And 2 days later. . .Mostly getting to spend wonderful time with old friends, tho this has included 2 blissful trips to Kew Gardens, one of my favorite places on the planet. The reality lived up to the memory. It’s been summer-hot here, so it has been perfect weather to wander through the huge and ancient trees. One glorious tree being after another. Groves of trees in endless variety. Even a small patch of redwoods. The silence is deep and everything smells and feels so lush and delicious. And nourishing. And a small lake with swans and geese and ducks. Also discovered a new green space treasure—Wimbledon Common. I continue to be joyfully amazed at the amount of well-loved and well-cared-for green spaces in and around this great city. I’m just so happy here. . .

And ending each day with a walk along the Thames. Londoners are celebrating the good weather big time—runners and walkers and bikers and boaters and . . .