If you would like to hear this as a story, I have posted a clip on the website and on YouTube at, Hortensiagnomus9.....!
'Well good morning Darling', Hortensia winked at Hector as he flew past her window on one of his practice abseils. Hector, though very excited about taking his friends back to his home in the city, was rather worried about their lack of experience - hence the abseiling training.
Hortensia and Archibold were finding having unexpected faces peering into their home, especially at unexpected times - more than a little unsettling. Hortensia in particular had been more than a little perturbed at the squeals and occasional shrieks as the new skills were learnt. 'I worry for them Harriet, it is sometimes a bit risky to become too overexcited!' Harriet of course thought it all sounded great fun and wanted to join in.
'So today is the day for extreme planting skill learning,' Hector stood proudly in front of a collection of young plants. 'Each of you is to chose a plant, a small bag of soil, a flask of water, your trowel - and when you are ready - we will set off!' After a bit of scrabbling and rushing about, Hector surveyed a line of eager and excited gnomes. 'The point of the exercise is to climb to an unexpectedly high place with no recent planting having taken place, and to plant your seedling, and then come back here to report on your progress.'
Hector watched with satisfaction as the gnomes charged off. Most of them had been surveying suitable spots for several days and thinking about how to climb up without damaging their plant, and then of course how to tuck the plant in safely and come back down, within the time allowed. Hector was very busy rushing about shouting encouragement, 'very important to water your plant slowly, you want the water to settle in the roots and not drain away!' He looked with satisfaction as the gnomes returned, they faces were alight with the satisfaction of a Good Deed Done - a favourite motto for all gnomes and an encouraging sight for the success of their trip ahead.
'Well done! Tomorrow we will practice gutter and drainpipe planting.' the gnomes looked shocked, but Hector had agreed with Aunt Mildred that their friend The Old Lady, loved plants and flowers so very much that they were sure that she wouldn't mind a few additions to her home. 'Very important in the city to find every available space to plant, so that we can encourage and help the humans to remember who they are.'
And with that they all settled done to relive their adventures and to enjoy a nice cup of peppermint tea and a slice of cherry sponge cake.
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Crumpets and fighting talk.................
'It's a funny thing that humans spend so much of their talking and so little of it listening' Archimedes sucked on his pipe, 'they are a very different species as we know, but similar enough that it can sometimes seem confusing'. The younger gnomes were gathered around, eagerly taking in every word. To be sitting with Archimedes Bonaparte, discussing the future of their mission to the city - well it was a very special occasion indeed.
Horatio had been explaining about mobile phones and how humans seems to like being in constant contact via their telephones and computers. The younger gnomes had been mystified as to why they needed their little communication machines at all. Hence why Archimedes had been explaining some of the differences between humans and gnomes. Horatio, who had just returned from work experience at the Bluebell Garden Centre, was trying to describe what the world would be like without telepathy - a skill most gnomes took completely for granted.
'Most of them are quite lonely in one way or another, disconnected from something they yearn for. One of our most important jobs will be to help Hector create gardens where the humans can remember who they are and their connections to the bigger music'. This was serious talk and Hector stood up with his blue eyes flashing. He continued 'Sometimes they come out of the boxes where they work, to walk into the parks at lunchtime - and then they just sit in the light looking at the flowers and feeling the air as they eat their lunch. Imagine if in your day you only had a little time to listen to the wind in the leaves?'
The gnomes all sat in sad contemplation trying to imagine such a terrible existence.' And that is why my Dears, despite the dangers you must do your best to make every plant, tree, garden and park, a place of natural beauty and abundant growth.' Archimedes winked at Horatio who went pink and sat down with a bump. 'Must be time for tea, I distinctly heard a grumble from Archibold's tummy all of five minutes ago'.
So with much giggling they all headed back to Archimedes' tree top look-out for tea and toasted home made crumpets - sent by Hortensia of course in a basket, safely wrapped up in a tea cloth - still faintly warm and with a pot of her best creamy yellow butter.
Horatio had been explaining about mobile phones and how humans seems to like being in constant contact via their telephones and computers. The younger gnomes had been mystified as to why they needed their little communication machines at all. Hence why Archimedes had been explaining some of the differences between humans and gnomes. Horatio, who had just returned from work experience at the Bluebell Garden Centre, was trying to describe what the world would be like without telepathy - a skill most gnomes took completely for granted.
'Most of them are quite lonely in one way or another, disconnected from something they yearn for. One of our most important jobs will be to help Hector create gardens where the humans can remember who they are and their connections to the bigger music'. This was serious talk and Hector stood up with his blue eyes flashing. He continued 'Sometimes they come out of the boxes where they work, to walk into the parks at lunchtime - and then they just sit in the light looking at the flowers and feeling the air as they eat their lunch. Imagine if in your day you only had a little time to listen to the wind in the leaves?'
The gnomes all sat in sad contemplation trying to imagine such a terrible existence.' And that is why my Dears, despite the dangers you must do your best to make every plant, tree, garden and park, a place of natural beauty and abundant growth.' Archimedes winked at Horatio who went pink and sat down with a bump. 'Must be time for tea, I distinctly heard a grumble from Archibold's tummy all of five minutes ago'.
So with much giggling they all headed back to Archimedes' tree top look-out for tea and toasted home made crumpets - sent by Hortensia of course in a basket, safely wrapped up in a tea cloth - still faintly warm and with a pot of her best creamy yellow butter.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Spring snow and the promise of adventure......
Hortensia laid baby Harriet in the soft grass at the foot of the billowing white and green cow parsley and with Harriet's eyes watching her every move, carefully climbed up the Hawthorne tree. They were at the edge of the forest where the path led to the Old Ladies cottage. The hedges were tall and deep now and the cow parsley particularly delicate against all the abundant green. Hortensia sat on a branch that leaned out above Harriet, the birds were busy feeding their young and the air was full of chirping as she gently began to shake the branch so that delicate petals of creamy white began to fall around Harriet. 'Spring snow Darling', they both laughed as Harriet gurgled with delight and held up her hands to touch the softly falling petals.
Harriet loved her adventure walks with her Mother - for there was always a new flower to see or a wonderful new scent to sniff - most of all she loved the radiance of her Mother's smile as she greeted the abundance of beauty all around.
Archibold (or Archie-The-Bold to give him his full title) was very keen on walks too, he tended to head for the stream and to walk at a much brisker pace than Hortensia. This was because he was usually very excited and about to embark in his little boat on an escapade. Today he had company, Hector, Stephanotis, Isabel and Horatio (Hortensia and Archibold's eldest son who was back home from job experience at the garden centre again) were all going with him to Archimedes' island in the middle of the river. They would be safely out of the way of any humans and Archimedes could be relied on for entertaining stories and good advice.
The gnomes were planning their trip to accompany Hector back to his city home. Hector had been full of enthusiasm, but after sleeping on the idea, felt that it would be irresponsible if he didn't prepare the others for the realities of city life. So they packed the little boat with useful ropes for practising abseiling, lots of lunch, hammocks for naps and all the usual ball games etc and of course a present of seedy cake and foot balm for Archimedes from Aunt Mildred.
So as Hortensia and Harriet dozed off for a little nap, the excited gnomes pushed off from the shore and headed out for an adventure.
Harriet loved her adventure walks with her Mother - for there was always a new flower to see or a wonderful new scent to sniff - most of all she loved the radiance of her Mother's smile as she greeted the abundance of beauty all around.
Archibold (or Archie-The-Bold to give him his full title) was very keen on walks too, he tended to head for the stream and to walk at a much brisker pace than Hortensia. This was because he was usually very excited and about to embark in his little boat on an escapade. Today he had company, Hector, Stephanotis, Isabel and Horatio (Hortensia and Archibold's eldest son who was back home from job experience at the garden centre again) were all going with him to Archimedes' island in the middle of the river. They would be safely out of the way of any humans and Archimedes could be relied on for entertaining stories and good advice.
The gnomes were planning their trip to accompany Hector back to his city home. Hector had been full of enthusiasm, but after sleeping on the idea, felt that it would be irresponsible if he didn't prepare the others for the realities of city life. So they packed the little boat with useful ropes for practising abseiling, lots of lunch, hammocks for naps and all the usual ball games etc and of course a present of seedy cake and foot balm for Archimedes from Aunt Mildred.
So as Hortensia and Harriet dozed off for a little nap, the excited gnomes pushed off from the shore and headed out for an adventure.
Saturday, 26 May 2012
Dandelion leaves and going home.......
Hortensia was up early, she had chosen a particularly sprightly looking daisy to put in the button hole of Archibold's jacket, and now found herself staring into a buttercup just to revel in the incredible shiny yellowness. 'I wonder if the humans have noticed that the daisies are particularly big this year' she thought as she started her wander back home.
After much debate the gnomes had decided not to worry about humans noticing their houses or indeed front doors. They had however persuaded Aunt Mildred to let her mint garden grow in a more random and wild manner. As Aunt Mildred's and Uncle Humperdinck's home was near one of the human's paths - rows of neatly cultivated mint of different varieties - however jungle-like. might have aroused curiosity. So now Aunt Mildred's prized collection of mint ( all of course grown for the making of her renowned mint humbugs) was beginning to grow into a very wild garden and as she frequently said, 'looked a right mess'.
Gnome homes are always very well hidden and disguised in the natural features of the trees where they are built, so as to be harmonious with their surroundings. Gnomes love a proper front door with a solid door knocker, but of course a curtain of ivy or other greenery artfully disguising the entrance, makes seeing one if you are a human, nearly impossible.
Hortensia hummed a little song as she hurried back, for it was almost time for breakfast and she was looking forward to making a tasty dandelion leaf omelette for her friends and family. Eleanora and Hector had been out for an early morning walk too and had collected some watercress from the stream. Hector was beginning to pine for his city home. He missed his human and going for motorbike rides, most of all he missed his balcony garden and checking on all the parks and gardens in his area.
Eleanora put her arm though his as they walked along, 'why don't you go home Hector, you have made a big difference here and the forest is safe now. You can always come back in a little while and check on how things are developing.' Hector looked at her in relief, 'how did you know? Would it be alright? I don't want to let the others down.' Eleanora smiled at her brother,' Of course it is, you could even take Stephanotis and Archibold on a visit to show them city life.'
For the first time in a few weeks, Hector felt a tingle of excitement in his toes, he instantly knew that it was time for him to go home. 'Oh Eleanora, what a wonderful idea!' and with that he rushed off to ask his two friends to come with him on a grand escapade to the city.
Eleanora smiled to herself, she would spend a while longer with the Forest gnomes, then she too would go back to the wild freedom of her home, in the Great Trees of the North.
After much debate the gnomes had decided not to worry about humans noticing their houses or indeed front doors. They had however persuaded Aunt Mildred to let her mint garden grow in a more random and wild manner. As Aunt Mildred's and Uncle Humperdinck's home was near one of the human's paths - rows of neatly cultivated mint of different varieties - however jungle-like. might have aroused curiosity. So now Aunt Mildred's prized collection of mint ( all of course grown for the making of her renowned mint humbugs) was beginning to grow into a very wild garden and as she frequently said, 'looked a right mess'.
Gnome homes are always very well hidden and disguised in the natural features of the trees where they are built, so as to be harmonious with their surroundings. Gnomes love a proper front door with a solid door knocker, but of course a curtain of ivy or other greenery artfully disguising the entrance, makes seeing one if you are a human, nearly impossible.
Hortensia hummed a little song as she hurried back, for it was almost time for breakfast and she was looking forward to making a tasty dandelion leaf omelette for her friends and family. Eleanora and Hector had been out for an early morning walk too and had collected some watercress from the stream. Hector was beginning to pine for his city home. He missed his human and going for motorbike rides, most of all he missed his balcony garden and checking on all the parks and gardens in his area.
Eleanora put her arm though his as they walked along, 'why don't you go home Hector, you have made a big difference here and the forest is safe now. You can always come back in a little while and check on how things are developing.' Hector looked at her in relief, 'how did you know? Would it be alright? I don't want to let the others down.' Eleanora smiled at her brother,' Of course it is, you could even take Stephanotis and Archibold on a visit to show them city life.'
For the first time in a few weeks, Hector felt a tingle of excitement in his toes, he instantly knew that it was time for him to go home. 'Oh Eleanora, what a wonderful idea!' and with that he rushed off to ask his two friends to come with him on a grand escapade to the city.
Eleanora smiled to herself, she would spend a while longer with the Forest gnomes, then she too would go back to the wild freedom of her home, in the Great Trees of the North.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Reels and Celebrations.....
They were all very tired after the long walk and had flopped on the new grass under the big oak tree. Spring was so late this year that the new leaves were still an intense, vivid green. 'Like little green hands stretching out in the light' thought Archibold. The gnomes had made the trek out of the forest and across several fields, in order to enjoy the delights of lying stretched out under the venerable tree. When they had arrived and settled down in their favourite spots, they had marvelled at the beauty of the colours as they looked up though the vibrant greens, into the radiance of Spring sunshine and blue sky.
This was an annual ritual, The Celebration Of The Opening Of The Oak Leaves And The Spring Picnic. Today there was an extra treat, for the wind had sprung up and the gnomes were smiling with joy as they listened for the first time this year, to the sound of the rustling of new leaves. The gnomes never tired of hearing the news that the breeze brought as it ruffled and stirred the leaves, for indeed half the year the tree only had bare branches to rattle and shake, so hearing the leaves talk again was the most positive of signs for the coming of Spring.
Truth to tell, the gnomes were rather enjoying being off duty and having time to spend just on their own having fun. Two of the younger gnomes, Stephanotis and Isabelle had remained as stewards of the forest, but everyone else was relishing the chance to catch up and enjoy themselves.
Aunt Mildred and Hortensia were discussing the likelihood of an early crop of wild strawberries, as the little plants had been spotted full of white posy flowers, and both of them were more than a little proud of their strawberry conserve. Uncle Humperdinck began playing his concertina and slowly the singing began. Before long, the gnomes were leaping about singing and dancing. Reels were their favourite Spring dance, and wild circles of giggling, leaping gnomes were rushing round and colliding with glee as the music went faster and faster and they became a little wild with excitement.
At last they flopped down again and turned to the assorted baskets and knapsacks of proper picnic fare. Great spotted and checked table cloths were stretched out and plates towering with piles of sandwiches and pies, carefully distributed. Flasks of peppermint tea and elderflower cordial were passed around and then the scones, carefully spread with butter and the best jam. Well. after all that had been eaten, there was the sound of the odd burp and of course, what with the warmth and the light and the rather full tummies, there was the sound of gentle snoring. Imagine the peace and happiness of all those happy gnomes snoozing in the afternoon light, dreaming of the next dance and at peace with the world all around. Spring had indeed finally arrived and been celebrated in all it's glory!
This was an annual ritual, The Celebration Of The Opening Of The Oak Leaves And The Spring Picnic. Today there was an extra treat, for the wind had sprung up and the gnomes were smiling with joy as they listened for the first time this year, to the sound of the rustling of new leaves. The gnomes never tired of hearing the news that the breeze brought as it ruffled and stirred the leaves, for indeed half the year the tree only had bare branches to rattle and shake, so hearing the leaves talk again was the most positive of signs for the coming of Spring.
Truth to tell, the gnomes were rather enjoying being off duty and having time to spend just on their own having fun. Two of the younger gnomes, Stephanotis and Isabelle had remained as stewards of the forest, but everyone else was relishing the chance to catch up and enjoy themselves.
Aunt Mildred and Hortensia were discussing the likelihood of an early crop of wild strawberries, as the little plants had been spotted full of white posy flowers, and both of them were more than a little proud of their strawberry conserve. Uncle Humperdinck began playing his concertina and slowly the singing began. Before long, the gnomes were leaping about singing and dancing. Reels were their favourite Spring dance, and wild circles of giggling, leaping gnomes were rushing round and colliding with glee as the music went faster and faster and they became a little wild with excitement.
At last they flopped down again and turned to the assorted baskets and knapsacks of proper picnic fare. Great spotted and checked table cloths were stretched out and plates towering with piles of sandwiches and pies, carefully distributed. Flasks of peppermint tea and elderflower cordial were passed around and then the scones, carefully spread with butter and the best jam. Well. after all that had been eaten, there was the sound of the odd burp and of course, what with the warmth and the light and the rather full tummies, there was the sound of gentle snoring. Imagine the peace and happiness of all those happy gnomes snoozing in the afternoon light, dreaming of the next dance and at peace with the world all around. Spring had indeed finally arrived and been celebrated in all it's glory!
Monday, 7 May 2012
Bluebells in the dusk and comfort nearby......
Dear Reader.
Another instalment being read for you on the youtube link below .... hope you like it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG8Q8Ip3UxE
p.s. remember there is a link on the previous instalment as well!
'Just so sad' thought Eleanora, she had been out for a stroll to enjoy the effervescent beauty of the blue bells as dusk fell, and had come across the forlorn figure of a lady crying, as she sat alone on one of the new benches in the blue bell wood. 'Poor lady, perhaps I will sit with her for a while to keep her company', and with that Eleanora wrapped her cloak around her, and tucking herself into a comfy spot under a clump of borage leaves, closed her eyes.
It was not something that the gnomes had expected - to discover that so many of the humans who came to visit were not at peace with themselves, or with their lives. Eleanora and Archimedes had been discussing how best to deal with all the feelings that the humans were bringing with them on their walks. You see gnomes are acutely aware of feelings, that's how they help all the plants and trees grow. They sort of see, hear, feel, know things as though all their senses work together. Everything leaves an atmosphere - and it was all well and good some of the younger gnomes giggling at the young lovers all entwined and intense, but quite another easing the burden of sorrow, despair and grief that some of the other humans left behind.
Eleanora hummed a silent song, sending out a light of sympathy and acknowledgement from her heart for the lady nearby. Now I don't think that most humans have any idea that they could be sitting in nature somewhere, somewhere desolate and remote, or even their back garden or a park, and that close nearby is most likely to be a gnome watching and listening deeply. Of course you never see them, but sometimes you know when a place or your garden seems to be especially beautiful and productive - that the gnomes are all around looking after your plants and of course - observing you.
The lady who had been feeling most unhappy, began to look up, for the first time she began to really see how the air around her was full of shimmering blue light. The blue bells seems to fill the air with their scent and radiance, and her heart began to open to the possibility of hope, for the first time in ages. 'There my Dear,' thought Eleanora,' all things pass - breathe in the light and scent and begin to trust your heart will recover'. She made a mental note for herself to check on how the lady was faring later that evening.
Eleanora walked slowly home, she was thinking about some of the unexpected consequences of sharing the forest with humans. They had all expected more work maintaining the plants and trees, some like Hortensia were enthused with new planting schemes to encourage their visitors. 'Quite an undertaking to take on, best Hector and I stay for a while to encourage the others. Besides I can keep an eye on baby Harriet for a while longer and cherish the company of my friends during such a time of change'. So she quickly hurried back to Persimmon Heights and the delight of one of Archibold and Hortensia's delectable dinners.
Another instalment being read for you on the youtube link below .... hope you like it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG8Q8Ip3UxE
p.s. remember there is a link on the previous instalment as well!
'Just so sad' thought Eleanora, she had been out for a stroll to enjoy the effervescent beauty of the blue bells as dusk fell, and had come across the forlorn figure of a lady crying, as she sat alone on one of the new benches in the blue bell wood. 'Poor lady, perhaps I will sit with her for a while to keep her company', and with that Eleanora wrapped her cloak around her, and tucking herself into a comfy spot under a clump of borage leaves, closed her eyes.
It was not something that the gnomes had expected - to discover that so many of the humans who came to visit were not at peace with themselves, or with their lives. Eleanora and Archimedes had been discussing how best to deal with all the feelings that the humans were bringing with them on their walks. You see gnomes are acutely aware of feelings, that's how they help all the plants and trees grow. They sort of see, hear, feel, know things as though all their senses work together. Everything leaves an atmosphere - and it was all well and good some of the younger gnomes giggling at the young lovers all entwined and intense, but quite another easing the burden of sorrow, despair and grief that some of the other humans left behind.
Eleanora hummed a silent song, sending out a light of sympathy and acknowledgement from her heart for the lady nearby. Now I don't think that most humans have any idea that they could be sitting in nature somewhere, somewhere desolate and remote, or even their back garden or a park, and that close nearby is most likely to be a gnome watching and listening deeply. Of course you never see them, but sometimes you know when a place or your garden seems to be especially beautiful and productive - that the gnomes are all around looking after your plants and of course - observing you.
The lady who had been feeling most unhappy, began to look up, for the first time she began to really see how the air around her was full of shimmering blue light. The blue bells seems to fill the air with their scent and radiance, and her heart began to open to the possibility of hope, for the first time in ages. 'There my Dear,' thought Eleanora,' all things pass - breathe in the light and scent and begin to trust your heart will recover'. She made a mental note for herself to check on how the lady was faring later that evening.
Eleanora walked slowly home, she was thinking about some of the unexpected consequences of sharing the forest with humans. They had all expected more work maintaining the plants and trees, some like Hortensia were enthused with new planting schemes to encourage their visitors. 'Quite an undertaking to take on, best Hector and I stay for a while to encourage the others. Besides I can keep an eye on baby Harriet for a while longer and cherish the company of my friends during such a time of change'. So she quickly hurried back to Persimmon Heights and the delight of one of Archibold and Hortensia's delectable dinners.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Serious training and a little understanding!
Dear Reader - so happy to say that there is now a Youtube version of this if you would like this latest story read to you....!
'What a wonderful day today is,' thought Hortensia, she was out early and even though the wind was up and the grass was very wet, she was enjoying every minute. She was collecting some small twigs of apple blossom to put by everyone's beds, 'full of happiness but not too scented and most uplifting first thing in the morning!' She was singing a little song to herself and the trees of course, thanking them for letting her take some of their twigs and blossom, when she noticed the Old Lady and her Son making their way to the forest.
They had been as good as their word and every day that passed they spent more and more time in the forest. Today was a special day because it was the start of marking out the paths for other humans to take their walks on. The Old Lady was worried that the gnomes would be overwhelmed by the size of everything. Just in case of a general Gnome Panic at having a strange group of humans walking about making plans for the future of their home, she had decided to spend the day being available. She had brought a good supply of biscuits and a warm coat and scarf and fluffy hat, so settled herself down on an old log to enjoy the bird song and have a nibble on a nice bit of shortbread.
Everyone thought that starting with paths for nature lovers and dog walkers was the best place to begin. After all, as humans and gnomes both loved picnics they were starting from a place of mutual understanding.
Hector and Archibold were holding evening classes on understanding humans and their dogs. Most gnomes found the relationships difficult to understand, why a dog would allow themselves to be kept on a lead at all was bewildering, and why humans trained dogs to exhibit such strange behaviour was just downright peculiar. Of course there was the other anxiety of dogs when off the lead liking to play with gnomes - and the gnomes having to stay hidden! Nothing a dog likes more than a good game of hide and seek with a frisky young gnome leading the chase, and truth to tell, nothing a young gnome likes much more, except perhaps mashed potatoes with melted butter.
Still Archimedes had instructed Hector and Archibold to check that everyone's Flow and Merge skills were in tip top form. The evening classes were a great focal point of an evening and providing much hilarity and fun as a by product of the serious instruction. Hector had of course taken advantage of the opportunity to update some of the younger gnomes yet again on the delights of motorbike riding and abseiling. He had become an expert at making suitable 'broom, broom' noises as they practised on imaginary motor bikes. The truth was that there was very likely to be at the very least, a mountain biking area - if not a motor bike trail as well, so getting accustomed to the imaginary sounds of a motorbike was a very useful and good idea indeed!
Check out this video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmvVwzlUf5I&feature=youtube_gdata_player |
'What a wonderful day today is,' thought Hortensia, she was out early and even though the wind was up and the grass was very wet, she was enjoying every minute. She was collecting some small twigs of apple blossom to put by everyone's beds, 'full of happiness but not too scented and most uplifting first thing in the morning!' She was singing a little song to herself and the trees of course, thanking them for letting her take some of their twigs and blossom, when she noticed the Old Lady and her Son making their way to the forest.
They had been as good as their word and every day that passed they spent more and more time in the forest. Today was a special day because it was the start of marking out the paths for other humans to take their walks on. The Old Lady was worried that the gnomes would be overwhelmed by the size of everything. Just in case of a general Gnome Panic at having a strange group of humans walking about making plans for the future of their home, she had decided to spend the day being available. She had brought a good supply of biscuits and a warm coat and scarf and fluffy hat, so settled herself down on an old log to enjoy the bird song and have a nibble on a nice bit of shortbread.
Everyone thought that starting with paths for nature lovers and dog walkers was the best place to begin. After all, as humans and gnomes both loved picnics they were starting from a place of mutual understanding.
Hector and Archibold were holding evening classes on understanding humans and their dogs. Most gnomes found the relationships difficult to understand, why a dog would allow themselves to be kept on a lead at all was bewildering, and why humans trained dogs to exhibit such strange behaviour was just downright peculiar. Of course there was the other anxiety of dogs when off the lead liking to play with gnomes - and the gnomes having to stay hidden! Nothing a dog likes more than a good game of hide and seek with a frisky young gnome leading the chase, and truth to tell, nothing a young gnome likes much more, except perhaps mashed potatoes with melted butter.
Still Archimedes had instructed Hector and Archibold to check that everyone's Flow and Merge skills were in tip top form. The evening classes were a great focal point of an evening and providing much hilarity and fun as a by product of the serious instruction. Hector had of course taken advantage of the opportunity to update some of the younger gnomes yet again on the delights of motorbike riding and abseiling. He had become an expert at making suitable 'broom, broom' noises as they practised on imaginary motor bikes. The truth was that there was very likely to be at the very least, a mountain biking area - if not a motor bike trail as well, so getting accustomed to the imaginary sounds of a motorbike was a very useful and good idea indeed!
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