Going Down-ton

But first, the feed. She's eating solids happily now, but not avocado

And trying to talk a lot - constant chattering but no sense yet.

More solids. Val is getting expert at the slow-spoonful-and-duck method

This is dangerous on a full belly.

Ready for the off.

First, breakfast in Old Wandsworth town, at Brew, an Australian coffee shop

I wonder what Val is thinking.

It really is a great opportunity for a photoshop, or even a simple text box.

Cathy's nostalgia. Jane lived near here.

At last, Downton Abbey (actually Highclere Castle)

Another breakfast, at the Castle.

Cathy heading South.

More pics of the Castle

There is the green sheep (lying quietly in the green grass)

What folly!

Castled out.

Back at our flat

Lunch at Cizano House

Cathy's desert.

And then it rained.

A Day in the Country and Back Again.

We set off in Claire and John's car to drive to Berkshire. Five minutes from their place to Rocks Road (which is about 3 km long). 75 minutes later, we got to the other end of Rocks Road, and onto Hammersmith Bridge! London traffic can only be described.

 Anyway, we finally arrived at Susie and Andy's, where Michi, Matthew (obscured), Tommy and Joshua  (out of picture) were staying.

 Morning tea in the Varco's back yard. Happy memories.

We then drove to Woodcote, to Val and Gerry's daughter's place, to see their new baby. I thought Cathy was taking all the photos, and she thought I was , so Gerry and baby Tomi were the only ones we caught.

This is Abby - Kath and Lee's beagle. (I thought I had to take the dog photos.)

Abby and parts of Gerry. Anyway, we had a great lunch at the Highwayman pub, then walked along the Thames near Goring.

Val and Gerry and Cathy in Goring.

 They take the Queen's birds seriously here.

 The lock and weir at Goring.

 Further up the Thames.

 Some of the Thames-side weekenders are amazing.

 Still looking for the bloody green sheep.

Back in Putney again, and Sunday lunch at a French restaurant on the High Street. I'm drinking more Kwak although the French waitress had no idea about pouring a beer.

 The girls look innocent, but they're drinking Normandy cider .......

 ..... which comes in little jugs.

 John, multi-tasking.

 One of the tables in the restaurant - obviously for people who are lost for words.

 Cathy's tomate tart.

 Assorted foods.

 Madelaines.

 Claire's pear tiramisu, which was a whole dairy too far.