Shoe story

Yes, I admit - in typical girly fashion - I'm a bit of a shoe addict. When I'm not wearing them or collecting them, I'm admiring them.  I started young and being of diminutive stature, heels always had an allure.

I still recall many of my early favourites, even though they've long been buried in the shoe cemetry.  Turquoise snakeskin courts; hot pink-and-black two-tone; burgundy platforms were all amongst my earliest heroes.  Sadly, I have a (small-ish) bunion on my right foot in testament to their memory but my worst and most recent damage has been caused by high wooden wedges...

Did you see Balmain designer, Pierre Hardy's peep-toe fabric wedges, created for Gap this year?  Cute and a great bargain in the sales. I succumbed and yesterday saw my downfall... In typical fashion (for me) on one of my regular long(-ish) walks I almost toppled on an uneven paving slab, twisting my right foot.  

Typically stubborn, I continued on my way and walked  and walked for almost four hours (I know!)... By the time I was close to home yesterday evening, I could barely move.  When I removed the culprit wedge, it was painful to put my right foot down, at all.  I iced the painful area, applied soothing gels and then remembered my stash of 30c arnica.  Throughout the night I took several doses and wow! today my foot works and no more swelling!  Although I experienced a strong tingling and itchy reaction to the pilules  - kept me awake for most of the night...

Lesson learnt?  Until the next time, perhaps, although I have thrown the shoes out.  I considered  donating them to charity but decided it wouldn't be the kindest move to subject someone else to the same potential downfall...

More fun by the river...

One of the great joys in living on the edge of London is the easy access to Thames-side pleasures. Especially when the weather is decent (ok, when it isn't too horrid...) I love spending time walking, wandering, spectating, participating and making new discoveries.

If you fancy a walk by the river, it doesn’t have to involve an exhausting stint when you opt for the stretch from just past Charter Quay in Kingston heading towards Surbiton.  Created for Queen Victoria's pleasure, the pretty Queens Promenade is a delight to wander down, whether you're in the mood for a power walk or just a leisurely amble.

Along the way, you’ll see all kinds of boating activity from yachting to cruisers; dogs and their companions, roller-bladers, shoppers seeking respite in nature, cyclists and runners (although the distance isn’t really far enough to keep a dedicated runner stretched). Plenty of benches are available, if you want a seat to better take-in the scene. There’s also a little café, pretty floral displays and public loos. Bustling on weekends; more like your own private space during the week.

Post-walk, it makes sense to extend the pleasure and relish a waterside drink nearby.  I was thrilled at the transformation I discovered here. It’s been some time since I was last at Hart’s Boatyard on the Portsmouth Road; I’ve pretty much avoided it because my previous experience was so lacklustre and unappealing. Then, it was a rather 'blah’ local that was far from making the best of its great location.

Now, it’s a different story entirely, so much so, that I feel sorry I’ve been missing out! Enter and the pale slate floors and sludgy leather sofas - in shades of beige, pale brown and smokey grey - give a clean, modern, inviting welcome. The bar is attractive; the staff efficient, smiling, attentive, helpful and patient. Outside seating is plentiful (and popular) providing a great view, right on the water’s edge.

The drinks menu is impressive and might cause you to pause before deciding, such is the choice. Summer-time (what’s that?, I hear you ask…) offers a selection of four Pimms cocktails, including an elderflower variant and a pomegranate version. Eclectic beers are available from The Meantime Brewery (chocolate, raspberry, pale ale and union). Along with the more usual suspects and additional creative options. The dining menu is modern and appealing: from 'sharing plates’ through to a full three courses, by way of 'fired pizzas’, grills, risotto and organic salmon with wasabi mash. I didn’t eat-in, on my visit, a few days ago but as Arnie would say “I’ll be back”...