Saturday, August 13, 2016

Nothing but Blue Skies


Yesterday was an almost absurdly beautiful day. There literally wasn't a cloud in the sky, which in England is unheard of! The high temperature, according to the Weather Channel, was 80ยบ F, but it seemed a bit cooler. Maybe in our back garden it was.

I spent the day reading, finishing the last of the seven library books I checked out for summer. When I borrowed them, I thought, "There's no way I'm going to get through all these." But I managed!

(For one thing, I didn't count on four transatlantic plane flights, which left me with plenty of hours to kill. But on the plus side, I was just notified today that I have reached Bronze level on my British Airways Executive Club membership, which is the first time in my life I have been able to accumulate enough frequent flier miles to amount to anything. Supposedly some little perks come with this level, like earlier boarding and being able to pick my seat for free.)

Anyway, this last library book was the most recent Cormoran Strike detective novel by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling). I do love those books. Page-turners, all.


Remember that bottle of Pimm's that Dave photographed with Olga last week? Well, we've cracked it open and had a few Pimm's cocktails in the back garden. It seems like a nice way to end the summer. The taste of Pimm's is hard to describe -- it's a bit fruity and spicy, with a gin base, and traditionally mixed with lemon-lime soda and garnished with oranges, strawberries, mint and cucumber.

Last night we went to dinner with a friend from work, Colin, who lives nearby. We caught up on all our summer activities and some school gossip. Trying to get our brains into work mode, I guess! I'll be back at work next Thursday, and Dave next week as well.

Oh, and I belatedly realized that in all my Georgia O'Keeffe reminiscing yesterday, I forgot another of her exhibits that I saw -- a 2009 show of abstractions at the Whitney Museum, which I mentioned here. To be honest, I don't remember that show at all. If I hadn't written that I saw it, I would swear I didn't!

8 comments:

Yorkshire Pudding said...

It is strange to note that in your thinking summer is almost over. To me there's a good distance to go yet. It's when my courgettes stop fruiting and there are no more runner beans to pick.

Ms. Moon said...

I LOVE those Cormoran Strike novels! I wish she'd write a new one!
I've never tried Pimms. Those drinks look delicious.
I can't believe that school is about to start for the boys and for you and Dave. What a strange summer you've had.

Red said...

Well I went back to school 37 times. It's an important time of the year when lots of preparation is done for the coming year.

Sharon said...

I don't think I've ever had Pimm's. I hear a lot about it so I must give it a try. I've been wanting to read one of those Rowling books that she writes under a pseudonym. I might just jump over to Amazon a buy one or two.

37paddington said...

those drinks look fantastic! especially against the backdrop of your garden. it looks like a very lovely and genteel life, the kind everyone imagines people in england live. you're living my dream!

jenny_o said...

It seems so early to be thinking about school! Here the teachers go back in early September, followed by the kids a couple of days later. Even that is coming up quickly, though.

Enjoy your blue skies and delicious drinks while you can. You've reminded me to do the same.

pam nash said...

I could have had a Pimm's when I was in Scotland but I didn't know what it was so I opted for a vodka tonic. now I wish I had had the Pimm's.

The Bug said...

Oh those Galbraith books are really good! I'm glad you've enjoyed them too. Your drinks look great too, but it's deceptive since I don't really like alcohol :)