Three day weekend

I do like bank holidays. Friday night saw me heading to church to listen to a jazz concert by Nicolette (church choir) with Cat from church and two colleagues from the Anglo American school. Here they are rehearsing. Yes I missed the pianist.

Nicolette on the left, Cat in the middle and Bruce to the right

It was brilliant. Just an hour long,but wonderful to listen to. Lots of music taken from films of the thirties and forties. Afterwards a group of us went out for a snack and drink. Though it was well gone ten by the time we left, it was not dark and there were lots of people about. Here is the horses water fountain lit up, and a lit building nearby.

The evening was so warm it was a pleasure just to be out walking.

Saturday saw me joining the St Andrew's Church fun walk in aid of Restoration Fund. An early start which was rather slow as I woke up with a splitting headache - no, not a hangover. We met on the south side of the river at the bottom of Sparrow Hills below the University. The metro station is actually on a bridge over the river. Warm (and getting hotter) and muggy, Jonathan (tenor in the choir and leaving next week) and I set off for a gentle walk under the trees while everyone else set off at a run. We took an hour, but it was most pleasant. Here is Diane from the Embassy with friends on their way back and Dan. It was only when I got home that I realised I didn't have a photo of Jonathan. We all had smart green t-shirts and numbers. Most professional.

These guys marked the turn round point at half way.

Jennifer, Jonathan Dan and I went and had lunch before setting off home. We had been on the island so crossed to the Tretyakov to come home. I found this water fountain nearby. Had to take a photo or two..

It was so hot and muggy I had a doze for half an hour and then got some jobs done. My lounge gets the sun in the morning so it is quite pleasant in the evening.

After church I had lunch with Ivan and Misha to discuss Harry Potter and other things. The muggy weather turned into a thunderstorm. It turned into an entertaining afternoon.

Today I had hoped to meet Corinne from choir, but her internet was down so she couldn't pick up my phone number. I finished my reports this morning and then headed off to the Botannical Garden at Prospect Mira. Once again the entrance, which was quite large, was not labelled and I got confused with the restaurant over the top. I was between seasons so there was not a lot out, but it was interesting to see what I recognised from home and had survived the very cold weather.

How's this for a smoke bush.

Hostas do really well here - no slugs or snails.

A large clump of allium - many had gone over.

The lake was pretty.

So were the water lilies.

The sculpture was interesting too.

I shall try and go in May next year when the lilac will be out (they have been magnificent this year) and the hardy geraniums should be at their best and not going over. The wild roses are beautiful with a lovely scent. Walking with Ivan and Misha yesterday I saw dianthus and delphiniums on their way. Judging by the size of some of the plants they must have been in over winter and suffered no ill effects.

I have more Metro pictures but that will do for tonight. It is gone 10.30, and though it is light outside school tomorrow.