I'm back! Well, what can I say - usual excuses, promises to do better - but the longer one leaves something, the harder it is to jump back in. However, May has been a colourful month here - or is it just the glorious sunshine? I've enjoyed a little exhibition of works by Jean-Marie Toulgouat, who was Monet's step-great-grandson. I spent a day with him once - he was a lovely man - and it felt like fleetingly touching art history.

By nature, I'm more of a dour, rain-washed Celt - so that sensation of swimming in joyful colour is quite irresistible. I also enjoyed this recent exhibition of works by the inspirational Josephine Trotter who is 85 but feels she is only half-way through her career; most days I feel on the scrapheap of mine, but that's being dour and rain-washed!

Last weekend I had a day out in Brighton where I sat on a bench on the pier, breathed in the chip fumes, dithered over ice-cream flavours and chose lavender - and happened on a second helping of fish and chips in an artist's studio.

Of course, I had to spend a few hours in Brighton Pavilion, though it seemed wicked on such a sunny day - because I can't resist a grand historic kitchen, especially one fitted with palm trees. All the more so because I've been watching the ridiculous, but entertaining series Carême - which takes me ages, as I have to freeze-frame every vol-au-vent and lavish dessert.

In fact, it's been a kitchen-y week as well as a colourful week - because I've also been to Kew Gardens, ostensibly to admire the rhododendrons, but my favourite part isn't botanical, it's the Kew Palace kitchens. Sadly, my interest in kitchens fizzles out when it comes to my own housework rather than history.