The Reunion

 At last, at last I have been able to meet with my Mythago buddies once again...it's been six long months since we've been able to physically be together and it was fabulous.  We were able to meet for a meal at our local pub [we have danced there on Boxing Day for years] and have an outdoor music/dance practice in the field out the back. The pub has always been very welcoming and is allowing us to use their field on an evening when they're closed to keep our hand in until we can get back into our usual hall. More recently the pub owners daughter joined the side as a member.

Bar four sessions in November I haven't danced since February 2020, so I was a little apprehensive. Thankfully I haven't forgotten too much, although we are having to adapt some of the figures to make them socially distanced for now. Whilst I was catching my breath [grass and heat always make it harder] I took a handful of photos to capture the flavour of a special day and just sat back and listened to the laughter. I think it's the laughter and mickey taking I have missed the most.

That "smudge" on the photo is one of two storks that were circling above us [you'll have to take my word for it!] and they'd flown across from the rewilding project at nearby Knepp Castle. They were introduced back onto the estate two years ago and raised chicks for the first time last year. This year there are seven nests. I have avoided going over to see them, because the place is always so busy and parking a nightmare. Therefore, it was a real privilege to be able to see them for the first time and totally unexpectedly. More info here https://www.whitestorkproject.org/news. They provided the icing on the cake....speaking of which the rainbow cake was in celebration of two longterm couples who unexpectedly got engaged. The Gandalf the Grey photobomber is our naughty drummer. Normally he looks much scarier wearing a mask with a skull painted on it.

Arilx