Sunday 24 January

       We did laundry this am. We share washing machines and dryers  in two small rooms with all the students and fellows (which is what we are) and it can be a nightmare as these students put in their wash before they go to sleep and then forget about it but there are signs and buckets for left clothes. There are a lot of single socks hanging about looking for their mates.

       The big improvement since we were here last that there is a website that tells you when machines are busy and which are broken so you know if there is a free washer before lugging all your dirty clothes over.  I thought early Sunday am would be a good time but so did everybody else but I was the early bird and got two washers and a dryer.
     Then K and I spend time in the reading room which is full of newspapers. You can imagine how much Kevin loves this room. And there is a machine that makes a good cuppa cappuccino so I am happy there also while my clothes wash and dry.
      Afterwards lunch in the dining hall which is informal and quite fun as all our friends, both other fellows and senior members from the community, come. And there are lots of choices of food which is generally good, especially the vegetarian dishes.

     At four the college hosted a concert and quite a treat as it included Andrew Goldman a friend from 2012 and a talented pianist, who returned for his PhD Graduation. He brought  his girlfriend Andrea and cello accompanist. His interesting family also came from San Diego. Andrew is now in NYC living close to Jake and teaching at Columbia University. The concert was fantastic. I especially liked his first piece--never heard of the composer but the music was melodic, resonant of familial tunes and made me smile.

      And afterwards  we were invited for wine and nibbles at a friends home, a lovely old Dutch-looking stone house that we often admire when we walk to Grantchester. This house is filled with lovely things--art, persian rugs, beautiful fabrics as draperies, upholstery and pillow coverings,  and lovely old books. The walls are warm hues of corals and deep oranges and golds and creams, all competing with log-burning fireplaces.  There was good food and good conversation.

Love to all, Becky