I make idlis

Cal brought me an idli maker back from India. It's the best thing thing that's come into my life since I splashed out on fancy bike gloves that saved my hands from dropping off.


And here's an idli maker for Pip. The camera broke in Paris on the weekend (more on that later) so here's a very similar looking one from the internet:

Second attempt

There's one morning a week where I have to wake up 6:30am for an early class. I'd love to be able to sleep a bit longer on other days but my body likes routine and insists on walking at 6:30am every morning.

That came in handy this morning when I woke up, put on shorts and a t-shirt (it's mid-May but I've cast all my clouts - I'm tough) and headed down to Columbia Road to make up for last week's disappointment.

People are so friendly early in the morning! I chatted to dog walkers and cyclists in the park and when I got to the market it was quiet and stallholders were wandering around catching up with each other.


With most of the stalls open but few shoppers about, I got everything I wanted. I then went for a 2km swim before doing a couple of hours of gardening. Can a Sunday morning get any more satisfying?

Flower fight

My garden is at an ugly transition stage. The last flower (below) died off weeks ago but the leaves are taking way too long to wither away and I don't want to pull the bulbs out until they're ready.


Not that I'd have anything to replace them with anyway. Apart from a few very healthy looking lettuce, my seeds (especially the ones I ordered from overseas!) have not been too successful.


I thought I'd cheat with a trip to Columbia Road. I saw stuff I wanted on the stall where a man sells off one thing at a time to the person he likes the look of most. The crowd of anxious gardeners around the stall were eyeing each other suspiciously.

A man next to me asked a stall assistant if he could buy something on the ground in front of him, only to be told 'You can only buy what the boss has in his hand.'. It was starting to feel like a Seinfeld episode, 'No petunias for you!'.

(same stall but not my photo)

When my plants came up, I know he noticed my waving hand first but I was completely ignored! I'm going back this Sunday at opening time. Failing that, I'll be there the week after with someone who can project a good damsel in distress.

Dalston last night

And on Kingsland Road a zorba dance has blocked traffic in both directions. Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes...

Powerhouse of pleasure

I've just got back from Birmingham. If anyone wants to know what it's like, watch the video below and imagine how much better it is 30 years later. I went by train so I wouldn't know about the revolutionary road systems but everything else is just like Telly Savalas says...



Cal texted from a swimming pool in Kolkata and I replied quite proudly that I was off on a bluebell walk. I amost didn't even feel jealous. I am, like so English now.


And it only got better after I ate a bluebell.