Carnival

I couldn't miss the chance to give Ruby and Lucas their first taste of the Nottinghill Carnival on Sunday. We had a great walk, from Scrubbs Lane, under a moody sky, through Kensal Green cemetery, to Ladbroke Grove.
We just stayed just a while as the decibel levels were a bit intense for little ones so we adjourned to the Little Wormwood Scrubs playground, near where we used to live.

Westway

I love the elevated section of the A40, my favourite stretch of road in the world.
I love it for many reasons but mainly because it spans my favourite part of London (cutting a swathe through Paddington, Westbourne Grove, Portobello Road and Ladbroke Grove) and for many years it was my express connection between home, work, Ibolya's flat (when we were courting) and the Acton Balti House.
I love it too that it was the inspiration for J G Ballard and the Clash, who lived and recorded underneath it.
It also has magnificent views of two of my top five buildings in London: The Trelik Tower and 179 Harrow Road, the former British Rail maintenance depot and until recently, Monsoon's head office.
Driving over it again, for the first time in a few years, was fantastic and extra special with Ruby and Lucas in the back. Ibolya was very good to me too and took some nice shots whilst leaning out of the passenger window.

Cambria Road

We finally joined Streetcar this weekend which made it a heck of a lot easier to cross town to Robyn and Alex's for a BBQ.

Last Weekend

Can't believe I'm now 1 post short of catching up. These are a few pictures from the rest of last weekend. The last three from taking Ruby to Brambles, a brilliant in door play entre underneath the Westway.

Dinner at Kate and Dan's

Thought this deserved it's own post as Kate and Dan outdid themselves with their, Mexican themed, hospitality on Saturday night. Plying us with wicked mohitos and cooking a very slow roasted (on the BBQ), richly marinated, spiced pork, for fajitas, with homemade salsa, guacamole and refried beans. This was followed by a magnificent carrot birthday cake, Ibolya had made for me and to round a truly exceptional meal off, a beautiful cheese board.

Maggie Jones

Very nearly caught up with my blog backlog now. This was last Friday night when Stephen, as his birthday gift to me, took Mark and I out to celebrate (I know it sounds I've really milked this birthday) with grouse at Maggie Jones. It was evening I'd looked forward to for a long time and to be with my bestest friends, with great food, in a lovely place was an enormous treat. The restaurant even threw in champagne and cake for me.

Family Weekend at the Bennetts

We drove back from Wales via my twin sister's place in Bedfordshire for a big birthday family get together. Despite there being so many of us and dodgy weather, Matthew did a tremendous bbq on Saturday and big roast lunch on Sunday.
It was a wonderful, rare, opportunity to get us all together and the first time Lucas has been surrounded by his extended family. It was also especially good to see my cousin, Dr. David, and my Uncle Jim and Auntie Pauline. That's Jim, second photo from bottom.