So, It Begins

I've not posted in over a week!  I think this may officially be my longest absence since I started blogging.  It was a hectic week at work, including an overnight stay up in Birmingham.  Was pleasantly surprised by Birmingham, it must be said.  My only experience of the city to date was an hour's transit in the bus depot when I was about 19.  Not the best impression to have of a place but let's be honest, you don't hear the nicest things about Birmingham either.  However, I discovered that there are some lovely buildings and streets in the centre.  Perhaps more on that one day...

But for now, I'm just here for a quick post to break my blogging silence and to remind everyone that tomorrow is Advent Sunday - the first day of the season leading up to Christmas.

Christmas in the Peak District last year - Ilam Church under snow

My plans for the day: a wander around the National Gallery before the evening carol service at St Martin-in-the-Fields.  I'll also look in their shop to see if I can pick up an Advent Calendar there, or potentially an Advent Candle.  I always consider the candle option - where it's marked down the side and you burn it to get it down to the right line each day - but I just know I'd probably get distracted and wander off and come back to find it down to the 24th on the 3rd or something!  Calendars are a bit of an all-round safer option, really...

Open Garden Squares Weekend

Anyone in London who, like me, has a certain fondness for taking photos of pretty flowers, may like to note that this weekend (11-12 June) is the annual Open Garden Squares Weekend.  Or alternatively, you may be just as keen if, like me, you've ever felt bitter that you've not been allowed into one of those exclusive, gated squares when it's been a hot day and you've been looking to sit down in the shade...  Or perhaps you're just generally interested in this quintessentially London phenomenon.

Whatever your motivation, the programme of openings is available here.  Sadly, it's not free but if you feel like swanning around in a floral summer dress and hat, pretending that you live in one of those fabulous Georgian townhouses with not just one but all the squares in London your playground, then this weekend is your chance.