This is a truly extraordinary thing. When we were in Aride in the Seychelles (see link on the right) in June - August of last year I lost my glasses in the sea. They were washed off my face while we were launching the boat and assumed lost. However, some time in the last couple of weeks they washed up on the shore after six months in the Indian Ocean and the wardens on Aride, Ben and Emma, posted them back to me. The lenses are a bit scratched, and the frames are bit rusted, plus one of the nose-pieces is missing, but I think you'll agree they're in remarkably good condition given the ordeal they've been through. I might write to SpecSavers and tell them. 

Deer relaxing in Richmond Park and psyching themselves up for the cull on 5th Feb. 

There hasn't been one of these on this blog for a while, so here you go. This one was in a pond in Richmond Park. There were also lots of deer which, according to park ordinances posted at the gates, are going to be shot in large numbers in February.

Holy Trinity Church, Chelsea. According to John Betjeman this is the 'Cathedral of the Arts and Crafts movement'. It's certainly very pretty. 

We didn't have an appointment, obviously. Holy Trinity Church, Chelsea.  

It snowed! 

Just as you thought it couldn't get any grimmer round Hounslow way, this pops up. I had to dodge past three of the scalliest-looking local kids on a (no doubt not entirely legal) quad bike to get to this sign, outside the shops on the Beaver estate. Note the use of 'persons/s' by the Met. 

I've never been in here but it's got to be a contender for 'grimmest looking pub in London'. This concludes today's 'Lovely Hounslow' theme. 

More Hounslow grimness. Note particularly the burnt out flats above the bookies. They've got that 'crackhouse tragedy' look about them. 

Ever been to Hounslow? I don't recommend it. 

Joanne's 30!  

In addition to taking the sleeper train to Inverness, we also, perhaps somewhat gratuitously, took the train to the Kyle of Lochalsh (where the bridge goes to Skye) which takes you right across Scotland from East to West. The scenery was splendid and you can't beat a day spent sitting on the train. 

We went to Inverness on a train. Obviously. Here's a picture taken out of the back of our sleeper carriage. 

Guess where we went for Joanne's birthday and New Year. Well done.