(no subject)
Sep. 4th, 2010 10:09 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_narcissaThe first few days without our son always seem such an odd mix of quiet and hectic. Quiet because of course, he and his friends are not banging about the Manor. Especially this year, when we were all in closer quarters than we are used to keeping, the fact that he is not at table for meals is quite noticeable. But these days are hectic, too, in that the moment he leaves for school, my husband and I both seem to pick up our busy obligations right where we left them. And this year, again, having been on holiday means we have a backlog to put to rights.
At least our social engagements for the season are taking shape. Weddings, betrothals, anniversaries – so many of them: at least one a week between now and Christmas! More than we can possibly accept. I thought our calendar was already growing full with the invitations we received over the summer. If anything, the last week has resulted in half again as many opportunities. But it's always so hard to determine what one can and cannot attend. Such is my task this morning.
For example: Mr Collins, thank you, I'm sure, for the kind invitation to the textiles exhibit at your showroom. I'm sure the tapestries are particularly impressive. Unfortunately, we have tickets to the New London Philharmonic on the night of the opening. I’m afraid we shall have to decline.
Speaking of openings and tickets, Barty, I wonder if you'd be interested in an item that came across my desk yesterday afternoon. Ganymede Bobolis sent an owl regarding an intriguing little opening. There's an acquaintance of his, name of Cooper, who has secured permission from Selma Hawkins to install something he’s calling ‘transfigurative sculptures’ in several public gardens around New London. The completed project is meant to be viewed by means of a walking tour (or slow broom ride) through Osterley Park, Richmond, Kew and Wimbledon. For the opening, there's to be a gala on Wimbledon Common. Ganymede plans to write it up for the Londinarium, to give it a good start. But I think it might be a jolly time if several of us planned on meeting and taking it in together.
I've already spoken to Pandora and she and Ari are keen to come. I plan to ask the Mulcibers and the Averys (Ursula, Enid, if you're reading this, consider yourselves asked). Perhaps you (and Athena?) might wish to join us as well? I know how you enjoy a ramble through New London’s landmarks. It promises to be quite a lovely stroll, if nothing else. I'm quite sure it will not conflict with Athena's performance in Tristan und Isolde at month's end, which we plan to attend without fail.
Oh, and speaking of Pandora – Natalie manifested her magic, she says! Not a false alarm this time; she quite clearly floated out of her nurse’s arms to greet her Papa, only last evening. So of course Pandora is all a-flutter and wants to hold a small celebration. Nothing formal, thank goodness. Just an afternoon get-together, so she says. But I think she wants Natalie’s siblings to be able to attend. I suppose that means a Tuesday; Lucius and Ari can take their tea at Kenwood for once, with the families, and it shan’t upset their routine overmuch.
Well, enough procrastinating. I suppose I really must get back to filling out reply cards and managing the calendar.
Mother: Yes, I think we will be round for tea – or at least, I shall be. Lucius mentioned something at the Elysian this afternoon with Gaude. I shall need the break after answering all these owls!
At least our social engagements for the season are taking shape. Weddings, betrothals, anniversaries – so many of them: at least one a week between now and Christmas! More than we can possibly accept. I thought our calendar was already growing full with the invitations we received over the summer. If anything, the last week has resulted in half again as many opportunities. But it's always so hard to determine what one can and cannot attend. Such is my task this morning.
For example: Mr Collins, thank you, I'm sure, for the kind invitation to the textiles exhibit at your showroom. I'm sure the tapestries are particularly impressive. Unfortunately, we have tickets to the New London Philharmonic on the night of the opening. I’m afraid we shall have to decline.
Speaking of openings and tickets, Barty, I wonder if you'd be interested in an item that came across my desk yesterday afternoon. Ganymede Bobolis sent an owl regarding an intriguing little opening. There's an acquaintance of his, name of Cooper, who has secured permission from Selma Hawkins to install something he’s calling ‘transfigurative sculptures’ in several public gardens around New London. The completed project is meant to be viewed by means of a walking tour (or slow broom ride) through Osterley Park, Richmond, Kew and Wimbledon. For the opening, there's to be a gala on Wimbledon Common. Ganymede plans to write it up for the Londinarium, to give it a good start. But I think it might be a jolly time if several of us planned on meeting and taking it in together.
I've already spoken to Pandora and she and Ari are keen to come. I plan to ask the Mulcibers and the Averys (Ursula, Enid, if you're reading this, consider yourselves asked). Perhaps you (and Athena?) might wish to join us as well? I know how you enjoy a ramble through New London’s landmarks. It promises to be quite a lovely stroll, if nothing else. I'm quite sure it will not conflict with Athena's performance in Tristan und Isolde at month's end, which we plan to attend without fail.
Oh, and speaking of Pandora – Natalie manifested her magic, she says! Not a false alarm this time; she quite clearly floated out of her nurse’s arms to greet her Papa, only last evening. So of course Pandora is all a-flutter and wants to hold a small celebration. Nothing formal, thank goodness. Just an afternoon get-together, so she says. But I think she wants Natalie’s siblings to be able to attend. I suppose that means a Tuesday; Lucius and Ari can take their tea at Kenwood for once, with the families, and it shan’t upset their routine overmuch.
Well, enough procrastinating. I suppose I really must get back to filling out reply cards and managing the calendar.
Mother: Yes, I think we will be round for tea – or at least, I shall be. Lucius mentioned something at the Elysian this afternoon with Gaude. I shall need the break after answering all these owls!
no subject
Date: 2010-09-04 03:41 pm (UTC)I've read MLE's report on the Hawkins installation-clearances, site inspections, and security planning were necessary for the spaces abutting certain of the Protector's private properties--I admit I'm intrigued by the concept. Dynamic forms. Transfigural morphology. Could be a load of nonsense, but I rather think Hawkins knows what she's about.
So, yes, I'll make up one of the party, and I'll ask Athena about her schedule. I'm to meet her for lunch in a bit. Thank you for thinking of us.
Speaking of today's luncheon. Have you tried Serengeti? Athena's heard raves about it and she's keen to go, but Pandya came back saying it's one of those places where the concept outshines the food. The best he could say of it was that it must have its waitstaff on a strict physical regimen: 'if the wildebeest had been as fit as the server', he said, 'it wouldn't have found itself chopped into lumps in my stew'.
no subject
Date: 2010-09-04 04:58 pm (UTC)As to the restaurant: No, I've not been, but perhaps Wednesday might afford a chance. Though I heard much the same about it from Diana. She said she could think of at least 11 places she would like to try before the year's out (which is lucky, as our lunch selections were growing sadly predictable), but that Serengeti by all reports offers as much a spectacle as it does a meal.
Enjoy your lunch.
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Date: 2010-09-05 12:59 pm (UTC)The lunch was reasonably good, though I agree: there are at least 11 new places worth trying before this one. Pandya was right, though: the safari kit our server wore did heighten her assets. It's a pity Draco's gone back to school: he would have appreciated Serengeti.