I've just had the most randomly lovely night out with two of my tenants/housemates. I'd been invited for a coffee/green tea to one of the houses and suggested a drink out at Sutton Court Hotel instead. I wanted to show her a pub in Sutton that does music at weekends. We managed to persuade one of the housemates from Arthur Rd to conme as well (despite his essay referencing). It was only meant to be a couple of hours but lo and behold there was an open mike music night. The music was brill and one of the tenants took part. She has such a good voice that they were suggesting that she comes again. Insteadof being back home by 9.30 p.m. as planned we didn't make it till midnight. A couple of nightcaps later and it's nearly 1.15 a.m before I head up the wooden hill to a paitent and forgiving bed.

It's definitely worth a night out at the Royal in Sutton Coldfield on a Tuesday night; even better if you take part or bring someone with you who is prepared to take part. Sometimes life just hands you a bowl of cherries - totally unsolicited.