The weekend started with this, a beautiful handmade scarf, given to me by my friend the poet. It is so delicately done that it squishes up into the tiniest possible ball, and then it expands to something like seven feet in length. I can wind it and wind it round my neck, but it never feels constricting because it’s so light (which is good because I was squeezed into too many polo-necks as a child and now I can’t bear having things on my neck). But my favourite part is that the ends flare out so that when it’s all done up I feel a bit like a fop wearing a dandyish cravat.

Of course I want to learn how to crochet, but perhaps this is one of those times where I should just admire the skill and not try to gobble it up for myself.

Yesterday was one of those fantastic London Sundays. We hadn’t planned anything at all – in fact I was thinking of sewing – but we decided to head out to Greenwich, to noodle around the markets, before meeting up with friends to see Charlie Wilson’s War at the Picturehouse. This cinema has amazing seats – roomy, with lots of leg room, and, best of all, they recline. I wasn’t entirely sure about the film – the end message is very confused – but Philip Seymour Hoffman was excellent, so that was worth the entrance fee.

Afterwards we popped next door to The Rivington Grill for supper. I personally find their tagline of ‘domestic cooking for those who don’t make or get it at home’ a little bit insulting, since I can cook very nicely thank you very much – but screw it: the food was really good. Really good. And it became even more palatable with my friends’ taste london card (£20 cheaper from here), which halved our food bill. (Might have to get me one of those…)

In between I read lots of a book, which I am absolutely loving, despite the fact that it took me a hundred pages to get into it. Luckily there are over 800 in total… It’s called Darkmans by Nicola Barker, and it was on the Booker shortlist last year. I was compelled to buy it when I was in New York and I’m so glad I did – not least because I love US editions. It’s not an easy book, it’s not a conventional narrative, there are at least eight main characters who’ve all had their spot in the limelight, it’s confusing and it’s set in Ashford. But it’s very funny indeed – so funny that I have laughed out loud on buses, trains and in the foyer of the Festival Hall, laughing so much people were looking at me. It’s one of those polarising books, I suspect, but I’m so glad I found it – new favourite writer!
(Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com)

I feel so ready for the week.