Days like these



Somewhere along the way it would seem that May has left us and it really was such an incredible May. Full of sunshine and warmth, the days long and dry. Suffolk is quite breathtaking right now, its skies are wide and blue and the dark grey of winter seems so long ago to be almost forgotten. The acid yellow of the rape crop has already faded and the wheat is beginning to ripen, the cherries on my
tree are beginning to blush - everything seems three weeks earlier than last year.




Today the children and I set off early to the woods, our mission to gather the elderflowers for this year's batch of cordial. The wood is dry and dusty, the earth cracked from too many weeks without rain but it still feels full of l
ife, that slow, still summer feeling has not reached it yet. The birds sing busily and as we round each corner there is rustling in the undergrowth and we have that feeling of pairs of eyes watching us amongst the dappled light, the deer stand statue still and the dancing sun plays tricks so we cannot be certain that it is they. As we reach the clearing we leave the path in search of the best looking flowers, wading through bramble into the open area were the trees are still young and the best elderflower grows. Our ankles got scratched by the bramble already rampaging across the land but we were victorious.



Our basket filled quickly and we walked slowly home, only 11am but already we could feel the heat of the sun upon us, the oldest dog a little slower as the midday sun grew stronger.



How I love days like these.

Comments

Pomona said…
I came home to the smell of fresh elderflower cordial today - bliss! It sounds like you had a lovely day, lyrically described.

Pomona x
Such beauty and a way with words that made me feel like I was wandering along beside you.

Happy foraging and elderflower cordial making.

Nina x
Krawuggl said…
Oh Rebecca, this is so very beautiful written, it is like I am able to hear the wood, to see the sun rayes through the tree twigs, to smell the delicious elderflowers, it was such a joy to read it all. And yes, these are the days that are most lovely, the days that seem to exist in every childhood and are simply perfect. I am glad I have read this post, it´s like the essence of wonderful summer time.
Ali said…
Good days, indeed and beautiful words Rebecca.
Charity said…
Mmmmm, so lovely sounding!:)
kim said…
So what are your plans for writing a book? Your writing style is so compelling and descriptive. Glad you're enjoying the weather. It's been beautiful on this side of the pond too...
So this is how elderflowers look like :)
picture mats said…
Yeah, you can compile these short posts of your into a book. I too am fascinated by your style of writing.
~Nancy
TA said…
Book? Book! Don't get me started...

Yes, Ms Poshyarns, when are you going to sort your book out?

The path is there, you just need to follow it.

TA
silverpebble said…
How beautiful, both words and images. We mentioned the 17th I think. How would that be for you?
Anonymous said…
I wish I had been staying with you for the last two weeks - we had cold wet miserable weather, with gales at times!!
Simple can be so beautiful. What a lovely morning.
Catherine said…
Sounds like such a lovely way to spend an hour or two! I found your blog via Handmade Living which I only discovered today! Two fabulous discoveries in one day! What more could a girl ask for?! Cx
Alison said…
What lovely pictures - the elderflowers are so pretty.
Alison

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