 'time to set the table and put the rolls in the oven'. Hortensia was busy thanking the blackbirds with a gift of some oatmeal rolled in an oak leaf 'make sure you take some home, its a treat for everyone!' The blackbirds eyed her sideways on and squawked 'thank you' before flapping off home.

'Such good friends to us' said Hortensia 'you can always rely on a blackbird to be honourable!' and with that the put on her best apron and set to helping Archibold clear away the left over flour from his bread making.

Baby Harriet was humming a little tune to herself as she gazed out the window, she wanted to be the first to see her beloved Great Aunt. 'Look how happy she is Archie and so pretty too!' Hortensia blew Harriet a kiss and Archibold thought to himself, that he was the luckiest gnome alive!

Silk quilts and preparations!

'Well might as well use what we have!' Hortensia was putting the final stitches in the hem of the quilt she had made out of some of Mrs Partridge's donated silk scarf. 'So soft and smooth Archie, and so pretty!'

'Looks lovely my Dear, very cheerful too with the rose in the middle!' Archibold was tightening the rope around the bed frame under the mattress in the spare bedroom, 'don't want her to sink into a hollow in the middle and not be able to get out!'

Hortensia carefully folded the quilt, and between them they started vigorously shaking the mattress, 'best swan's down and silk, Oh Archie how lovely it's going to be!'

Gnomes pride themselves on their hospitality and along with tasty dinners, Hortensia and Archibold were renowned for the comfort of their home. 'Best be off to scout out some fresh nettles and blackberries for supper' and with that Archibold put on his green outdoor hat, kissed baby Harriet, popped his empty sack over his shoulder and waved goodbye as he ran out the front door.

'Nettle soup for tea my Darling, tasty dasty Precious and Auntie Eleanora's favourite!' Baby Harriet gurgled back, she was very excited about her Auntie Eleanora coming to stay. In fact she was making her own special preparations to welcome her and seeing that Hortensia was busy dusting, she took off advantage of the moment and crawled at considerable speed to the wooden storage chest in the hall.

Hortensia of course noticed and as she said to Archibold later, ' I could hardly breathe when I saw what she was doing, so quick she was too'. Week after week, Baby Harriet had been hiding treasures under the chest ready for when her Auntie would come to stay. 'I never even saw her pick things up Archie, but there they were, little bits of coloured glass, different coloured stones, a few feathers…I found a basket for her and she spent ages arranging them all!'

Baby Harriet had been thrilled at the basket, she had been taking Eleanora's advice to heart and had been noticing all the beautiful things around her and collected some of them as a gift for her. She had carefully arranged them all together in the basket humming a little song as she played.

'Sometimes I wonder Archie, she seems to be in a world of her own and hardly a baby at all!' Hortensia   was stringing up mushrooms to dry above the stove to make stews during the winter months, 'My Dear you worry too much, she just is who she is and lovely with it!' He smiled at Hortensia ' no need to fret, Eleanora is watching over her!'

They sat down for a cup of tea, 'no cake Archie we are having such a big supper later' Hortensia smiled as she popped a flapjack on his saucer, 'as everythings ready, I think I am going to put my feet up for wee nap!'

Of course, you know what happened, they all fell asleep  - till Stephanotis banged on the door to say Eleanora had been sighted coming over the big field!

Wild winds and urgent news!

Hortensia was sitting high up in her favourite fir tree, the wind was blowing all around and the great branches tossing wildly, 'Oh what fun to be free' she balanced on a branch with her hair streaming all around 'how I love to feel the wind!' She settled back against the trunk and closed her eyes as she rested and began to listen to the roar of the branches and for any news that the wind might be bringing.

'Oh my, dear oh dear, best be home as fast as possible!' and with that Hortensia started swinging her way down the trunk and was soon heading back at top speed.

It was a wild looking Hortensia that burst through the door at Persimmon Heights, 'Archie, Archie, Eleanora is coming to visit, she is on her way and nearby!'

'Blast and bobbins' Archie had stood up so quickly that his stool fell over, 'best spread the word, not much time for preparations!'

Hortensia went to the door and started blowing on her trumpet, not an emergency call but an 'alert, big news' call that soon had everyone running to their front door wanting to know what was happening!

As she passed out the mint humbugs, Hortensia shared her news. 'Eleanora is coming to visit, she is nearby and should be with us by nightfall!' Archibold and Stephanotis, Isabel and Aunt Mildred and Uncle Humperdinck all sucked furiously on their humbugs as they thought through what had to be done.

As close family relatives, she would of course be staying with them, but then there were the welcoming suppers and a Meeting of The Venerables to be arranged, and the new planting schemes to show and a visit to Mrs Partridge's garden to be planned,

Baby Harriet who had been listening keenly was overjoyed at the news. Auntie Eleanora was one of her very favourite people and she knew in her heart, that the main reason that she was coming was to see her!

Silk scarves and questions …….

Archibold and Hortensia had been thinking hard about what to make for Uncle Humperdinck's birthday. 'It's all very well thinking that socks are useful, but a birthday is supposed to be a special day and socks aren't a special present!' Hortensia sighed, of course gnomes are very sensitive about their feet, what with the big toe problem and the occasional chilblain, but she truly didn't feel, however useful, that unwrapping up a pair of socks would make her Uncle feel loved on his birthday.

'What about a new waistcoat?' asked Archibold, Hortensia thought for a few minutes, 'if you cut it out I'll do the embroidery?' Archibold winked at her, 'course I'll do the tailoring My Dear! but what will we use for fabric?'

Well that was the question, gnomes can and do weave their own materials, but the truth is that for a really special outfit finding a piece of unusual human fabric - say an abandoned hat or the usual handkerchief (excellent for sheets and pillow cases) or even an occasional jacket or sweater was a bonanza!

'What we really need is a scarf, Archie and preferably of silk!' Archie looked a bit flummoxed, 'humans don't wear silk like they used to, its all weatherproof plastic nowadays, unless they are old, most ladies don't even wear headscarves!'

'That's it Archie' exclaimed Hortensia 'we will have to leave a message for Mrs Partridge, she'll have lots of scarves and I am sure won't mind donating one!'

Mrs Partridge was the gnomes' friend. She lived in her house on the edge of the forest with a beautiful garden which the gnomes helped to look after. She did in fact, own the wood and had set up plans to keep it in trust for the local community as a nature reserve. As she said to herself one evening after seeing her solicitor about her will, 'I can't ever explain that the community includes gnomes as well as people, but I know, and now the land and everyone who lives there or visits is safe!'

Over the years she had been very generous donating the contents of an old dolls house to the gnomes, and had even been to several of the gnomes parties and in return, had invited them to a memorable tea party in her lounge!

So it was with delight that as she washed up her tea cup one morning that she saw a familiar sight out her window. The gnomes, though very fond of Mrs Partridge and devoted to her garden, were still shy, so leaving a message on the lawn was a way of introducing a question without too much pressure.

Mrs Partridge popped on her glasses and a sweater as it was a bit nippy outside and went to look. There as usual carefully spelt out in with pebbles and in modern English was a message.

'DEAR MRS PARTRIDGE, DO YOU HAVE A SPARE SILK SCARF FOR US TO USE'

'Certainly straight to the point' thought Mrs Partridge, 'I suppose I do!" and with that she set to rearranging the pebbles with her walking stick so they spelt out, 'YES I WILL LOOK NOW'.

'Hooray' said Hortensia, 'success!' Archie gave her a wink and rushed off to sharpen his scissors!

Happy memories and the Coronation Delights!

'Well that was that! what a day my oh my!' Archimedes was sitting soaking his feet in a egg cup full of warm lavender water (gnomes cherish and pass down through their families treasured egg cup foot baths. After all what is perfect for a human to eat an egg from, is even more perfect for a gnome to soak their feet in)!

'Oh Dear my poor feet, to be expected I suppose, dancing till dawn at my age!' Archimedes looked down at his rather red and sore feet, 'thank goodness for Mildred's foot balm'. He carefully wiped his feet dry and after smothering his poor big toe and feet in ointment, wiggled his feet into a pair of fluffy red socks especially knitted for him by Hortensia for his last birthday. Comfortable at last, he settled into his chair and began to dream of the wonderful events of the previous evening…...

His face lit up as he remembered the music, wild reels with leaping gnomes laughing as they twirled and circled, Humperdinck playing his bag pipes and flute and Hortensia on her cornet, and then the drumming! Hector back from his duties in the city with renewed vigour and energy, drumming the rhythms of spring and the joy of friendships till the dawn lit the sky with pale pink and radiant gold.

Oh and then the feasting, Archimedes began to smile in his sleep as he remembered the pasties and pies, the acorn cups of pumpkin soup and all the tasty treats all laid out on the long tables. Then of course there was the cake, no coronation would be complete without a celebration cake. Three layers tall, a hazelnut and meringue cake of such moistness and deliciousness that once tasted, the gnomes found themselves closing their eyes and smiling in appreciative silence as they cherished every mouthful of the delectable delight.

Hortensia of course had made the cake, she was renowned for her cake making skills, but this year, because of her love for Archimedes, she had excelled herself and her cake would be remembered and talked about for years, as Archimedes Glorious Hazelnut Coronation Cake!

Ah and then the singing, Archimedes sighed with the remembrance of the beauty of the voices, everyone perched high up in the trees as the dawn broke. A wind had come up, and as the trees in all their vivid greenness began to toss and roar, the gnomes had started to sing a song of freedom, peace and of the wild joy of living in their beautiful forest home.

Archimedes smiled as he woke up, 'I can almost hear it now, what a wonderful memories, how lucky I am!' He sat happily listening as outside on the little veranda of his tree house home, the leaves of the old oak tossed and rustled. 'All is well' he thought 'all is very, very well!'

The Daisy Coronation…!

Of course, as you can imagine, Archimedes' special friends the ducks, insisted on attending his coronation ceremony too. Aunt Mildred had tried in vain flapping her umbrella at them to make them behave, 'so noisy, no one will hear anything that anyone says - if you are coming you must sit quietly.'

Well, as anyone who has had a duck for a friend knows, telling an excited duck to sit quietly is an impossibility!  'Perhaps we should let them celebrate first, then perhaps they will want to settle down naturally?' Uncle Humperdinck began to wave his arms vigorously at the ducks as he started singing 'Toodleoodle oomp pa pa' very loudly. Soon everyone, both gnome and duck, was singing and quacking as loudly as possible, 'Hooray for Archimedes' shouted Uncle Humerpdinck 'Quack, quack, honk, Hooray' roared back the ducks and gnomes.

Uncle Humperdinck was proved right, because it seems that everyone naturally wanted to sit down and have a little rest after such energetic singing. Then with the golden flecks of light floating through the trees and touching the mossy seats with warmth, everyone settled down and the ceremony began in earnest.

Slowly the gnomes began to hum a special song just for Archimedes, a gentle, light breeze of a song full of harmony and kindness and the peace of light on a summer's morning - of hope and the beauty of a truly noble heart.

Archimedes sat in his chair with his head held up to the sunlight and with his eyes shut, ' so beautiful My Dears, so beautiful, thank you for such a special gift'. As the music faded away, a brightly dressed party of young gnomes came forward in procession, each of them was holding a shiny bright daisy which they laid at the foot of Archimedes' throne.

Then a group of acrobatic gnomes burst into the centre of the clearing, some even swinging in on ivy ropes as they threw primrose petals in the air. 'My favourite bit' whispered Hortensia to Archibold, 'doesnt he look wonderful?' And indeed Archimedes did look wonderful, as very carefully, Aunt Mildred and Uncle Humperdinck took the green Cape of Hope and fastened it about his shoulders.

Then came the most solemn moment of the ceremony, the young gnomes came forward again this time carrying The Daisy Crown on a green cushion. Suddenly Aunt Mildred turned around, 'this year, because of their great kindness and courage, we have decided that Hortensia and Archibold shall crown The Daisy King!' She winked at Hortensia who was speechless with surprise and Archibold, who was pink with pride held Hortensia's hand as they gently walked towards Archimedes who had just remembered to take his hat off in time.

Together they held the crown up in the sunlight and then gently placed it on Archimedes' head. Then as a giant roar of celebration, quacking, singing, dancing, hat tossing took hold, Archimedes stood up - 'Long may we live in joy, Long may we live in hope, long may we live in peace!' and with that the dancing really did begin!!!

Sunlight and excitement, green moss and daisies…..Coronation Day at last!

'What a day! No question abut it, Spring is in the air - I can smell it!' Archibold straightened his best waistcoat and held his face up to the sunlight,' couldn't have asked for better day for a coronation!'

Hortensia smiled with happiness, 'always a good omen for the year ahead - a sunny coronation day!'

Hortensia and Archibold were very busy sweeping and clearing and helping Stephanotis and his gang  hang the garlands of daisy chains and set up the tables. They were preparing their most precious place in the forest, The Sacred Circle, where they had held all of their meetings and ceremonies for as long as anyone could remember.

'Aunt Mildred has invited everyone she could think of, what will we do if we need extra seating!' Hortensia wasn't exactly in a panic but was certainly feeling flustered. 'Perhaps we can place some mushrooms around the edge for late arrivals and extra guests?' Hortensia smiled her special smile that made Archibold blush, 'Oooh Archie you are wonderful, you always come up with the perfect solution'. Archibold coughed with embarrassment and continued sweeping up the pine needles and dried leaves very vigorously.

The sacred circle was in a clearing in-between five ancient pine trees with lovely soft hummocks of brilliant green moss for everyone to sit on. Where the sunlight shone through the branches, the golden light lit up the air and touched the moss with warmth. ' Doesn't the throne look lovely My Dear? Stephanotis and his helpers were carefully placing the throne in the extact spot where the mid day sun would alight . 'Hortensia was very proud, she had made a beautiful and very soft red velvet cushion for Archimedes to sit on, ' He is very arthriticky now, Aunt Mildred says we need to look after him and his bones and make sure he is comfortable!'

Soon, in fact just as everything was ready, Lupin arrived so out of breath and so excited that he could barely get his words out 'Ducks sighted flying overhead, he is on his way, he is COMING!' That was the signal they were all were waiting for, 'Off with your aprons, tidy your hair, keep your hats straight!' Hortensia and Archibold, Stephanotis and all his helpers began to line up to prepare to welcome their guests.

Meanwhile, downstream Archimedes who was happily oblivious to all the excitement, was rowing along accompanied by a flotilla of very noisy ducks. 'Deafening that's what you are, calm down! I am sure you will be able to come to the ceremony, I can manage on my own no need to push the boat!' Eventually the bank was in sight and as the ducks swam ahead to become a guard of honour. Archimedes saw the archway covered in daises and his dear friends Humperdinck and Mildred waiting for him on the jetty, 'Oh My, must keep calm, what a day, Dear oh Dear'.

Soon the little boat was all tied up and Archimedes was being helped up onto the bank and into The Cart of Honour. 'Were coming with you so you won't be on your own,' Aunt Mildred and Uncle Humperdinck climbed in too and settled into the comfortable seats either side of Archimedes. 'Off we go, here's to a wonderful day!' and with that, the ceremonial party set off at a slow roll through crowds of excited well-wishers, all singing and tossing their hats with joy!

An important announcement and camomile tea …..

Aunt Mildred was feeling more than a little bit pleased with herself as she prepared to make her important announcement, 'I think My Dear Archimedes, that it might have slipped your mind that yesterday was the Spring Meeting of The Council of Elders?'

Archimedes huffed and then looked crestfallen. He felt a conflict of emotions in his chest, thrilled that he had missed the meeting, as he found the effort of going to meetings such an effort, and then, as he started explaining to Aunt Mildred, 'I've never forgotten about a meeting so well that I have missed sending my apologies!' Gnomes don't like to be rude, and not sending your apologies before not attending a meeting was considered exceedingly rude by any gnomes standards.

Aunt Mildred wasn't having any of it, 'Just as well you didn't come, terrible weather for a crossing anyway, far to blustery for you to row across, besides, we came to a decision much more easily without you present!'

Now Archimedes looked seriously alarmed, 'The Council has decided that since the first daisies have been sighted in full bloom on Mrs Partridge's lawn, that the time has come to elect this year's King of The Daises and Gnome in Chief  - and Archimedes can you guess, we have chosen YOU!'

It was a very good thing for Archimedes that he was sitting down, at first all he could say was a sort of snuffly mumble of 'well, really, toss my hat I will, fancy that, oh Dear!' Then, much to both of their astonishment, he found himself blushing!

Aunt Mildred stood up, ignoring Herbert who was looking for too interested in what what wasn't his business in her opinion. 'So, Archimedes Bonaparte, I hereby invite you to attend The Grand Ceremony of The Order of The Daisy next Thursday at one o'clock on the Lawn.' And with that she presented Archimedes with a beautiful ceremonial hat, apple green velvet with embroidered daises all along the rim with a golden tassel hanging from it's peak. 'I made it myself for Humperdinck's coronation more years ago than I care to remember (gnomes live a very long time, so as you can imagine, it is sometimes very hard to remember an exact year out of so many).

Archimedes sat in his chair feeling bewildered and pleased and all confused, 'Well I never, such a surprise Mildred'. Aunt Mildred smiled, 'I think perhaps My Dear, it is time for a new pot of tea?' Archimedes smiled with relief, having something useful to do would help clear his mind, 'I'll just put the kettle on, perhaps golden camomile with a touch of honey might be appropriate?'

So soon they found themselves sitting by the little stove in the front room of Archimedes tree house, enjoying the warmth of a lovely pot of tea and smiling huge smiles of contentment as they happily listened to the rustle of leaves and the chirping of the birds all around.