Such fun

I had a really good day yesterday.  I met three of my Artful Dodger friends at Compton Verney, one of my all-time favourite galleries, to visit the "Artists Studio" exhibition.

Spending time looking closely and talking about individual artworks was so satisfying and the four of us really enjoyed each other's company and input.  We appreciated having the gallery almost to ourselves, resulting in the inclusion of staff members in our discussions too - how interesting to learn more about some of the pieces and glean a few insider thoughts as we went along.

It's really hard to specify a star of the show: Would it be the frame of William Orpen's fantastic painting of a sunny, shadowy studio?  Would it be Landseer carving one of his lions for the foot of Nelson's Column?  Of would it be a piece created by the artist in residence Sigrid Holmwood whose use of dayglo colours was so skillful we felt we could feel the heat radiating from her painting?

I think all of us enjoyed the exhibition because of the surprises around every corner.  It wasn't hung in a chronological order but in small themes.  Work in hugely differing styles was hung alongside one another and yet it all worked.  We all felt it to be an intelligent and fascinating exhibition and would recommend it wholeheartedly - though time is running out to get there before it closes on December 13th.

The other star of Compton Verney is the cafe.  We enjoyed that too!!

Feeling better

Can't have been too much of a crisis, can it?

The Christmas cakes are in the oven.

How does this happen?

One minute it's October and I'm resisting all mention of Christmas because it's far too early.

The next thing, everyone's done their shopping and we're in full Christmas mode.

Except for me.

Time to get going I think!

Commitment

  

Yesterday, after 32 years together, two of our dearest friends decided to tie the knot and just in case either of them decided to change their mind at last minute, a few of us joined them at Marylebone Town Hall to witness the occasion.

  

It was a rather smart affair held in elegant surroundings.

We all travelled in style to the party afterwards, too, in a manner most familiar to many of the guests.  The identity of the driver created a little amusement.  Let's just say that his action reflected the measure of warmth felt towards our friends by everyone present.

Lunch was elegant and beautifully presented, bringing this long-awaited celebration to a fitting conclusion.  The briefest of speeches, a few heartfelt toasts and we all went our separate ways.

Our plans were for an entertaining evening at the theatre.

It was just right - very clever, not too demanding and a fun way to finish a memorable day.

Easily distracted

Well, wouldn't you be?