Fetes and the beauty that comes from them

Now by reputation I have never been a large fete attender in the past but today has really opened my eyes to the prospects of such a social activity. To summarise, my wife, bless her!!, had been burning the candles at both ends the night before the fete, getting all her cakes in order for the big day and to say she was pooped was a distinct understatement. Sleep came easy to her last night and then this morning she was up with the lark, applying the finishing touches to her mesmeric creations and you know it proved a big hit with all the fete attenders. By the time she had registered all her eateries for purchase within the confines of the little church nestling on the green in Shifnal, the sun was out and the marquee and stalls were going up rapidly. Even before the fete had officially started her cakes had already drawn gasps from the watching tea/beverage ladies in the church and eager and greedy eyes were already surveying which delicacies were going to be gobbled up in one go. " These are amazing" said one parishioner and soon most of the cake pops had been earmarked by the refreshment brigade as they presided over who had what....even before the general public had arrived on the scene. It was like a possee already instructed as to the task in hand. My wife's culinary attributes often raise emotions to record levels and therefore it was little surprise to me but there we are...half the cakes already spoken for by the helpers. utterly amazing. Such is the power of such a talent and my wife has it in droves, sickeningly so, but what a talent.
The people arrived and the gasps of pleasure became more and more praiseworthy as the cakes started to dwindle but my wife's resolve was steadfast and true.
For my part in the supporting role as her husband, I picked up bargains in the video and furniture department and came to realise that I was a natural at bidding in the pressure cooker situation of an auction, but it was all in a good cause, the local churches.As for the auctioneer, he was more like a benevolent uncle and we picked up 4 items that would have cost a great deal more in any department store so together we had a really good day. One thing is readily evident, when you have a talent you must visibly flaunt it, and my wife did that admirably to the tune of picking up more orders from people to enhance and establish her expertise in the local community as a cake specialist. Bravo to her, and for my part, I'm just glad I was able to help in some small way, but I know that even with my small contribution it was appreciated it by the woman of the moment or should that be , " of the fete " whatever; hats off to my wife for her sterling contribution and her continued place at the very heart of our community.