A couple more post-pandemic firsts for me yesterday! (I know, I know -- the pandemic isn't over, but you know what I mean.) Dave and I went to the Carlton Tavern with some of our co-workers after work, and unlike our previous visit, we sat inside -- which was a good thing because the weather was terrible. It was as close to a normal pub experience as I've had yet, in more than a year.
Then, to get home -- we took a bus! I took the photo above, of the Old Bell pub in Kilburn, out the windows of the upper deck. I hadn't been on a public bus in at least 14 months.
So, a few more signs that normalcy may be returning to our lives. But there have been setbacks too. My flight to Tampa on July 1 has been cancelled by British Airways, so I need to find an alternative to that. Ugh.
While I sort that out, here are a few more random pictures from my iPhone:
When I walked Olga yesterday morning, we found this little bowl of water and some nibblies set out on the sidewalk, along with this sign: "Hi, I found the crow and took him home. He was not safe there from foxes. It was 11:30 p.m. I rescue birds so lucky I found him. In future please call London Wildlife Protection on xxxxx. Thank you for your kindness."
Which is a long way of saying, "You did everything wrong, but thanks anyway."
Some fallen geranium petals around our newly sprouted Peruvian lilies.
Olga beneath an impressive Ceanothus on the housing estate near our flat.
(We have a strong blue-and-white theme going with these pics...)
Found a dinosaur. He looked a bit...disintegrated.
This trailer rolled up to our street with some giant coils of pipe, part of an ongoing pipe-replacement project by Thames Water. There are still big holes in the street, and in fact we got a letter saying they're shutting off our water mid-morning this Thursday. But it's only for a couple of hours and we won't be home, so no big deal.
I found several of these Post-it Notes stuck to walls in our Middle School, all bearing vows of support for the LGBT+ community. Maybe it was a class exercise? (Yes, I know, "community" is spelled wrong, but that is somewhat offset by the correct use of e.g. (exempli gratia) to cite an example. Pretty good for Middle School, I'd say!)
Finally, rays of light from an interesting fixture at the Carlton Tavern.
What's wrong with "that's so gay"? A dear friend of mine (who is gay) sends himself up all the time saying "that's so gay". Largely, I agree with him. Not least that he is the Ueberhausfrau of all time. Even my brother's wife would be challenged to his level of running the perfect household. Not to mention the perfect Martini he concocts. In fact he is so fastidious (which gays are known for) he discarded me about ten years or so ago. Still, I adore him, always will.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing interesting about that note "I won't SAY anything that is offensive ..." Yes, Sweethearts, BUT what about what you actually THINK even if you don't say it out loud? Therein lies the crux.
Summer is here,
U
Oh brother
DeleteNo one would object to the phrase "it's so gay" if what it meant was actually GAY. But among young people especially, that's not what it means -- instead it's used as a derogatory put-down, kind of like saying "that's so lame" or "that's so stupid."
DeleteBesides, as with many derogatory phrases, when someone in the labeled group uses the word -- like your erstwhile friend -- it's not offensive in the same way.
Thank you for your explanation, Steve.
DeleteThe far more important part than my first paragraph which, admittedly, was a little tongue-in-cheek, is what I said in my second. Namely, that people may not say out LOUD what they truly THINK. On repeat: Therein lies the crux.
U
We have an upcoming meeting at SHARE to discuss the looser guidelines in the state, which is basically our governor lifting all restriction, to determine I guess if we should continue to insist on masks for people coming in. us volunteers in the back quit wearing ours a couple of weeks ago.
ReplyDeletedid you keep the dinosaur?
No, that dinosaur was way too manky to keep! LOL
DeleteGood for your students! And it's telling that a middle schooler is more aware of what is and is not hurtful than a grown woman.
ReplyDeleteAre you enjoying going out and being in the public?
That crow note- Haha! The fact that the person took the time to write out and tape up that note cracks me up.
Lovely photo of Olga under that magnificent tree. Bush? Whatever, it's a glory.
I'm glad whoever wrote the note rescued the crow, but he/she sounds like kind of a pain in the neck.
DeleteLike someone whose take on things is inarguably ALWAYS correct.
DeleteThat old cell phone has been busy taking some interesting shots.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to always have a camera on hand!
DeleteThere is a nice blue tone to your photos today. I love that tree, it's gorgeous. Bad luck on the flight cancellation. I hope you get it fixed without too much hassle. I really want to fly again but the thought of all that time in a crowded cabin wearing a mask is holding me back. Long haul flights were pure torture before the pandemic, I can't imagine what they are like now.
ReplyDeleteHopefully I'll be able to tell you in a month or so!
DeleteI like the blues in your photos today! I am wondering if you carefully arranged the blue petals around the lilies to get a nice shot or if you found it that way!
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, NO! They fell that way naturally.
DeleteAlways love to see your collection of iPhone photos. It's like taking a virtual walk with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad! It's fun to show everybody the things that catch my eye.
DeleteLove your roundups! I have probably told you that your witness of life in London has single-handedly changed my impression of the place from when I lived there as a child.
ReplyDeleteYes, you have told me that! I don't think I can single-handedly claim credit, though -- the city itself has changed quite a bit since then.
DeleteI love the blues you have captured. And the tidbits of life.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad! It IS funny how I had that blue theme going, completely unintentionally.
Deleteceanothus are in bloom here as well, a couple on the street are most impressive, the flowers are spent quickly, it seems, and then it is just an ordinary bush. The bees love the flowers, The bushes right now are buzzing! I think that the little dinosaur was likely a "grow" animal. Put in water it expands.
ReplyDeleteYeah, when they're not blooming, they're pretty nondescript!
DeleteOh, and yes, I think you're right about the dinosaur. It was a spongy texture. Pretty gross, actually.
DeleteGreat times getting somewhat back to normal. I'm at least open to eating inside instead of being paranoid about it. Being vaccinated is such a gift!
ReplyDeleteEating inside doesn't feel dangerous at all, at least not after a few pints! LOL
DeleteThis photo collection is wonderful. Those four in your blue period! And that shot from the bus window is another wall-worthy image! I like that student post-it. I've always wondered where my community was. Maybe commuinity is something else that I might be able to find.
ReplyDeleteCommuinity sounds like it SHOULD be a word. Like, being IN a community?
DeleteLily has a new name for her blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads-up!
DeleteThe photos are wonderful, particularly the first one as it really hasn't rained at all here this year. It's a bit scary -- no, very scary. I'm sorry that your flight was canceled and hope you find another one.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize you all were in a drought there (AGAIN). That IS scary. I hope some rainfall gets to you.
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