friends al fresco

After who knows how long, vaccinations in the UK are at the point where it's finally less risky to go out to the park and have some snacks and drinks with friends (at a safe distance) again. 

Since my birthday week was so warm, it seemed like the perfect way to celebrate: a sunny park, some coffee and cake, and my good friend Tilley who loves coffee and the park as much as I do.

Lincoln's Inn Fields are the park grounds near many beautiful Georgian buildings, the largest public square in London according to Wikipedia, and a haunt of mine and my friends from the local bookshop. It was nice to dress for the balmy, unseasonal September day.

A few days later my housemates surprised me with a homemade apple cake and we went for a picnic.

If Tilley and I liked to picnic with coffee and bare grass, this time we pulled out the stops with a big blanket, the cake, and sparkling wine.

We set up at the beautiful St. George's Gardens, which wonder | wander | women has featured before. This former graveyard is now a lovely park much beloved by couples, dog walkers, and picnickers like us.

It was a little cooler that day, so we were well prepared with more layers, but it was still warm enough to enjoy some sunshine along with the breeze.

The cake was homemade by housemate Serafima, a crusty confection with a moist apple layer at the bottom.

Housemate Ryan brought the wine, which he expertly uncorked with a soft pop instead of the bang and foam that I was dreading. The cake and wine together made a delicious combination. 

We drank, ate and talked, and fended off many adorable dogs that were attracted by the smell of fresh baked goods. It was so nice to share an afternoon together and we look forward to seeing more friends soon!