How many bits of paper does one man need!! I've spent the past week intermittently going through and sorting out my desk, including 6 hours solid work yesterday... my gosh! Concert programmes from 1998, photos from Dad's 65th birthday party, contracts for jobs, flat details from 14 years ago, birthday and Christmas cards from who knows when... well: it's a good job this isn't the only big clearout I've ever had. As I type I'm now worried about one or two things I didn't find... gulp!

Guess it's the equivalent of not having emptied one's email inbox for a dozen years or so (ahem!), and we all know how they stack up pretty quickly. However, I am now enjoying a quasi-beatific feeling of lightness around the flat and my desk in particular. The bedroom is 50% more spacious (or feels it) and the whole place is becoming a complete joy to be in. At last! I can actually enjoy my own home!! Huzzah!!! (Three exclamation marks).

Saturday was our 'Going Persian evening' chez Kami and Simin at Tarragon restaurant again, here on the Hill. 26 of us altogether and a fair time had by all, by all accounts. Surprise appearance by Maria Bonet which was a blessing and very kind of her - also Don Johnvanni rocked up fairly unexpectedly which was another pleasant surprise and seemed to enjoy himself. The food is great and very reasonable. Bluebell was in reasonable - if mildly out of practice - form. Need to keep up my hours spent plucking the strings. I've been booked for a background music gig in the Autumn which I'm going to have get up to speed for. Nearly had a gig this Saturday courtesy of the Whit but no go sadly.

David and Anne Isherwood also popped by on Saturday eve which was kind - I think they were mildly puzzled by one of their table companions but no theological blows were exchanged... or 'phone numbers either come to think of it... still...

Friday saw a rare treat: Charlesters managed to secure 4 free tickets for the excellent Holland Park Opera production of Eugene Onegin,  so Maria, Barnarnarnaby and I filled three of them and much merriment was had by all. Our very generous host was the very charming Maria Church, friend of Monks everywhere, and Champagne and smoked salmon on rye went down well at the interval: thank you letter on its way shortly.

Anna Leese as Tatiana was wonderful, a voice I could listen to for hours; Onegin sung rather less well. The staging was captivating with much - but not too much - to busy the eye. Gremin's aria was well delivered and was indeed 'vocally sound' (as the review I read put it); one might have preferred a fuller sound at the lower register but it was a fine performance and he certainly looked and acted the part. Olga was coquettish and flighty and sweet too. The chorus (plus Anna Leese) were the real stars - not to forget the excellent character acting from Nurse and Mother.

The Fellowship of the String... Innaugural Concert

Something else happened this week and I'm racking my 40 year old brain to try and remember... ah yes... Mr Whit's 'debate' led by someone dressed as a Bishop. NOT a good evening. Sorry Jules, if you're reading. Lovely to see old friends. Horrible to hear heresy from someone in a purple shirt, who should have known better. Big hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I don't mean by that mmm what our dear 'friend' the Boshop did.

Charlotte's Birthday 2010

Stars in Their Eyes: East Bergholt Royal Wedding Parody

Our man in the Colonies... Summer 2007, Kenya

The Poetry Party at Cini/ Cake Boutique - August 2010 

Some of you may remember this Blue Man...

Exhibition at Gloucester Cathedral, October 2010

The plaque reads 'Laborare est Orare' (to work is to pray) 

Dinner Chez HH, 2010

Saturday was the Urban Art day down on St Josephine's Road (?) in Brixton, where Mary Maye Lorriman was showing (and selling) her delightful still-life landscapes. The titles were the thing that really opened up the paintings and unwrapped the skill. Two pears, slightly wobbly and with a sort of lean into each other and that sort of peary, roundedness of skin and shape - brilliantly titled Growing Old -  love it!! Or a clove of garlic plus a red onion awkwardly sitting opposite each other with a beach or similar horizon in the background - First Date.  Very clever. Met Troy and Judith, he a(nother) ex monk and about 6'10", and she the owner of a jazz club on 46th Street, NY. They nearly made it to join us for dinner but sickness intervened.

The best laid plans of Mice and Men oft gang agley

Bern and Julian at a Literary Lunch, 2011

Sunday coming should be our recording of the audio book of Of Mice and Men down at Basstone studios. Hurrah! Roll on Sunday! The Gatesdene gang are scheduled over from 3pm for beers and chats and rehearsals and laughs etc. Much looking forward!

Attached are a few photos I've discovered and uploaded onto Chloe. More to come. For your patience and attention.....

Molto Grazie!