I enjoyed reading this for so many reasons - John Martyn and Nick Drake bring a particular mood to mind and May and September are also my favourite months, not least because there isn't the same expectation and thus, less scope for disappointment (I live in Ireland). The Celtic Wheel has eight turns, marking seasonal change and mid-points. On 7th August this year, it turned to Lughnasadh, marking the turn to Autumn from Summer. Normally, I am delighted by this and, as you say, looking foward to the imminent cosy fires and woollies. However, the garden has actually looked like Autumn since June this year, due to lack of sunshine, so I am feeling somewhat cheated :( Delighted to say though, your piece cheered me up enormously and put me in mind of blending seasons through food to manage the transition more smoothly and enjoyably - thank you!
Hello Áine, what a lovely, fascinating comment, thank you. I love that lack of expectation of the shoulder months too. I had no idea about The Celtic Wheel and Lughnasadh - I shall investigate further, thank you - and yes, my word we are owed a decent September aren't we!
You're not alone in not having heard of it. Most Irish people are unaware of the Celtic Wheel, which is effectively a sky clock, whereby the ancients marked the passage of seasons and cycles. It is divided primarily by the solstices and equinoxes and then the cross-quarters, marking the start of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. If you're interested in it, I can highly recommend Russell Cottrell's Celtic Wheel Horologium for exact dates and times but if you're more interested in the mythology and folklore side of it, the Horologium is a bit clinical.
I love this post almost than your others and I love them all. Maybe it’s the elderly man gently trumpeting his way into a new day or the mention of John Martyn ( one of my faves) who lived near my brother in Ireland. I think they had some merry times together. The panzanella sounds a sublime idea and I shall recreate maybe using Verena from Ottolenghi’s “cranko”, her mash up of croissant and panko. I made up a bag of it yesterday with stale croissants and I think would work in lieu of brioche which I don’t have.
Merry times with John Martyn would be a very special (and I imagine, large) merry times. That cranko sounds amazing - I'll off to investigate, thank you
I think a freedom to fart when- and wherever might be the epitome of elderly contentment. I’m ambitious enough to think that I might let at least a few rattle when I reach that age. Panzanella looks superb.
That's quite the review isn't it! I saw him considerably later in 1993ish and he was a little more mellow, albeit not without menace. And hurray for ED!
heres to the old man who farts fearlessly - may we all find such contentment
indeed!
I think it’s clear from the comments that we all desire to break wind in the wild. Perhaps a new lifestyle program is coming.
It's the new meditation
With a different kind of “ommm” sound. 😯
👀
Hahahaha, parp parp!
Indeed!
I think this might be the most sublime breakfast ever. I’ve two weekends away from home so I’m patiently waiting for September to experience.
It’ll be here very soon!
"...zorro with good olive oil..." A perfect instruction.
thank you!
I enjoyed reading this for so many reasons - John Martyn and Nick Drake bring a particular mood to mind and May and September are also my favourite months, not least because there isn't the same expectation and thus, less scope for disappointment (I live in Ireland). The Celtic Wheel has eight turns, marking seasonal change and mid-points. On 7th August this year, it turned to Lughnasadh, marking the turn to Autumn from Summer. Normally, I am delighted by this and, as you say, looking foward to the imminent cosy fires and woollies. However, the garden has actually looked like Autumn since June this year, due to lack of sunshine, so I am feeling somewhat cheated :( Delighted to say though, your piece cheered me up enormously and put me in mind of blending seasons through food to manage the transition more smoothly and enjoyably - thank you!
Hello Áine, what a lovely, fascinating comment, thank you. I love that lack of expectation of the shoulder months too. I had no idea about The Celtic Wheel and Lughnasadh - I shall investigate further, thank you - and yes, my word we are owed a decent September aren't we!
You're not alone in not having heard of it. Most Irish people are unaware of the Celtic Wheel, which is effectively a sky clock, whereby the ancients marked the passage of seasons and cycles. It is divided primarily by the solstices and equinoxes and then the cross-quarters, marking the start of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. If you're interested in it, I can highly recommend Russell Cottrell's Celtic Wheel Horologium for exact dates and times but if you're more interested in the mythology and folklore side of it, the Horologium is a bit clinical.
https://www.russellcottrell.com/blog/CelticWheelHorologium.htm
I suspect that gardeners who sow and reap by the moon cycles might be aware of it but maybe not.
Thank you again for the cheering up and yes, yes, yes to September sunshine!!! 😊
Thank you!
I love this post almost than your others and I love them all. Maybe it’s the elderly man gently trumpeting his way into a new day or the mention of John Martyn ( one of my faves) who lived near my brother in Ireland. I think they had some merry times together. The panzanella sounds a sublime idea and I shall recreate maybe using Verena from Ottolenghi’s “cranko”, her mash up of croissant and panko. I made up a bag of it yesterday with stale croissants and I think would work in lieu of brioche which I don’t have.
Merry times with John Martyn would be a very special (and I imagine, large) merry times. That cranko sounds amazing - I'll off to investigate, thank you
Hi Sophia, yes please, try it and let us know. I'm sure it'll be delicious.
Will do!!
cheering delight as ever... thank you
Thank you Fee
What a fantastic idea! Hope someone manages to give some to the champion farter.
That would be a fine thing wouldn’t it
It would!
How beautiful 🙏
Thank you Rhoda
I think a freedom to fart when- and wherever might be the epitome of elderly contentment. I’m ambitious enough to think that I might let at least a few rattle when I reach that age. Panzanella looks superb.
‘It’s only that nice Mr Inwood…don’t mind him letting rip’
Yum1
Fruit panzanella looks like the best idea ever in the history of ideas.
I don’t have many good ideas, but this was definitely one of them
Looks beautiful...
Thank you!
Oh to feel as carefree as that old man. Wonderful. Mark your photo of the panzanella is a work of art, much like this chapter.
You JP are a very kind man, thank you. And yes, let us stride forth into the world letting rip at will!
Still have fond and vivid memories of this night in Regent’s Park Theatre
https://johnmartyn.com/gig-reviews/regents-park-london/
….. where by some strange coincidence, Elizabeth David also once worked ( she just keeps popping up whenever I write on Substack! 🤣😂)
That's quite the review isn't it! I saw him considerably later in 1993ish and he was a little more mellow, albeit not without menace. And hurray for ED!
“I was made for May and September” 🙋🏼♀️ me too! Thank you for keeping my afternoon bright with your writing x
My pleasure and thank you x