It's been two weeks since the last entry; two very busy weeks indeed. I arrived home from Holland on a Sunday evening and was able to blog about that; on Monday I worked both day in the clinic and night at a private home. Tuesday, back to Rivercourt Church in Chiswick for a CORE II course, with Fiona Kearsley, Pentony O'Hagan, and Liz Buri returned for the II course, even though she'd just completed the III. Good course; pictured are Pentony and Fiona working with model.
c Liz and her friend/housemate Zarul invited me to return and spend another night of two; so Wednesday after the course, we went back to their house in South Kensington, then out for dinner at a Malaysian restaurant, where they advised me on the best courses to order.
It was a Malaysian Thanksgiving, of sorts, and therefore the first dinner of three.
After Thursday's class, Lisl and her American boyfriend invited me to her flat for a traditional meal they'd cooked. Also present were Serena and Carrie, both of whom had served as models in courses before, and both of whom also had American connections. 
A great dinner, but late! I was home about 11 I think, and up the next day for CORE I at North London School. Six students began; one was only enrolled for one day, and another had to drop out on day two due to a sick child...so only four finished! Good course, though, and I was very pleased again at the level of work my students are putting out.
Congratulations to Nat, Jack, Jenny and Shirin!
On Friday night after class, I rushed to the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square to see a Rembrandt exhibition with friend Elizabeth; followed by a late supper. Back up to NLSSM for day two; then down to the City for dinner with friends Gillian and former housemate Valeria. A truly nice evening, but late again!
But Sunday, finally, my day. I was invited to Thanksgiving dinner with student/friend Biliana. (Art behind us is Diego's). I arrived early to help with cooking; flatmate Diego and former flatmate Elizabeth came later and we ate about 3. eally nice meal,
and very traditional considering it was cooked by a Bulgarian with no Thanksgiving experience! She did well, except this pecan pie....
Monday and Tuesday full work days at the clinic, and work nights at a private home. Tuesday, after work, the final Messiah rehearsal, the first in St Paul's for my last Messiah. Wednesday teaching again at NLSSM, all day 10--5; back down to St Paul's for the concert, and home by about ten pm. The last Messiah was bittersweet; after Hallelujah and during interval, one chap asked me how I could possibly not return after that sound. I told him I was already thinking "Maybe in two years, for three weeks...." Thursday and Friday, work again! At least I had a free evening on Thursday.
Friday after work, I chose to go to Leicester Square, and found a ticket for a great new play, King Charles III, supposing what might happen if/when Charles is finally given the opportunity to rule. 
Outstanding. Then on Saturday, back to Leicester, bought a ticket for Book of Mormon,
and 
thoroughly enjoyed it!
A bit of wandering around Leicester to Picadilly, enjoying the architecture,
and also into Fortnum and Mason, where I find I choose not to afford anything they offer! But it was pretty. 
After, up to Finsbury Park to a favorite Indian restaurant with friends Bev and Lee.
Today, began at the British Museum to see an exhibition of Germany over 600 years. A bit disappointing, primarily because I wish they'd given a bit more about the 1871 reorganization when Prussia unified Germany, as that's when my family left to come to the US. But a good display nevertheless, and the architecture of the building always pleases.
Then off to Camden Market, some fine Christmas shopping, and home about 3 pm, tired, shopped out, and ready to get home! Two more work days, one more dinner out, then the plane on Wednesday. Ready!
