Walk in the park

Last week, I went to the park for a walk to enjoy the sun and to test of the camera on my new phone.

Lily pond.

Palm trees (why not?)

I wondered around the woodland area and found some quiet trails no one else seemed interested in.

This weekend I enjoyed the sun in Kingston and walking along the river with Clare but I forgot to take any photos. (Too busy chatting!)

Parties

During my week at home, I popped into Olivia's 2nd birthday party. She actually likes me now so I didn't get much time to sit down. She seemed to have a good time and all (adults and children) alike seemed knackered by then end. I also got to catch up with some others friends I haven't seen in ages which was great.

Birthday cake.

Happy little birthday girl.

We also went out for a meal for mom's retirement.

Week at home

Over the August bank holiday week, I went home. Mom retired on the Friday before the bank holiday so we celebrated. 

During the week, the weather was nice so one of the days we went for a walk over highgate common, through the woods.

We got a little lost at one point but finally found the car park. On the way home Dad and I convinced mom to stop at the Vineyards for lunch and a glass of wine. I forgot to take any photos but we enjoyed some very tasty sharing plates in the sun with a bottle of white. 

Mid week we went to a spa for the day and then a few days later a picnic by the river.

We need up having to take shelter a few times when the rain started but it was still nice.

Mom and I also went shopping and I treated her to lunch as payment for waiting with me while I got a new phone. It was a lot more complicated than I expected and took a lot longer. (Part of the reason it took so long to get the photos downloaded.)

Portland walking tour

On my last day (my flight was at 6pm) I did a walking tour with Jenny around downtown.

Our guide and one of the original drinking fountains.

"High water line"

Portland has the official world's smallest park, home to a little leprechaun. It is in the middle of the road so the photo was rushed.

It was also clear enough to see one of the mountains (not sure which one; there are 4 you can see in theory). 

On the way back I had a window seat (and one not over the wing) so got some nice pictures from the plane.

Not sure what the circle fields are.

More Portland Weird

On my last night in Portland, I went out with Karilla and Jenny for dinner and then we meet up with Charles for another drag show. So some more Portland weird.

After this we need up at a male strip club. I did not take any photos there; it seemed wrong. I also didn't realise they got totally naked. (I was very surprised to see a naked guy pole dancing; you want to be very careful doing that.)