Blurry Tyne

The blip I took for today is of the Thames, still in its banks, from Blackfriars Station. But it's in the camera, not the phone.

But back to the beginning. A day in London at our 'Room for Rent?' conference. The alarm was set for 4, the taxi booked for 4.45. I woke at 3.30 and sent a message to #1 daughter in law, put the heating on (remotely) and closed my eyea to wait for the alarm to go off. Next time I looked it was 4.39. I'd left my phone on silent and my BB for the taxi call wasn't even on. Luckily everything was laid out, including the passport, so after leaping out of bed, opening the blinds so the taxi (outside) would know I was up, showering and dressing I was in the taxi at 4.50. Impressive!

I was at the airport in time for a disappointing bacon bap then on to a flight that arrived at Gatwick 30 minutes early. The elation didn't last. The train to Blackfriars was stappit fu' and probably dangerous. I had to stand for an hour, pressed against a door, my back aching.

Water at Costa. I'd bought fizzy by mistake at EDI. Then on to the Conference that was very good and I abjured the biscuits and coffee.

After the drinks reception I headed back to Blackfriars, just in time really. That's where I took the Thames photo. Upstream past the Oxo Tower (we had a fantastic lunch there once).

Got to King's Cross just in time for the train. They'd changed the set so no coach J. I hate it when they do that. The train was SO busy and there was virtually no 'complimentary offer' due to staff shortages. But it could have been worse. The train is busy because the West Coast line is shut due to the storm. Now we're running slow and 40 minutes late owing to high winds. I'll get home about 11.30 p.m. a 19 hour day and too late to upload the Thames so here's a shaky camera blip of the Tyne with reflections. Best I could do.

#3 son reports that Aber Uni is closed for the third time this year and that there are high winds and it's cold. #1 daughter in law reports that at 12 weeks the baby has arms and legs and moves a LOT.

At sometime today I will be home. Meanwhile there is red wine.