REMEMBER, REMEMBER...........

On this day in 1605 a man named Guy Fawkes was executed in Britain for attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Fortunately his plot failed but to this day all over Britain, and I believe in New Zealand Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated, all in the memory, of to what in my opinion, was the first known terrorist. Bonfires are built and fireworks are set off all over the country.
I have my own Guy Fawkes story, and yes it is food related, sort of. It happened quite a few years ago, our children had already left home so in order to celebrate the day in some way we invited friends for supper, what else would you do? John and Nina arrived and we went to a local bonfire and watched in awe as the sky lit up with the fireworks. We returned home ready to be warmed by a nice dinner. As this was some years ago the exact detail of the meal escape me but the dessert is still fresh in my memory. I had made an ENGLISH TRIFLE, which I will blog next time I make one, and in the spirit of the occasion I placed sparklers on top and lit them as I proudly carried it to the table. Here is the part that stays with me. I had inadvertently bought outdoor only sparklers and soon the room was filling with smoke. Have you ever tried to extinguish hot sparklers? It wasn't happening. Soon the smoke alarm was in full swing, but worse than that, as we were living in an apartment building at the time the building alarms were also going off. All in all there was quite a noise. The building was beginning to evacuate and we knew before long the Fire Engines would start to roll in...............
We sent my husband out, he was reluctant, to explain to the people who were now leaving the building out into the cold night air. We managed to stop the Fire Engines from arriving, but some of our neighbours were not too happy with our explanation, although one, American I may say, was happy it was us as he has assumed the smokey smell clinging to his clothes from his night at the bonfire had set all this commotion in action!
My husband returned, we had by this time opened the windows and moved the party into the bedroom, the only smoke free foom in the house. I had removed the top layer of ash from the trifle and John, Nina and myself were happily sitting on our bed enjoying what was still a delicious end to the meal. Over the years we have laughed about this night and every year when this day comes around I am transported back to that night, to our friends far away.



Here is a verse which is recited around this time of year.

Remember, remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,
'Twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below,
Poor old England to overthrow.

My lesson, Remember, remember to check my sparklers carefully before lighting. Oh well, it was certainly a night to remember for me. A fun night as always.