Dad’s birthday today. I must admit I haven’t thought about him for awhile despite his photo being very prominent in the bedroom. It has almost become a an invisible picture. I must be more aware of my surroundings.
He died 20 years ago last June and left me and the kids as his legacy. I think of him as a lover of life who would bring good company and fellowship to those in his orbit. It amazed me that he had so many friends and I asked him if he entered a bar, which he loved to do, how long would it take home to start up a conversation with someone. It astonished him that I should ask him such a question. It reflected more on me than him.
Maggi and I set off for town and arrived at Cotswold in Piccadilly just as the shop opened. We bought some clothes for our Costa Rica trip. We then crossed the road for a coffee at Waterstones where we had a very poor drink. I stayed on to buy a book while Maggi headed home. I bought Maupassant’s Bel-Ami.
I noticed this decoration elaborate decoration on the building at the corner of Piccadilly and St James’s Street which used to be the home of the insurance company Norwich Union.
I wanted to sit down and write a bit of my diary but just drunk a coffee I sought a park bench and went south toward St James’ Park. As I approached I saw a congregation of people in Horse Guards Parade. I headed towards the group where I could see the Horse Guards taking part in a changing of the Guards. A crowd of tourists stood around watching the men in their military gear brightly polished. Half of the men went towards the Palace the other half turned back through the archway and had disappeared by the time I reached the arch.
Only a solitary Guard remained on each side of the building from the large group of cavaliers who had proceeded through.
The place thronged with people. I guess London has recovered from Covid and the foreigners are back. I walked towards Westminster Station passed Downing Street where another crowd gathered to try and glimpse No. 10. All I could see were the armed police and the strong protection at the entrance. I continued to the tube and caught it to Bond Street.
I had lunch in John Lewis bought some anti-moth stickers some food and then a loaf in Ole & Stein and then returned home.