British trees and Miami magnolias

I was reading a recent newspaper article on the number of really old trees around the British countryside. Seems to be a recently populated directory of trees believed to be at least 350 years old. Being avid gardeners, I am not surprised that they go out of their way to preserve these gorgeous specimens. Recently I have been keeping an eye out for big old trees -- especially oaks (this is England). And, yes, I have spied out quite a few. (something to do on long drives)

In Miami, my street is lined with huge old magnolias. Perfect shelter from the heat of a Miami summer day or rain storm. However, whenever a hurricane comes through, big chunks of the trees are scattered about -- like live oaks, old magnolias are majestic but not particularly flexible -- a bit like me. Guessing our trees were planted in the 1930's, we have a ways to go to compare to the Brits.

Dry and cool in London this last weekend. Great fun on one of the shoots -- a kooky photographer. The other was all business but very fast. Lovely dinner Saturday night, first class beef and a superb bottle of Pommard. Next weekend completes the string. Unless something comes up I will be free for 4 - 5 weekends, although I am told that if I choose to fatten up I could easily pick up some Santa shoots.... (don't think so -- once the weight goes on, it is quite reluctant to come off, besides the beards itch like crazy)

Fun stuff at work. (what's wrong with that sentence?) Should last through next week, when I will be on my short early-autumn Miami break.

Monday in Norwich

Nice weekend and now back to the grind.

Went down to London Saturday morning. Uneventful trip. Brought a taxi back up yesterday afternoon. Rudy showed up in time for happy hour Saturday and stayed on for business. Lovely dinner Saturday evening, a nice Dover sole in a simple sauce and a good white Burgundy to wash it down. The British do fish well -- if it just didn't cost the world (MY GOODNESS!!)

The British are a bit rugby crazy at the moment, having beat Australia Saturday. The Brits can use of a bit of morale boosting.

The pound continues to perform well vis-a-vis the dollar ($2.03/pound). Inflation may be becoming an issue in the US, if so interest rates will have to rise -- certainly not something the Fed wants to do given fragility in the housing and mortgage market -- which will impact exchange rates.

Well, my coffee break is over, so back to work. Enjoy your week!

Thursday in Norwich

Beautiful autumn morning in Norwich. Brilliant sun, if a bit cool.

Amsterdam last weekend was good fun. Unfortunately everyone was in a bit of a gray mood. I called Alexis Sunday and he cheered me up. Unusually, Sunday Patrick and I had a terrible time in the Grill at the Hotel de l'Europe for lunch. A grand place, but the waitress was not of this planet. Patrick speaks good Dutch and impeccable French, so no excuses for her. Wrong dishes were brought, long waits ensued while corrections were made, etc. I brought the late flight back, which worked out OK.

Still a couple of weeks to go before Miami. I will be in London each weekend. Becoming a bit fond of the place, although prices there still appall me. My friend Rudy will join me Saturday evening, so at least I won't be lonely.

Quite a lot going on at work (summer is over), so the days fly by. (thank goodness)