Bittersweet...a thanksgiving treat!

There is just something about a simple sprig of the bittersweet vine that says, "It's November in New England and give thanks!"..... before the mad rush of Black Friday and boxes of Christmas decorations get hauled out of the basement!

I just happened to find my own stash of the woody vine full of reddish berries and clusters of yellow buds and Mr Turner told me to "help myself". The biggest hazard with Bittersweet is that it usually wraps itself around other vines...other vines with sharp stickers...ouch!

I think it makes a beautiful, natural decoration around Thanksgiving....even if it does poke everyone in the eye when they come in through the front door.

The Christmas wreath and twinkle lights go up today..... and Auburn plays Alabama tomorrow.....Bittersweet!

Desert Spirit

Last week I was in the Coachella Valley....Palm Springs,California. The contrast of the snow capped mountains and the flat desert valley enhanced with an oasis of tall palm trees and wall to wall golf courses, not to mention days of glorious sunshine, provides a life style like no other! This magnificent life-size bronze statue of horses running across a stream caught my attention. The design is called Desert Spirit by the sculpture David Spellerberg. It is located near the front entry gates of the Saddle Club at Griffin Ranch......a Country Club and world class Equestrian Center conceived by the late entertainer Merv Griffin. Take a closer look.... I think it is just beautiful in the setting!

Ready or Not!

Christmas is coming, the lights are up in Sloane Square, and the windows are dressed in Peter Jones. What's on your wish list?

Perhaps orange custard pastries and a glass of eggnog -topped up!- at The Orange?

The inaugural Motcomb Street Christmas lights switch-on takes place on Thursday, Dec 1 and celebrations continue on Sunday with the annual Belgravia Christmas Sunday event on Elizabeth Street. The Three Wise Men will be there with their camels......stay tuned!

The days are shorter!

But Green Park never looked more beautiful on a rainy November day! That bench is just calling my name.

Red Poppies

On November 11 this year, it will be 93 years since the Armistice of the First World War....."the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month". Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in this country to remember the members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty since World War 1.

The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem "In Flanders Fields". These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red color an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the war. On my walk this morning I saw them everywhere......

Oh, Oh! And almost got hit taking pictures! I do love this tradition!

Waddesdon Manor and Wine Tasting!

I am off on another AWC trip to a treasured National Trust "Home", Waddesdon Manor, built by Baron Ferdninand de Rothschild. This Renaissance style chateau was built to display his collection of art treasures and to entertain the fashionable world back in the day when an invitation for a weekend hunting trip outside the city of London was just what the Royals looked forward to. We arrived early in the morning and the sun was just peeking over the elaborate roof line so I took a few close-ups as we waited for our private guided tour of the house.

Since the 19th century, the Rothschild name has been synonymous with riches, banking, lavish houses and exquisite art collections. Equally important, however is the family's long association with the finest wines in the world. So how could we resist a wine tasting in the private wine cellars containing over fifteen thousand bottles of the finest Rothschild wines in the world.

It is rare that we are able to bring home a gift for our husbands (who are working while we play!) but I thought Rick might enjoy two of the wines we tasted. For future reference: Blason d'Aussieres 2008 - A.C. Corbieres in the South of France...a blend of 4 grapes - Spice from the Syrah or Shiraz *wine tip* Known as Shiraz in Australia and South Africa and as Syrah in California and France Amancaya 2009 - Mendoza, Argentina ...less tannin more alcohol - Malbec/ Cabernet Sauvignon blend *wine tip* A wine with a high alcohol content works best with fatty foods such as Duck.

Cheers Love!

Frieze Art Fair

I don't pretend to know anything about modern art but I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon tour of the Frieze Art Fair in Regent's Park. I thought I might share a few of my favorites and give you a chance to experience a little "culture". Our guide told us that this year's program of commissioned projects incorporates a number of unique viewpoints that demand a shift in viewers' perceptions.....I'll say!

Which one owns a famous New York Gallery?

My favorites.....

Here's an interesting concept, if you want to purchase this incredible Yacht as a vehicle for water sports, it will cost you £60,000,000 but if you want to purchase this gorgeous Yacht as a piece of art, it will cost you £160,000,000. Something about the honor of owning a piece of art, stay with me here!

I saved the best for last....a machine that will chew up your credit card and draw you a picture to replace it!