h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Although it's still pretty chilly here in the East of England (btw why have the weather forecasters stopped saying East Anglia?), there are definite signs of spring! Sunny most of the day today, and lots of flowers and green shoots in the College gardens: snowdrops still flowering among the newly-opened crocuses, aconites aplenty, and the buds on the magnificent magnolia tree are looking juicier by the day. It was light enough to cycle home without lights today - yippee!

Had a nice day in London yesterday. Lunch with a friend I hadn't seen for several years, at Brasserie Zédel, near Piccadilly Circus: it's a huge old-fashioned French brasserie, excellent food and very reasonable prices. Then we went to the Manet exhibition at the RA, which was slightly disappointing. After we went our separate ways, I spent some time in Fortnum & Mason's, Hatchard's and Waterstone's (just browsing), called in at my old workplace in UCL, and met more friends for a quick drink before getting the train home. Recommend prosecco for inducing a good mood before battling with First Capital Connect!

We have Spring here too and have had for a week or so.

It's only the Summers we don't get...

Susan and I are going to see The Mousetrap on Saturday, with Graham Seed in the cast. We'll have something to eat afterwards and the choices are Turkish or the new Jamie Oliver place. Kinda a slightly late Susan birthday treat.

Prosecco... mmmm, there's a thought.


D

PS. Up here, a Manet is a chap in the street or at the door.

If your new Jamie Oliver place is Jamie's Italian, my experience is that it's a bit hit and miss as regards quality. The Cambridge one is always heaving (that's hoaching to you!) on a Saturday, and they don't take bookings for groups fewer than 8. Have fun anyway!