Saturday, May 3/2025

Well, the rotary end of winter barrel sank through the softening ice on the lake in Sioux Lookout so it’s time to pack up and go back. Have been spoiled with warm temperatures not only in Cyprus but with gloriously warm and sunny weather in London - significantly better than King Charles was able to command for his coronation at this time two years ago.

The current Airbnb one of the best combinations of location and facilities we’ve had. Well, OK, it’s 39 steps up - a literary cum cinematic ring to that - but the view behind is out over rooftops and trees, some still in flower, and you can hear the doves cooing.

Plus - returning from poetry to prose -  microwave, kettle, toaster all good quality and working - and there is actually a washing machine. All in a surprisingly small space. We may be back.

Friday, May 2/2025

Sunset over the chimneys

It was Dr Johnson who said ‘When a man is tired of London he is tired of life’. So we choose where to go this afternoon. And settle on the Tate Modern gallery, hoping for something dramatic in its Turbine Hall (3300 square meters, twenty-six metres high). Home to some of our favourite past exhibits. 

But not to be. We reach the platform at Kilburn Station just as a train is pulling in on the southbound Jubilee line. The carriages fill up but the train doesn't start. Then the announcement. Due to a fire on the track, there will be a delay of fifteen minutes or more. The carriages empty onto the platform as people start rethinking their plans. 

This is not exactly unprecedented. Coming back from the Saatchi yesterday there was a delay of about fifteen minutes caused, apparently, by a fire at West Hampstead Station, but service resumed and there was nothing to be seen passing West Hampstead Station. So we decide to sit down and see what transpires. 

At which point a short man with a high-vis vest and a megaphone voice begins shouting that the station is being evacuated and everyone must leave. We do, with something less than fire drill precision, a couple of hundred people navigating a double staircase, some hampered by suitcases or small children. No sign of fire, but megaphone voice is persistent, and he does succeed in opening the exit gates which frees the bottleneck caused by people attempting to touch the electronic button with their cards to exit. No panic, probably because we don’t quite believe in the reality of the emergency. No sign of smoke or fire. No official activity other than megaphone voice’s repeated calls to evacuate.

Do have a couple of fire engines pass us headed toward the station as we start down Kilburn High Road. Bit late for a plan B that doesn’t involve leaving from Kilburn underground station, but it’s a balmy day and we do have minor errands along one of our favourite roads.

Thursday, May 1/2025

 May 1. May Day. Traditional day for honouring workers, and celebrated as such in many, possibly most, countries. Not a public holiday in the UK though. 

J suggests we check out the  Saatchi Gallery. It’s on our regular beat and often features modern international artists, with most exhibits being free. 

It’s a hot day, actually reaches a May 1 record temperature of 29.3, according to the Met office.

There’s a playing field and track next to the Saatchi, much enjoyed by nearby schools. The children are all wearing sun hats, but they’re not sneaking off looking for peripheral shade. Bouncy as puppies despite the heat.

The most interesting displays feature works by Anne von Freiburg from the Netherlands. Her work is referred to as textile paintings, as good a description as any. Textile, patchwork and stitching. Strong colours and 3D effect very much in your face.

Wednesday, April 30/2025

Thames Ditton to see Jenny and Doug, with the date chosen this time so that Elaine and Hugh could come as well. Always enjoy visiting with them. Archetypically beautiful summer day. So Prosecco in the garden and happy conversation. Laura drops by with her two little dogs so we get to see her as well. 

Jenny has made maqloub for lunch (spellings vary, presumably because it’s transliterated from Arabic). It’s a traditional rice, vegetable and meat dish. It’s cooked layered in a pot, which is flipped upside down to serve. Sometimes considered Palestine’s national dish, but eaten throughout the Middle East. Jenny’s father, who was Palestinian born, taught me how to make it, so it evokes good memories for us as well as for Jenny and Elaine.

And back outside for a lovely strawberry cake and tea and more talk, lunch having lasted, as a perfect lunch should, all afternoon.