Yesterday I got to visit a place I have long wanted to see-Blenheim Palace near Oxford. Besides being spectacular in its own right, it’s the birthplace of Winston Churchill, a great hero of mine. The architecture is beautiful, vast yet serene, rather than overwhelming. Simple and complex at the same time, windows everywhere. Built for lovers of light. But the landscaping and gardens and views were the most impressive.  Beauty everywhere you looked, in all directions, extending forever into the horizon. Mazes, lakes, ponds, sculpted greenery and massive  ancient trees. I was able to visit with wonderful friends, and later to meet up with yet more old friends in the charming village of Woodstock. A rainy day today and the local Tube line was down, so I took one of my favorite walks along the Thames to get to another branch of the Tube to visit the National Portrait Gallery. So many fascinating beings in the history of the UK and it’s great fun to see their portraits and read their stories. But best part of the day was definitely the Thames and the light on the water.