Phew, what a scorcher!

Maisie on Yorkie

Yayoi Kusama 'Flowers That Bloom Tomorrow'

28 degrees in October? England through to the next round in the Rugby World Cup at the top of their table? A decent reception on the telly? (We have gone digital.) All very weird.

I feel for the squirrels, in the park next to work, eating my lunch (I was - not the squirrels). The poor squirrels were running around as if to say “Well...do we collect nuts, don't we collect nuts? I’ve found a nut, do I need it just now, no I don't think I do, oh wait, when have there been nuts that aren't needed? I know, I’ll just run around looking cute, if a little confused.” 

It was even sunny on Saturday. That never happens - even in the middle of summer. Unfortunately, we had to take delivery of my father’s household contents and attempt to pack them into our already groaning garage. Lugging boxes around on the hottest day of the year - not my idea of fun!

All under control

As a reward for myself, I decided not to touch even one box, or attempt any DIY on Sunday. I spent a very pleasant time watching Maisie’s riding lesson. They have a new teacher who likes to say "just ride around anywhere for the first 10 minutes at whatever speed you like." This is an attempt to let them feel in control of the ponies. As a result, half the class get stuck in a corner on ponies reluctant to move and the other half are running round as if being chased by a bee. Relieved to see Maisie had a nice controlled trot, going round the edge of the arena avoiding others in a very sensible fashion.

Nadim Karam 'Desert Sand'

Next on the agenda was a trip to Chatsworth to see ‘Beyond Limits’. A selling exhibition of sculpture put on by Sotheby’s, hosted by Chatters. Leanne has a cold, which she seems to have passed onto Maisie, so the only willing victim for being dragged around was my niece Alex. Not so sunny, but still 23 degrees, a lovely afternoon for looking at art. Chatsworth was incredibly busy, but we managed to find a boss car park. Headed into the gardens with Chess. He was inspired to create a sculpture all of his own in the prime picnic area where all the kids run around. Lovely. After clearing all that up, time for some serious art viewing.

Ji Yong-Ho 'Lion 2'

Zadok Ben-David 'Simple Lines'

Alex and a Damien Hirst

I really liked the work of Nadim Karam, wouldn’t mind owning one, but I’d need to either get another promotion, or have a modest win on the lottery. There was also a lion made out of used tyres. I’m not usually drawn to such imagery, but the technique and materials used made the piece quite compelling. Better than the Hirst pieces anyway. All of them were reassuringly better than the dog's contribution to the landscape.