U 1043

 Monday, a wonderful day with dear friends roaming—where else? Kew Gardens. They are getting revved up for Halloween and it is a bit strange seeing the decorations—skeletons, witches and coffins, etc.—amongst the peace of the trees. Oh well. Tuesday, a trip to St. Bartholomew’s church, a little known haven in a busy part of London. It was built in about 1043 and is one of the only structures to escape damage from some of London’s worst disasters, including the Great Fire and the WWII Blitz. I love just touching and feeling the stones, so ancient and full of history and centuries of prayers. Also said to be the only church in London visited by Mary. There is a lovely chapel dedicated to her, a most wonderful place to meditate. 

The weather is turning, alas, after a glorious sunny period—cold and overcast and rain coming soon. Today, I visited the amazing William Turner at the Tate Gallery, as I always do. After two days of tube rides and “downtown-ness,” I’ll be glad to get back to Kew tomorrow.

 Oh my gosh, I am so happy to back in my little paradise in London. After lunch with my dear friend Eleanor at my favorite neighborhood cafe (Elder Press if you ever go looking for it), I took a long walk  along the Thames to one of my local places of pilgrimage—Chiswick Park. Honestly, just put me in a garden or in the midst of some huge and ancient trees and I am in heaven and nothing less. Then put me in a walled kitchen garden (Chiswick has a fabulous one) and I am in something more heavenly than heaven! I don’t know why I love walled gardens so much, especially kitchen gardens, but I definitely do. The garden at Chiswick, uses no-dig methods and is a marvelous combination of thick beds of flowers and some of the happiest vegetables I have ever seen. They sell some of their produce but also give quite a bit away to local food banks. Hooray for them! And did I mention—a brilliantly sunny day.

The walk home along Chiswick Mall, which borders the Thames, has lovely refurbished houses on one side  and many small, private gardens bordering the river, where people can sit among their roses and watch the river flow. I love these!

 I’m back in London in my little loft by the Thames and so happy to be here. Oxford was a wild misadventure which only lasted 24 hours. Will share the story once I return home. Once back in London, I soaked in the Thames and all its sweet gifts and went to Kew to receive the myriad blessings of the trees. As in Santa Fe, many unexpected moves have been required, but now I am finally settled in for 3 whole weeks. Feels like a miracle!

Beautiful Wisley Gardens and a weeping beech tree at Kew

 Greeted in London by rain ( I love it). As with all people here, I am undeterred by wetness and wandered through a rainy evening with my none-to-stable-on-her-feet hostess, exploring Chiswick Park. Cold gusty winds the next day and a wonderful, joy-making walk along the Thames and across the Hammersmith Bridge to sit under the thick trees there until frozen out. On Sunday, my first pilgrimage to Kew Gardens. I am happy beyond happy wandering through the effulgent walled garden and the trees—oh those ancient trees—they fill and nourish me in every way possible. Today, I get to explore another fabulous garden in Wisley.

 Pre-journey test

 Yesterday, I celebrated the birthday of my wonderful friend Eleanor. We went to her 2 favorite eating places—the second being Fortnum's, which makes an impressive ice cream sundae. Plus enjoyed another beautiful meditation at the ancient and deeply silent St. Bartholomew’s. The last day of my journey was spent, most perfectly, at Kew. A cool and cloudy day. Everything felt so damp and lush and rich and thickly green. The trees fill me with so much joy! I feel like I could disappear into/merge with all of them. And the smells were vivid and amazing. Home tomorrow.

 The beautiful river Seine. It’s a fortunate thing to have a mighty and peace-giving  river flowing through the heart of a city.

Last day in Paris: A walk to Luxembourg Gardens and a visit with the circle of ancient  queens. I am very fond  of them.