Dangerous Dog Walks

Cemetrees from sarah on Vimeo.
From skidding on frozen footpaths to squelching through quagmire to walking with trepidation under thrashing trees in Abney Park Cemetery, it's been quite a week for weather. 

Coco Canal

It was such a beautiful morning I decided to take my new accessory on a stroll beside the Regents Canal.

Needlepoint Handbag -  eBay USA

Regents Canal at Angel

Me in sunglasses with new bag, two whippets and a jug.

Hmmm... I am reminded of Coco Chanel's advice: " Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory." She's right. The jug will have to go. 

A Memorable Sunday

It's a bit like Downton Abbey here on a Sunday morning. Me in the basement preparing Ed's breakfast  - cheese, ham and tomato toastie; hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows ('if we don't have marshmallows then make some'); a croissant stuffed with raspberries; a mug of tea...

His bedroom door was still shut when I went up (he'd telephoned his order down earlier) and as I was carrying the tray I pushed the door open with my back and entered the room. Ed was in bed watching the TV.  I was expecting to be greeted with more than a hissed 'be quiet' after all my effort but had forgotten it was Remembrance Sunday and had to stop in my tracks until the Last Post sounded. I was then invited to sit on the edge of the bed and watch as the Queen, the Royal Family and everyone else laid their wreaths at the Cenotaph. London was at it's most beautiful and beguiling. A light November haze accentuated shafts of winter sunlight filtered through autumn trees. That bloke's voiceover on the BBC as one by one all the dignitaries solemnly step forward - it's just all so atmospheric and very moving. 

So, stuff Clissold Park for a dog walk - we headed into town, dropped Ed at Pineapple in Covent Garden and wandered through Trafalgar Square and down towards Westminster. Whitehall was closed to traffic and the legions of servicemen and women had dispersed and were standing in the sunshine outside pubs enjoying a drink and a reminisce. They admired whippets and we admired medals beside the sea of poppies.    

How To Save A Tenner

Black Cat firework pack suitable for small Hackney back garden - duration 70 seconds - £69.99
Bottle of Champagne, 5 glasses, 5 comfy chairs, this view of the wealthier boroughs' municipal displays - duration 1 hour -  £59.99

View from Champagne bar at Vertigo, Tower 42

A Damn Disappointment

What! You've never been to Kenwood House? You'll love it. Come with us today. We're going to walk the dogs up there. Yes, I know it's absolutely freezing but it'll be worth it - I promise. It's fantastic, as you approach the front of the house through the trees and you get a glimpse of the neo-classic facade it's just gorgeous. Adam I think. Then as you walk round to the front, well it just takes your breath away. The orangery - absolutely stunning. I'm sure you'll recognise it: it's been in loads of films...

Penthouse

Should I trade all my worldly goods (yes, including dogs) for this view...

 Oops, wrong pic. THIS view...

Tempted.