Because I'm such a lazy sod, I seem to have to start every blog with an apology for not keeping up. In future take my apologies as a given.

Yesterday morning I went to Nigel's for an extra special soiree. He was reading a lead-in poem for his epic and the first chapter of same. It was excellent; especially the poem. I've read his stuff before and sometimes it's hard going - replete with lots of gods and goddesses and I can't even put a function or talent to the well known ones, my classical Greek education being nonexistent. We were the usual group with a few omissions but, instead of just coffee and biscuits, he had laid on wine, bread and cheese, tomatoes and chutneys. It was not only a feast for the ears and stomach but also for the eyes. Nigel was dressed in a floral patterned, silk brocade jacket with a similar waistcoat underneath plus a floppy scarf which figured in the procuction. He carried a sword as well and waved it about from time to time to make a point. The epic is based on goings on in Whitehall so lots of in jokes. Hunting figured in it as well. The thing I regret was not taking my camera. It would have made a wonderful picture. Maybe I can get him to dress up again for a photoshoot.