Tales of walking, eating, watching and playing. Vintage treasures and simple pleasures ... the things that make her happy.

Thursday 29 December 2011

It came and it went ...

They spent a couple of evenings sipping a warming brew, cutting card and groaning at lame jokes ("what do you call a three legged donkey? ... a wonky!"). 
 They made nine of these ...
On the 24th they prepared the following day's feast, before setting off for the crib service, then drinks and delicious nibbles at the 'Fruit's' house.  A jaunt down the road followed, for a traditional Slovakian meal with their dear friends.  Bellies filled with homemade breads, garlic and honey, sauerkraut and sausage soups, fish, poppy seed cake and a digestif plum brandy or two.
Awake early next day.  Little man's face shining with wonder and delight.  Santa visited.  He left not a single footprint, just a crumb of mince pie and an empty cup.
They visited family, and then family and friends came to them to share the feast.  The bird en croute with all the trimmings, flaming fruity pudding, lots of bubbles, rich reds and sweet honeyed nectar.
 
As evening approached they talked and sang.  Fires burning, orange bright, cosied, warmed.
Boxing Day was her birthday. VJ another year older, wiser (if only!).  He treated her to a sumptuous breakfast in bed.  They walked by the river and visited family for high tea and a game of cards (for pennies).  She won.

The 27th rose slowly.  Christmas sleeping.  Dust taking the shine off baubles glitter.  Birthday blues.  Post festivity melancholy.  She needed liberation from prodigal festivities, to jump off the Christmas merry-go-round.  She wanted to be by the sea.
Little man sped along the esplanade on scooter.  They walked briskly, cool air reaching inside and out, daggers tightening skin.
 
Leaden sky, thick molten sea, the pull of the shifting shore, swaying in time.  A billion bubbles, pop and fade away to return seconds later.  And again.  Sitting awhile, happily silent, words in her head, quiet on her lips.  The festal landslide in her head drifting away.
 
 Picnic.  The wrap of smooth rock protecting from the bite.
 Giant creatures.  Aslan hidden in the rock.
Two tiered beach huts.
Awaiting summer's return.



Grand, garlanded shelter.



Ready to head home.  Light the fire.  Make gingerbread men ... or aliens.
2012 is coming ... stay safe, healthy, happy and true.


21 comments:

Unknown said...

You look like you had a lovely time...we are of to the sea on New years day, I'm so looking forward to it...it is calling me.
Is it Weymouth?, love Aslam...
Happy New Year to you, here's to a new Chapter
Love
Sophie xx

KC'sCourt! said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas and Birthday.
Love the picture of Aslan
Julie xxxxxxx

Jelly Jam said...

Gorgeous photos! Hope the new year brings everything you wish for.
E
x

Jen said...

Beautifully written and depicted--I was with you the whole way and thoroughly enjoyed it! Love the winter beach--where is it?

minnie said...

Dear VJ such a wonderful recall of your christmas, so pleased you had fun, so did we. Thankyou os much for our pressies, they were great and beautifully wrapped thankyou. Happy new year to you all Minnie

Anne said...

Lovely pictures and it sounds like you had a wonderful christmas.

fabriquefantastique said...

I would also like to know the name of that seaside town. Specially like the double beach huts.

BusyLizzie said...

What a beautiful posting.. thank you for sharing your delicious Christmas! All the Best for 2012. Lizzie x PS I also would love to know where those intriguing beach huts are!

A Treasured Past said...

Wishing you a a very happy belated birthday. Christmas at yours sounds lovely..heres to another year...lets hope its a good one. Tam x

Shortbread and Ginger said...

Lovely post - thank you.
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Linda said...

Lovely evocative post and photos. Happy New Year. xxx

Anonymous said...

Very nicely written. Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas and birthday.

What I really want to know is, Who really ate that piece of mince pie? I also love your homemade "crackers" ( I think that is what they call them?)

Happy New Year.

Miss Petula Pie said...

Hi!
Great pictures!
.....Happy New Year
Miss Petula Pie

Anonymous said...

Great pictures and looks like you had a wonderful Christmas. Have a Fabulous New Year! ... :0)

BusyLizzie said...

thank you! Never been to Weymouth.. I can see I would like it. Funny how the comment thing doesn't work for us! All the Best, Lizzie xxx

*Maristella* said...

Buongiorno cara Marina.
Meravigliose creazioni...
Spero che l'anno che verrà sia magico come queste immagini!!
Ti auguro uno strepitoso 2012 ed un abbraccio forte forte, *Maristella*

mrs cheese said...

Happy belated birthday to you (I hope you had fun).
AND very best wishes for a splendid new year to you and your lovely family
xx

Andi's English Attic said...

Oh I wish I lived near the sea so I could take a winter walk along the prom.

Thank goodness the Victorians built things to last so we can still appreciate their beautiful designs.

Thank you for a lovely post and have a wonderful New Year. xx

Minnie said...

Those gingerbreads look yummy!! xx

Anonymous said...

Look at that army of gingerbread men, march them up here please!

Primchick said...

Auntie Viv's lovey name for a cafe... bet she was a lovely lady...?? :o)