We got home late last night. I’m jet-lagged so please excuse any typos. I used to think Madonna sounded affected with her British accent…but after eleven days in England, I’m a bit more sympathetic.
Like a few days ago, when I got an email from a client that she received four lamps instead of two via UPS, I replied “I will get it sorted.” Normally, I’d say, “I will handle it” (ps. It wasn’t my fault) Regular people actually have names like Alastair and Nigel (I met them). To fit in, you don’t say “hi.” You say “hi-yah.” Not that my sister and I fit in…or tried to. When we’d say we were from California, you’d hear “that’s Brilliant!” (not that we have high IQs…more like “cool” but I’m not actually sure). One day, I tried to pay with a credit card that wasn’t signed (raised eyebrow), so I gave the salesperson another card with a different last name (my maiden name). “Well, that’s a bit dodgy, isn’t it? Good thing you have an honest face.”
Before leaving London, we stopped at David Linley’s showroom. He makes exceptionally, finely crafted furniture. He is also Princess Margaret’s son.
This is a runner in his showroom that would be great in most homes.
Here is a leather chair with copper back.
Recognize this? It’s a replica of Downton Abbey.
And it is a jewelry box. They make bespoke models of people’s homes, too.
This is Sam…the sales representative. That desk is amazing with inlays and secret compartments. It’s also the price of a sports car.
Two doors down is an antique brass store. My friend bought this umbrella stand made around 1840. So pretty.
Then we went to their home in Surrey. That is their home at the end of the street.
One of my favorite things to do, was to take their dog, Nelson, a Norfolk terrier, for a walk around the neighborhood.
This is their local gastro-pub, The Minnow. We walked here for dinner one night. There are three fire places inside and it’s really cosy.
There were many charming townhouses on our walk (some from the 1800’s).
Most of the homes, small and large, have names.
Including our friends home, “Arden.” Thanks, Jim and Lisa for a wonderful stay!
With a strange burst of energy earlier, I rearranged our living room, including all the furniture and coffee table accessories. I like walking in there and feeling like its a new room…have you ever done that? I’ll take some photos and show you.
