I got a good walk in last week, despite chaos and packed trains, all of which passed by with no problems for the dog and I. A misty day but a good walk on paths I had trod many a time back in the day when Rowan was training for High Jump an Netball at the English Institute of Sport.
Christmas Eve was good, a walk with Emilie and Alfie the dog, then mulled wine. Then I went off to see friend Paul at his event in St Paul's Square.
Christmas Day was the three of us, with our usual disaggregated Christmas Meal (smoked salmon, bucks fizz for breakfast. Main course for lunch, pudding for tea, then port and cheese for supper). A great vege wellington produced by Danielle and Rowan for the main.
Niece Sarah, Markus, Rosalind, Felix, Laurance and Clara (yes that is just one family) came to stay at the weekend. Rowan is back for Christmas as well. Layla took to her role as the post patted dog in town very well.
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The route took me to the headwaters of the river Hull which I had followed all the way from Hull via Beverley. It was a lovely stream through peaceful meadows.
Commissioned for the City of Culture. At first I thought this was a kitsch too far. But I think the restrained color helped to quite like it after a bit of thinking.
On the day itself Danielle had arranged a small tea party here at home, with people bringing home made cakes. Really enjoyed it. It's not rock 'n roll but I liked it.
The day before my birthday we went to Bradford City of Culture. When we went to Hull City of Culture eight years ago there was a real buzz about the city; we arrived at the station and were surrounded by very helpful and enthusiastic volunteers who showed us where to go, how to get there etc. The vibe was infectious, with people proud of the event and of their city.
Bradford. Not so much. Absolutely nothing at the station when we arrived. In the central library - "Do you have a map and leaflet about the City of Culture?" The reply " Er, I think there might be something round the back of that leaflet stand, not sure though". It was not the ideal welcome. I asked where the loo, was, got directions and went upstairs. En route to the loo I saw a photography gallery with a whole exhibition on photos of the people of Bradford. It was brilliant, loved it. The staff member had neglected to tell me about it when we asked. Blimey.
Anyway, we had a great day, met up with Sue and Eddy, saw the Turner Prize short listed artists at the Cartwright Gallery in Lister Park, chose our favorites and had a thali for lunch in a cafe nearby. So, still worth the visit, but a little sad.
Post Office Tower (it is still there) peeping out behind one of the refurbished St Pancras gas holders. Always great to be walking through London.
I went down to London to see people. I stayed with Rowan in Islington, she was knocked off her bike by a red-light-ignoring e-biker on her way to work on Monday. She went to A&E and got well checked over, and is taking it easy for the rest of the week. So it was good to be around for a couple of days.
