pumpkinstrokemarrow

As it happens, the azaleas were in their prime, something I have not seen before. Splashes of vivid colour all over the place, nicely balanced by the soft spring green of the wood - or plantation - in which they had been planted. Some of the larger azalea flowers were rather impressive close up too. But very few insects so not clear that the presumably large amounts of nectar were being put to good use. Perhaps the weather is supposed to be a bit warmer when these things come into flower. All in all, another very fine garden, not that much further than that at Hampton Court, so I guess we had better stick it on our bring forward list of things that must be done.

Rounded off the visit by some not very distinguished tea in the economy class section of Pembroke lodge. Not sure if it was the milk, the tea or the paper cups, but the flavour of the tea not that great. But it was economy. In business class there looked to be a wedding going on, where the people on the lawn appeared to be being offered water. From a jug, not even sparkling organic from the Pentland Hills. Perhaps things will warm up as the festivity progresses. Hope so as it was cool when we were there and is probably a lot cooler now. Very multi-cultural with some very splendid - if not very warm - outfits. Prize goes to what I assume was a west African gent. in full fancy cotton robes; fancy on a white base. Very smart he looked too.

On the way home, knocked off St Andrew's at Ham. A brick church in three parts: first the nave, then a south aisle then a fancy new chancel. Interesting painted roof to nave, more interesting roof and (fancy) decorations to the chancel. All a bit high church considering some expatriate Lutheran Germans - mainly young women and children - were about to start divine service (in German) as we left.

Rounded off the day with another variation on the organic smoked haddock with rice theme. Ingredients in descending order of importance by weight: haddock (50%), onion, white rice, orange pepper, celery, butter, white cabbage (shredded), cumin and black pepper. Topped up with cold beef sandwiches on white bread, this last not quite up to the usual Cheam standard. Bit damp and squashy.

Interesting new-to-me theory about the global bust in the TLS last week. Their story is that, in the western world at least, the last decade has been the decade in power of the baby boomers. People who have never had it so good. Dodged the draft. Snuffled powders. Who have never known any serious trouble. Been healthy and comfortable all their life. They never knew the global bust of before the second world war or the war itself and its aftermath. So all much too relaxed about everything. Far to inclined to be optimistic about things, to believe what their bankers say and to take chances with global welfare which their parents, having known global badfare in all its glory, would never have taken. The exception that proves the rule was said to be Frau Merkel, brought up in the dingy glow of East Germany and so well on the ball when it comes to knowing how bad badfare can be.