Sunbather

It was a lovely if blustery day. Fred headed out to do some work in the office to find that the lights were off and security wouldn't let him in. His company's loss was my gain and we spent the day together, starting with a veggie breakfast at West Norwood's Electric Café (grilled halloumi - mmmmm).

Fred had already been into London, but I convinced him to return so we could see the Conflict, Time, Photography exhibition at the Tate Modern. There's a lot to take in – so, so interesting and many horrors described. The photographs show the aftermath of acts of war, some days past, but some months, years or even decades past. Time fades the memory, but the landscapes can't hide some of the scars. I found the Hiroshima shadow image of a soldier by Matsuma Eiichi particularly fascinating (the bomb burned images "shadows" of people, wildlife and objects onto surfaces). The series of photographs showing where soldiers were shot for desertion, taking at the same time of year and day as their executions, have a great impact – many are beautiful countryside shots. I will return to have another look. There was too much to take in for one visit and each photo deserves a study.

We supped tea on the outdoor café area and almost lost a tray, bags and dignity – it was blowing a hoolie! We call this extreme tea drinking, and we survived to the end of the pot.

During this London adventure, we met Ben Wilson, the Chewing Gum Man, who paints little works of art on dropped chewing gum. He told us that the dropped gum (none of which he has dropped) creates a canvas that anyone can draw on. It's hard to find a public space to paint on.

Our evening was spent in Beckenham with Si, Lindz, a fish pie and an amazing Bounty banoffee pie. Lindz, you've upped the dessert stakes!