Kakheti, Georgia

Blackberry, corn, persimmon: autum and spring both, with their dramatic changes, are my favourite seasons.

Kakheti, Georgia

Signs of autumn everywhere: grapes, landscape, aubergine (eggplant)

Kakheti, Georgia

Blackberry leaves and landscape through grapevines.

Kakheti, Georgia

Autumn leaves

More churchkhela drying

Hot peppers

Persimmon leaves

Kakheti, Georgia

Corn drying in a surreal setting, Lali's family's house

Churchkhela - a string of walnuts dipped in thickened grape juice paste, then left to dry; also called the Georgian Snickers

Geese at the water pipe

Persimmon leaves

Let's Keep this Civil. Tbilisi, Georgia

November 24, 2008. It was a nice warm day, and indeed a civil ceremony - neither objects nor sharp words were thrown. Tony and Lali were married (in the eyes of the state) in Tbilisi, and retired with their witnesses to Prospero's Books shortly thereafter, where the latter had recently built up a hefty credit in used books, with their witnesses to celebrate on sandwiches, coffee, cheesecake and Bagrationi champagne. They were presented with a delightful gift book by the bookshop's half-owner, Tako, and a good time was had by all.

Church wedding to follow in May 2009, once I return from my 2nd, afore-promised winter of English teaching in Ushguli, ra!

Yeah, so she's 2 fingers' width taller than me, so what?!

Dad, I'm starting to look more and more like you, I think.

Lali, you looked like a million bucks. Your cousin might be Miss Georgia at the moment, but you are my Mrs Georgia any day of the week, and Mrs Hanmer now to boot. Miqvarkhar, ra.

Kakheti, Georgia

A cross of vines, beloved ancient Georgian symbol, first used by St Nino in the early 4th century

More grapevines and persimmon leaves in the sun