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

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Gifts that made them happy ...

A good friend offered them gifts …
They donned their wellies and went along to his house by the river.

Chatting amiably they filled the boot 
with firewood he had stored and cut for them ...
And shook the trees, heavily garlanded with apples.
Crimson and green mottled 'Newton Wonders'
Fly Agaric dotted below the boughs.

He invited them to sit on a bench by the water’s edge
and proferred a small glass of red wine each.  
Warmed by their physical exercise, they listened and watched.  
The Somerset Levels stretched before them, 
a flat landscape of wetland and willow.  
The river running low and fast – 
the local mill gates raised to avert flooding after days of rain.  

They talked of times past, their shared history.  

Gifts as precious as treasure … 
... that night they sat by a warm fire, 
drinking pressed juice, comforted by apple crumble.  
Chocolate macaroons crumbled into the topping made it extra special.

They will remember their afternoon by the river.


20 comments:

Maria said...

Aww,friends and times like these are just the best...
We have a dear friend who keeps us topped up with the necessities of wood for our open fire, he is a carpenter, so we recycle all the left overs to burn.
I do wish I could bake as it all looks so delightful!
Kind Regards Maria x

Outcast said...

This post has really made me appreciate my friendships and the quiet days I spend with them like this, these photos are awesome Jane and I really love the looks of that apple crumble, crumble's my favourite dessert by far!

Outcast said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tangled Sweetpea said...

Love this time of year! Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Victoria xx

Ashley cramp said...

Ohhhh how simply lovely, cosy and magical.....
Daisy x

ted and bunny said...

we had some tree works happening in the woods behind us last year, and to say thanks for putting up with the inccessant chainsaws and vehicles, the loggers promised us a trailer load of wood (no central heating here- we heat with a woodburner so very welcome).

The trailer duly arrived.
Our expectations were a trailer of logs simply needing to be split...and in front of us we had a trailer load of 20 foot long tree trunks!

I'll let you know how "we" (namely the man) gets on!!
x

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

Sounds like they had a great time! Ada :)

June said...

What a generous friend - wood, apples and wine! You make me want to go out and buy apples (no friends with an orchard) to make a crumble!
June

Rose H (UK) said...

What a sweet friend M, and those home made goodies look delish!
Enjoy the week.
Rose H
x

Kristie said...

Sharing is such a huge part of friendship. I think it's fantastic to have friends who you can count on, spend time with, and share food, drink and memories with. You are very fortunate indeed!

Are those real mushrooms? I've never seen red topped mushrooms! Can you eat those? Sorry for all the questions but I've just never seen any mushrooms like these! HAH :)

Streetcomber said...

I love those red spotted toadstools.
Lovely post, thanks.

Madelief said...

It sounds like a delightful afternoon!

Madelief x

magie said...

Sounds ideal! What pretty toadstools and that apple crumble looks delish :)
Magie x

greenthumb said...

Such a nice way to spend a day.

erleichda said...

WHat a lovely giving wonderful afternoon. Life is good when one can appreciate gifts...

thesnailgarden said...

What a wonderful friend. I'm sure that you will remember his kindness each time you light your fire this winter. Gorgeous toadstools! Best wishes, Pj x

PCovi said...

There is nothing anywhere I love more than a fire! You are going to have a sweet winter!
We have eaten our apples with the exception of a few bags in the freezer.

...Nina Nixon... said...

I love these pictures - wood and apples and toadstools...it evokes some of the things I love about this season.

Nina x

Tricia said...

You have officially been added to my blog list....

Lorraine Young Pottery said...

Fly Agaric ! what a find :-)

Lorraine xx