London by Night has always been one of my favorite Frank Sinatra tunes, because it perfectly captures a reverence for London after dark that it’s almost impossible not to feel when you’re there.

In winter, leafless trees frame the landscape or cityscape, delicate and lacy while at the same time sturdy and lasting.

A year later, reminiscing about the bustling scene at Gare du Nord in Paris and dinner at Da Corradi later that night in London.

Instagram food pics by Carl the Roaster remind me of a lovely charcuterie board at the Gatehouse in London’s Highgate area.

We are all armchair travelers right now during the trials of COVID-19, and today I’m thinking of an afternoon stroll, a long conversation and the birds in St. James Park.

Folks, this restaurant is a jewel. If you go to London, go to Com Viet. Just trust me. You’ll get your happy back.

Just around the corner from crowded Covent Garden in London, I found an unexpected peaceful haven, a magical courtyard. I had entered another dimension, Harry Potter-style.

A whimsical and tasteful little Christmas tree at Heathrow Airport is just right.

A twilight stroll across London’s River Thames on Blackfriars Railway Bridge and back again on the Millennium Bridge, with St. Paul’s Cathedral as a beacon.

A deepening interest in photography and following certain blogs has me seeing things differently these days.

A photo and a haiku capture momentary peace from the usual airport chaos.

This anglophile went back to Geales in London after more than a dozen years and found it had gotten more posh. But the fish and chips were spot on.

Afternoon tea at the palace where Queen Victoria grew up – by Jove, it was a jolly good show!

Kitty Fisher’s in London is a foodie’s dream! The staff treated me like I was royalty and served me a meal that to match. The ambience is an appealing mix of cozy old England and fresh, trendy-foodie-creative.

The Brits are smart, with their multiple-personality parks. There’s something for everyone in Hyde Park, even the birds.

London’s busy sidewalks, hustle and bustle, and general air of festivity and expectation recalls the lyrics of the Christmas classic, Silver Bells.

A Charlie Brown tree all alone in a hallway between terminals is full of holiday spirit and pluck.

Lidgate’s is a carnivorous cook’s dream! There’s a huge selection of meats, fish, poultry, sausages, cheeses, pies, condiments, cured meats and deli items.

a lamp  a tree a city and me © 2018 Glover Gardens  

We all have our beloved family comfort foods, and the memories they conjure more than make up for the lack of taste, sophistication or spice. It was a special time for me to reflect on that while eavesdropping on the British lady at the next table on Mothering Sunday in London.