Where to start? It’s not often I say that!

I’m grateful:

• for the BBC iplayer which enables me to watch stuff on my computer, and in particular for “The Thick of It” which is about a spin doctor and practically every other word is a swear word. Watched episode 2 of the current series last night which has the fabulous Rebecca Front as a government minister. At one point she exclaimed “Someone’s done a great big poo on my desk” and a nearby minion protested “Well, my bottom is clean, minister!” which made me laugh and am going to save up for a suitable occasion in the office.

• for G turning up late last night with a couple of bottles of premier cru Puligny which belong to me (hurrah!) and then telling an anecdote about how while he was in kittenville, he’d left the cat that looks like Morten Harket alone in the kitchen for 30 seconds, during which time said cat had managed to open the fridge door despite it being barricaded with a chair and a piece of wood, selected some lard from the contents of the fridge, got the lard out and across the floor under the table. Very funny!

• for everything today – my ace SiL for organising the trip up Big Ben, that my mother made it all the way up (there had been some doubt), for the entertaining stories told by the tour guide, the view, the bongs, the sense of history, a chance to spot MPs while we waited in Portcullis House, and a very nice lunch in one of the House of Commons canteens.

• for the opportunity to go to Blackwells on the Charing Cross Road and buy some books with the book tokens my dad gave me for Christmas. I don’t go to bookshops very often, probably a hangover from the days when dad had his shop so going elsewhere felt disloyal, but it was really nice to spend some time in there browsing this afternoon.

• for a reply to my email from the elusive AB who had some major news to tell me – she’s pregnant, after years of trying – am very happy for her! She’s invited me to Denmark (am not sure I can go but is nice to be invited!) and suggested I call her this weekend, so I shall definitely do that.