A Conversation for English Afternoon Tea on the Lawn
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Gnomon - time to move on Started conversation May 2, 2001
In the corner of the lawn is a string quartet, playing music by Haydn. A few people are gathered around to listen, some standing, some sitting on the grass (rugs have been provided).
There is also a consort of recorders, (Descant, Treble, Tenor and Bass), the players dressed in Elizabethan clothes and looking very incongruous. They have had problems playing out of doors because even a slight breeze interferes with their instruments, so they have ended up in the back of one of the greenhouses, surrounded by orchids and hollyhocks, but out of sight of the picnickers. The great bass recorder player has arrived late and is wandering aimlessly trying to find his consort. Eventually, he settles into a quiet corners and amuses himself blowing on his massive instrument.
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You can call me TC Posted May 2, 2001
I can imagine him dripping with sweat - built like Pavarotti, and rather awkward in his movements....
Actually I forgot the music. In my head I had a rickety old gramophone playing Noel Coward songs, and occasionally a "bright young thing" would pop in the house and put a "Charleston" on, but after a few steps everyone gave up because of the energy required ... too hot!
How do the cellists stop the points of their instruments sinking into the grass?
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Gnomon - time to move on Posted May 2, 2001
Many cellists use a small flat piece of wood with a rubber mat attached to it.
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Swiv (decrepit postgrad) Posted May 2, 2001
Oh I do like Noel Coward
Maybe we should get out the gramaphone to give the string quartet et al a rest now and then
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You can call me TC Posted May 2, 2001
Jolly dee! That will be fun.
*Hands round elaborate crystal glasses sparkling with strawberry cup*
Do help yourselves to canapés.
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You can call me TC Posted May 2, 2001
The usual: caviar, quails' eggs, pâté de foie gras, Stilton .... the stuff Jeeves found in the pantry. Oh yes, and our own cured ham with mustard made to my grandmother's recipe. Absolutely no need for reticence ... dig in, old bean!
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Swiv (decrepit postgrad) Posted May 2, 2001
Oh I'll have the cured ham and mustard then
And a nice iced tea
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You can call me TC Posted May 2, 2001
Jeeves! You heard what the man said - look snappy now, he's just had a tiring game of cricket!
Quite a nifty batsman himself, old Jeeves, you know - but I can't let you have him for your team - I need him here - I'm expecting dozens of guests any time now!
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Swiv (decrepit postgrad) Posted May 3, 2001
Jeeves! I'se a gurlie 
- and I'm getting freckles from the sun. Couldn't find me a sun hat could you?
Key: Complain about this post
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- 1: Gnomon - time to move on (May 2, 2001)
- 2: You can call me TC (May 2, 2001)
- 3: Gnomon - time to move on (May 2, 2001)
- 4: Swiv (decrepit postgrad) (May 2, 2001)
- 5: You can call me TC (May 2, 2001)
- 6: Swiv (decrepit postgrad) (May 2, 2001)
- 7: You can call me TC (May 2, 2001)
- 8: Swiv (decrepit postgrad) (May 2, 2001)
- 9: You can call me TC (May 2, 2001)
- 10: Swiv (decrepit postgrad) (May 3, 2001)
- 11: You can call me TC (May 3, 2001)
- 12: Swiv (decrepit postgrad) (May 3, 2001)
- 13: Gnomon - time to move on (May 12, 2003)
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