Day Tripping

Whilst we were planning to spend the weekend in London, it was too hot to be far from the beach. So, it’s been a weekend of contrasts. We spent Saturday up in London, and Sunday by the sea. With tickets to see Tom’s mum sing with 16,000 other Rock Choir singers at the Millenium Dome, we took the Thames clipper out to Greenwich. A hot day spent in London, without taking the tube, is the best sort of day.

We wandered through the Southbank centre and soaked up the herb gardens, food stalls, live music, and fountains. It was heartbreaking to see the once-lively skateboard ground boarded up. Though I’d heard rumours, I had no idea it was actually at an end, and the vibrancy of the Southbank was all the poorer for it.

Catching the Thames Clipper was worth the wait, as we saw London from a rare angle, out East along the wharves. Then, picnic in the park, followed by singing in the arena.

It was quite an incredible thing to see so many singers all doing their thing all at the same time. These guys are coordinated! Of course, we couldn’t spot Suzie in the crowd, but we could easily spot the Welsh contingent, who wore giant daffodils, and the group waving neon electric guitars. Everyone was clearly having a great time, and I loved the celebration of how fun it is to sing in a group. I defy anyone to not feel good after a little singing, and even better after singing with others. You can find a local choir near you at Making Music. Or you could buy this beautiful book and sing along at home!

The County Show

Bryony drinking coffee outside a marquee — Drinking coffee outside the marquee

On a busy Saturday, sandwiched between errands, we took ourselves off to the county show, just to wander around the grounds, visit some animals and soak up a bit of rural life. I have memories of visiting grand county fairs in Northwest America, complete with fairground and candy floss, tents of exquisite quilts, acres of livestock pens, and a man being shot of a canon.

The Isle of Wight version is a little less explosive, but equally charming. We watched the small collection of sheep on show, saw a laughably enthusiastic dog run through hoops, and visited the most enormous bovine I’ve ever seen. We walked through the woodland, under kids climbing trees, and people turning wood. The fresh timber hewn from the steam-powered saw mill made me long for a hand built house, which would also justify the purchase of a tidy old tractor, and a sensible selection of old tools.

We had to head off rather quickly, to get supplies in town and sing at a wedding. But we’ll be back next year, to have a go at the archery and maybe enter the contest for best Victoria sponge.

A Reading Rut

I’ve read some great books recently: Big Machine was a crazy visit out to San Francisco, with bizarre people and even stranger happenings; Journey to the River Sea was an exotic amble upstream to unknown jungles and ancient cities; Ape House was an invitation to meet with bonobos and enjoy some classic pulp adventure along the way.

But, the last couple weeks I’ve been in a reading rut. I’m easily distracted and it’s just so much easier to play on Instagram, or flick through a magazine, rather than properly focus on a book. It’s like grabbing a chocolate bar, instead of baking that blueberry buckle cake, even knowing the latter would taste better.

And it’s not for lack of a good read. I’ve got Neil Gaiman’s Stardust on the go at the moment. He imagines the most fabulous worlds and writes the most perfect sentences. There’s really no reason I shouldn’t be diving in, with no regard for distraction.

But first I’m going to go bake that cake.

Tourist for the Day

One of the many delights of having a friend to visit is the excuse to be a tourist in your own home town. Yesterday I picked a girlfriend up from the ferry and we headed to Osborne House, to wander the grounds, drink coffee on the private beach, and soak up a little Victorian history. Fun to have a grand venue for a good old natter.

But my goodness- I sure I am terrible at remembering to take photos. We were so busy chatting and catching up, that I barely took a single shot. It’s all well and good to be in the moment, but it’s a little sad to not have a memory of it later. I wonder if Instagram makes me focus my lense on the details and forget the people. If it weren’t for Tom our only photos would be of flowers, books and coffee cups! A year ago I reminded myself that I should take more photos; looks like I still need to work on that.

Holiday Snaps

Purbeck may be on the coast, but our trip away wasn’t all sea and sand. There was also hillside runs (or staggers in my case), woodland wanders, pub garden pints and plenty of books. And, as always, Tom merrily snapped away throughout it all.