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My friend, Paul, treated me to lunch at The Parlour on June 14th - my 72nd birthday. Paul ordered champagne, and we both chose the Highland Scramble (eggs and smoked salmon), followed by dessert. For me - a slice of Victoria Sponge cake with a scoop of ice cream.
Paul and I have been friends since the 1980s, now both older and wiser. I think we got all caught up before it was time to leave. We stopped into Hatchards -- we bought books - and then it was time to go our separate ways. Hugs, and "we'll chat soon," and then Paul caught the Tube to Liverpool Street Station, and I walked to St. James's Park.
The park is my favorite park. So many ducks and cute squirrels. It was an afternoon and early evening of visiting parks. Plenty of walking: more than 20,000 steps.
https://www.fortnumandmason.com/the-parlour-restaurant |
| I can flap my wings |
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| Squirrel: you can't see me. Me: Yes, I can |
Left St. James's Park for Green Park Tube Station - Victoria Line to Oxford Circus, change for the Bakerloo line to Regent's Park (one stop). Regent's Park is huge. I wanted to see the new Queen Elizabeth II Garden and the Queen Mary Rose Garden
The Queen Elizabeth II Garden opened in April 2026.
The garden will take time to mature. A cafe is right before the entrance - a great place to get a coffee and then sit down on one of the benches and take in the scents and the peace.
And then Queen Mary's Gardens, with the largest collections of roses in London. Eight thousand roses to be exact.
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| Got to blow bubbles |
I think I finally left Regent's Park at 9 p.m. and headed toward the exit - where I came in -- at Outer Circle, and walked to Marylebone Road, where I caught a bus back to Camden Town.
On the bus, I checked the MLB app to see if I could watch Nationals TV in the UK—and yes, I can. The Nats game was in the 9th inning, and they won. I got up and did a little dance! A birthday win!
Buckingham Palace, lunch with a great friend, and then quality time with ducks and flowers. A lovely birthday!!
June 15th would also be fun -- Garter Day!!
