Lovely London

I have had another fabulous week! The trains behaved and I managed to get myself down to the ‘smoke’ on Tuesday where once again, I stayed in Putney with John’s Uni friends, Nigel and Ann. And once again, they looked after me so wonderfully well that I came home well-refreshed on Thursday. Eeh, but it were luvly!!

Nigel and Ann met me off the train, whereupon Nigel whisked my suitcase off to their house, while Ann and I wandered through Green Park for a picnic lunch, before another saunter into Hyde Park to meet up with Nigel at the two Serpentine exhibition spaces, which I thoroughly enjoyed. We saw two very different art exhibits/installations and were particularly thrilled by ‘Suspended States’ by Yinka Shonibare. Brilliant stuff.

In the evening, we met George Pryzbyla at the Comptoir Libanais in South Kensington for a bite to eat. It was so nice to see him and especially hear all about his recent status as Grandpa. He was also excited by the General Election result, so we heard all about his activities as a canvasser in his local area. Fascinating!

Wednesday was another ‘up an’ at ’em’ day. We were off to Dulwich for another art exhibition at the oldest purpose-built art gallery in the UK, Dulwich Art Gallery. And we weren’t disappointed. The art was Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Print Making. I loved it and feasted my eyes and soul as long as I could – even bought the exhibition book!

A spot of lunch just after one o’clock and then a bus ride home, before joining the jet set in Piccadilly at Brasserie Zedel’s for an evening meal and a foray into The Crazy Coqs for a bit of Jazz. All very weird and wonderful. Ann and I couldn’t help giggling our heads off at some the antics and kept giggling all the way home. Smashing.

It was home-time on Thursday, but that didn’t stop us doing something! We met up with Jane in Chiswick; she and Nev were about to set off for the New Forest but Nev was still getting a shower, so she came solo. It was lovely hour or so together though, and we hugged a fond goodbye at the Tube station.

Ann and I went on to the Garden Museum on the banks of the Thames – a small, but fascinating display of gardens, gardeners, artefacts and tools in the old deconsecrated church of St-Mary-at-Lambeth. More soul-filling.

I had already hugged Nigel a fond farewell earlier in the day, but I squeezed Ann tight as I left her at the station. I had had such an amazing time. Thoroughly enjoyed their company. Lucky me.

Home again, and it was a babysitting day over at the Kenilworth Newbies while Michael and Danielle were at their friend, Leah’s, wedding. Gosh, they scrubbed up well. Looked gorgeous in their smart gear. “Makes a change from jeans!” said Danielle as she left the house.

The boys were marvellous fun while their parents were away and no trouble at all. Lego-building for William and Thomas went down well, while Oliver had a daytime nap. I am forever amazed at their skills and ability to follow the instructions.

Meanwhile, the Kenilworth Originals have arrived in Oz. This is the view from their hotel. Not bad, eh?