Its not all doom and gloom round here, despite it all. A long week has been topped off with not one, but two evenings out with friends – so it’s not surprising I’m feeling shattered today.

Friday night we were out with the motley crew from the local gym – or at least those hardy souls who brave the various classes each week. The local Chinese restaurant echoed to laughter and chatter all evening, and many calories will have to burned off in consequence. I may be protesting too loudly there.

Then last night we finally caught back up with Sir S and Lady W in a pub not far from Waterloo station. He’s been utterly caught up in his opera courses and shows, while Lady W has been completing her studies, so this was our first real chance to catch up in some time.

As an ex-chef, Sir S always has an eye on the food in the places we visit, so it should come as no surprise to hear that the apparently spit and sawdust pub he introduced us to had some of the best burgers I’ve had in quite a while.

We stayed until almost the last train home and stumbled home in a refreshingly light rain through the deserted Sunbury streets.

I’m exhausted, but for a change its for a good reason.