Lurked in the Dove yesterday at lunchtime where I had a pint of guiness and a fine pie with the French Bloke and some other chums. Such a lovely pub on the river when it's not too busy. Walked back to work for the afternoon in bright rainwashed sunshine and returned at six to locate the French Bloke who was somewhat worse for wear and rambling about not hiding your hobbit in someone-else's burrow... He rallied magnificently however and we migrated up to the Stonemasons to hook up with Katie, Matty, Paul and a funny girl known as Whitefang, who having journeyed around the world for a year or so, was busy denouncing Australia when we arrived.

Damn fine to have an evening out, after self-imposed quarantine. Good especially to see First Matie again and be part of the hubbub.

I rallied quickly this morning after a lethargic start, the thought of seeing my delightful French client bringing a little cheer.

Al showed me her scan photo of her baby, which is now revealed as a girl. Al had wanted a boy but I'm sure will adapt. She did joke about leaving it on the roadside like they do in China. We toddled off to score some noodles for lunch from a place on the fulham palace road. These surprisingly nice. But must return to sushi again soon.