One great thing about living in New York (and something that New Yorkers always seem to take for granted) is that there is always something exciting to do or see. And these past few days I've been out doing and seeing even more than usual!

   Firstly, let me tell you about Richard Bernstein's gallery showing and party. Richard Bernstein is a very popular artist in these parts so just everyone was at the Lajeski Gallery to see his first exhibition - and to partake of the fine food and drink served afterwards. The gallery itself is very modern, and it was the perfect place to show Richard's very bizarre, pro-arty paintings and graphics. And stealing the show from Richard's work were the costumes worn by the party guests.

   Cherry Vanilla arrived wearing a really bright blue velvet coat with a matching feather boa and her hair is the brightest red you've ever seen - brighter than mine ever was - and taking the rest of Vanilla's ensemble into consideration, she wound-up looking very colourful!

   I had a fabulous time - especially at the party afterwards! It took a while for everyone to get warmed up, but when they do, the dance floor was jumping, the noise level was really high, and it certainly turned out to be a party to be remembered!

   The next glittering event I attended was the Roxy Music concert where everyone turned up to see the marvellous Bryan Ferry. Bryan isn't as hugely popular here as he is in England, but he will be - with the help of some of his fans who include Andy Warhol, Richard Bernstein, Amanda Lear and me!

   There was a small get-together after the show at a new restaurant called Lady Astor's. Since Max's Kansas City closed everyone who used to go there for a meal or a drink or just to hang out to meet old friends, has been looking for a new hang-out to take its place. Well, it seems Lady Astor's has turned into the new place! All the artists and musicians and glitter crowd who could be seen at Max's each and every night have turned up there! It's quite a strange place. It rather looks like the lobby of an elegant old hotel in the '20's.

   Wish you were here...

Love On Ya!

   The Bowie family had its own private power failure the other evening. It was during one of my first days back in New York and I was just delighted to be back in my own house in the midst of my familiar surroundings. I was relishing the thought that I had a whole evening to myself with which to do anything I wanted.

   I started experimenting with all my 'toys'. I switched on my stereo, turned on my TV and began contemplating what film I could put on my movie projector for the night's entertainment. I was also looking forward to a wonderful home-cooked meal which Angie was busy preparing in the kitchen.

   Suddenly, everything came to a dead halt! The TV stopped, the stereo went off in mid-record and all the lights blacked out totally - I was sitting in complete darkness!

   Now, I must say that I never panic in these situations - I also never know what to do and I'd probably be sitting in the dark right at this very minute if it were left up to me! However, I gathered my wits about me and went downstairs to tell Angie of my dilemma. Angie told me not to worry, that it was probably just a blown fuse and that she'd be able to fix it in a matter of seconds. And so, armed with a torch and a selection of new fuses, the fearless Angie descended the stairs to the basement to find the fusebox.

   Anyway, no sooner had she taken out the old fuse and put in a new one when all the lights in the entire house went out, the radio went off and all the kitchen appliances went dead. At this point we decided that we'd better call in an electrician before we managed to black-out the whole neighbourhood!

   Meanwhile, we were absolutely starving. But, thanks to the power failure, dinner was only half-cooked and very inedible. Angie took her torch and peered in the fridge, finally coming up with some leftover road beef and soggy bread. By the way, the fridge was rapidly defrosting at this point. We were quite a sight, eating soggy sandwiches by candlelight.

   When the electrician finally came to investigate we received him as if he were our long lost brother. Really, at that point, there wasn't anyone in the world I wanted to see more! He went down to the dungeon, found out that it was indeed blown fuses - Angie was on the right track - and he reminded us gently that this is what does happen when you use every appliance in the house!