Blank Doll wonders aloud.

Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall

All the King's Horses

And all the King's Men

Couldn't put Humpty Dumpty back again

How succinctly captured in this nursery rhyme, the folly of political vacillation. For some strange reason, I always thought Humpty Dumpty was the king which upon scrutiny now, does not seem likely. Presently, when I read it aloud again, there appears to be an underlying tone of lazy menace that unsettles.

Afternoon tea at the Shangri-La today. The teas were rather good though not particularly fine. Bread was pallid and uninspired while some of the cakes seemed newly come from an assembly line. I did like the champagne and strawberry-infused pate, the cured duck, the roast beef with horseradish and the cheeseboard which included a chewy cow milk's cheese with peppery undertones and this really good goat's cheese with sharp notes of garlic. The salads were rather good too- I really enjoyed the sauteed mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. Scones were adequate and were redeemed by the delightful clotted cream.

Facial thereafter where the dermatologist conducted rescue care on my face. Oddly therapeutic though intensely painful.

M&S to buy their bargain chocolate digestives, a large pack of butter sultana cookies and a little treat for myself.

Oh and I bought clothes for Chinese New Year! Unfortunately, the Army has messed up my life as usual and my tailor was unable to meet the deadline by Chinese New Year so I couldn't get my clothes tailored like I intended. Black drawstring slacks, an olive round-collared button-up and a grey ribbed crew neck- all from Muji. A double-ply Egyptian cotton barrel cuff broad pinstripe (embroidered) with mother-of-pearl buttons from Raoul on the way though Mummy will probably have to collect it for me. No shoes this year, especially since I am intent on keeping a promise to myself that I wouldn't buy shoes with my parents' money. Guess the pair of Aldo white leather loafers will have to wait till next month. Oh oh, and I forgot, I need a pair of white cords. Does anyone know where I might get a pair? I know Prada has them but I disapprove of designer jeans. Hell, I disapprove of jeans but I'll make an exception of white cords.

T'es rien a cote de mon but.

C'est tout.