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

Saturday 28 July 2012

Nights to remember ...

The last day of school.  They finished work and ran outside, infected with the children’s excitement.  They packed wine and tasty treats and headed for the sea. 
 
Vast shoals of mackerel dancing in the shallow breakers, chasing whitebait onto the shore.  
A line of little silver fish glistening on the beach for as far as the eye can see.   
Mr S caught close to fifty mackerel that night. 

The children were princesses, princes, cavemen, robbers and cowboys,
lost in their world of make believe.
 
As the sun descended, dramatic clouds collected above, protecting them, 
holding them in a bubble of warm air, wrapping a blanket around them.   
 
In the gathering darkness they chatted quietly, little tents popped up on the beach, fishermen arrived.        
 
A great evening Mr & Mrs O.  
Mr O - you were right … just!
 ________________________________________

The next evening, they were transported to España in a little corner of Somerset!
 Jugs of Sangria, little plates of tapas to tempt.  
Boquerones, palm hearts, olives, cheese and peppers.
 
Pans of colour.  Paprika spiced scent filling the warm evening air.  
Thirty happy people sat down at tables beautifully dressed with flowers, baskets of bread and individual plates of salad topped with slivers of Iberico ham.
 
Steaming bowls of paella were served,
heavy with tender chicken, succulent prawns and mussels. 
 
Wine, chatter and laughter flowed.  
Mrs C even sang them a song! 

As for the puds … wow … 
Crème Catalana, plump cherries, the most delicious Banoffee ever and a divine lemon tart.

Mr & Mrs C – hosts extraordinaire!  Thank you so much.
It was a perfect evening.  

10 comments:

Outcast said...

I love this post Jane, your writing is actually fantastic and really helps enunciate the things you seen. It sounds and looks like an amazing night, great photos.

KC'sCourt! said...

What an amazing post. I read it twice, the writing is so wonderful.
Julie xxxxxxxx

Miss Simmonds Says said...

looks gorgeous and I'm so hungry right now

Jen said...

All he best things in life--loved ones, natural beauty, and good food!

Anonymous said...

WOW! What a feast Marina! The food looks so good but I'm not sure about the mussels...I'm sorry to say, I don't think I would like them but then again, I'm not much of a seafood eater...just the standard fair for me. Tuna, whitefish, flounder, snapper and tilapia. I'm not very brave when it comes to other types of seafood. I know, I know...it's boring! HA

Glad you had such a great time. :)♥♥

Unknown said...

Oh wow! I want to hang out with you guys. It all looks so lovely, especially those views...heavenly. xx

nilly said...

How I miss the seaside - your photos filled me with longing.

BusyLizzie said...

lovely post! I adore the way you write. Lizzie x

PCovi said...

Beautifully written!
Sweet :)
I've never had paella. Looks yummy.

Maria said...

Hellooo there!
I haven't tried Paella either, but Wow, it looks delicious!!
A lovely exciting post.....
I have just read your previous post also, and have fallen in love with this cute two-sum...
AWW Ronnie and Delilah!!
Have a lovely Tuesday...
Maria x