Love letter from ... Lincoln

Last week, I went up to Lincoln for the day to do some research on a 15th century manor house.  Unfortunately, the archive experience was rather disappointing and unsuccessful but once they closed I was able to go exploring the city, photographing lovely things...

The walk up Steep Hill (yes, that's the name of a street):

Carving on the great west door of Lincoln Cathedral:

Around the Cathedral precinct:

It must be said that I'm not always one for medieval, Gothic buildings but Lincoln Cathedral is really something else.  Truly awe-inspiring and astoundingly beautiful:

More exploring around the Cathedral precinct:

The trip back down Steep Hill:

Unfortunately, not only the archives but practically everything in Lincoln seems to shut at 4pm!  That meant that I just had to gaze lustily through the windows of pretty shops selling antiques, prints and vintage clothes:

I think a proper trip to Lincoln is definitely on the cards.  Perhaps even an overnight stay, in order to fit in the Cathedral, the Castle and all the delightful shops...

Let's Twist Again

Although I prefer the thought of a dance floor on which everyone is either swing dancing or jiving, this article makes me appreciate the solo-styling of the twist so much more.

It's sad that it kept going in the direction it did, to the unsexy and ungraceful modern idea of dancing, but when you put it in its context, it suddenly seems much more exciting.  No more girls all dressed up but sitting on the bench, having to wait for a boy to ask them to dance...  Although, if it meant that boys bothered to learn to dance, maybe I'd be willing to go back to that protocol, even at the risk of being a wall-flower!

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.