Mambo Taxi

I went to the optometrist for the first regular checkup in many years. They did the pupil dilation thing, which was sort of annoying and now I remember how much I didn't like it the last time. I probably should have used the cheap sunglasses they gave me, but I didn't. On an overcast day, on the walk back to the office, the white lines on the road were blinding me. Yeesh. My pupils looked, and still look, like an animé character's.

Night fell shortly after I got back to the office, which was convenient. And from then until now, everything is brighter than I expect, and point-source lights have pretty auras around them.

I walked roverthedog through the big park, which has been decked out in Christmas lights.

Wow. Pretty. Very pretty.

The strings of lights in the trees each looked like thick cables, bright but not quite painfully bright. Again with the pretty auras. If I could have turned off the streetlights, it would have been perfect.

I'm not sure I would recommend this as a way to get into the Christmas spirit, but hey, as long as I've got weird vision, might as well take advantage of the few unexpected benefits.

To those who celebrate this weekend, Happy Thanksgiving. There's a parade happening a few km away from here, which I'm avoiding just like we have for the last seven... But there is certainly a lot to be thankful for, including having good friends. So thanks, y'all.

The trip to Long Island for my cousin's wedding was successful: she's married, the groom's family's met and approved of, and I spent good quality-time with the Grandma, aunt and uncle who are down there. Nobody got murdered, despite multiple predictions, so that's (...nearly a?) raging success as well.

d's safely in DC for his conference, and I lined up a proper Thanksgiving dinner this evening with W&J, two local friends who were feeling like company.

As for right now, I'm going back to bed for a nap. g'night!

We're in the SAS Lounge in Heathrow. We were up way too early for a trip to the airport, but at least the coffee has kicked in. I'm amused that a few of the people on my friends list might be just getting to bed now.

On the tv I just saw a neat dominos-with-cars-and-books Guinness ad.

Yesterday was first-rate- we spent the day with frankie_ecap and rhythmaning, wandered the South Bank, Fleet Street, St. Paul's, Cheapside, and a bit down Lombard Street. And there was tea, coffee, pastries, much laughter, and some introspective thinking. A wonderful day, and I feel quite lucky for it!

My only regret is that I had to message publius_ovidius and tell him I was too exhausted to meet him for drinks, which is a shame since I was looking forward to meeting him face-to-face. Next time.

Really, that's mostly my only regret for the trip. I could've done with another day for museums, but I wouldn't have tried packing more museum time into the days we were here. I could've happily wandered for another day, and we agreed we'd like to leave the city on our next trip.

I didn't manage to get to any Science Fiction bookstores- I was going to try and look for some British SF, but I suppose that can be ordered. Also, I didn't come home with a Sonic Screwdriver, though that's really OK.

Hm, I should find an electrical outlet. See you back home again!

This afternoon I went to Westminster Abby, which is close by our hotel, for 5pm Evensong services.  They  were OK, but not as transcendent as I remember the last time we visited.  There was a guest choir, as the regular choir is on holidays.  The sermon and hymn were devoted to the Feast of the Innocents (and no we didn't get to taste any ourselves.  Innocents, that is.)  The skies opened up shortly before the service ended, and when I finally left to walk back to the hotel, a tree-branch fell on me. Not a big one, just a stick. But we'll see if I ever go back there again!

click through for 7 photos from Boxing Day evening in London.