Virginia and I went for a long weekend down in Kent, staying in a B&B in Canterbury (cold cold, screws loose on door handle, light not working). We had two meals at the Old Gate Inn, a convenient hostelry near where we were staying in. I admired the way beautiful waitress Katya smiled there, like feeling the glow from a brazier.

We went to church in Tenterden where Ginny went to the Sunday school – good service and the Minister was getting involvement from the people. Low brow which suits me. Saw Ginny’s old school in St Michaels before doing Leeds Castle bitterly cold wind so Ginny didn't head for the maze.

We indulged ourselves in history - recent history such as the Second World War represented by the tunnels beneath Dover Castle. Impressive room housing the repeater equipment. The unsavoury lives of those who have been called Kings of England were instanced at Leeds Castle (interesting seeing where the great powers of today the G8 have met.) The buried time of the Romans underneath the shops in Canterbury. Like going back in time.

Canterbury Cathedral itself is like a historical scrapbook, an ever-changing monument.

Canterbury Cathedral - it's not leaning over

Leeds Castle - dark deeds done here

Dover Castle - intimidating and meant to be so

The White Cliffs of Dover - didn't see any bluebirds