Perfect Day Part 5

Late lunch in Yauatcha Soho, we had Dim Sum, tea and cakes. I ordered an infusion of Orange Pekong called 'Lovers Leap' and we shared 3 cakes, a praline, pear and gold leaf, a bright red raspberry and chocolate mouse, and a ginger and caramel coup. The food and cakes cost a fortune, everything else - priceless.

Happiness Is ....

Stella and I had a total Hamlet moment this morning when I received an email in response to a letter I wrote to Laduree head office complaining that Stella had been asked to leave the Covent Garden branch. I pointed out to them that they had dogs in their advertisements and in Paris stores. The manager who wrote to me apologised and said that he has made it clear to staff that dogs are welcome in retail and that we could collect 8 free macaroons for our inconvenience. How totally fabulous. They even gave me the beautiful and special Tsumori Chisato box. Pity there is nothing else to complain about really ..

Juste A' Temps

Thankfully I got to Laduree in time to buy a Cassis Mont Blanc, yet another special edition cake in celebration of the companies 150th anniversary this year. This is an extraordinary cake in that it is actually black. Biscuit base, pureed chestnuts and fresh cream then a stack of bitter juicy blackcurrant's encased in a blackcurrant chocolate tower with a meringue turret. Insanely good and unless you get there today - gone. Today is the last day for this cake. No-one brings down the guillotine like the French. Tomorrow another special edition confection is launched. I am very focused on Laduree at the moment I still have not got over missing the grapefruit and vanilla macaron. You snooze you loose.

Pinch Punch The First Of The Month

Woke up to sunlight this morning, Spring has arrived 20 days ahead of the Equinox. Everything changes when the sun comes out.

I had to run to Marks & Spencer to buy fruit, I had a major craving for fruit salad which is just so much better for me than my winter cravings for mash potatoes with extra butter.

Here Comes The Sun

I love that song so much. I have managed to achieve a number of things this week. I threatened legal action against the university that I worked for and they have decided to adjust my pay schedule accordingly. It is amazing what can be achieved with a little legal terminology! I bought a ticket to Miami so I have something to lift my spirits on a rainy day like today.

The greatest love of all

I will never have another dog like you.

Chilli died this morning. She ate some chicken and rice and then began to have some sort of a seizure. I wrapped her in a blanket and we took a taxi to the vet. The vet said that the kindest thing was to let her go and I believed her. She gave her an injection as I held her in my arms and she was gone. I told her over and over that I loved her and I thanked her for everything she has given me.



I was given Chilli 13 years ago. I had been to New York and seen fantastic little fawn Chihuahua in Puppies & Kittens on Lexington. I wanted one so badly and when I got home my boyfriend at the time got one for me.

Chilli was an unusual creature, she was not a shakey little Chihuahua like some poor Paris Hilton pet. She was forthright, fierce and very fussy about who she wanted to befriend. She stalked the streets of Soho and Covent Garden liked she owned them because as far as she was concerned she did. Chilli drank hot milk in Bar Italia and ate Cakes in Maison Berteaux. She dominated Pheonix Gardens which was one of her daily haunts especially in Winter as Chilli did not really enjoy the rain. Her favourite walk was to St James Park and through to Green Park, all around Mayfair and back through Soho.

She was afraid of no-one, she would stand her ground against any dog no matter how large. She started fights that we were lucky to get out of alive. Chilli had so many friends, she made such a racket as she bounced down the street barking and hopping about. People often told us that they could hear us 5 minutes before we appeared.

Chilli like to travel on the tube and on the bus. She was an urban spirit and basically she just liked to come along. If I was going then she was coming that was her policy.

She started to get sick about a year ago, she had an airway condition common among her breed. She was slowly going into heart failure though of course a heart so strong could never truly fail. Our trips to the vet were more and more frequent. She had a cough that wouldn't go. I knew she was dying at the weekend, I thought she would go on Sunday but she stayed with me an extra day. We had a good day yesterday, I carried her to the park, she played with her friends. She had cuddles from some of her favourite people. She was happy enough but quiet.  I started to think that she might pull through afterall. I am so glad that she died in my arms after all the love she gave me I could not bear for her to die alone and afraid. She did not struggle, she did not take an extra breath she was ready to go and she died in peace.

Absolution

Even getting into a bath was an effort this morning. Such a grim rainy day outside. Managed to drag myself to St James with dog wonder which was nice. The rain keeps London green its one of the reasons that this city is so beautiful.
10 things I am grateful for today
Lunch with Charlie & Rachel at 2
Dog
Computer
Tan
Hair appointment at 4
God (inclusive of angels and demons)
My Vanessa Bruno jumper
Sense of humour (though its kind of flagging)
Prada later this evening
My friends