We missed it!

......Snow in London and the city came to a screeching halt! My friends tell me it was beautiful coming down, huge flakes. The streets were eerily quiet, no buses or trains ran, school was cancelled and most businesses didn't open. Leaving Boston, we managed to get a seat on AA and flew in late at night to an airport still in confusion. Someone in our building had been busy - in the morning, when I looked out the kitchen window, this leaning fellow with branching arms, bright tomato eyes and a carrot nose let me know that no matter where we are in the world, everyone loves playing in the snow!

Signs around town >

In this case, a picture is worth a thousand words.
These are just a few signs that caught my eye....and my camera lens!
I don't think comments are necessary......

Happy CHINESE New Year!

Today is the start of Chinese Year of the Ox...if you were born in 1961, 1973, 0r 1985 (Christy!) this is your year!
Those born in Ox years tend to be painters, engineers and architects. They are stable, fearless, obstinate, hardworking and friendly. Other words to describe "the Ox" are patient, kind, stubborn, and conservative. I'd say that is a pretty good description of someone I know!





In London, Chinatown is festooned with hundreds of red lanterns strung across the streets and hung in the windows of shops and restaurants. Celebrations with dancing dragons and fireworks were held in Leicester Square all weekend. My friends in the American Women's Club joined the celebration with a fabulous authentic lunch at Mr.Chungs, including pots of green tea and crispy duck...it was a feast.




Any excuse for a party!

The Evening Standard

The world was glued to the TV watching the euphoria which greeted President Obama on Inagruration Day. I thought his speech was "brilliant" and I was so proud to be an American (wouldn't that make a great title for a song?) I could not wait to read what the British papers had to say about our new President and the change he promises.

"It reminds us that America's best asset is now, as it always has been, a belief in itself and capacity for renewal. The pictures from Washington did not lie yesterday. Obama inspires faith, belief and the stubborn, sustaining attributes of "virtue and hope" against all odds. There's a lesson there - and not just for America." The Evening Standard

Now, if they would just quit calling him BEARack Obama!

Hampstead Heath

It was a perfect Sunday afternoon to hike through one of London's precious open spaces, Hampstead Heath. We took the Tube, Jeni and Scott and their two lovable dogs took a cab and we spent a few hours exploring, chatting, and avoiding huge puddles from the recent downpours. There were so many local residents walking their dogs - I can't think of a breed we did not see! (But I've done that post!)
We ended our outing at the Freemasons Arms Pub....water for the dogs and a cider for me, please!

The annual trip to Stoke-On-Trent

Last spring we did not go to Burleigh and it is such a treat I have to share these pictures. Can't you just imagine a quaint English cottage kitchen filled with this delightful blue and white pottery?





Some ladies go on this all day bus trip looking for specific patterns or serving pieces at Spode, Waterford, Wedgewood, and Portmeirion but I was looking for good deals! I shipped back a set of "Holly and Ivy" (How could I not?) soup bowls for next Christmas Eve's gumbo and I lugged home, in my trolley, a few extras to compliment the new dining room. My suitcase is going to be heavy!

I was so busy shopping I forgot to take pictures....

....and this chair was just right!

You know how everyone seems to find a chair that is "just right"? Whether it is just right for reading, or just right for watching TV...it becomes YOUR CHAIR!!! I was happy to share MY CHAIR with the girls when they were here for a visit....and yes, they are reading!!! The British do love their gossip magazines!



Last weekend, at the height of the Hamas/Israeli war demonstration on Kensington High Street we decided to shop the sales....the stores were not crowded at all! I have been looking for a lamp and "something" to go on the wall next to RICK'S CHAIR. I think we made the perfect choice. The pictures are architectural photographs that could have been taken at any number of cathedrals, palaces, or museums we have toured over the past couple of years.






SO this is what I spent my Christmas checks on! (And Rick wants you to know - none of the things I bought were on sale!)
Thank you Grandmother and Drew, AND Dad and Jane!