Back to Northumberland we tootled, this time to Slaley Hall, to swoon once more at the autumn colours, and spend a lot of time talking.  Noted redwing and song thrush feeding voraciously in the rowan tree outside our bedroom window.

On the Wednesday we went our separate ways, Paul to a star camp in Galloway and me to London.  After a thoroughly enjoyable walk round the tourist trail, something I had not done since the early 80s, I met up with Nick for a lovey blether and a meal.

Earlier in the day by pure fluke I happened to be in the same street as Prince Harry & Prince Philip.  They were attending a Remembrance service in Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance on Thursday. The royals pay their respects at the graves of unknown British soldiers from the First and Second World Wars.

The fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square is currently occupied by a giant blue cockerel.  Once more my camera does not capture the colour, but this article in the Grauniad shows a truer colour and is also quite earthy, those of a sensitive disposition look away now.

Back home now, Ali and I went to Stirling yesterday along the M9, the Kelpies are about finished and only the land around requires a wee bitty turf.   Some more public art below.