LAUGHTER SUPPRESSED

 

I covered my giggles, and smoothed smiles suppressed my laughs, at the things, you got up to in the past.

The rustle at night, with chocolates disappearing out of sight, the sound of biscuits and crisps munched contentedly in the night.

‘No not me! I do not even like them, you know I never eat them!’  Was the irritated furious reply.

The beautiful cakes left standing turned into a shell, you nibbled them from within, leaving little trace before they silently caved in.

Still, the proof was not enough!

“Not me! I hate cake!”  Was said with a very serious straight face. 

Weighing scales were brought out as proof. A quick jump on, a wriggle and a shout.

“These scales are miles out, I will have to buy new ones today.”

Oh, how we miss the tussle and laughs. Covering the pain you often bravely suffered. The lovely sense of humour is never unkind. 

The delight and pleasure you showed when welcoming the old and the young. They always responded to the goodness in you.

Margaret, you are greatly missed, a big hole you have left behind, but we are glad you have left pain, and the need, to watch what you loved to eat behind. 

We look forward to our oh-so-joyful uniting, in the fullness of time, All our love for now.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

DINING AT SEA

 

Tables prepared white with silver glistening, arranged in twos and fours or more. Waiters and attendant at their stations, patiently wait and watch as we settle to scrutinise the menu for something new and tasty to eat.

Once we start chatting amongst ourselves, casting glances surreptitiously, some critical, most friendly, around the room, the waiters know it is their signal to ask if we would like to order, or if we need more time for contemplation.

Pens poised over small pads of paper, they busily squiggle and scratch away, stopping now and then to advise or repeat the awkward culinary names we failed to catch. 

Sommeliers pause to describe wines refined, others quite exotic, taking orders to match the meal you have chosen.

Away they go, attentive, some swinging big trays aloft, going out empty, returning full right to the top.

It's a period of constant action complicated on occasions by the sea's devilish sway and drop.

Catching both passengers and waiters off guard, sending them reeling into complicated balancing displays, which are hard to stop.

Above all this is laughter, together with gentle, quiet attention and a joke or two to take away, as off we go, having had an elegant sufficiency, happy and warmly content. 

We send our thanks to the kitchen for our food and our gratitude for not having to do the huge piles of accumulated washing up.

Note: 

Written while on a cruise on The Black Prince.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

A NEIGHBOURLY AFFAIR

 

We awoke to a miserable wet misty day and a heart sink moment.

It is our resident's Street Party, food has been prepared and ready for the fun. Would it be clear, if not what would we do? 

Each year it provides a chance for us to meet old friends and make New Ones. We were very lucky this time, as the sun suddenly popped out and stayed. It was with delight we set off to the reserve, gathering at the top, as we filed down a rough track to the party spot.

Once there, we spread out erecting fold-up chairs, it is on a bit of a slope, but the safest places were found under the shade of a few trees. 

Names were exchanged, details of our lives and homes swapped, and wine and soft drinks were poured and shared.

Once the tables were put up, they gradually filled with delicious delights lovingly prepared by all. Salads, chicken, prawns, rice, potato and pasta dishes. Eggs and tomato with cucumber, plus lots of other tasty food. To go with a Barbecued lamb or two, carved and served hot. Later sweets appeared merengues, rhubarb crumble and many others. Wonderful!

To top it all, if you turned around you had a fantastic view of sea islands, country, river and wetlands stretching in all directions. 

You could not imagine a more spectacular Neighbourly affair, a huge success. Thank you, everyone, for all the effort made to make it a truly memorable occasion. Here’s to Next Year, or another excuse for a neighbourly affair.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

HIGH AFTERNOON TEA

 

We were invited out to high afternoon tea, in a beautiful historic house near here.

We sat on a verandah with Wisteria winding up it’s posts looking out on a sun-drenched garden, at flowers showing off their beauty to impress.

Our table for six was draped in embroidered linen and napkins, laid with English China, covered in red roses.

The ceremony began!

When a menu appeared with teas from many countries to choose from, we never knew there were so many.

William Morris Teapots, with our individual choice of tea, appeared, for us to marvel at. 

We looked for the menus for the edible delights, after all that is afternoon tea without sandwiches and cake.

Our host advised us to please wait, "It is all in hand." 

We chatted and relaxed in the ambiance of the moment.

Suddenly a voice spoke! 

"Who is gluten-free please?" I replied "I am."

A three-tiered cake stand appeared by my side, with four delicate sandwiches with different fillings, three amazing small pastries, a raspberry mousse and crowning the top two small chocolate temptations and my very favourite a meringue. 

I was in heaven to have my own cake stand with gluten-free delights. I have never been so spoilt!

Normally I have to watch everyone else eating when invited to tea. Glancing around at the others I saw they had two three-tiered cake stands full of delectables to share. 

Delighted comments were passed to our host for such a thoughtful tea time and a romantic moment to treasure.

The six of us chatted our way through the whole wonderful afternoon and promised to return to partake of their equally delicious breakfast.

So here’s to the next time.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

MYSTERY SUGAR JAR

 

I sat watching the television, having just had a curry, when my husband handed me my dessert: peaches in evaporated milk, a favourite of mine. 

Partaking of my first mouthful, I registered a difference in texture. Looking down, I saw some brown bits floating around in the milk. 

My tongue and taste buds were trying to detect what the floating bits might be; they required a bit of chewing. The conclusion was crushed nuts of some kind, and I carried on eating. 

Once completed, I asked my husband if he would like a cup of tea; he replied in the affirmative. Taking my tray into the kitchen and clearing it, and waiting for the kettle to boil, I saw a packet of brown sugar lying on the countertop, so I decided to fill the almost empty Kilner sugar jar. 

While pouring it in, I noted it was a different consistency to our normal golden brown sugar, and assumed my husband had been sent Demerara instead in our food delivery from the shop. 

I remembered we had some white granulated sugar left in the cupboard, so I added that to the jar to make it easier to use for tea. Once the kettle had boiled, I made the tea, adding one spoonful of sugar to mine. 

I carried them to my husband and relaxed to watch TV and drink my tea. As I took my first mouthful, realisation dawned. I had had this experience already, with my peaches and evaporated milk. What on earth is it? 

I turned to my husband and asked, “Did you open a packet of brown sugar earlier?” 

“Yes. Why?” 

“It is not sugar!” 

“Better look at the name on the packet,” he said.

Together we went to investigate. I grovelled in the kitchen bin, retrieving the offending packet which declared itself to be crushed goji berries, almonds and pine nuts. 

Mystery solved, but what to use this mixture for with its addition of golden and white sugar? We now had a jar full of it. 

The decision was taken and the topping from the jar could be scattered on ice cream and other fruit concoctions. We were lucky; it works quite well, just not in tea. 

We have had some other mishaps by helpful friends with the Kilner jars: salt is definitely not a good substitute for sugar. 

However, it was a very good causative element for great merriment and application of contents labels. 

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

A CAKE FOR TEA

 

I often sit for afternoon tea

With no cake placed in front of me.

I’m Gluten-Free!

Watching others devouring 

Small decorated tasty delights,

With small noises as they disappear 

Appreciatively out of sight.

Today surprise, surprise!

I cheekily asked for any Gluten-Free.

Yes, we had a McMillan bake in today!

So on offer is chocolate 

Or pistachio Gluten Free cake.

Shrieks of delight burst from me.

As I enjoyed and took full part 

In the Afternoon Tea.

Thank You!

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

FAVOURITE CUP

 

One sip as my favorite cup 

Touches the lips, from its rim, 

Hot refreshing tea is sipped.

Gradually warmth seeps, 

Into the wrapped round grip.

Preparing to relax you, 

For the emergence of a new day.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

CAFÉ RELAX

 

Sitting alone in the café, 

Allowing the atmosphere of the place,

To pull me into the realm of relaxation. 

In my favourite Café.

As I relaxed, allowing the music, 

To complete the job.

Removing the tension, 

With an iced speciality drink clasped, in my hand.

I was alone, just me. 

Except for one small intrusion.

A white dog tail, 

Doing an occasional wag.

This cafe is called Wags N Tales, 

After all.

He just wanted to say hello. 

Then we were still.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Wags N Tales Coffee Bar Kitchen

A BEE’S CONTRIBUTION

 

A bee’s contribution to tea I am.

I bring a smile, 

When into a ceramic bee tea pot cast.

Full to the brim with refreshing tea.

On toast or a hot scone, 

My liquid gold is spread.

Bringing delight to many.

All I ask in return is a place in your garden, 

Especially for bees.

Full of wild, nectar-bearing flowers.

So gathering flights do not take us, hours and hours.

As we work to produce delicious honey 

To complement your tea.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

INVITATION TO A CUP OF TEA

 

I have asked you here to take a sip.

To relax and chat, 

While your lips into china flowers dip.

Soon the smell, the taste, 

The warmth as you start to unwind,

It's Afternoon tea!

A ceremony celebrated for years 

By all who have shared a cup of tea.

Memories slowly released again 

To enthral new listeners.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

A TABLE LAID FOR ONE

 

How I am drawn to it, to sit comfortably, inhaling the scent of daffodils placed in a vase bathed by the sun.

Table cloth beautifully smooth, covered with silverware and paper-thin bone china waiting to be used.

Newly baked bread balanced for the slice of a knife and positioned on a plate with a pat of melting butter and marmalade waiting deliciously to be spread. 

Bouts of contemplation, nibbling, as time is left for tea infusing. Not to be hurried, before pouring into a cup to be blended delicately with milk and sugar, part of the tea-making art.

Gently relaxing and glancing out the window. Allowing thoughts to gather of how you are going to maximise this wonderful day when you are truly on your own.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

CHERISHED CHOCOLATE

 

Cherished chocolate, not for me, until I have examined every ingredient scrupulously.

Otherwise, it could damage me. I need to have delights made gluten-free.

I envy those who can partake of every new concoction confectioners make.

The advantages, though, are small, when my waist does not seem to expand at all.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

OH, FISH SO SAD TO SEE YOU STILL

 

To see you laying on ice so frozen

Scooped out of the deep free ocean.

Caught never to speed down, down into the deepest sea.

Never to frolic in shoals of coloured splendour.

Now still upon a slab awaiting

To be placed upon a plate with chips

With lemon slices and salty flaky bits.

To bring pleasure to some hungry folk’s tongue and lips.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

WICKED

 

I am feeling rather wicked, I wonder what I can do?

I am tired of being so goody, goody, aren’t you?

I will leave the dishes in the sink for someone else to clean.

Leave the drawers and cupboards open just an untidy little bit.

I will leave the lids off the jam jars and knives with peanut butter, sticking to the tops, awaiting a slice of bread to mop up the lot.

Oops someone has just come home the key is in the lock.

I better put it all away in case I give them a shock, as they are used to me being a goody two shoes.

Not hiding such wicked, wicked, thoughts.

2022 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

WHAT A DELICIOUS DELIGHT

 

What a delicious delight so I have been told,

Is trapped in the cup icy frothily cold.

Cream to sit upon an upper lip if through a straw I fail to sip.

Urge to lick the chocolate drip or on the table, it will firmly stick.

This delicious delight is not for me.

It is just a taunting picture I am staring at.

I am in Ethiopia and it is a famine we are sharing.

Just think of us as you take your first delicious sip.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

EMERGING

 

Emerging from the long pandemic locked home.

Into the light full of expectations of the right to roam.

To expand your horizons, expose yourself to the sun, sea, 

freedom and lots of fresh air.

To taste unfamiliar menus and drinks to share.

To realise all the sacrifices were worth it in the end.

As you set off determined to make up for lost time and seek lots of new friends. 

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 

Photo © Pixabay 

DELICIOUS FUDGE QUEEN

 

Anyone for fudge, from Heather the fudge Queen? You have to earn it, nothing comes free.

Give her good service, or help her friends, the fudge will come your way, with a smile, twinkling eyes and a laugh that seems to linger when she has left the room.

It could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or promises of more now and then extended.

Flavours potluck, just what lurks in the cupboard and is magically mixed in. To appear in a clean but very interesting old biscuit tin.

2021 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

GRACE

 

Grace by name goodness by nature. 

She baked night and day to give cakes and biscuits away. She would open her tin, and share baking hidden within. One at a time they were given away.

Dull eyes shone, as the delights hit the tongue, provoking taste and memories, of times long past, leaving smiles to linger on.

Grace never did partake, it was for others, she steadily continues to bake. Leaving the magic of companionship behind.

Note: 

This is a true story about a lovely quiet lady, using her delicious shortbread biscuits to open up a conversation.

2021 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

AN EVENING TO REMEMBER

 

It was an invitation that gathered six friends together for a social meal on a waning summer evening. Greetings and social chatter flowed between us. As we started the nibbles and the wine.

Our host and hostess busied themselves with tending the barbecue and setting out the accompanying dishes. Offers of help were refused, so we settled to await it’s delivery.

Admiring a newly planted garden, showing it’s advanced growth since our last visit to the new house. It was beautiful, with healthy flourishing plants, which in the dwindling day light, gave different shading, until the candles and outdoor lighting took over to break the darkness.

The silence of the night was only broken by the occasional cicadas and the big-voiced tiny crickets and of course us.

We were honoured by being introduced to the newest member of the family, a puppy to join a new kitten. She is called LuLu and was so placid and well-behaved amongst strangers. It gave the animal lovers amongst us a cuddly moment and a connection to dogs we had shared in the past.

The call came, ‘everything is ready, come and help yourselves.’

What a sight and what choices to make, needless to say, we had to try a bit of everything, how could you say no. It would be disrespectful to our hosts, as they had worked so hard preparing a wonderful meal.

Once we were settled, the conversation and laughter started, stories and shared memories were exchanged.  

We had a companionable halt to eating, before we were forced to chose again from the deserts laid so temptingly before us.

None of us could possibly refuse, they were too much of a temptation. After that we moved indoors to have our tea and coffee, till an unexpected bout of cramp brought the wonderful evening to a close. 

An evening to place in my memory bank as a keeper.

© 2021 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License