'Picnic'. A word shrouded in mystery.
'Picnic' has also changed in meaning over the years.
Originally it was a group feast to which each member brought along a share
of the food and drink. . . . . and it's doubtful they were held outdoors.
Although the association of outdoor eating and the picnic is not yet 200 years old,
records of meals eaten outside go back centuries. In those days al fresco eating
wasn't necessarily organized with pleasure in mind. The majority of cases were
travelers wending their way over rough roads and dirt tracks, carrying provisions
with them, and there was no choice but to eat out in all types of weather!
I've yet to get my picnic basket out of storage this Summer.
The intense heat, and many house and garden chores requiring attention before we
left on the trip north, left no time for preparing a portable meal. Time for languishing on
a grassy country spot in sensible temperatures just never arrived.
Looking through this little treasure of a book, once again I'm feeling up for planning
a real picnic. . . . . . . if not this coming week, perhaps the next when hopefully it will
cool off a bit. Driving out into the countryside will be more enjoyable, spreading a
tablecloth on the grass less buggy, and popping open a nice chilled rosé while nibbling
tasty morsels, a Summertime adventure.
Are you planning to picnic this Summer?
Do you have a special place you return to. . . . . . . . or just drive
through the countryside until you find 'the perfect spot?'
Of course one can also plan a kind of makeshift 'picnic' at home if traveling is not possible.
We often eat al fresco no matter the weather by sitting in the gazebo in the back garden!
There are no sweeping vistas, rippling streams, ponds, lakes or rivers. . . . . .
. . . . . just bird baths, and a little tinkling fountain.
Massive old trees overhead, with patches of blue sky just visible here and there,
offer cooling shade.
The overhead fan turns silently, stirring the humid southern air.
Now and then a breeze sweeps through and rustles the tablecloth, lifts a napkin.
The birds sing loudly, take a bath then preen on a branch.
Yes, come to think of it, perhaps the home picnic is one of the most enjoyable.
This weekend will be very hot, I think I'll get the basket out and pack a picnic
to enjoy right here.
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