Happy In Hackney

Olive and I walked through the square and along the canal path to nursery this morning, marvelling at the birds singing and the soaring blue sky above. The warm scent from a tumbling climbing old fashioned pink rose transported me back to my Gran's garden. We both had to stop and sniff the air by an enormous muddle of jasmine and honeysuckle spilling over a garden wall. O picked a big green leaf and waved it all the way, calling to the ducks and singing cheerfully. Nursery felt bright and airy, with windows open and doors to the balcony wide giving a great view of the canal. O's friends smiley and engaged in an art project with Angela the art teacher they all yelled hello. Sarah came rushing out to greet O and give her a big hug as usual. Bumped into a friend's husband dropping off their little girl who was so excited to see O. Love that place, O is so happy there.

Walked back along the canal to the Lido and it felt delicious to swim in the open air. I sunbathed and alternated reading my book The Reluctant Fundamentalist with people watching. Reminded me of being in Sydney except the swimmers are better there! Had lunch in the sun on Broadway Market, then bought some mackerel for supper.

Home to throw open all the windows and doors and potter around doing chores to the Juno soundtrack. All I Want is You by Barry Louis Pollsar is my favourite. I notice in the bathroom that the orchid Sheree gave me from the flower market last summer is sending out a new flower shoot. It makes me smile and think of them moving into their new house in Melbourne. We'll see you again before the year is out and we can't wait!

This evening I'll pick O up early and buy her an ice pop and let her meander home in the fading light, looking for the cats in the square. Matt will get home early and we'll barbecue the fish and plan our road trip to Cornwall in 'Dogger' the VW Camper Van. Oh how I love sunny days.