Hawthorn Berry Time

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.

61 comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  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

  4. 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?

        1. 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.

  5. 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.”

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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!

  9. 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.

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