London Grandchildren

We have just returned from a few days in London looking after 2 of
our grandchildren whilst their mum and dad had a short break. This is me with them in their lounge on their settee. The second photo shows our granddaughter painting.

Boris - London Mayor and soon to be MP?

Boris Johnson comes across as a bumbling buffoon, but actually he is a very bright and intelligent man, probably with a high IQ.  I hope he makes it back to the House of Commons as an MP next year. He would be an asset.

Some are even suggesting that he could become the next leader of the Conservative Party and even the next Prime Minister. His public persona does him little credit. The fact he was re-elected as Mayor of London says a lot.

The last time I voted Conservative was in a local election in 1971. At the moment I am open minded on the 2015 General Election. I shall wait until all parties have stated their aims. Being unlike the recent Euro election, I may need to consider tactical voting. It is a simple vote: whoever gets the most votes in each constituency wins, so small parties like the Greens tend to lose out.

London trip

Today we went on a day return to London on the train to be with out son Tim, his wife Jo and our grandchildren Lucien and Amandine. Tim met us and took us back to Kings Cross. Booking in advance and with Senior Rail Cards if works out cheaper than driving. Parking at the station is cheap on Sunday.  At present I cannot drive because of my brain bleed last year.  It was good to spend time in their home again after so long.

With the grandchildren in London today

Totally by accident, we sat next to Nick Swales on the train back from London. I'd not seen Nick since work days over 6 years ago. Many years ago we worked together in several Cambridge companies. Nick is one of the brightest minds I've had the privilege to know. Nick works in London with another old colleague Martin Cooley.

London children tragedy

My heart bleeds for the father, 8 year old daughter and the mum who killed her 3 young children last week in south west London.

The young children suffered from a degenerative disease that was slowly killing them as they grew older. For the parents to watch as their little ones grow more and more helpless would be unbearable. In some ways I can understand what she did and why. But oh so sad for the whole family.  One of the worst aspects must be the vicarious interest of the press. The family must be devastated by the recent events.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-27155751 .