A Southern Summer

 

A throw back to this beautiful hot day on Jekyll Island in Georgia, USA. The heat was unbearable, the sound of insects (sorry as a Brit, I am not familiar with the name of all the insects in the South) was loud, it was windy but the air was so hot, and there were some crocodiles somewhere in the swamp somewhere (thankfully I did not come across any face to face), but despite it being so muggy and hot, it was still a wonderful place. As I look out of my window right now, the leaves are all turning orange....I would not mind being here again. 

A Southern Summer

Monday, 19 October 2026

Tony (2026)

Synopsis: A 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain travels to Provincetown and stumbles into the chaotic world of a restaurant kitchen, setting off a summer that will shape the course of his life.

Review: I don't know much about Bourdain, and I have only seen a few episodes of Parts Unknown. I went in with an open mind, having recently enjoyed several biopics, including those about Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. I was expecting an interesting coming-of-age story, but instead this turned out to be a tedious and pretentious film with very little to offer.

The only character I found genuinely interesting was the one played by Antonio Banderas. This is very much a film for die-hard Anthony Bourdain fans; everyone else is likely to find it slow, self-indulgent, and ultimately rather pointless. There are a few funny moments, but not enough to save the film.

Tony (2026)

Wednesday, 19 August 2026

Southern Evenings

This image is from Beaufort, South Carolina, at the Rhett earlier this month. Whatever you imagine about the beauty of the South, the heat, and the hospitality of the people, multiply it by 100 and it is all true. I was completely blown away by the laid-back charm of this town.It is now one of my favourite places on the planet. 

The heat was, at times, quite unbearable, but luckily the US has air conditioning almost everywhere, including in its historic properties. I miss my early morning bike rides around this peaceful little town, admiring the beautiful antebellum architecture and listening to the sound of the crickets.

Beaufort is also where they film The Outer Banks and, if, like me, you're a fan of Dawson's Creek, you'll love this place. It has that vibe everywhere you go.

I'll share more photos later as I work my way through all the images I took during my travels. There are a lot of them! But for now, I just wanted to share this beautiful image because it takes me right back to a Southern summer…

Southern Evenings

Wednesday, 29 July 2026

The Punisher: One Last Kill (2026)

 

Synopsis: Follows Frank Castle, a PTSD-addled veteran who returns to action when Ma Gnucci, a wheelchair-bound crime matriarch, seeks revenge after he killed her son, forcing him to fight off the city's criminals descending upon him.

Review: A pointless episode or movie (it’s only 51 minutes long). There is no story; it’s literally just mindless fights and killing. It really is very bad. I enjoyed The Punisher series (yes, it was violent, but it had a story), but I have no idea why they made this. Don’t bother — you won’t miss anything. Avoid.

The Punisher: One Last Kill (2026)

Sunday, 17 May 2026

Summer Gardens

 

I think the weather is finally getting warm so I am starting to feel really excited about the various colours in the garden. We live for the summer in this country (well at least I do) and this is the time when I love to visit gardens and also enjoy the fruit of my own labour in my own gardens. . Main photo from Wollerton Old Hall (one of my absolute favourite gardens). You can see how much love goes into maintaining this beautiful garden. Hope you enjoy these beautiful images and may it inspire you to also do some gardening (doesn't matter how big or small the place, it is what you do with it that matters).

Wollerton Old Hall

My garden.

Smallhythe Place, Kent. 

My garden.

Summer Gardens

Rooster (2026 - )

 

Synopsis: Set on a college campus, the series centres on an author’s complicated relationship with his daughter.


Review: Every now and again, you come across a show that is so delightful and beautifully written that you binge-watch it in a matter of days. This is one of those shows. It’s sweet, feel-good television with excellent humour throughout. The entire cast, including the supporting cast, makes it a total gem of a show, and I really recommend it. It will be time well spent.

Rooster (2026 - )

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Diary Entry: A Perfect Garden part II

 

The David Austin Rose Garden presents a charming destination, whether you're seeking to acquire new roses or simply wish to immerse yourself in the beauty of a well-tended rose garden. Personally, I find June to be the optimal time for a visit (ideally mid-June, though this timing may be adjusted depending on prevailing weather conditions; cooler weather might necessitate a slight delay, while hotter temperatures could warrant an earlier visit). Admission is free, but it's worth noting that a visit here may spark a desire to cultivate your own rose garden. In my opinion it stands out as one of the most captivating rose gardens to explore.

I highly recommend a visit. Some photos for you to enjoy:

Diary Entry: A Perfect Garden part II

Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026)

 

Synopsis: Andy Sachs reunites with Miranda Priestly as they navigate their careers amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing.

Review: It’s enjoyable, but not particularly noteworthy, if that makes sense. It’s neither good nor bad — just… okay. And actually, quite pointless.

Minor spoiler ahead…

…

…

Final warning…

…

Because nothing really happens.

There’s no real sense of purpose to the story, and it feels like it exists mainly because it will make money. The soundtrack is strong, and there are a few famous cameos, but they’re so fleeting you could easily miss them — the film jumps quickly from face to face without letting anything land.

I did enjoy it, but it’s not something I’d watch again. What made the original The Devil Wears Prada so compelling was the steely presence of Miranda Priestly. Here, she feels like a shadow of her former self, and without that edge, the film ends up feeling rather bland.

Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026)

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

An Alentejo Momement

 Throw back to last week when I enjoyed this beautiful view in Alentejo, Portugal. I was told that the summers can get quite unbearable there but I think with a view like this and a cool interior, it can be dealt with!

An Alentejo Momement