Liz's birthday

One of the quirky benefits of being in the employee of Her Majesty's Government (sort of) is that I got today off in lieu of the Royal Wedding last Friday. Which couldn't be better timed as it's Liz's birthday, and the children are back at school - so we have time to ourselves.

Presents in the morning, lunch amongst the galleries and preserved factories at 798, and foot massage in the afternoon near our home. This is a first for me, which is strange considering we lived in Thailand for four years. The masseurs are supposed to be blind but the two who pummelled, kneaded, jabbed, scraped, slapped and yanked at our feet looked visually unimpaired to me.

We finished off the day at a Cheese & Wine place, 100 yards from the foot place. (There's a joke in there somewhere). It's been open for a few months now, run by a French guy. Great to have time alone, even if it was to plan the girls' birthday parties.