A break in the storm

Today was a rare day indeed. Unexpected sunshine and even a little warmth. Its been bleak the past two months. Whereas this time last year London experienced its hottest day on record, this summer is shaping up to be the wettest in a generation. Just last Friday Berkshire was inundated with torrential rain and a swollen Thames. There is still a lot of water lying along the Long Walk. But today was different.

We awoke this morning following a fun night with friends Annie, Bill, Oliver (James' fellow soldier friend). Lots of food, wine, and conversation. We thought of heading down to Southampton but decided instead to visit Ikea (!!). OK - James' room was in need of some serious storage solutions. So off to Wembley we went - and a few hours later we were back home with a set of new shelves together with a table & chairs for James' art. He's just showing an interest so we're keen to encourage him.

James and I got stuck in to constructing. It's all pretty easy but James was so proud when I let him use the hammer to hit in some wooden dowels (he ran off to tell Mum immediately). Once built, Merrilyn and James set to work sorting the clutter.

I disappeared into the bike shed to build and then varnish his table & chairs. Strangely I found the whole process very cathartic. I actually missed the pleasure of working with timber (although this is hardly a fine example). So there I was painting away when James popped his head in. He loved my explanation of what I was doing and wanted to stay to learn how to paint.

After dinner we all set off for a walk down the Long Walk. It was a perfect blue sky, the half moon high, and the lowering sun casting the familiar warm glow. As we crossed Osbourne Rd towards the Double Gates at the Deer Park the pools of water cast reflections of the sky. And the light caught the long grasses that are growing almost out of control with all the rain we've had.

Tomorrow and through the week there is more rain forecast. Oh well - looking forward to Switzerland.