Lughnassad

[smokingboot]

I've just gone out with a tankard of ale for Lugh. Every Lughnassad I leave a pint of foaming best on a pile of bricks in front of my green (brown really) man . This year, he was so deeply hidden under ivy, brambles, grass and untamed buddleia it took me five minutes to find him, never mind pull the greenery off him, so I guess something's working. He had a slug in his eye socket. I tried to convince myself that this was OK at Lammas but my sense of appropriate myth just couldn't convince the kid in my head, and the interloper got roughly bunged half way across the garden. Impudent things, slugs.

Quincey's got many more pears this year, and the blackcurrant bushes yielded enough in their first season to make a powerpurple crumble, cooked by larians. Our back yard clearly wants to be a kitchen garden, where he that fruits wins. If only I had known when we first arrived.

My beautiful red rose has suffered here...the soil doesn't suit her. So I took one of her few blooms and combined it with a passionflower from the trellis; not a traditional combination but it works, they look beautiful together in front of my Venus statuette.

This may be our last Lughnassad here for a long time, perhaps ever. We haven't loved the place enough, too busy dashing up and down the country, coming home to collapse, exhausted, in front of the tv. Now, just when I begin to understand what might grow in this soil without chemical involvement, it's time to leave. Friends came around today to cart off stuff we can't take with us - my big (and rather lovely) wooden table, chairs, bookcases. It's beginning to feel like a proper move. I hadn't believed in it before, not sure I do now.

Never mind. Lughnassad always has a slightly forlorn feeling to me, and it shouldn't really - it's all about the sun, after all! Here's to the little garden; it's given us some fun years, with frogs and pears, paddling pool parties and the occasional dodgy cocktail. Time to enjoy a pretty if shining wet afternoon.

Sunset is a while off yet.

Comments

[mitchy.livejournal.com]

When exactly are you moving? And where will you be based? *hops up and down excitedly*

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

'When' is the tough one! We are contemplating trying to be there for the end of August and then returning here to redecorate an empty house...where is much more definite! We'll be at my bro's house in Hither Green which is round the back of Lewisham, and fun stuff like catching up will be much easier.

I can't wait to spend time at your place...and invite you to ours for dinner:-)

[ravenrigan.livejournal.com]

But Lammas is about Sacrifice, I remember your eloquent speech at our handfasting some 13 or so years ago!

I've been thinking about that a lot, recently. You were ever the oracle.

I think I might go out and sacrifice some lovely single malt to the Dagda now before it's too late.

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

13 years ago...do you know, I can remember the day so well, but I can't remember the words? I am glad if they were useful to you. The oracle sees all - except that which pertains to herself!

[cat-that-walks.livejournal.com]

Sadly, while there was some Kopparberg Pear involved in this evening I drank it all, ah well.

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

I can feel your regret from here!

[cat-that-walks.livejournal.com]

:)

[nyarbaggytep.livejournal.com]

I've belatedly made a sacrifice today, accidentally, but I hope that it counts. One bottle of beer, and a little of my blood.

I'd missed that you are moving, I hope it goes well.

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Thank you, it all seems a bit strange at the moment...we're repainting the house so we can rent it out, and everything is happening bit by bit.

A very fruitful lammas to you. May all your accidents be uncannily fortuitous for you:-)

[nyarbaggytep.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much, I hope that the same applies to you too.

[littlemiscowboy.livejournal.com]

I don't know if it'll make you feel any better, but your table and chairs look lovely in their new home and we all had a lovely dinner on Saturday night sat around it.

Hugz & am still sorry that you guys are departing... :-(

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Thank you hun, the whole thing is a bundle of stress at the moment, so much so I want to close my eyes and pretend its not happening. It's nice to know that the table and chairs will be used and loved...don't know why it improves things, but it does.

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

*Big hugs back*