Friday 29 June 2012

On my way home from work yesterday, I decided it was worth five minutes' hot and sticky trudge along horrible Marylebone Road, thundering with traffic ...
To find myself among the roses in Queen Mary's Rose Garden
On a comfortable bench
With a cup of tea and a slice of Bakewell tart
Reading a chapter or two of Virginia Woolf
And thinking what a lovely way to end the day.
Which is pretty much what I was doing this time last year and the year before.
Sorry to be so predictable.
But I still love roses the colour of sherbet oranges.
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14 comments:

  1. mary29 June 2012 at 23:55

    Sue, I read the Alexandra Harris biography which is so good, and so readable, it gave me the urge to read more Virginia ... unfortunately, exposure to Virginia seems to be killing the urge fast, if the first few chapters are anything to go by. But haven't given up as I did enjoy Mrs Dalloway and To the Lighthouse.

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  2. Noelle the dreamer30 June 2012 at 01:55

    Sounds like a lovely time and yes, the perfect way to end your day! Noticed your previous post about the other garden...So nice to discover all these (almost) forgotten places...
    Thanks for sharing Mary!

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    1. mary30 June 2012 at 02:26

      I wish the roses were on my home every day, Noelle. And yes, the Barbican conservatory is a wonderful hidden corner, not so much forgotten as undiscovered (at least by me).

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  3. Mystica30 June 2012 at 04:27

    Since I dont know what sherbet oranges look like would love if you could put in a picture!

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    1. mary30 June 2012 at 11:32

      Mystica, have a look at sweetcandy-shop.com ... and I bet they'll have fizzy peaches too!

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  4. Anbolyn30 June 2012 at 05:22

    Sounds heavenly, even the Virginia Woolf!

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    1. mary30 June 2012 at 11:34

      I'm reserving opinion on VW until I've got a bit further, Anbolyn. Might take her to the seaside this afternoon.

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  5. mary30 June 2012 at 14:37

    I wrote that too soon ... shouldn't start books when I'm tired ... an hour with Virginia in the bath this morning and we're getting on fine!

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  6. Anonymous30 June 2012 at 18:05

    I recall finding little lush oases in London when I worked there, very briefly, in the late 60s. But I still can't get on with VW.

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  7. Sunday Taylor1 July 2012 at 00:47

    Sounds like a perfectly wonderful thing to do. The orange roses, the tea, the tart, and Virginia Woolf. That would make me very happy. However if you decide to abandon Virginia Woolf, how about "The Enchanted April" by Elizabeth Von Armin. Very summery and very much about nature. Enjoy!

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  8. mary1 July 2012 at 14:03

    Hello, Sunday. Oh yes, I've read The Enchanted April - lovely! And I bought another one of hers in a charity shop recently - Love - that I'm hoping will be a good summer read.
    I'm on and off with VW ... last night in bed was off! And then she comes up with a perfect paragraph ...

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  9. Anonymous5 July 2012 at 19:54

    Mary, I came upon your blog several months ago and have enjoyed it immensely. Today's entry was especially wonderful. You and I could be soulmates.

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  10. mary13 July 2012 at 20:59

    Hello anonymous! I'm glad you enjoy the blog and thank you for taking the trouble comment. Which is always appreciated despite recent difficulties replying!

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