This England: In London's Colorful West End

I love London's West End with its theatres, book stores, and more. Best of all, it's very walkable and so after our hearty English breakfast we set out for this area. The first thing we encountered as a marvelous (and totally unexpected) video installation focusing on the musical "The Lion King," which was celebrating 25 years on stage in London's West End.

There were enormous projections, along with models of costumes and the marvelous masks and puppetry. My photos of the costumes weren't good ones but this one intrigues me with its reflections.

This England: Bletchley Park

Rick ticked off a bucket list activity when he went to Wigmore Hall. For me, the bucket list item to tick was a visit to Bletchley Park. This place, where some say "England won the war" by deciphering the German codes, has intrigued me through countless books, films ("The Imitation Game," among others) and television ("The Bletchley Circle).

This England: Back in London with Music, Shopping and a Special Meet-Up!

When last we left our happy travelers, we had completed a road trip to Basildon Park, Hungerford, Burford, Snowshill Manor and Hughenden. We arrived home in time to get to a guitar concert at the wonderful crypt at St. Martin In the Field.

At Home: Trying to See the Light

We are finally seeing some sun here and slightly warmer temperatures. On occasion, that is. Well, significantly warmer temps than before, but inconsistent. When I started this, it was 51F and after lots of days in the 20s and 30s, that's a gift. The sun was  even more of a gift! Today we're back to gray sky and 39 but hey -- it's not single digits or twenties or snowing. We need a little warmth and light these days. A little peace, a little love. (And music is good too!)

As you know, I rarely talk politics on this blog. I suspect in most cases of followers here, I'm speaking to the converted, but I know not all of you share my political stance -- and it's probably no secret where I fall in that zone. I tend to save that for other spaces. But lately, I've found so many things upsetting, things that affect us all, and I have to take a minute to write on that, before I go on to cheerier things below.

At Home: More from the Orchid Show

Are you living in a world of white? Our snow is melting and should be much gone by the end of the week (apart from the big drifts where it has been stacked up by plows!) But last week I went for a color burst -- an orchid show.

 

My friend Barb suggested it and I'm so glad she did. The place was packed with beautiful displays as well as a number of vendors, an art exhibition and one by the local Ikebana group.  

At Home: Good Things

I have been pretty distressed about things going on in our country and our world and while I try to steer clear of politics here, I might have a couple of things to say before returning to the London posts again. And, if has been a very rough month health-wise. But there have been some good things, too. Like our recent Cork Poppers gathering, which I wrote about HERE.

Cork Poppers Go for the Reds, Whites, and Blue (label!)

Our wine tasting group, the Cork Poppers, met with the theme "The Red, White and Blue," and the assignment to bring a red, white or blue wine (don't laugh, someone once did); a wine from a red, white or purple state, or just something reflecting those colors.

 

In other words, a good "anything goes" theme!

At Home: The Michigan History Museum

When Rick's mom visited in November, we were short on things to do! Mobility was an issue, so long walks weren't on the agenda (and the weather got really cold during her visit); all the theatres had finished their current offerings and holiday events hadn't started. But there was one thing we could do -- visit the Michigan History Museum. 

 

I am wondering if I'd ever really "done" the museum before. I know I had been there for work events "back in the day," but I'm not sure I ever saw it all. I was quite pleased.

January's Book Shelf

The Polar Vortex has its challenges. But it brings with it time to dig into those Christmas books! Here's a look at a couple of foodie-biographies, a fiction novel (novella?), a political biography, a fun mystery and a lovely art book.

At Home: A Julia Child Road Trip

If I was having an "imaginary dinner party" and inviting people who have fascinated me over time, living or dead, Julia Child would be on the list. (That is, assuming I'd have the confidence to serve food to the Queen of the Kitchen! Maybe it should be a pot luck.) So, when a Julia Child exhibit came to Jackson, Michigan, about a half hour from home, my friend Kate and I decided that this would be our "Holiday Experience" (in lieu of presents, more or less!) I'm so glad we went!

At Home: Celestial Sounds in the Living Room

Back in "the day," the great and the good hosted salons in their homes. These were occasions that were either musical or literary and might include performance or discussion. (I suppose, in a way our contemporary book clubs are a salon of a sort.) They have existed since the first salon in Italy in the 16th century. Some of the greatest works of Faure, Poulenc, Debussy and Ravel got their start in the salon. 

Photo: Sharon Emery

Over the past year or so, Rick has brought that tradition to his home with house concerts by classical musicians. His first was with guitarist Onur Alkavuklar, and it was Onur who suggested Rick ask harpist Belle Coty to perform. I'm glad he did.

Year In Review -- The Annual Book Report

At long last, it's time to look at last year's books, the favorites (and the also-rans.) 2025 was far from my best reading year -- but within that year were plenty of wonderful books. I only pulled in 47 books this year, with a total of 14,947 pages. But I was pleased to see that my "favorites" list crossed many genres -- non-fiction, biography, mystery and history. I also found some authors new to me, meaning I can expand the hunt for used volumes. Here we go! (Links connect to the posts in which I reviewed the books.

At Home: Winter Cozies

We'll take another little break from England to check up on some real-life at home, books and more! (If you want to catch up on England posts, click on the England 2024 tab above.)

I'd like to think we've survived the polar vortex. So far, so good, but who knows? We still have a few months of winter. Meanwhile, Lizzie and I are hunkering down and doing some bird watching!

This England: Hughenden, Disraeli's Home

Reliving my England trip and sharing it with you continues with one more post of our road trip. We're still in Oxfordshire with Jenny and T, visiting historic buildings. After leaving Burford and that beautiful church, we headed toward Hughenden, the country home of Benjamin Disraeli, one of Victoria's prime ministers.

This England: Road Trip: The Church in Burford

After a day perusing the intriguing collections and gardens at Snowshill Manor, we were ready to find our lodgings and have a good dinner. We headed off to Burford, a small town in Oxfordshire, and landed at the Royal Oak, a pub with lodgings above.

It wasn't our favorite hotel -- the rooms were cool and the dinner expensive. I wrote in my journal "adequate but not spectacular fish and chips."  Still, the lodging price was right and I would return. The room was comfy enough, but I think we were spoiled by The Bear. (Maybe when it was a little warmer out!)

This England: Snowshill -- The Gardens

I'm already eager for spring. I may be a lousy gardener myself, but I love visiting a good one. Charles Paget Wade, whom we met as the quirky collector of Snowshill Manor, loved his gardens as well and reviewing the photos reminds me that he did a fine job with his property. They are far more simplified than his home, which we saw in the last post!

Even in autumn, maybe especially in autumn, the sense of the garden, the colors and textures, were so very alive! We found this true, even though our visit was in mid-October.

This England: Road Trip to Snowshill Manor

I'm a collector. Lots of us are. We pick several (OK, maybe more than several) things that particularly appeal to us and build a collection. In my house you'll find vintage postcards, lots of china and dishes, figurines handed down from my mom, some British royal memorabilia (books, commemorative plates, cups and tins), plenty of Christmas and more than a few books.

Sometimes our houses get a little full.

This England -- Hanging Out in Hungerford

After visiting the beautiful, historic Basildon Park, it only seemed right that we overnight in a wonderful town and stay at a historic inn. So we were off to Hungerford, a town Jenny and T know quite well and one I had wanted to visit, in part because of their antique market, the Hungerford Arcade. (If you watch "Celebrity Antiques Roadshow" on PBS Passport, you'll find it in one of the episodes.)

This England: A Road Trip to Basildon Park

What could be a more delightful way to explore England than a road trip? (Especially if it might include a visit to historic homes, including one that was in "Downton Abbey" (see link to see how t was used as the Crawley's London home) and "The Crown"?) Our friends, blogger Jenny and her husband, T, offered to show us some lovely spots, so we took the next three days to see more of England's beautiful countryside.

Our first destination would be Basildon Park, a beautiful manor house located in Berkshire. You may never have visited Basildon Park, but if you have seen programs like "Downton Abbey," "Pride and Prejudice," "The Crown," "Pride, Prejudice and Zombies," and "Bridgerton," you have seen a bit of this beautiful estate.

This England: The Remarkable Wallace Collection

We're back in London with a visual treat today -- The Wallace Collection. I'd read about this but what really turned us on to it was a suggestion from the sales guy at the Steinway store. It was only a couple of blocks away (a good thing on a drizzly day) and he said it would be special. It was!

This elaborate collection was curated over time by several generations of the marquesses of Hertford and Richard Wallace, an illegitimate son. It contains an extraordinary amount of paintings, armor and arms, and decorative items. 

This England: A Day of Music and Art

We're  headed back to England for a bit here on Marmelade Gypsy, sharing some of the things we experienced last October in London. One of Rick's goals in London was to go to as many classical concerts as possible. A second thing, one on his bucket list for years, was to attend a concert at Wigmore Hall, a concert hall that opened in 1901 and is known for its excellent acoustics. During its history, it has hosted many of the greatest musicians in the world. It is also known for promoting new talent and for its learning programs, which work to engage those who might otherwise not have opportunities to explore classical music.

So, after a wonderful breakfast at our hotel, we took off, first stopping in Oxford Street so Rick could take a peek inside the guitar store . . . 

At Home: Books from October through December!

Will it surprise you to know that my reading really tanked in October, November and December? So, I'm putting these three paltry months together! Some of my reviews are a bit shorter than usual because I didn't write them right after finishing the book!

Some Years are Like That -- A Year-End Wrap

Happy New Year to you! It's a good time to look back, especially since I'm not that keen on looking forward! Some years are more stellar than others. This one definitely had its highs. But it had its lows, too. We'll start with the "highs," and one of them was spending time with these two!

And one terrific high of the year was our trip to England. I'm doing loads of posts on that, as you know (archiving them on the menu tab at the top of the page here). They'll continue well into 2025 -- my form of escapism and hopefully, yours too! 

Holidays at Home: Cork Poppers Survival Plan!

The Cork Poppers, our wine tasting group, celebrated the holidays by making plans to survive the political chaos of 2025 and beyond with the theme of "Wines to Get Us Through." Judging by the tastings, we will at least be somewhat festive, if numb.

 

Holidays at Home: A Tale of Two Christmases!

Like so many of you, our family enjoyed more than one Christmas this year -- one at home, one at the kids' house. 

 

That was our first one and it actually began a bit earlier in the week when Rick when down to kid-sit and I followed a couple of days later. They boys are six and seven (nearly eight) so it's a fun age to be with them. They're still young enough to have some magic in them, so when we went to the bookstore we came home with the elf on the shelf. It certainly kept them occupied.

Happy Everything This Month!

Happily wishing all my blog friends a very Fun Festivus, Lovely Solstice, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Jolly Boxing Day, and good wishes for whatever else, if anything, you are celebrating at the end of this month. 

May your days be merry and bright. . . 

Holidays at Home: Holiday Fun

In the countdown till Christmas one must make time for a little fun, a little friendship.

My friend Suzanne (from Canada) came for a short visit -- partly to come to Cork Poppers, partly for Christmas shopping, partly for VERY belated birthday celebrating (my birthday is in August; we tend to do each other's about four months off. We'll do Christmas in January.)

Holidays at Home: Christmas in the House!

It's time to deck the halls. Many of you blog friends have done that long ago. I'm behind the game but can happily say I've "hauled out the holly" and "decked the halls." It's a bit more low key than usual but it's been a very rough month and I'm just glad to get the cheer back into the house. (Where it will probably stay until Valentine's Day!)

I suppose I should start with my narrow entry hall. The greeting angel stays there year round, but I have a tall, skinny tree with mostly silver, red and white ornaments to light the way.

Holidays at Home! Greens and Tea!

 I said I'd be breaking up some of our London posts for Holidays at Home -- 'Tis the season, after all! And spending time with friends is what it's all about. So when fellow Corkie Barb texted Kate and me to see if we'd love to come cut pine greens and have tea and cookies, we said, "Well, yeah!"

It was a gorgeous day -- cold but not windy and sunny so it was pleasant. Most of our snow had melted and it was an easy walk to the back forty where six white pines were waiting for us!

This England: Christmas at Selfridges

Selfridges is one of London's oldest department stores and it is a beauty. It's not always for the fiscally faint of heart but no one can deny there are some beautiful things there. This is no more obvious than at Christmas time. Even in October, they had their "Christmas Shop" open -- and it was enchanting.

I think you can imagine that when I saw these two trees flanking the entry as I was walking down the aisle, my pace quickened a bit because I knew I had to see what was inside!