London with Kathryn Whitlock

Kim and Matt's friend Kathryn Whitlock from Mesa, AZ has been here visiting and helping with Brigham's arrival. Since she is leaving tomorrow, she wanted to go into London today and wondered if Kris and I wanted to go, too. Kris decided to stay and help Kim, but, of course, I was game. Matt drove us to Oxted to catch a train to Victoria, and from there we headed to Notting Hill and Portobello Road via the Circle Line. Kathryn had never seen the park without heavy rain, so we took advantage of a beautiful day. We made our way down Exhibition Road to the V&A and around the corner to the Brompton Oratory. By then our feet were tired and we made our way back to the train with only a slight hiccup because London Bridge Station is closed for construction. Arriving home, I made mac and cheese for supper.

 Oxted Station

 Brand new carriages on the Circle Line

 Pembridge Square

 A typical crowded summer Saturday

 Cricket balls

 Europeans on holiday

 Color, pattern, and texture everywhere

 Scarves in every color

 Still delicious

 Kathryn, who has lived in the Middle East, thought that the

falafels these guys make are excellent

 "Place where the riches of ages are sold"

 As we left, the crowds were still coming

 Sunken garden at Kensington Palace

 I have loved this spot since I first saw it in 1978

 Kensington Palace

 The Flower Walk

 First hint of fall in this member of the holly family

 Albert abides

 The Victoria and Albert

 The Great Bed of Ware

 Brompton Oratory, 1884

 Victorian version of Italian Baroque for the Catholics of London

Westminster Station is my favorite

This was a fun day. Tomorrow is Sunday, and will likely be less exciting, so there may be no reason for a post. We'll see.

That's all for now.

OXO

D.