Warm Drinks on Cool Days

The temperatures have been noticeably lower in Mellowdene over the past week. The children haven't commented much on this but I note that they are less eager for ice cream and seem to crave hot chocolate drinks more frequently.

I should give you a quick update on the children:

Cecile was able to quickly wash and dry Orton's fragrant coat before he missed it. He is clearly more used to warmer climates as he always grabs his coat before going outside. This is so unlike Brendan, who doesn't mind running about outside even when it's raining. Brendan is delighted to have a boy his age in the family and in the same house, and I'm pleased to report that Orton is responding well. The only other lad of comparable age in the family is Rowan's boy Figwort, but he is still a touch uncertain and shy; he's a nice lad and we obviously need to make more effort to include him, to bring him out of himself. Conversely, his sister Aster is starting to enjoy joining Beverley and her other cousins Biddie and Lena in their girlie mayhem. I use the term advisedly.

Seven children, not including the titchies, so we're getting through the hot chocolate at a fair rate! Should frequent visitors Lucky and Lisa Snow-Warren, Coco and Freya Chocolate, Daisy Cottontail, Suzanne Seadog and Jane Hamilton plus newer Kittie Camp friends Hughie Grunt and Nolly Persis also descend upon our household, stocks will tend to run out much quicker!

I know from previous years when the weather is poor, there are times our big living room fills up with combinations of the above youngsters. Any songwriting work with Chris where we need the piano usually needs to be postponed and I'll find myself seeking sanctuary elsewhere. It's just as well that Cecile and Eliza thrive in such an environment. They don't seem to mind when Merlin and I seek peace elsewhere. We are lucky to have such tolerant wives!

Where do we go? Sometimes we toddle off towards the docks and visit the snack bar. Horatio Seadog has a decent amount of spiced blackcurrant tisane that he brings in from his journeys along the east coast. Served hot, traditionally with sugared bread sticks (although we will eat what's available), we chat with Horatio's brothers and waste time playing jindik - which is an odd combination of draughts and ludo.

There's also the Blackcurrant Café, although we don't spend too much time there just in case Marion Brighteyes should overhear something she shouldn't and this finds its way to Cecile's ears. They do serve the best coffee though. Funnily enough, the next place on our list was first mentioned by Francesca Osbourne who also works in the Blackcurrant Café.

This place is an out-of-the-way basement venue where Finley Osbourne works. It is known as the "Bear Pit" and is a sort of club where they serve an assortment of drinks and snacks and provide music. The music is generally what one might call mellow jazz. Sometimes they ask me to play piano, but I only do that occasionally - after all, Merlin and I are there to relax, chomp on cheese snacks, enjoy mulled fruit drinks or toffee cocoa. It's perfect for preparing us for the walk home in cold weather.

Of course Chris Snow-Warren provides us a bolt hole sometimes. His charming wife Charity and bubbly daughters Hope and Susan always make us welcome, but we don't stay too long because we know that baby Connor needs a lot of attention. That said, Charity has a recipe for hot citrus bang-bangs that has to be tasted to be believed. A mug of this, and you won't need anything else to fight off an autumn cold.

 

When we arrive back home, the juvenile horde has usually left, leaving solely our own immediate family. Orton is a little clingy at the moment, so he will give Merlin a big hug when he sees him. Brendan and Beverley will nudge each other, happy that their new cousin is finding his place.

Cecile will raise an eyebrow. "I hope you've not spoiled your appetite, Jack."

"Of course not, my love," I will say.

You see, I learn my lessons. A pint mug of Horatio's lobster bisque, a slice of Marion's rich egg custard with my fresh coffee, an Acorn Valley cheese and pickle toastie with my Bear Pit cocoa, and wedges of Charity's honeycomb cheesecakes with my hot bang-bang are all rather filling.

When you have a dinner awaiting you at home, you should never consume all of these in one afternoon...

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