It was big and black.

Yesterday, we saw a great big black spider; it crawled out of our bed, shortly after we did! Usually this would have given me the geebies, but I was so taken by how beautiful it was that I completely forgot to be frightened. Jon carefully picked it up and let it go outside. It was nice to see an insect, as not so many creepy crawlies seem to dwell in the city. Guess they're a bit smarter than humans.

While we're on the topic of big, black creatures, a crow has taken to hanging out on our balcony. I have so many dark and forboding associations with crows, so it kind of made me feel a little nervous at first and everything seemed to take on a B-grade thriller feel. I was ready for the vampires. Then I remembered I was in Chiswick where there are too many zimmer frames and babies carriages for such flights of fancy (tho would make v cool zombies). I think our friend master crow is really more interested in scavenging wee morsals of breakfasts and bbqs. Which, thanks to the growing summer warmth, are happening outside on the deck with ever-increasing frequency.

Today, we went to the garden centre to get some herbs to plant in pots on the deck. Our flatmate Megan had already started the green thing going with tomato's, sunflowers and basil, so we brought mint, sage and rocket to add to the mix. The garden cenre was a little oasis, absolutely teaming with plants of all variety and even a little pond housing the ubiquitous goldfish. Felt like right urban hippies, cycling home with our bags of dirt on our carriers and mint plants in our baskets.