June 26, 2018

London, UK

Good afternoon, all! How is everybody??? Well, it's hot right now in London, and I mean HOT!! We flew back into Heathrow yesterday late morning and it was already nearly 30 degrees Celsius! I do love the sun. It's so nice to have meals with Gemma and her parents out in the sun, and it's also a joy to be able to go for a run without having to worry about getting rained on! Harry loves being outside, too. During this mini-heatwave, the routine is: pick-up from nursery, walk back home, get naked (that's Harry, not me!!) and jump into the paddling pool! He's also taken to watering the flowers on our decking area. It's so wonderful to see him growing up into such a lovely little chap! Well, a patch of UK concerts this week which will be lots and lots of fun. We head to Clifton Cathedral tomorrow, Stour Festival on Friday and then Ludlow on Saturday. I remember vividly turning up to the Stour Festival a few years ago and talking to Alfred Deller's son, Mark, who runs the Festival. I was totally star-struck - I couldn't believe that I was talking to the actual son of Alfred Deller! I wrote my thesis on Mark's father at University - his influence upon the renaissance of the countertenor voice. Alfred Deller broke down so many barriers and stigmas attached to singing in the countertenor range and I'm sure it's not just me that would say a massive 'THANK YOU' to him today, if he was still around. I will be sure to pay my respects, with Patty, at his graveside, as I did last time with David.Right off to get the paddling pool ready! Take care all and see lots of you soon, I hope. Toodle-oo for now....