A Persian Rose

I've been messing about with the sidebar lately, adding a few different blogs. I've also added a couple of webcam views. One shows the area of London I occupied as a student. No, I didn't live right in the middle of busy Bayswater Road. But I crossed it a few times every day, because I often walked in Kensington Gardens, which I entered via Lancaster Gate. My neighbourhood has changed very little, I sometimes drop by, for old times sake.

The other is Oxford--on most days it's possible to see some of the "dreaming spires." The college where I spent time was father out on the Woodstock Road, so I didn't actually live within sight of the area shown on the webcam--although it was familiar to me.

I do wish I could find a view of the Mayfair neighbourhood that became our home away from home as a result of my husband working Over There. So far I haven't succeeded. Maybe because it's too posh for webcams?

The sun is out--a rare occurrence this week--so I think we're heading up to the Big Lake later. After I do a bit of work on my website update, and get the birthday pressies wrapped.

Rose of the Day



Ispahan, Rose d'Isfahan, Pompom des princes. This damask rose doesn't have a certain date of origin, but it's definitely from the Middle East. It takes its name from a city in Iran, the ancient capital of Persia. The tight buds unfold gradually, into a fluffy, many-petalled true pink flower with a scent that takes your breath away. The bush gets taller and more majestic every year. This year it's over 5 feet high.



The French cosmetics company Yves Rocher makes a fragrance called Ispahan Rose.