BORAGO OFF.

Once upon a time, when I was just beginning to grow my own herb seedlings myself, I used to long for a luscious corner of borago officinalis, and especially of the rare (huh!) white-flowered variety. As I look out of my kitchen window now, this is almost all I can see. To say that it broadcasts itself far and wide is an understatement and each time I find more little self-seeders showing up elsewhere in my garden, I watch and wait, in eager anticipation of the more 'common' blue borage!

HADRIAN

© druidic

.. and this is the next exhibition on the list.

PARISFILM

© allociné

I'm still waiting for this country to catch up and introduce the equivalent of the UGC card, but en attendant, this is the next film I would like to see!

ESSAY

With an exam looming (this long-year status is definitely overlong), I would just like to share some small joy with you: my assignment is finished! On time! And within word count! Now, if anyone would like to be guinea pig and submit themselves to their case history being taken, you just need to sign up here ..

GOOD START

© telegraph

First home game. Nick Easter is captain. Harlequins play London Irish and win 27-24 :)

FAUXFRENCH

© drew

These days, although it's not quite like living in Paris, I get to meet a lot of French-speaking people for my job. I get asked lots of questions and find myself explaining things, slipping 'effortlessly' between the two languages, much like the example above ;p

BIRTHDAY GIRL

Happy Birthday, little hunny. Thinking of you lots and hoping you have a very special day!

BRUSSELS

© sbeaukiss

This is my destination for today - I'm going today to see the flower carpet in the Grote Markt! And if you look very hard, you may even be able to see me here ;p

STAGE

© eb

For certain lucky people it is still the holiday season, whereas I have to make the most of a day off occurring once in a blue moon these days. However, I will forgive these certain lucky people when they happen to be on holiday in the exact same place in the mountains where Stade are preparing for the forthcoming rugby season. And even more so when they send me lots of photos like the one above!

BLOOD

© blood.co.uk

Blood donation time is here again and today was a more interesting experience than usual. As I lay there, watching the blood leave my arm, I noticed that near the needle draining my arm, my chosen vein was deflating momentarily and then re-inflating again. The phlebotomist informed me that this was the valve opening to let the blood pass and then closing to stop it flowing back, away from my lungs and ultimately my heart. We went on to discuss how the kidneys would now be aware that there was less oxygen in my system and would, even as we spoke, be secreting their hormones to encourage the body to make more red blood cells to counteract this lack. Alas, all too soon, my pint bag was full of this wonderful life-giving liquid but we both agreed that bodies are amazing things. Then it was off to reward this amazing body of mine with free biscuits!

LOVE

© national gallery

There is a sweet little exhibition on at the National Gallery at the moment. My only 'grumble' is that, being so small (just one strange-shaped room and an exhibition video), it feels a bit superficial. Nevertheless, it is very interesting, covering the theme of love in all its many guises. Worth seeing!

YOGA - VIII

© yogajournal.com

This month's pose strengthens and stretches legs, abdomen and lungs, increases stamina and improves digestion as well as balance.