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!
Thursday, 3 July 2014
Thursday, 29 May 2014
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!
'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!
Sunday, 11 May 2014
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!'
'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!'
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
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!!!
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!!!
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
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!
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!
Friday, 7 March 2014
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.
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.
Monday, 24 February 2014
Seedy cake and an unexpected guest …….
Archimedes was singing a little tune to himself as poured the boiling water into his shiny red teapot. 'Special blend today My Dear, Best Nettle and Peppermint with a pinch of lavender, just the thing after a stressful journey!'
Aunt Mildred was sitting quietly in Archimedes best armchair, it wasn't just that she was puffed after climbing all the stairs up to the tree house, but truth to tell she found herself in a bit of a bother. As ever Archimedes had filled every nock and cranny with the unusual objects that he had found on his walks, but what was bothering Aunt Mildred was that there appeared to be another guest for tea - and it wasn't someone that she expected to see.
Opposite her, perched on the back of Archimedes armchair and looking at her with suspicion, was a small sparrow. 'Don't mind Herbert' said Archimedes, 'damaged his wing in the storm, he'll be on his way soon, full of news he is, most chatty and very good company!' Herbert winked at Aunt Mildred who wasn't impressed.
'Now Archimedes, do be careful, remember the time you adopted that duck whose wing wouldn't mend and what a to do we had trying to get him down the stairs?' Aunt Mildred glared at the sparrow, 'No need to worry my Dear, Herbert and I have everything under control' and with that Archimedes sat down for tea.
Whatever is going on, or indeed has to be discussed, or even important news that has to be shared, a gnome's tea time is a too sacred moment to be distributed by anything unusual. Aunt Mildred and Archimedes settled down to the serious business of slurping tea, smothering scones with butter and jam and devouring the lovely moist seedy cake that Hortensia had sent wrapped in a clean tea towel.
Then of course they both settled down for the obligatory nap to freshen up before catching up with each others news. As soon as they were fast asleep, Herbert set to delicately extracting most of the seeds from the remaining seedy cake and then gobbled up the lot!
'Oh Archimedes, you've taken to spoiling him, how is going to want to go home when you feed him treats?' Herbert put his head on one side and tried to look contrite. 'Oh Dear' said Archimedes 'no supper for you tonight!' Herbert put his head under his wing and tried to pretend to be asleep. 'He is only young My Dear, now what have you come to see me about?'
Aunt Mildred straightened her apron (she always wore an apron, even when out and about and travelling) and reached for her basket. 'Not every day is as special as this Archimedes, can you remember why?'
'Can't say that I do My Dear, should I?' He looked up in surprise at Aunt Mildred carefully put on her best velvet hat with the red pom pom. A gnome only puts on their best hat at tea time if there is very, very important news so Archimedes sat up straight in his chair, straightened his waistcoat and waited expectantly ……….
.
'
Aunt Mildred was sitting quietly in Archimedes best armchair, it wasn't just that she was puffed after climbing all the stairs up to the tree house, but truth to tell she found herself in a bit of a bother. As ever Archimedes had filled every nock and cranny with the unusual objects that he had found on his walks, but what was bothering Aunt Mildred was that there appeared to be another guest for tea - and it wasn't someone that she expected to see.
Opposite her, perched on the back of Archimedes armchair and looking at her with suspicion, was a small sparrow. 'Don't mind Herbert' said Archimedes, 'damaged his wing in the storm, he'll be on his way soon, full of news he is, most chatty and very good company!' Herbert winked at Aunt Mildred who wasn't impressed.
'Now Archimedes, do be careful, remember the time you adopted that duck whose wing wouldn't mend and what a to do we had trying to get him down the stairs?' Aunt Mildred glared at the sparrow, 'No need to worry my Dear, Herbert and I have everything under control' and with that Archimedes sat down for tea.
Whatever is going on, or indeed has to be discussed, or even important news that has to be shared, a gnome's tea time is a too sacred moment to be distributed by anything unusual. Aunt Mildred and Archimedes settled down to the serious business of slurping tea, smothering scones with butter and jam and devouring the lovely moist seedy cake that Hortensia had sent wrapped in a clean tea towel.
Then of course they both settled down for the obligatory nap to freshen up before catching up with each others news. As soon as they were fast asleep, Herbert set to delicately extracting most of the seeds from the remaining seedy cake and then gobbled up the lot!
'Oh Archimedes, you've taken to spoiling him, how is going to want to go home when you feed him treats?' Herbert put his head on one side and tried to look contrite. 'Oh Dear' said Archimedes 'no supper for you tonight!' Herbert put his head under his wing and tried to pretend to be asleep. 'He is only young My Dear, now what have you come to see me about?'
Aunt Mildred straightened her apron (she always wore an apron, even when out and about and travelling) and reached for her basket. 'Not every day is as special as this Archimedes, can you remember why?'
'Can't say that I do My Dear, should I?' He looked up in surprise at Aunt Mildred carefully put on her best velvet hat with the red pom pom. A gnome only puts on their best hat at tea time if there is very, very important news so Archimedes sat up straight in his chair, straightened his waistcoat and waited expectantly ……….
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