Scarecrow

The role of the is wee scarecrow is to Protect the produce from visitors.

A Proper Picnic

The English do picnics so well, a properly laid table, a table cloth, crockery and cutlery, no paper plates thank you!  This oh so very English affair actually is of French origin.  The earliest reference found in French text in the 1700's where a "piquenique" was actually a BYO restaurant.

However it was in the 19th century that English society embraced the concept of outdoor dining turning it into a luxurious affair, a grand occasion of sumptuously laid tables set in meadows.  Foods prepared by chefs usually consisting of  pastries, hams and baked meats, with servants attending to the diners every needs.  Unlike wealth the concept of a more formal way of outdoor eating did trickle down to the masses and thus the traditional English picnic entered their culture.

Choose a Way

It's been a wee while since I ventured through one of the many great parks in London. I'm always dashing about, so it was so rewarding to rediscover just how truly beautiful and unique London's green spaces are.  Regent's park is looking magnificent at the moment, the roses are in full bloom and the perfume wafts through the air. The rain we had in early summer has had a plus side to it by ensuring that our green spaces are still incredibly lush.

The trigger for me taking time from my busy schedule and enjoying classic London was a new interactive London guide book called "Choose a Way" that I have downloaded on to my phone.

Mainly aimed at tourists and those new to London, it is also a handy wee guide for locals who have forgotten our national treasures.  One of my friends recently told me he had never been to the British Museum! (we are remedying that).

The author says "with a Choose a Way book, you select every step of the way - detailed attention to directions means a new traveller can feel instantly at home. This travel guide to London covers forty of the most interesting places in the city - enough for up to 5 days travelling around London.  Sites are mainstream, offbeat, indoors, outdoors, kid-friendly, for adults only, and more! Start in the morning, based on what time you're ready to go, and start tapping the links."

What I really like is that by having the book and apps on my phone it makes it easy to plan in advance or spontaneously where to visit and how to get there.

Feeding the Pigeons

The birds in Regents Park are a big hit with tourists, especially the pigeons.  

Green River

Everything is green in London right now - even this little stream in Regents Park.  It's "naturally" green as result of the lovely warm weather promoting weed growth apparently.  If you look closely there's a coot on its nest admiring its new "lawn".

Garden Stroll

Owned by a Sultan and surrounded by 4 acres of stunning gardens, Holme House sits in the middle of Regent's Park.  Grand lawns that lead down to the lake where the house is barely visible from the banks on the other side.

Although the house is strictly out of bounds a stroll through the gardens for us mere mortals is possible twice a year courtesy of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS), to raise money for charity.

After wandering through the sunken garden, through the grotto with its waterfall, past the herbaceous borders, I found myself a comfy seat under a tree and settled down with a book for an hour.

Flirting in the Park

None of them were interested in me, or my camera.  However how does this rate as a singles event?  

The Final Leg of our MINI Adventure

Yesterday someone commented that they hoped our adventure included green parts of London.  It sure did.  After we passed Buckingham Palace we took in Kensington Gardens and the massive tribute Queen Victoria made for her beloved Albert.

Lunch was now the priority.  The first place with a car park outside would be where we ate.  Just up the road on the edge of Hyde Park was a perfect place to stop outside the new restaurant "The Magazine", at the Serpentine gallery.  What a treat it was!  Plus … a friend to keep our MINI company while we ate.

Time for just one more stop before the MINI had to be handed back, so we headed over to Regents Park.

The sun was just catching the BT tower in the distance. Sadly our day was drawing to an close.  Oh but it was such fun.

Moon Magic

London is the best city in the world, everyday is an adventure, look where I went last night.  The moon, isn't it incredible?  The Baker Street irregular astronomers were on the viewing platform at Kings Cross with their giant telescope.  Not only did I get to see the detail of the craters on the moon but I also got to take this picture via their telescope.  It looked like a giant meringue, and was sparklier than I imagined.  The astrologers group has regular parties in Regent's Park for a chat a drink and an intimate view of the sky.  I'm looking forward to a close up of the sun.

Number 13

Unlucky perhaps?

Curious Anatomys

Something very different for you today. On display at the Royal College of Physicians are these very unusual anatomical tables from the 17th century. They are the dissected human remains of the venous, arterial and nervous system of the human body presented on large wooden panels. Incredible skills would have been required to create these panels both in dissection and preservation techniques.
They were donated to the Royal College of Physicians in 1823 by the 10th Earl of Burnley-on-the-Hill.
An interesting short film about the panels can be seen here.
They are on display at the college until 31 December 2012.

Heron

In 1949 it was thought London would never see herons, or several other bird species again. How things change. In 1968 the first pair of herons made their nest in Regent's Park. By 1970 this had increased to 10. The efforts of those who work to keep the parks green and the waterways clean plus keeping areas for the birds and wildlife free from us humans has seen the population of herons increase to its current 27 pairs.
This one was very wary of me while at the same time wanting to know if there might be a tasty morsel in my bag. A camera was not appreciated.

Fountain

Technical problems resolved.
Just had to go back and check everything drop by drop.
Just like this lovely fountain in Regent's Park.

The Forces

Ravens and geese the bully boys of the lake keeping an eye on anyone who ventures near.

Success

Found my stash. I'm always amazes when they do find those buried nuts. Mostly just luck I suspect.

Snow Tow

The beginning of the little girl's sled ride. I spotted them and hour later and she was throwing snow balls from the sled. I guess had adjusted to the cold by then.

Dr Doolittle

....and they will walk and talk with you.

Don't Bother Me

Just after a bit of peace and quiet. The others in here keep bothering me and now I have a camera in my face.
Grey skies and rain again. Bored bored bored.

Regent's Park

More snow today in London. Starting to want a bit of sunshine now.

Snowball

I think that's a strike.