Cost cutting?

So we’ve had out first week back at work and it feels like we have never been away. Most of my team have been off but that does not mean there has been heaps to do!

That said January is shaping up to be a very social month (although I am not sure our wallets will fully support this).

Due to the snow before Christmas we were unable to see meet some friends so we took the opportunity to meet up yesterday.

Naively I expected Soho and London in general to be very quiet as the VAT has risen here, it’s just after Christmas and the depth of winter. How wrong I was!

We arrived at the Duke of Wellington around 5 and it was really busy. So busy in fact we had to cram in the corner of the bar.

This was also the case when we finished our drinks and went to the Penthouse in Leicester Square. Richard and I ate there with Paul and Chris in October and it was nowhere near as busy as it was last night. Even so the service was spot on again and the food was very nice. All of us (there were six of us) wolfed down our meals and quaffed our drinks with aplomb as it was lovely.

I did venture out onto the balcony with Paul, Chris and Wayne to have a look at the view of London. This was when I remembered just how cold it was outside! It didn’t stop us having a chat or me taking some photo’s and a 8mm vide (below).

Tomorrow the Royal Academy opens the applications for this years Summer Exhibition. I am not 100% sure I am happy with what I have painted nor do I know if I want to submit one work or two but I will have a crack at entry again. I know with at least one painting I don’t want to make any amendments for fear of ruining it!

Of course as soon as we get January out-of-the-way I hit 37. I am trying to decide whether to go out in town or not. Richard and I are visiting the latest Gilbert and George Exhibition at the White Cube Gallery so I think we’ll see how the mood takes us.

I hope you are all having a good new year so far. No doubt the chaos kicks in for all of us tomorrow when those who had extended holidays return to make our lives a misery (;