Who knew...

that Birmingham could look so attractive?

Apologies to anyone who is fond of the city. I admit it, I am almost totally prejudiced against it because a) I had to travel to it on a malodorous CrossCountry train and b) its main railway station is modelled, as a friend of mine pointed out to me, on the very gates of Hades.

But before 7am this morning thoughts of trains and sulphurous stations were far away as I looked out of my hotel room window.

Despite the pleasant start, I never quite managed to put out of my mind that today was the day I would have spent in a smashing spa with my fabulous friend Helen, had I not put work first. I really hope her mum had a lovely time in my place...