A London Sunday...

...starting with Mass in Soho, followed by coffee and pastries in the crypt. A good mix of people there, smart-young-London mixing with just-passing-through, and lonely-and-needing-company, plus, on this occasion, Auntie-from-the-suburbs.  Auntie then indeed took the Tube to the  suburbs, and from there to a delightful lunch given by a wonderful lady who, among other things, offers hope and a home to recovering drug addicts, makes pottery, and supports Mother Teresa's nuns...

Later, and in a power-cut, to visit an elderly relative in a warm welcoming  care-home run by wonderful nuns and a team of  wonderful staff. The road was in darkness as I approached, and it felt strange: we are so used to street-lights and to the glow of electric light from every house.  Inside, the Home was full of good cheer: I sat and chatted with the  elderly relative over sherry by candlelight, while Sister made telephone calls to the Electricity Board or whatever it's called, staff led a group of residents singing, and everyone rather enjoyed themselves. "A bit like the Blitz, isn't it?" said another visitor chattily, and indeed the spirit of unity and coping together was strong and delightful - I think we were all a little sorry when the lights came on again.

Home by bus. Reading this book, which I have wanted to read ever since coming across an attempt to pour scorn on it. It is a good read: honest, refreshing, informative. Recommended.