On our way to Elizabeth’s home for a family gathering we stopped at the the now virtually dry Pilley lake.
The two opposite views I have been tracking through the year demonstrate that the bed is now virtually dry. The second contains
hawthorn berries.
two transverse views demonstrate the expanse of this;
no animals today sought shelter in the dappled woodland on the far side.
We spent the afternoon and early evening at my sister’s with other sister Jacqueline, brother Joseph and his wife Angela, and sister-in-law Frances, reminiscing about life, death, and shared history. A distribution of Mum’s labelled presents also took place. There were a few that we had not yet already received. I will feature them tomorrow.
Elizabeth, Jacqueline, and Angela had produced a fine spread of salad, sandwiches, and cake, which we enjoyed with a little rosé wine, beer, tea and coffee.
Such a gathering is therapeutic and uplifting. I hope those shared memories will buoy you all up for a long time to come.
Thank you so much, Anne
The dry lake bed reminds me of the People’s Republic of California. Nice repast.
Thanks very much, Pat
Love that last photo
Thanks very much, Sheree
Such a contrast between Pilley Lake photos now and earlier in the year.
I’m glad your family was able to get together for such a remembrance, Derrick. I imagine there were some memorable stories told.
Thank you very much, Merril. As always, it stirred up others as well.
Yes, as I expect it would.
Sounds like a lovely time. I am a bit surprised by the dry lake.
Yes. It was like the a couple of years ago. Thanks very much, Cindy
I’m glad you spent time reminiscing with your family, Derrick. Your mum would be pleased. Lovely photos!
Thank you very much, Jill
I’m sure today will become a treasured memory. Meeting and dining and reminiscing with family at such a time is so comforting. Laughter and tears both seem to be a necessary part of the mix. Hugs to you all.
Thank you so much, Jodie X
<3
A day filled with beautiful memories and love! <3
Gathering together to cry, laugh, and share stories is so important!
I hope each of you only used a quarter of a napkin! 😉
Love and HUGS to each and everyone one of you! <3
The quarter of a napkin is a lovely touch in these comments, Carolyn. Thanks very much 🙂
That’s such a good idea. A wonderful way to share memories of a beautiful mother.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
It’s eeriely strange to see the dry Pilley Lake Derrick ..
Yes – especially with no ponies grazing on it. Thanks very much, Ivor
It’s good that you were able to have time with family to reminisce about shared history. I remember those times with my family fondly.
As others have noted, seeing Pilley Lake dry was unexpected. Does it happen every year as a matter of course?
Thank you very much, Liz. Not every year, but a couple of years ago I wandered among grazing ponies on it.
You’re welcome, Derrick. The lake must not be very deep, then?
No. The house next to it is called Quarry Cottage, so I imagine the quarry (there is much sand and gravel excavation all around us) was mostly filled in when exhausted.
That makes sense.
The ground looks thirsty, just waiting for relief. I’m glad your cup is full with family love, support and memories.
Neat comments, Joanna. Thank you very much
Salad, sandwiches, and cake are traditional for such gatherings here, too. In fact, when I was young (and today in certain rural areas) the menu hardly varies. It’s comforting not only to gather with family, but also to consume the traditional “comfort foods.”
Indeed. Thank you very much, Linda
Family memories are just right.
Yes. Thank you very much, Barbara
Sounds like a lovely time with family
Yes. Thanks very much, More
You’re welcome
Those memories are what it’s all about.
Yep. Thanks a lot, Gary
The lake looks desolate without the water, as if it has lost its soul. Family gatherings in the aftermath of final departures of a loved one alleviate the hovering sadness.
Correct on both counts, Uma. Thanks very much.
Whatever befalls any of us, those hawthorn berries keep appearing every autumn. They were there long before any of us, and they will still be there after the very last of us has continued on his way.
Absolutely. Well understood, John. Thanks very much.
We’ve certainly had a lack of rain this summer, even up here in Yorkshire.
Like you, we’ve always done a close family gathering following the death of one of dearest. It’s therapeutic, smiles and tears, and definitely needed. Others may gather at the funeral ‘tea’, but this always comes first.
I’m assuming your sister-in-law Frances is Chris’s widow.
I loved Carolyn’s comment about the quarter a napkin, well remembered!
Thank you very much, Sue. Well remembered you, too. Yes, Frances is Chris’s widow – very much a sister – all the way from Swindon by cab.
Thank you, Derrick.
Lovely writing. I enjoyed this post.
Thank you very much, Sherry
Unlike the sad state of the lake, your life is enriched with time spent with a loving family.
I’m pleased you saw the contrast, Eugi. Thank you very much.
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Beautiful photos, Derrick. Your family time spent reminiscing sounds like the perfect way to cheer your spirits.
Thank you very much, Sylvia. It was
I am glad family was able to get together and celebrate your mother’s life, Derrick. Your mother will get daffodils planted in her memory around your Michael’s tree.
What a lovely thought and gift, Lavinia. Thank you very much. X
It sounds like a wonderful time. Quite stunning, that dry lake!
Thank you very much, Mrs Gumboots
Glad you have gathered with your siblings even if death is what brought you together.
Thank you very much, Mrs W. It was always Mum who brought us together
Your welcome.
A great afternoon 😉
Thank you very much, Ribana