Why hello Monday, I believe you're a little early...

Swain's Lane, Highgate, London, December 29th 2010.

Today I need this sort of breakfast. Monday morning, grumble grumble.

Things I have learnt this week

• That row upon row of precious gems is dazzling in the real sense of the word. I felt almost drunk when I came out of the Bulgari exhibition at the Grand Palais. More to come on that.
• That reading the complete works of Shakespeare in 12 months was a rather ambitious News Year's resolution. Let's start with the comedies and tragedies and see how we get on, shall we...
• That it's nice when models have voices, especially when they are sharing industry secrets on A Model Recommends.
• That the washing up can be the root of all evil, even after ten years. Pah.

Snowy hometown

Ten days of quiet, family Christmas, gentle working, snowy driving.

Snow which has lain for a month already, the first time I can remember. Narrowly, and very luckily, missed the travel chaos.

From the study, a change from a snowy Arc de Triomphe from the office back in Paris.

The view from the RSC's new tower, up the river towards Trinity Church.

And in the distance, the ridge of hills beneath which is the village where I grew up.