In Oxford today, I met Kai and his lovely owner Sarah. Sarah is profoundly deaf, and Kai is her 'hearing dog'.
A few years ago, when my Mum was 'Gertie sitting', my Dad came up to visit and brought us each a mini rose bush. I never seem to have much success with them, but this one survived. After a few years in a pot, we planted it out.
I've rather lost my photography Mojo of late - but I could resist this amended sign!
“ If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the mighty one "
"Now I am become Shiva, the destroyer of worlds."
This is me on a huge high, after seeing my beloved Patrick Stewart, in 'Waiting for Godot'. It was quite an experience.
Today Lovely Lindsay, Prof. Peter and I toddled of for a day of culture in London. First stop was Apsley House, home of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington.
As well as various Wellington artefacts (no boots, you have to go to Walmer Castle for that), there's a fantastic art collection, including Velázquez portrait of Pope Innocent I (as found in Joseph Bonaparte's baggage when he was fleeing after Waterloo).
Interestingly, Napoleon didn't want the statue when it was finished. One wonders if Wellington was chuffed when he had it presented to him. Apart from anything else, he had to have the hall floor reinforced!
As, this is the closest weekend to Waterloo Day (June 18th) - there were various 'special events'. Will we regret avoiding:
It was all a bit too much for some!
In the garden of The Queen's Head - one of Jackie's cats tries to hide in the daisies...
...Kipper eats some grass.
In the garden at 29 neither The Boy or Maisie are looking their best!
Today the Revd Rattue and I (aka The Weeping Cross) went to see the newly reopened Pitt Rivers Museum. As all it fans will be pleased to see, it still retains its character as the 'university's attic' (to quote my friend Annie).
While waiting for me (the refurbishment means that the museum has toilets - hurrah)...Revd Rattue stationed himself under a totem pole...
...and looked like one of the exhibits.
I was very taken with the creature on the left - which is called 'Lady Burrows' apparently.
And this little juxtoposition in a temporary exhibition.
I treated myself to a mocha pot the other week - I've no idea what happened to our old one.
This soggy morning, I was off to the University Parks to take part in Race for Life.
It's an all women event...
...to raise money for cancer research.
As you can see people really get into the spirit of the event - in costumes one normally associates with medical students, or rugby players in drag.
Everyone got rather wet...
As I'd had a bug of some kind this week, I'd decided to walk. However, the Traves bloody mindedness kicked in, and I jogged the whole way (and managed a mad dash for the line!). Sadly, my triumph picture (above) makes me look like a character from Little Britain!
The main thing is that I raised £280 in sponsorship. Thank you all very much!
Nearly home, and stuck in a boat jam!
It gave us a chance to enjoy the Spinnaker Tower...
...posing against the sunset...
...and the Victory.
Lots of history in a very small space!
These aren't great pics...
...but the bridge does look like it's made from giant tuning forks.
Also taking the ferry from Le Havre...(when pronounced in French it sounds rather like a gargle crossed with a death rattle)
...were a number of classic cars...
...taking part in a rally.
We spent a day in Dijon which was lovely. This is the Duke's Palace, which houses a very fine art museum. Sadly we were there on a Tuesday, and the museum is fermé le mardi...merde.
Still, the outside is very fine...
...with interesting drain pipes.
As you can see...
...the city is very bonny too.
We really enjoyed just wandering around (and finding a Cybercafe and checking email in Adam's case!).
In the past, Burgundy had a lot of trade with the Low Countries - as is demonstrated by these coloured Flemish tiles on the cathedral.
Not sure who these chaps were, but I liked them...
...as I did this frog.
The gargoyles on the front of Notre Dame made us feel at home.
La chouette, this little owl carving on the side of Notre Dame, is a traditional good luck charm. Sadly, the original was destroyed by vandals in 2001.
Be still my beating heart! What's this up ahead?
It's my beloved bear by Pompon!
The Boy, took this shot of the noble beast.
They also had some piggies.
Although I doubt that they're a traditional French breed.
Christopher was able to make friends :-).
To quote their website, "In the heart of Puisaye, in Yonne, Burgundy, a team of fifty people have taken on an extraordinary feat : to build a castle using the very same techniques and materials used in the Middle Ages." 
...it's the most amazing...
...mad, mad place.
They've been working since 1997, and they estimate that they have another twenty years to go.
The finished product looks just like the 'real thing'.
There are a few concessions to Health and Safety :-).
As well as the castle building they make all their tools, and ropes etc.
Plus some animals...(the wooden frames in the background are for holding up the vaulted ceilings)...
....and a garden...
...and a little stone dressing work shop.
Oh, and yeah some stocks. BTW, I'm not quite this fat, my shirt is billowing out (but yes, my legs ARE that short!).
As you'd expect from the name, Saint-Père is at the bottom of the hill under Vézelay.
It has a beautiful church, which in the process of being restored (as well as a VERY posh Marc Meneau place).
It clearly had a lot of wall paintings at one time.
This was one of the clearest ones.
There was also a lovely statue...
...and this lovely little brass hound.
The 'old' church has destroyed during the 'wars of religion'...
...and was used as a graveyard.
This little piggie was up in a barn window, we nearly missed him.
We ended up in France in the middle of the Spring plant sales.
Which is self styled...
one of 'the most beautiful villages in France'...
...with a big house...
...and some nice gardens.
As well as plants, there were some rather nice garden ornaments for sale.
Just along from the village the Allier meets the Loire.
However may times I visit, I always enjoy trip to Vézelay. I hadn't notice how sharp the fangs are on the 'Hell Mouth' on the tympantum.
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