Last summer

I am having a very lazy summer here in Southern California. The weather has just been absolutely perfect, no temps over 80 deg F! The ocean breezes blows gently and rustle the leaves on the trees. I nap almost every afternoon. It's hard to imagine I was schlepping it in Europe all of last summer. Here I was eating smorrebrod in Helsingor, Denmark. It was so perfect! If you've not been to Scandinavia, you ought to go. Its like perfection! I loved my trip. I would like to do it again.

Petersham nurseries, Richmond

Take the tube to the end of the line at Richmond, then hop on a bus and you'll be dropped off outside of Petersham. This was my second trip. I remember years ago, it was very delightful. It still has the same delightful charm. This was the flowers at the main restaurant which require a reservation but they have a little cafe which sells salads, cakes, tea and coffee which does not require a reservation. This trip in June 2016 I took the bus to Ham house which was a mile further, then I walked the Thames path to Petersham. It was the loveliest day. England in June is glorious. There's only one June every year. Don't waste it. I intend to be out and about in England every June.

Next book

The cover is ready for my next Kindle ebook. I'm still writing the manuscript. I hope to incorporate a lot more pictures in this ebook unlike my previous work which is rather sparse where pictures were concerned.

Happy Sunday

Even as I prepare to go to church I remember the places that I've spent my Sundays. Sometimes its in a church in London, Bath or Rome. But sometimes its in another world like in Eastern Turkey with a few young companions. Here we were in Ani, the ancient city of bygone Byzantine times in St Grigor, an almost ruined church, still standing and with beautiful frescoes. It is such a blessing to have a glimpse into another time and another world. I remember saying 'the Lord's prayer' and singing a hymn and wondering the last time a service was held here......probably centuries ago.

Smallhythe

It was the home of Ellen Terry an actress on the British stage. She saw it when she passed by it in a horse and buggy going from Rye to Tenterden. Today that same dirt country lane is paved and the bus goes from Rye to Tenterden and back. I took the bus and got dropped off in front of Smallhythe place, a sweet little gem of a place. It is so beautiful and so delightful. I still feel tingles down my spine when I see this.

Sissinghurst castle, England

It is dubbed the second most romantic garden in the world after Ninfa near Rome. This was my second visit in my life, the first was years ago with my cousin and aunt. I don't remember much of my first visit but this visit was different because I have lots of pictures of it and I'm writing about it.