Last Oxford Evening

The Carneys' street leads on a circuitous route to the University. Walking rather than cycling is fine for me - especially with the feeling that I constantly have dyslexia when I approach a street, round-about or oncoming traffic. We enjoyed sunset, champagne and a congress of linen suited professors in the cloisters of New College before the opera in the Warden's garden.

Ever since Happiness heard your name...

Ever since Happiness heard your name, it has been running through the streets trying to find you. And God himself has even come to my door asking me for your address.
Hafiz

I suggested looking for any homes with 32 and finding the heart fire within.

HB to Harry Manchester

First lines to be sung to the tune of "Happy Birthday to You."

There are sleek Birthday Suits, Monks don scratchy Hairesuits.
But a full length (opera not rain) coat made entirely of thick grey ponytails, french twists, braids and chignons probably requires more tailoring and alteration skills than most hairdressers posses.
Best worn by a shaved, tall, bald person.

Tomorrow: Strawberries and cream !

London's Favorite Fellow

The Alexander McQueen Show at the Victoria and Albert Museum opened EVERY possible avenue of creativity. Fashion IS a transformational act.

Churchill's Cigars

Larger than life.
Just like the man.

Can you imagine being born here???

What comes to mind when you say Woodstock?

Correct British answer: Blenheim Palace and the Marlborough family's personal portrait artist: John Singer Sargent.

Can't you hear JSS insisting that the rich-but-ever-so-unhappy Consuella Rothchild commission a custom made dress so that the huge family portrait would compliment the Van Dyck on the adjacent wall.

I'm thinking the Duke of Marlborough wondered how Sargent so cleverly hid that Connie dearest was soooo much taller. Evidently, her neck was so elongated, she often wore chokers made of 17 strands of pearls. She does exude that certain aristocratic air.
I've often imagined that paintings DO talk to each other after people leave the room. Captions welcome.

Home of the Royal Blenheims

But not an apricot to be seen anywhere on the grounds of the Palace.

Although the newspaper headlines predict the largest crop of apricots in the history of Great Britain is coming this summer. The air is simply scrumptious so perhaps 'twill be so.

New College Gargoyles

At the top of the Radcliffe Camera (a remarkable circular library) in Oxford there are these encouraging fellows who spur scholars on to higher pursuits and perhaps plant the seeds for, a few centuries later, 3-D animation.

Oxford in Summer

No wafting scholars' capes (it's summer term), but still bicycles, pubs, charity and tuck shops everywhere. A few photos of the peaceful New College where cloisters date back to the 14th Century. I'm wondering about the OLDER colleges and the thousands of footsteps prior today. The layers of history are palpable.
This is where Ann studied and we're going to hear an opera in a few nights.

The Queen's Luggage cart

I would have imagined she has a private jet, but who knows?? Can't she get those grandson's to help her carry her bags???

It is the term of office of a sheriff. Archaic English. You must be enjoying yourself! I love you very much

What's "shrievalty"?

These boots were made for Hikin'

So, what if they are forty years old. They were my friends in college so they are going with me to Switzerland. It's a life-long dream realizes: hiking in my homeland. Those Hüttenbergers go back to sometime in 1250 AD. We'll see if anyone remembers. I fully intend to breathe alpine air, yodel and reward myself with chocolate and ricoooooooolas.

Best Birthday Bon Voyage EVER!

Tropical breezes, live salsa music wafting through the air, dancing, an intimate table for two crowded with pineapple drinks, plantain hash, rainbow candles on a chocolate "depression" cake and presents up the wazoo - accented by three versions of "Happy-cha-cha-cha-Birthday" sung by the friendliest of Caña patrons. The best of Cuba brought together by the beautiful Pat Rybovich just a few blocks from her home in Oakland.
And worlds away.

Yippee for Summer

And what's summer without making jam for winter?
20 pounds of heirloom Royal Blenheim apricots - pits + sugar + Calvados Brandy = 48 precious little jars. Almost one yum a week for a year.

Ghost Alley, Seattle, Washington

A block-long narrow alley where the brick buildings on both sides are covered in layers of ABC (Already Been Chewed) gum. Sort of an oral archeological discovery. Maybe even a little spooky at night.

There's a caption in here somewhere...

Art delivered every morning?
Day old paintings -1/2 price?
All work done on premises?
Be sure to check the pull date on the paintings?

Traveling to Tiffany's

Chuck's recognition as 2015 Distinguished Educator in the Arts included, along with a beautiful acrylic award from the Society of Illustrators, a HUGE box from Tiffany's from the Academy of Art University.
I am of the opinion that anything, any size, anywhere in a turquoise box is a show stopper.
He's planning to put his ashes in it - unless there is some divine plan for his miraculous Ascension.

May magnificence

Art abounds at Ze Ziemienskis' Glen Ellen palazzo on an almost summer evening: beautiful light, delicious food, the dearest of friends...watch out for the 1959 Apache.

Questions to ponder at 40,000 Feet

Do selfies on the tarmack lead families onto the path of unbridled political aspirations?
Do normal grown children tend to assume Primavera poses in front of The Four Seasons?

Private jet to NYC

The Academy of Art University flew us all to NYC so Chuck could received the Society of Illustrators Distinguished Educator of the Arts Award. Clarke helped us land, Lauren was the flight attendant and Lisa made "Up Chuck" bags and little putti (Italian cherub head) flight wings for us all. Magical trip and we'll never want to fly coach, business or even First Class again.