I’d stayed in London’s Holland Park neighborhood for years without ever exploring the actual park. That changed on our 15th anniversary trip—and what a discovery! With a Japanese garden, hydrangeas, a strolling statue, and a showy peacock, Holland Park became one of the most surprising and joyful highlights of our journey.

When the holidays are over, I’m ready for winter to be over.  I’m also ready for someone to volunteer to put away the Christmas decorations… But we haven’t really had winter here at Glover Gardens this year, at least not yet.  I’m making chili today,…