Brunch on Hampstead Heath

there we were, Caroline, Ruth, Ian, Viv and me. From 11am till 3:30pm - the longest brunch I have ever had. In the patio restaurant at Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath. At times it rained, at times it shone brightly. When it rained we sort of managed under the table parasols.

Conversation was wide ranging - life in South Africa (Ian is South African and Ruth spent a few months there on her gap year learning to sail). The law (both Caroline and Ruth, our daughter, are trainee lawyers and Ian's father is a judge!), finding houses and the right sort of place to live (Viv is moving back to London). Lots more too but I have forgotten it all as I didn't write it down at the time.

Coffee was never ending - thanks to the very variable weather the restaurant was not busy so refills were easily obtained. Though why they should cost so much is a mystery.

Vince Lucker's birthday

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Vince's birthday - Roger, Vince, Andrew, Viv and I had an evening out in Southport. A pleasant walk along the pier. We watched the BMX cyclists in the skateboard park, walked the pier again, bought bags of chips and disgusting ice-cream, discussed restaurants, bumped into Irene and Con, and failed spectacularly to find somewhere to have coffee. We tried to order hot drinks in the sitting room/lobby area of a swish hotel but were looked at as though strangers from outer space.

Eventually we found an interesting mixed tapas and turkish (mezze) bar and had a large selection, lots of delicious coffee (mostly decaffinated) and a birthday cake with candles.

Happy birthday Vince!