Day 84: Covent Garden Silver Cubes

On Hampstead Heath with C&B

Punching out the final edits on
Gendering Government

In 2002, Cazy and Ben generously hosted Robbie and I for a few months in their flat at Savernake Rd, Hampstead, while I was on sabbatical completing my first book and starting a new project investigating the introduction of the UK Human Rights Act. When we weren't out and about having fun, or visiting Pauline and John, I was writing at the flat or digging through the archives at the British Library. Rob spent his time walking London - including with me from home to the Library, which entailed meandering through Regents Park, still one of our favourite places in that great city. The flat was across the road from Hampstead Heath which we had a walk in almost every day. It was a wonderful time.

Happy Hour I, Savernake Rd

Happy Hour II, w Eilee and Bridgie

We joined a large contingent of extended family living in London at the time. During this period Aunty Eilee (Day 29) and Gerry were also based there for 12 months while Gerry undertook his Masters in Law, and cousins Katie K (Day 3) and her sister Brigid and partner Andrew were also in residence. Paulie Chap (Day 63) came to visit. We'd all get together from time to time, which was a lovely treat when we were all so far from home. Eilee and Gerry came across for Happy Hour at Savernake Rd a few times; Eilee always with a jar of peanuts and some Barcardi and Coke in hand!

Deep in discussion
with Gerry Kelly about Richard Dworkin

Welcoming Paulie with an Absinthe cocktail -
it transpires it's not a good jet lag cure!

Eilee, Me, Margie and Gary, Covent Garden, 2002

One busy Saturday, Rob and I caught up with Eilee and Margie (Day 66) and Garry when they were also in town. We met for a wander around Covent Garden before a nice lunch - at Brown's Brasserie, if I remember correctly. While we were at Covent Garden, I had spied these earrings but didn't buy them. Later that week after a busy day for me at the Library, and for Rob and Paulie exploring the sites, Rob arrived home with them as a gift for me - so thoughtful as ever!

Day 84 was another relaxing day. A good morning walk was followed by a lovely catch up with my darling neighbour Katie (Day 26), which was a highlight. I always leave KT feeling brighter; she's one of those people that spreads good energy. I'm so lucky to have her next right next door.

I'm working myself up for infusion number 5 - sounds a bit like a song... or a perfume! Because it's Easter Monday I didn't have my bloods done today but will do that first thing tomorrow, and am booked in for a later infusion at 2pm, to give them time to get the results back. Given I have some energy is back and other side effects have dissipated, I'm guessing my white blood cell count will be good enough for me to crack on with it. I do hope so. I'm eager to get it over and done with. I've started on the steroids today so am a bit hot and buzzy and I imagine it'll further interrupt my already disruptive sleep. Ready, set go...