Clos René 1995, Pomerol
As sublime a bottle of fine old claret as anyone has a right to taste. Aged to a perfect balance between intensity of taste and smoothness. A great colour, still a very full red with no hint of turning tawny. A hint of liquorice to the palate of one of my friends within an exceptionally full and rewarding quaff.
I enjoyed the bottle with friends here at home in London, right above my cellar where it has aged to such a graceful result. We shared a leg of lamb which I had roasted slowly with sprigs of rosemary from my garden, preceded by steamed globe artichokes fresh from France, with clarified butter and garden herbs.
Television Centre 2018
Selfie at the famous spot at Television Centre in West London; this was after meeting for lunch with friends who are still working round there. Note the absence of East Tower. Weird to walk in straight off the street, no ID pass check or turnstile - the Commissionaires had long gone by the time I achieved a BBC staff pass.
The "Goons" patrolling wear different colours now that TVC is no longer owned by the BBC and no longer the hub of British television.The BBC sold the site but television is still made there; however only three studios have been refitted as well as some office space; most of the rest of the building is now residential, ie flats/apartments.
Far more of the site is now open to the public in a way it never was under the BBC; although it is subject to the same rules for photographers as a shopping centre, so just a snatched selfie this time.
BrOther by AndroTechne
Engaging and provocative exhibition called BrOther by the collective of artists known as AndroTechne. Their regular meetings and collaborative working is showing fruit in the increased intensity of this exhibition compared to their show back in the summer. The Menier is a larger gallery, these are all new pieces and some are the results of forays in to other media.
Canyon - last ride before the clocks go back
Riding the South Rim road of the Grand Canyon of the Verdon in Provence - my last ride before the clocks go back for winter
Menton
Menton on the French Riviera, known for its sandy beaches, palm and lemon trees and the artist Jean Cocteau.
Where the mountains meet the sea
Cross border walk along the historic coastal path between Menton and Ventimiglia, part of the Roman Via Julia Augusta.
Square Top Mountain summit, 3564 m. (11,695 ft.) - July 1991
Backpacking to the summit of Square Top Mountain, Wyoming, 3564 m. (11,695 ft.) - wading the Green River. July 1991.
More photos: Square Top Mountain summit, 3564 m. (11,695 ft.) - July 1991
Prom 38: West Side Story - John Wilson Orchestra
Colourful, exuberant and loud: I’ve been at the afternoon performance of one of the most popular of all of this year’s Prom concerts, there are two performances of the same programme; not many programmes get a second airing. The broad audience for musical theatre queued in their droves, this a clearly a bargain for the many tourists who come to London for the musicals. and I am told that the queue for day tickets was already long at 9am. A predominantly girlie audience amongst the promenaders down at the front of the arena. And the concert performance was great fun with lots of exuberant energy. Orchestra and singers with amplification, which is required for the style of musical theatre but does reduce the subtlety of the sound.
