Superb. The importance of not being earnest.

Every year when the girls visit, they spoil us with the most wonderful things. Super-chic, super-stylish things that one buys in London. This year we got the Moët twin set, which is really the only way people should give champagne. Single bottles are a tease. They also introduced us to Miller Harris perfumes which are to die for. And I’m in love with the Fornasetti candles in the gorgeous porcelain jars with the champagne drinking monkeys.

Their visit this year made me realize my general change in mood after the move was my own fault. In Spain I made a conscious effort to have a nice time, all the time. And it’s easier for me to have a nice time when there’s a certain level of taste and comfort. And so even though the girls have gone, I intend to get back to my Villa l’Africaine ways. There will always be flowers in the entrance hall.

And if the weather is nice, even if I’m on my own, I’ll still eat outside. And I’ll use the good silver (and crystal) to do it. I started today.

And when the dogs destroy their toys, I won’t be lazy and wait months to get them new ones. I’ll get them right away because it gives them huge pleasure.

And I’m going to host more often because that keeps me on my toes. It means the house is kept more presentable and my mind stays focused on productive endeavours like maintaining the garden or learning to cook something new and interesting.