To The Picnic

I loved @krstp 's idea of setting some writing to music. I used Jupiter from Holst's the Planets. (My version is 7.46 mins long and is from an album called '50 Greatest Pieces of Classical Music). It's not really listen-as you read, but the different sections are marked out.

(0-2.53)

We're going for a picnic. We dash with excitement from room to room calling out our respective needs.

"Picnic Blanket?"
"Airing cupboard!"

"Paper plates?"
"Kitchen drawer under the sink"

"Where are my car keys?
"In your pocket!"

A growing pile by the front door suggests that this is no small affair. The fridge is raided and conscripted Tupperware tubs nestle companiabley together in cool bags.

Layers of clothing are collected- all weathers are predicted and prepared for. Odd socks are donned by at least one person in the rush.

We crowd into the car, friends and picnic equipment squashed equally together.

"Who's got the postcode?"
"You have"
"Oh yes, I wrote it on my hand".

We're finally off, with our very own soundtrack blaring through the car and out of the windows to be shared with those along the way.

(2.54- 4.48)

We enjoy the drive, pointing out oddities, people and places of memory.

As tradition dictates, sweets are passed around and anecdotes too. In each person's hands a detail or variance is added to the story, weaving together a complete adventure.

The quiet rhythm of easy companionship takes over from the excitement. We are each known by the others, appreciation and occasional irritation expected and understood.

A silence occasionally falls as we're lulled by the humming road sounds and our own steady breathing.

(4.58- 5.49)
Someone spots the motorway exit, we are near and we all know it. Can we see any signs for it yet...? Yes we can!

Just round the next corner, and left on the roundabout, and straight across the junction.

"It's there, over there"
"We're here"

(5.49- 7.07)

We look together to play the 'spot the nearest parking space' game. There's one we have to wait for, the driver calling sensibly for patience while the elderly couple carefully pack up their matching foldaway chairs into the boot of their travel-weary car.

Our car is parked and the contents unloaded and distributed equally for carrying (although this is disputed by several parties).

We can see the picnic grounds from here and one or two companions become restless during the equipment dispersal, hopping from foot to foot signalling their readiness to move.

(7.07- 7.28)
Heavily weighed down we make our way slowly and carefully towards the grass-carpeted picnic ground.

(7.28- end)

We are finally here. We sit on the provided benches and laugh in relief.