Woe, is me! Woe, is me! moans Mrs M. The giant new Style section which arrived with the Sunday papers has depressed me beyond words. It’s fashionista babble and full of the worst uber-trash I’ve ever thumbed through. Has The Sunday Times lost its marbles?
I thought Cameron was a country man! exclaims Mrs M. His government is now locked in battle with the National Trust and countryside campaigners over the threat of new, relaxed planning laws to allow “sustainable development.” Campaigners allege this will mean uncontrolled development caused by the “presumption for development,” rather than against it. I for one agree with the NT and campaigners. I am prepared to join in the revolt against Cameron’s new planning laws.
Cultural life in London in the eighteenth century was exciting and sophisticated, observes the Countess du Ruel . Cultural life today would benefit from a few of the entertainments on offer then, mainly Vauxhall Gardens. The most famous pleasure gardens in Europe were located on an 11-acre woodland site south of the Thames in today’s unprepossessing Vauxhall. These gardens were a showcase for art and civilization in the 1750s.
It’s official, retro dishes are in the ascendant, grins Mrs M with relish. Once again we will be enjoying time-tested old favourites such as chicken kiev, duck à l'orange, Steak Diane, even bread and butter pudding. Bistro and brassiere icons such as vichyoisse, mousse au chocolat, and onion soup are back. What joy to hear that potted shrimps, avocado prawns with sauce Marie Rose, and sardines on toast are in demand again. After years of being intimidated into ordering such weird concoctions as snail ice cream, we are about to taste again the classics of yesteryear. This is certainly a cause for celebration.
The spring crocuses are opening their spiky purple heads to show bright saffron stamens. I wander through the garden believing that spring may be finally on the way, enthuses the Countess du Ruel. Snow drops blanket the riverbanks and church yards, and soon the daffodils will greet us with cheerful yellow smiles.
Time was, says the Countess du Ruel, when bankers were men of honour, and the public were proud that such men were in charge of their money. When Barings Bank went bust in 1890, the partners, being family members and gentlemen, honoured all debts.
Poor Countess du Ruel, sympathizes Mrs M. Her tiny cul-de-sac in Chelsea is under siege by massive building works. Now a basement is being dug, and as everyone knows that causes terrible noise and disruption. This comes in addition to her next door neighbour's building works. I don't think she's had a good night's sleep in a year!
Sasha Sykes described it as her "bitter sweet epiphany" in The Telegraph, muses the Countess du Ruel. I, like Sasha, eagerly await the day in dullest January when these knobbly and ugly citruses from Seville arrive for marmalade season. Bon Appétit... but hurry up, the season's short.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival August is here and with it comes the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a highly dramatic event which offers everyone and anyone a heady mix of theatre, opera, poetry, dance, mime, comedy and general exhibitionism in all its forms. If you fancy heading up to Scotland to see some of the best and worst talent in the world, be sure you know how to get the most out of this extraordinary event.
Every July Atticus, Bambino and I visit our artist friend Magdalena at her sea house in Sandwich Bay, Kent. This large stucco and pebble fronted house reminds me of summer houses in East Hampton, Long Island. So it's no surprise to learn that the architect who built the house in 1910 was American.
Woe, is me! Woe, is me! moans Mrs M. The giant new Style section which arrived with the Sunday papers has depressed me beyond words. It’s fashionista babble and full of the worst uber-trash I’ve ever thumbed through. Has The Sunday Times lost its marbles?
Cultural life in London in the eighteenth century was exciting and sophisticated, observes the Countess du Ruel . Cultural life today would benefit from a few of the entertainments on offer then, mainly Vauxhall Gardens. The most famous pleasure gardens in Europe were located on an 11-acre woodland site south of the Thames in today’s unprepossessing Vauxhall. These gardens were a showcase for art and civilization in the 1750s.
August is here and with it comes the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a highly dramatic event which offers everyone and anyone a heady mix of theatre, opera, poetry, dance, mime, comedy and general exhibitionism in all its forms. If you fancy heading up to Scotland to see some of the best and worst talent in the world, be sure you know how to get the most out of this extraordinary event.
