May

 Hello May! another month gone and as I write the sun is shining, the windows are open and I can see the jasmine across the roof top in a neighbouring garden. I can't wait for summer, the heat and the sunshine. The seasons never used to be a thing in Sydney but here they are so pronounced and the ritual of putting away the heavy black puffa coats is such a feeling of excitement for the months ahead. 

We have just spent a few days in Rouen and Honfleur in Normandy. We took the Eurostar over and a local train and it was great not to have to go to an airport and sit on a plane. It still took seven hours door to door but its just such a nice way to travel. The weather in France was perfect and we just walked and walked, visited Cathedrals and Churches, walked on the beach,  and ate local dishes such as tarte normande and chicken normande..lots of cream and things, delicious. I took way too many photographs, I just loved the markets, so many interesting things to look at. Here are a few of the items that caught my eye.

I have just finished such a good book, London Falling, by Patrick Radden Keefe  it is a true story, a young man who tells a web of lies that ultimately lead to his death. Its very sad but its the background that I was so gripped by, the London underworld, Oligarchs, villains, it has everything and I just couldn't put it down and I just can't stop thinking about it. I highly recommend it. Patrick Radden Keefe wrote the story of the Sacklers and Oxycontin, that too was such a good book. His research is just so meticulous. 

I have also been delving into this book Ece Temelkuran - nation of strangers  its a series of letters to strangers to help those who feel the desire to have somewhere to call home as we all become more and more displaced due to politics and economics. Her writing is truly beautiful and this book is now shortlisted for the women's prize for non fiction. 

We started a show on apple tv last night, widows bay, it was funny and quirky and will no doubt do the trick. I am also watching the testaments on disney, all a bit too far fetched for me as I never really got into the handmaids tale series but its good to pick up now and then. 

I'm off to replace my tulips in their pots with summer flowers in my tiny garden. Ive just planted lots of sweet peas so I should be spending the summer picking them if all goes to plan.