Russia through my window - # 01/10

Don't worry about the room. Look at the birch tree and the way it catches the light. (Lying in my bed, set up in the living room) I have the pleasure of spending hours looking at this scene.  I had to snap it with the lens available because for the time being that's how life is: just be grateful for what you have, and indeed I found I am rich in friends. 

In Russia there is tradition of painting gorgeous miniatures on little lacquered papier machee boxes.  There are, I recall, three distinct styles (names escape me) and I collected them when I travelled on business to Russia.

The birch tree and everything about it captures those lovely paintings that are so uniquely Russian.

For those of you who worry about me: I am now learning to walk again and trying to bring my useless shoulder back to its normal power and range of movement. My right leg is re-inforced with a very long titanium metal bar, and this is screwed into my hip to stop the leg dropping off!  At least that's what the x-ray looked like when I saw it.  It was indeed a "nasty fall".

In a month from now I hope to be "normal".  Thanks for all your kind wishes.

There are no Russians in Richmond Park - # 08/193

People who leave large foot prints are much in the news today as the Russian Army enjoys its Summer Holidays in sunny Georgia.

Yesterday I spotted this brand new foot print in Richmond Park. Only one animal in Britain can leave a print like this.............a Badger (an appropriate name for the circumstances, perhaps). He's been digging a new set in sandy soil and must have left his mark only a few hours before I arrived. Badgers are protected beasts, so nobody will dare call a conference to discuss (at great length) how to remove him.