FANTASY:

Today I have a fantasy, to go to a big country mansion with sweeping lawns, beautiful fountains surrounded by big majestic trees. We are sitting at a beautifully laid table, beneath the shade of an old oak tree. There is a lovely trellised bandstand where a trio of musicians are playing softly in the background. The birds are singing in a sunshine that is just right, not too hot. There is a gentle breeze which brings with it the scents of jasmine, rose, lavender & orange blossom, wafting around us, embracing us in aromatic dreams. Bumble bees & colourful butterflies dip into fragrant blooms, whilst ruby & turquoise dragonflies skim the surface of the goldfish pond. It is a perfect day, & all of us are dressed in beautiful floral, floaty vintage dresses and big hats to shade our smiles. Tea is served by an elegant butler dressed in black & white. On the table are assorted cakes on a silver, ornate, tiered cake-stand, cucumber sandwiches daintily cut, & some of gentlemen´s relish for the more discerning. Freshly baked scones, still warm from the oven are also served with a flourish by our liveried waiter, with farm churned butter, home made strawberry jam & thick yellow clotted cream. Our tea arrived in the finest silver teapot & poured, rich, fragrant & hot, into vintage, lilac- sprigged cups. The day is perfect, & that´s why it is a fantasy. I do in fact sit in my humble flat clutching a chipped old mug filled to the brim with builders brew in one hand, & digestive biccy in the other. I have an old pair of leggings & a holey jumper on, it´s a grey day, & there is no butler, & no band, but wow, this tea tastes good, think I´ll have a top up.