Actually, the term “high tea” for the posh afternoon sort of thing with tea and scones is a misnomer, but it worked better in the title than “afternoon tea,” which is the correct term. But since my favorite place for afternoon tea closed, the Basil Street Hotel near Harrod’s, I had been promising myself that I would have tea in the Orangery (left) in Kensington Palace Gardens, and so yesterday took advantage of the sunny day–how to resist a walk through Hyde Park, and a gawp at Kensington Palace, although I didn’t go in the palace proper.
The Orangery is tucked away behind Kensington Palace, and has its own beautifully landscaped gardens. What better way to while away an hour or so, drinking tea, writing, and gazing out the windows. Except the park and day beckoned, as did this little door set into what I think must be the nether regions of the palace itself.
There is nothing more intriguing to the imagination than a door marked PRIVATE.
And then the park . . . I debated over which photo to include, because no photo can do justice to Hyde Park on a sunny–if cold and a bit windy–spring afternoon. I’m not sure that such a thing is meant to be recorded, but must, I think, be experienced. Babies toddling in the bright green grass; bikers biking (although I’d prefer they not be the mad ones that run you down if you’re not careful); benches to be sat upon and deck chairs to be lounged in; dogs running off lead, chasing balls and squirrels, real or imaginary. And although I’m not sure it’s allowed, there should be small boys and girls sailing wooden boats on the Round Pond.
There are daffodils and bluebells and grape hyacinths in the grass, the camelias are fading, the rhodedendrons just coming into bloom, the buds unfurling on tender trees and roses, and all the human faces are living sunflowers, turned towards the light. Glorious indeed.
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April 2nd, 2008 - 10:44 am
I would love to see what’s behind that door!
April 13th, 2008 - 11:57 am
I just want to say thank you, I love your website, I love the pictures (your dogs are special, but the pictures in Great Britain are the best) & I love your mysteries. They are my favorite series & I eagerly anticipate each new one. I tell myself I will not, WILL NOT read the excerpts, but then, of course, I do & it is that much harder to wait! But… I think the satisfaction is that much greater for the wait and I urge you to not hurry the process. I, for one, appreciate that you take your time & do it right. What you are doing seems to be working just fine… the time spent in research makes each book so believable. I hate it when a writer cranks out book after book & they begin to run together. Yours are fresh & delightful every time. Thanks again!
ps: By any chance are you acquainted with the jacquielawson.com website? I love her cards, especially the ones with her dogs featured, but the best part is her dog Chudleigh’s diary. Somehow your love for your dogs remind me of her site.
April 13th, 2008 - 1:09 pm
Thanks, Connie! And yes, I love Jacqui Lawson’s cards, especially the Chudleigh’s. I was introduced to them by my friend Kate Charles, but now all my friends and family use them so we end up sending each other the same cards!!! I haven’t looked at Chudleigh’s diary, however, so will do that.
Deb
August 15th, 2008 - 9:22 am
Hi, You mention “there should be small boys and girls sailing wooden boats on the Round Pond”. I could not agree with you more. I was one of those many little boys in the 1950s who used to sail my old small tin yacht and watch it disappear in the distance. I had to keep an eye on it with a telescope and hope it would eventionally land within my reach. My mother who took me there (as it was 8 stops on the tube) must have had a lot of patience! I visited the Round Pond yesterday (14th Aug 2008) and sadly no small boys or girls sailing their yachts. It was just as I remember it including the smell of the water.
March 22nd, 2010 - 6:13 am
Hey, Found your blog on Bing, glad I did, great site!! Keep it up! =)