Saturday was a shopping and preparation day. Shopping for a couple of Christmas presents and also groceries for the Bonfire Bash I was hosting on Sunday. I kept to local stores, wanting to avoid the hoards of shoppers rushing about trying to buy a whole family's gifts in one day. That's the beauty of living rural, no stressed crowds or racing traffic, the pace of life stays the same whatever the time of year.
I stocked up the fireplace with wood and swept the patio, the leaves were still accumulating, but I had no idea where they came from as the branches above me had been bare for a while. I likely had amassed everyone else's who lived on the hill but regardless, they were energetically swooshed onto the meadow by my busy broom. As I swept and tidied up the wood pile, I spotted a tiny pile of seeds. These had been carefully accumulated, by Sebastian or Suzie, from the birdseed I had been scattering outside. I hadn't the heart to sweep away this little Squirrel Stash and so carefully replaced the tarp with their treasure intact. They'd no doubt be looking for that soon since their winter mating season had started.
The weather was perfect for a bonfire bash. No snow, but with the heavy clouds hanging low over the hill tops, it seemed there was a hint of flakes falling. But the temperature would be in the 50's with no winds so that anticipation of snow would just hang in the air, lending a slight excitement to the day.
I had made a huge chili the day before and it now sat on the stove top warming up slowly. I had also started to make meringues but mixed in the sugar too fast so despite my mixer running on full speed, the mixture wouldn't peak. I gave up, spreading the gooey mess on to 2 baking sheets, so I would end up with 2 large flat meringue rectangles. I broke these up and knocked together my own version of an Eton Mess. Raspberry puree was mixed with brandy and drizzled over the smashed meringues in the bottom of the dish. Then a layer of Ambrosia custard was poured in. This was topped with a layer of Greek yogurt mixed with a raspberry preserve, and then fresh raspberries with grated Cadburys chocolate on top.
Once that concoction was in the fridge chilling, I went outside to pull chairs together and get the fire started. I loaded up my little cart with firewood and trundled over to the fire ring. I soon had flames licking skywards and sat down for a few minutes to savor the smell and heat of the fire. It really was a lovely day for a bonfire.
Kota Kat sat on his rocking chair watching out for the guests to arrive.Rosie Lee sensed something was afoot and disappeared to the bedroom, always shy at the beginning of visits from my friends, but she does build up her courage and makes an appearance later during any event, greeting everyone by rubbing against their legs, her tail upright like a flag pole.
Folks started appearing and the fridge started filling. Bottles of beer
quickly made a temporary home in the cold storage while those already
chilled were plopped onto the counter top and were then promptly opened and carried out to the fire pit. Some folks carried more than one bottle, even stuffing them under arms so more could be transported in one trip. None of my friends are alcoholics, we're all just avid beer enthusiasts. Just sayin'.
Margie and Rob looking a little bored but at least a beer's being poured! It seemed every time I took a photo of these two, all I captured were glum faces, which couldn't have been further from the truth. We were all soon chatting away nonstop and I was constantly grateful that we were having such perfect bonfire weather. Just cool enough to appreciate the fire but not too chilly to feel uncomfortable. I was also glad there wasn't any sunshine, I loved the earthy, wintery atmosphere, thick clouds nestled overhead, crispy brown leaves crunching underfoot, perfect weather for jeans and boots with chunky sweaters and fleeces.
This Rob had on his Jets hat. I'd never seen one of these before, it looked rather cumbersome but he loved it. He didn't keep it on for long though, so I suspect my assumption had been correct. I kept looking at him thinking the hat would nose dive into his chili, but it didn't, and I was secretly miffed about that. I'd made a huge pot of this and was very pleased to see that it was nearly all consumed, leaving me with just a couple of portions to pack for work lunches. The raspberry trifle thing was nearly all eaten too, so the remains were also later packed for snacks.
A brilliant photo of the group, which would have been dramatically improved if my good looks had been present, but someone had to take the photo, and they all still looked fabulous regardless. I make the comment about my good looks because Richard told me my hair looked gorgeous. I've had months of bad hair days, so was ecstatic that someone told me that it finally looked great. No photo though, unfortunately.
Looking even more bored than before, what's going on with these two? Probably wishing they were indoors watching TV or something. Honestly, they weren't bored, I'm sure of that. I just kept clicking my shutter at the wrong time.
But they were finally roused by some excitement! Margie had brought a tin of homemade cookies and left them on the ground close to the fire. And they caught alight! Everyone jumped up, skipping and leaping about, stamping the flames. Except me. I sat and howled with laughter, taking photos.
Margie's enthusiasm still wasn't blazing as bright as her biscuits, her hands remained in her pockets as she casually stomped out the offending flames.
The crispy cookie survivors. I'm sure they were still edible, a fact that Kota confirmed when he decided to join the party, making a beeline for the tin, enticed by the aromas from the freshly baked biscuits. He wasn't allowed to help himself to these though and so started working his way around the group to find abandoned plates.
A sneaky look about before licking the dish, not realizing Mom is right next to him and fully aware of his activities. Either that and he was aware, but not caring that I was watching. This is likely the reality as he does exactly as he wants. Most of the time.
He found a vacant chair and was soon comfortably settled, eyes closed, enjoying the warmth from the fire and listening to the conversation. He has come so far since his prognosis in September, it's as though the medications have given him a new lease of life. Richard even wondered if the side effects of the drugs were somehow fighting the cancer, since his nose is almost completely healed. An interesting and very possible theory, and definitely one that I welcome.
We sat as the light faded, watching flames lick up into the dark sky while sparks flittered and disappeared, as if glitter had been thrown up into the air. Our little party ended when tiny drops of rain started spitting onto our heads, gradually increasing their intensity. We had time to gather up bowls and bottles and head for the house. Later that evening, even though the rain was still drizzling, I emptied a kettle of water over the fire to douse the flames. It had been a great little fire and a great little get together, a perfect end to the weekend.
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