Today was one of those lovely Sundays, with the weather cool (but not too cold) and bright as I headed down to meet a friend and her dog at Columbia Road Market. I picked up a Christmas tree - my first one ever since I moved out of my family home! - and then we headed to the Owl and the Pussy Cat pub for lunch and mulled wine.
My wee tree (and it is a wee tree, for my wee flat) is now up and decorated - an appropriate activity for the second Sunday in Advent.
The first Sunday in Advent involved a meal in the pub as well, come to think of it. The Cat and I headed to Kew for his birthday outing, which involved a scrumptious roast in The Greyhound on the Green, some live music, and then on to Kew Gardens' after-hours illuminated trail. We had an enjoyable time wandering around the gardens after dark and looking at all the lights and the fire garden. It wasn't quite so sparkly and magical wonderland-ish as we had anticipated but we had a nice evening, nonetheless.
What might the third Sunday in Advent bring, I wonder?
London around Christmas is my favourite!! Reading this about Columbia Road flower market and pubs and mulled wine bring back really great memories - thanks! Glad you had a lovely sunday!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! It really is a great place to be at a great time of year, especially when you can stop to enjoy a milled wine in the pub along the way between Christmas duties!
DeleteOh yes! Truly lovely. I gather these special Sundays in Advent weren't planned as such, but have come together and now a theme has developed. A real tree is a must, I think. People complain about the mess. It's nothing - or actually, part of the delight of the reality. And from Columbia Road! Perfect! Your fairy lights are so unusual and interesting. Pretty red star too. Isn;t mulled wine so cozy? You've caught the Kew Gardens lights in a way that avoids what you found a little disappointing and celebrates what was there. Look at the curve of the horizon!
ReplyDeleteThey were indeed just a happy accident... although, once I spotted the theme, the third Sunday wasn't quite so Adventy, apart from church! Oh well! The curve you spotted in the lights was all part of the layout which was designed to replicate a pattern you find in nature - I'm afraid I can't remember the name of it, though I do recall it applies to pineapples and sunflowers...
DeleteThere is such a captivating sense of serenity and timeless elegance to that sea of lights flicking in the darkness. It makes me think back to the days when people put candles in the windows at night to help both the inhabitants of the house and passerbys see better in the inky atmosphere of night.
ReplyDeleteWith all of my heart, I wish you and your loved ones a splendid Christmas and holiday season, dear gal!
♥ Jessica
There is definitely something wonderfully captivating and soothing about flickering flames. I like your comparison with candles in windows for passers-by.
Delete