We had the midsummer gathering here yesterday (sorry for the dozens of cars, neighbours) and very well it went, too. Despite the rain which fell softly all day except for the hour during the ceremony itself. We were stood in the circle listening to it pelting down
next door, but not on us. There were two handfasting renewals - MRK and Rachel, performed by K, and the triple one between K, Luisa and myself.
Late night, after the feast table had been put away, I saw on
Stephanie's journal about making
Chinese tea eggs and had to try them. Last nights weren't so good but today's came out quite well. I used paprika in
stead of five-spice and Kenyan tea. I must try a green tea variety but I suspect its the tannin that 'fixes' the pattern.
It was incredible windy today with scattered sunny bits where the clouds cleared sufficiently to let it through. We narrowly avoided a dogfight when a woman charged around a corner with two Westies (which seem to be the commonest dog around here), saw me, shouted 'F--- Sh--' a few times and made a large detour.
I responded with a 'good morning' and apologised to the dogs on her behalf.
No photos of people because I have no permissions to post any, but last night was the handfasting of dear friends Hugh and Lelani and the Samhain gathering, both performed in the consecrated circle in the garden. Here's the fish pond, which played no part whatsoever in the garden.
...and the altar.
