Ralph in the Palace!

Well what an exhausting weekend it has been, highlighted by the fact that I had a surprise visit from my dear friend, Ralph from NYC. He had been suggesting that he may visit for quite some time and quite frankly, I tend to take these ideas with a pinch of salt. Its nothing to do with Ralph, its more to do with the vagaries of the Fashion industry and the fluid nature of photographic shoots. This time he finally knew he was coming over on the Tuesday evening and had to be in London on Thursday. Rolling with this I prepared for his visit although it turned out that this was going to be a night shoot and in fact Ralph finally arrived at Burton House, having not slept, on Friday at 10.00am.
With that out of the way Ralph and I enjoyed some quality time looking around Crystal Palace, exercising, eating and talking endlessly. It was, as always, an absolute joy to see him and I couldn’t wait until Sunday, when I would be able to introduce him to Kingston.

Wine and flowers in hand Ralph and I headed over to Kingston where Sean was preparing a gorgeous feast. Tim was visiting for his birthday and he and Ralph got on like a house on fire – they have many points of connection with Tim being the only person I know, so far, who knew what Interview Magazine was and who the photographers were.
Sean had roasted a chicken to perfection for lunch, and in between fending me off with a wooden spoon, managed to ice a large chocolate cake ready for our outrageously English formal tea. Hell, never mind impressing Ralph, I was completely over awed! Sherry, Roast Chicken, Cucumber Sandwiches and Homemade Scones…..