Why is it that as one gets older you tend to start enjoying gardening more? I guess it’s as simple as slowing down to (literally) smell the roses. Lockdown has of course assisted this slower, more appreciative approach to nature’s […]
IL NEIGE!! I woke up on Sunday morning totally fluent in French….and with a 30 second sense of wonder and awe as I stared out from my bathroom window, not expecting to see such a flurry of snowflakes and a […]
CONGRATULATIONS to our favourite Prince on his engagement to Meghan Markle. My daughter and her friends are all devastated, naturally, lying on the floor,kicking their legs and banging their fists that it wasn’t them..but hey ho. “Now we’ve got to […]
What a week that was. From the biggest upset in American politics to the smallest activities going on in my house, it’s been a big old week and I’m exhausted both physically and emotionally. We’ve had two birthday’s – my […]
Myself and a few girlfriends walked the walk (not all of it I have to admit) this morning for World Child Cancer – a very small, but significant charity raising money for children with cancer in developing countries. Even small […]
Well that was exciting – seeing The Queen this afternoon in Richmond Park with the road lined with well wishers – lots of lovely little children with home made crowns and flags all cheering their little hearts out. All this […]
Probably should name it "Wet & Wild London" as the event, taking place in Richmond Park today is going to be very soggy all round. I've been watching the marquees and Helter Skelters go up all week. It's all been very exciting because THE QUEEN is coming to town today and there are loads of activities going on. I know this because my Goddaughter has been chosen to represent the school along with a few others and has been practicing bowing all week (even though her mother is a little concerned because she is obviously meant to be doing a curtsey). I told my daughter all about it when we drove past it the other day - "she will remember that forever - I still remember being chosen to meet the Queen when I was at primary school in Hong Kong - we all stood in a line and she shook the hand of both children either side of me - I think I was too nervous to put my hand out in time"..... "Which Queen was that?" she asked me. "Queen Victoria" I laughed, but secretly I was hugely offended, naturally. Yesterday they tested the very loud music system during my daughter's GCSE exams. Today all the roads are completely blocked because the park is shut and many children trying to get to school were delayed. I had to make my children walk in the rain because I was stuck. Normally not too bad a thing, but she's got her Biology GCSE this morning so it just seemed such a shame to not be able to keep her calm. There will be more music during the exams. Sometimes, I just don't think the Queen knows what us mere mortals have to go through just so that she can come and visit us.
It has come to my attention that if you find yourself lucky enough to be shortlisted for a blog award you really ought to make the effort to justify why you are on the shortlist in amongst some far more worthy candidates. I am up for a TRAVEL award. Which suggests that I travel. Which at the moment, I don't or rather I can't. Being a single parent makes it difficult to get away - especially when your children are working towards some very important exams. SO. In the meantime, my brother came up with a suggestion for an interesting post - to ask you to share your experiences here so that when I can finally get away I will have a lovely long list of places to visit. I don't want it to be complicated though. At this stage I'd rather have something that is subjective and personal. So I'm starting with coffee. Because coffee is a favourite drink all over the world and whether you are drinking it whilst sitting in a piazza or lying on a beach or on a ski slope or camping, or trekking in Chiang Mai (like my son) many of us have specific memories of where we were and why it was so good. It doesn't have to be the most expensive, or even the most delicious - it just has to be the best cup of coffee you've ever had or your favourite Barista.....for whatever reason:- I'm going to cheat and start off with two. A cappuccino at The Wolseley bought for me by my daughter last year for Mother's Day:-
It was at least 21 degrees today. Boiling. So hot that even the deer in the park needed to cool off. I’ve never seen them having a swim before:-
If you are looking for somewhere splendid to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon after a brisk walk in the park (Richmond Park), somewhere you will find a spectacular menu - (I had their Sunday roast beef) then you should try The Victoria Gastropub in East Sheen.
Very relaxed. Excellent food. Log fires. Everyone welcome including dogs. Make sure you book though. Honestly, I've never had a more delicious roast beef - look at the size of that yorkshire pudding! Walking distance from the park so you can work up a good appetite first! 
and a lovely garden in the summer for BBQ's and chilling:- 
