Poppy Appeal

I've done it again. For the n-th year in a row (I've lost track), I've donated to the Poppy Appeal, worn my poppy on my coat with pride... and forgotten to remove it after Remembrance Day!! I was at home yesterday and didn't notice it - but it soon became apparent today on my way home from work. I was quite relieved to see at least one other person who had made the same faux pas though.

The Poppy Appeal is an annual appeal from The Royal British Legion to be able to support those who have made a personal sacrifice by serving in the British Armed Forces. It's a long-standing tradition here, and all the poppies really brighten up the drab November days. This year I was given my poppy by an ex-serviceman, in full uniform, who gratefully accepted my donation, kissed my hand and gave me the poppy. He did comment though that he didn't kiss the hands of the gentlemen who gave donations! It was a lovely start to the morning and a much better end to the typical London rush-hour than usual.

The hills are alive!

I finally saw a West End production again this week - of course, it was 'The Sound of Music'. Although I've seen some productions in my local theatres this year, it's been some time since I've been to a West End show - and this reminded me why I should go more frequently! Sound of Music was one of the very first musicals I saw as a child, and I still love it so many years later. Although I know most of the lyrics to the songs, I did manage to restrain myself from singing along - I had warned my friends beforehand just in case I didn't... We used to sing many of the songs at home as I was growing up - as my middle name is Maria my brothers specifically enjoyed singing 'What shall we do about Maria'...!

We had a bit of spare time before the show and spent it wandering down Oxford Street, enjoying the Christmas lights - yes, they're already on. All in all a very enjoyable evening and a welcome break from reality.

What is it...

about Autumn leaves that appeals so much? I was walking to an appointment in Chelsea this morning - a beautiful clear morning with blue skies and sunshine - and the leaves were blowing about on the pavement. It was soooo tempting to walk through the leaves and kick them about - but I more or less behaved, as I didn't think the guy in front of me with the leafblower would have appreciated it much!

It reminded me of a trip to Brussels at this time of year a few years ago, where I was walking through a park and didn't need to worry about the leaves being out of place! It also made me wonder - is there a name for a snow angel made in a big pile of leaves? Fall angel? As long as it's not a fallen angel that's ok...