Wednesday 17 October 2012

This moment


The early morning rain and blustery wind which I heard as I woke has gone and in its place is stillness and bright sunshine.  Every day, the trees along the street lose a few more of their leaves and this morning our back garden has a light covering of purple leaves from the flowering cherry tree which grows beside our garden wall.  I’ve had a busy morning; the second load of washing is in the machine and the contents of the first (which included Coco’s favourite toy ‘lamb chop’) are drying on the clothes airer in the utility room.
The oven is still warm from my earlier cooking, and a batch of newly made rock cakes are cooling on a rack on the breakfast bar.  All downstairs floors are washed or vacuumed and I have opened all the windows slightly to let the fresh air in.  If the weather forecasters are correct, this may be the last dry sunny day for a while and I want to make the most of it.  The mobile dog groomer arrived a short while ago and the van is on the drive with the bright and cheerful ‘mucky pups’ logo on the side.  Coco couldn’t wait to get in there and in about another hour, she will return to the house, soft and fluffy and smelling of doggy talcum powder.  If I go into the garage I can hear the muffled conversation between groomer and dog from the van just outside the garage door.  The groomer is chatting to her, telling her what a good dog she is and how beautiful she looks.  There is a soft hum from the hairdryer and I can imagine that Coco is enjoying having such fuss made over her.
In the peace of an empty house, I think I have earned my right to eat my lunch in solitude, without the pleading big brown eyes of a hungry pup by my side.  An empty tin of Heinz cream of tomato soup is on the side and its contents are warm and comforting in a pale blue bowl before me.  I dip my spoon into the delicious creamy soup; I have tried other makes in the past, but none compare to Heinz.  To accompany it, I have a slice of soda bread and I enjoy every last crumb.
Soon the sun will start to dip and temperatures drop and I prepare to go round the house closing windows and closing blinds.  The central heating switches on and the radiators start their gentle clicking as the warm water starts to flow through the system.  In the silent house, this tiny noise is very noticeable.  It is rare now for me to have the house to myself and much as I love the companionship of others, I do value this quiet time to myself.

17 comments:

Sian said...

I loved following your train of thought on this one.

Alison said...

You really CAN'T beat Heinz Tomato soup...loved your moment!
Alison xx

humel said...

I'm so enjoying everyone's moments :) I felt right there with you - in a way that didn't intrude on your contented solitude, of course!

Ruth said...

Great description of your moment. I'm also with you on the Heinz!

alexa said...

What a very atmospheric moment :). The gentle warm of your tone sounded so soothing, and how wonderful to be so organised! I loved the way you led us gently through ...

Irene said...

How well you describe the pampering. What a great idea to come to your home and present you with this moment of reflective solitude. How peaceful it all sounds with just a few gentle hums as background to your colourful soup.

Amy said...

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your moment - especially about the conversation between groomer and dog - that's lovely!

Maria Ontiveros said...

Beautiful. I love the description of your soup and also how you capture the joy of being alone. This reminds me to find my moment for this month.
Rinda

Ifa said...

Beautifully told! I am hearing the stillness. It is that quiet and peaceful here.

Elizabeth said...

I so enjoyed reading your blog today. I can just imagine Coco being pampered in the van and loving it. Thanks for brightening my day.

Scrappi Sandi said...

Heinz tomato soup....no substitute!! I loved reading about your moment & can identify with that feeling of self satisfaction when a good mornings work is done & you can sit back & enjoy some real 'Me' time in peace & sunshine! I do hope Coco didn't disrupt too much when she returned from her pamper session!! :D

Abi said...

This is such a beautiful post Deb. It made me smile to think of that radiator noise. Making me miss home just a little bit! xxx

Cheri said...

great job Deb! Loved the doggie chatter and that impending storm just sounded spooky!

Sandie said...

I was completely drawn in.. you beautifully described your moment.

Denise said...

Lovely x

Miriam said...

Your simple moment sounds so peaceful, beautifully told.

Ginger said...

Hello Deb :) That was a lovely read. I have never heard of a traveling dog groomer! What a wonderful idea for a business :) I certainly enjoy peace and quiet at home, but not for too long.