Tuesday 15 October 2019

Tea and This n That


Hello Friends!


I could scarce believe, when I looked this morning, that it is a month since I last wrote here.  I have been unwell since the last week of August, and cannot fathom how the last six weeks have flown by.  I am thankful to say I am now, as my doctor puts it, convalescing, and feeling much more myself.  Enough said!


In the middle of being poorly, my gas boiler bit the bullet and needed to be replaced, and I don't want to discuss the mess, the upheaval, and especially the expense of that evolution, not to mention that they have already had to visit to repair a brand new boiler!! Again, enough said, and moving on!


I am grateful that, despite having lost weeks off work, I am now able to get out and about for walks.  We have had some quite nasty weather, so right now I am making the most of the few and far between gentle Autumn days before the gales and late Autumn weather come upon us for the duration.


As you know, I love to write short passages of descriptive narrative, so while I sit and sip on my new favourite tea, Orange Gingerbread from Whittards of Chelsea, I shall draw upon some of the words I have written on my Twitter account in the past month, with the accompanying photos.  Due to not having the Twitter constraints of 280 characters, the words may be a little reworked from there.


This sweet card accompanied my recent purchase.



In an effort to help minimise plastic waste, I have just purchased boxes of loose leaf tea and a new, sweet little individual infuser.  So much bad publicity surrounding even premium tea bags, I feel I must stop using them.



Weave cobwebs fine when the moon is full and strew them with the silvery midnight dew, then will they shimmer; then will they shine, and by the coming light of dawn a gossamer fine fairy shawl of sparkling crystal raiment drapes; beware! within such beauty hides the thorny stems of roses fair, and somewhere waits to pounce a spider from this fairest lair. 



An Autumn morning rises silently over the sleepy village nesting on a hill, slowly wakened by a pale and mellow sun. A soft light, an early morning mist, a world painted with the subtle hues of Autumn, and a feeling in the air that words cannot describe, but it touches your heart and you know it is there.  The wind and rain have gone, leaving everything sparkling and fresh; the sky is blue; the sun shines. It's a beautiful, perfect Autumn day in the Shire, my friends.





A wild wind whistles across Whitesands Beach, watching the wide horizon while white ocean waves from the cold, deep grey sea crash upon the sandy, rock strewn shore. Cotton puff clouds scud and billow quickly in a soft blue sky and a lone swimmer braves the surf. It's an Autumn day in wutheringly wonderful west Wales, so wrap up warmly.



These were taken on the tail end of Hurricane Lorenzo, which was thankfully downgraded substantially by the time it arrived on the western shores of Great Britain.



The bounty of blackberries, shiny jewels of the hedgerows continued to give of their best for weeks and weeks, swollen by the plentiful rain, and ripened to sweet perfection by the gentle Autumn sunshine 


Beautiful Kaffir Lilies, also called Hesperantha, arrived unexpectedly in my garden in an abandoned pot, a gift from a passing bird, no doubt.



As I started to feel better, I managed to put up a few small Autumn themed decorations on my mantel



and I love how it looks in the evening, all by candle light aglow


and a final photo from my porch 


Until next time
Deborah xo

14 comments:

  1. I'm so awfully sorry you've been ill. That's a long time for recuperation (well, maybe not) but it has to be frustrating if you're not used to that. And having to deal with the boiler when you aren't at your best had to be a horrid experience. I'm glad it's over but wish it hadn't been in the cards in the first place.

    I really love seeing the beautiful area you call home -- inside and out and nearby as well. The water scenes are really beautiful and I loved the rooftop views. And of course, I'm always excited to see people's fall decorations. Your fireplace is just so beautiful, especially with the candlelight. I can see where it would be a good place to regain your strength!

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    1. Thank you, Jeanie. I often chose to sit by candle light of an evening rather than under the big light. I am blessed to live where I do.

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  2. Good to hear you are feeling a bit better now, I look forward to your posts and your wonderful photos, love your seasonal display,looks lovely and cosy by candlelight.

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  3. I'm so glad to hear you are feeling better, my friend. You've had too many issues to deal with. When it rains it pours, they say. Your photos and prose always delight me. Especially the lovely candlelit hearth. Stay well and enjoy the most glorious of Autumns. xoxo

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    1. Thank you. It's been a bit of a shock how a seemingly simple cough can progress and knock you sideways. Will do my best to enjoy what's left of Autumn. xoxo

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  4. My Friend, you have been through a lot lately, and I am so happy that you are finally on the mend. Your wonderful prose, your fabulous photography are always a welcome pause in my day. As lovely as the flowers and sea are, the spider web and poetry caught my eye and are staying in my heart. I will visit them again.

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    1. Thank you, yes on the mend now! Do come back, as often as you like. You know you are always more than welcome. xoxo

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  5. Risking being ostracised, I have to say that I don’t like tea although I’m a convert to fruit teas.

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    1. I don't mind the occasional cup of something else, but I am a tea pot through and through.

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  6. Stunning photos, Deborah. I'm glad to hear you are finally on the mend!

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    1. Thank you, Cathy. Yes, for a virus it sure has taken its time.

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  7. So pleased to hear you are feeling much better and on the mend. Your autumn display on the fireplace looks so cosy and comforting. Beautiful photos and I loved the cobweb and the blackberries. The pictures of Whitesands Beach are stunning - what a wonderful place to walk. Do hope you are fully recovered soon.

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    1. Thank you. I love sitting in front of the fire of an evening with the flickering candle light. I only wish the coastal shuttle busses ran in the winter as the beach is 2 miles away.

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