Amaryllis

This is our kitchen window at the moment -- not too shabby, right? Dave ordered four amaryllis bulbs from the Netherlands a few months ago, and we planted them in our herb pots when the herbs began to look ragged. The bulbs sat quietly for several weeks and didn't seem to be doing much, and then all of a sudden, boom! Stalks and flowers. Leaves come next, apparently. (Isn't it funny how that third one is so much smaller than the rest? Genetics can be unpredictable!)

We were disappointed to learn that our neighborhood fishmonger closed over the weekend. Apparently the rent went up on their Notting Hill store, so they will now operate solely from Selfridges department store on Oxford Street (not at all nearby). Although they're a posh fishmonger, and we mainly went there when we wanted something special, I hate to see them driven out. Several other stores have also closed in nearby buildings. This seems to be happening more and more all over the world -- I read about it often in New York. What will we do when every store is a Starbucks or a Subway or a 7-Eleven?

Speaking of Starbucks, I always liked it in the states, but here in England the Starbucks drip coffee is nasty. I don't know whether it's the water or the roast, but I am not a fan. Even more of an incentive to search out independent coffee shops.

I think I figured out my voting problem. Apparently I am entitled as an overseas resident to vote in the district where I last lived in the U.S. So I'm in the process of registering in New Jersey as an overseas voter. I believe the designation entitles me only to vote in federal elections, but that's fine. I don't really need to weigh in on the Middlesex County freeholder race.