Rainbow

 

After this afternoon's storms we were treated to one of the brightest rainbows I've ever seen. My phone didn't really do it justice.

On the farm

This week I am staying with my daughter and two grandkids on a farm in Suffolk. The outbuildings and barns belonging to the farm have been converted into holiday cottages.

 

There is a lake if you are keen on fishing. An indoor swimming pool, playground, tennis court and of course a few animals.

 

My 5 yr old grandson loves feeding the chickens and collecting the eggs.

All the scraps and leftover food is given to the pigs.

 The two Shetland ponies are very well fed. Food for the animals is left in small bags so the children can help themselves and go off and feed them whenever they want.

Suffolk

 This week I am away with my daughter and her two young children staying in Suffolk. It's a beautiful county and we are finding plenty of things to do.

The River Stour is close by and we took a short boat trip to admire the scenery from the water. There were only the four of us on the boat with the skipper and his mate in charge of the boat. They were volunteers for the River Stour Trust and gave guided trips. The children loved it as the skipper allowed them to drive the boat for a while. 

I enjoyed the peaceful journey and views.

Guerilla knitters

 These post box toppers seem to be springing up everywhere. 

I saw these when I was in Yorkshire last month

This one was on top of a post box inside my local shopping mall.

This one is celebrating the 75th anniversary  of the National Health Service.

A rainy Saturday

 Woke up to torrential rain with the forecast showing rain for most of the day. I had booked to go on a free walk with a London guide around the Marble Arch area. Couldn't decide whether to go or not. I decided to go but if it was still pouring down when I got there I would give it a miss. The rain had just about stopped and I have to say it was an excellent walk. The guide was dressed as John Nash, the architect of the Marble Arch as well as many other buildings. His knowledge was extensive and the hour long walk was over in no time. I didn't even think of taking photos.

As I was in London I decided to just wander around and see what was happening. Normally my visits into London these days are either to visit an underground station or I have the grandchildren with me. But today I had no plans or children so I was free to roam.

This long, long queue on Bond Street went right around the corner. I have been known to join a queue without knowing the reason for the queue assuming it must be worthwhile. Although my curiosity was aroused, the rain put me off but I did follow the queue to the front to find out what was happening.

The queue ended at Sotheby's auction house. But these people were not there to bid at the auction but to see the items on display. Items belonging to Freddie Mercury are going on sale next month and the public can go and view them. As well as signed lyrics and clothes he wore on stage there are also paintings that he owned and Faberge jewellery.  Maybe I should have queued. If I have some spare time I might just go back and see if I can get inside for a look. The opportunity won't arise again.

This road just off Piccadilly was very quiet.  In fact I was the only person walking down it but this restaurant was setting up a live band outside. Not sure whether that will be enough to get the customers through the door in this horrible weather.

On the other hand, Fortnum and Mason on Piccadilly was heaving. The peacock that you can see took four weeks to create, two days to install and features 1,298 hand cut feathers. The peacock has been fashioned from recycled tins of Fortnum's biscuits and empty tea caddies which will all be recycled once the display is taken down.The peacock was designed for the King's coronation as a tribute to his commitment to sustainability.

Fortnum and Mason's windows were full of sunshine.

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Spectra: Union Walter x Zoniel

I was now close to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. The Portrait Gallery has only recently reopened after being closed for a couple of years for refurbishment so I decided to go and have a look. It was rammed. I didn't stay very long as the crowds were too much but I did like the small section that I saw and will be back for a much longer view. Desperate for a sit down and cup of tea I found a quiet Cafe and then went home. I realised I have been missing out by not just popping into London to see what is happening as I used to at least once a week pre covid days. Hopefully I will not leave it so long before I return to my wanderings around London.

Goodbye Menorca

The streets of Mahon in Menorca.

The food market 

 

A boat trip 

Last night in Menorca. I love this island. It is the perfect place to relax and hopefully I will return before too long.