Olga's Day in the Sun

Olga finally, finally got a long outing with me in Hampstead Heath yesterday. The weather was a bit gray when we set out -- gray enough that I tucked an umbrella in my bag -- but before we even got to the Heath the clouds had magically dissipated and the sky was bright blue.

We walked all the way around the park, from Parliament Hill with its skyline views to the quiet woods around Kenwood House.

We saw signs of the strange magic that sometimes shows itself in Hampstead Heath, like a forgotten series of bright fabric flags...

...and a strange pair of -- I don't know -- sculptures? One hanging, one lying on the ground.

Someone was completely blissed out by the sunshine, the crisp air, the hours running off leash after squirrels real and imaginary. Oh, and Olga had fun too.

Then Dave and I left Olga to snooze in the evening, heading out to Covent Garden for the Bleeding London wrap party. I discovered yesterday that I made a terrible mistake -- the photos I chose to be printed were actually part of an exhibit shown Friday night at a prep school. They weren't for the party at all. So basically, I missed the first exhibit of my printed work! I couldn't believe it.

The party was fun anyway, though, and there was a large TV screen showing a rolling series of BL photos. I could only glance at it now and then because I was simultaneously having conversations with people, so I only saw one of my own shots -- but there was enough evidence that when it comes time for an exhibit and/or book, we have lots of good options.

There were also tons more people in costume on the tube last night. This is like the zombie Halloween that wouldn't die! Whatever I've said about the British not being big on Halloween, I now hereby take it back. I saw hordes of trick-or-treaters in St. John's Wood on my way home from school Friday -- probably lots of American expats -- and Dave said one person even rang our doorbell. We've never had trick-or-treaters in London and didn't prepare at all, so Dave hid at the back of the house and they went away. We have not yet been egged!