Pumpkin

Proud of myself this morning - managed to sew up the hem on my dress, wash my hair, pack up, check out and make it to the office for 9:30am.  

Today was our staff 'away day' - which started with a half day of being told the restructuring proposals and discussing our strategy.  Fun!  The second half was funner though - we caught the Tube over to Queensway and went for afternoon tea at the Orangery in Kensington Palace Gardens; the leaving do for my manager, Nicola. 

After that, we went on to the Champion pub in Notting Hill, with a pretty generous tab behind the bar.  Lots of former colleagues (and friends) came along - was so nice to see everyone again, and a real testament to how much Nicola is loved by everyone.  Cue lots and lots of chatting - my throat was killing me by the evening!

Char and I stayed until gone 9:30pm, then made our way back to her house, where I was staying for the night.  We hadn't eaten since the afternoon tea (well, I had a banana on the way back), so Char cooked us both eggs on toast, which was much appreciated.  She'd also already made up my bed on the sofa (and had even blacked out the glass door in her living room, so that I'd sleep better) - again, so appreciated! 

(The pumpkin in the photo is the work of artist Yayoi Kusama.  I don't know the woman posing - but thought she made for an interesting - and happy -subject in her red stripy dress against the spotted yellow pumpkin.)