Easter break
Four day weekend and ticked eeeeevery box.
Thursday night went to friends directly from work and stayed over. Walked their dog through the woods, then came home for a lovely dinner of homemade burgers and lobster mac&cheese. Another walk, avocados on toast with poached egg, then home in time to prepare ourselves for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday was a full day out for a friend's birthday with her parents (that I arranged). Not necessarily to celebrate, but it was a good excuse to get together. We went to see a matinee of the Royal Ballet do a 50th anniversary performance of Jewels. Brilliant. Everything you could want in a ballet, and with contrasting styles and the nostalgia factor for me of mid-20th century art. Then we all went to Rules for an early dinner. Oldest restaurant in London (UK?), very traditional, and superb. I had a very hearty steak and kidney pudding, followed by rhubarb and custard trifle. Need to find an excuse to go back to Rules, and looking forward to returning to the ROH with friends next month for Mayerling.
Sunday was Easter. The gf and I went to church for the first time in probably 10 years. CofE but very recognisable. Woman interim vicar and what looked like a thriving and active congregation. Good pipe organ and there was a choir. It was good to do and interesting to observe, but that's what it felt like. I got nothing from the service other than the assessment of the message, how it fit with my values, and the observation of the congregation reciting words by rote. Still, that was good to do for Easter, it was local and it's a lovely church full of welcoming people. After the service we came home to cook for some close friends down from the north with their teenage son. Roast rack of lamb, grilled asparagus, jersey royals and steamed charontaise carrots. Three pinot noirs from three continents. And excellent company.
Monday evening my cousin arrived in town as part of his travels. Drinks and dinner was had, looking forward to hosting him this weekend.
Thursday night went to friends directly from work and stayed over. Walked their dog through the woods, then came home for a lovely dinner of homemade burgers and lobster mac&cheese. Another walk, avocados on toast with poached egg, then home in time to prepare ourselves for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday was a full day out for a friend's birthday with her parents (that I arranged). Not necessarily to celebrate, but it was a good excuse to get together. We went to see a matinee of the Royal Ballet do a 50th anniversary performance of Jewels. Brilliant. Everything you could want in a ballet, and with contrasting styles and the nostalgia factor for me of mid-20th century art. Then we all went to Rules for an early dinner. Oldest restaurant in London (UK?), very traditional, and superb. I had a very hearty steak and kidney pudding, followed by rhubarb and custard trifle. Need to find an excuse to go back to Rules, and looking forward to returning to the ROH with friends next month for Mayerling.
Sunday was Easter. The gf and I went to church for the first time in probably 10 years. CofE but very recognisable. Woman interim vicar and what looked like a thriving and active congregation. Good pipe organ and there was a choir. It was good to do and interesting to observe, but that's what it felt like. I got nothing from the service other than the assessment of the message, how it fit with my values, and the observation of the congregation reciting words by rote. Still, that was good to do for Easter, it was local and it's a lovely church full of welcoming people. After the service we came home to cook for some close friends down from the north with their teenage son. Roast rack of lamb, grilled asparagus, jersey royals and steamed charontaise carrots. Three pinot noirs from three continents. And excellent company.
Monday evening my cousin arrived in town as part of his travels. Drinks and dinner was had, looking forward to hosting him this weekend.