Greetings, dear and loyal Followers, wherever you may be around the globe.

It's Tuesday, and that, of course, means that it's Mrs C's and my half day. Today was a very special one, as we journeyed to a village just outside Bath, to the fine home of my dear mother-in-law, Mrs C's mama, to celebrate the matriarch's 90th birthday, which, by happy coincidence, falls today.

The three sisters and their respective husbands were in attendance, and a happy and jolly time was had by one and all. Plenty of celebrational fodder was on offer, complete with some particularly fine oenological offerings, and of course, a stroll around the village that has been so prominent in all our lives for so many years. The mother-in-law has lived there since 1949 - and is still making her own bread and has today decided that she will step down from (a) driving (which has been particularly beneficial for our eldest daughter) and (b) giving out the hymn books in church. Only recently did she resign from being in charge of weekly teas for the elderly ... !! She is a remarkable lady, and although she'll never know what a blog is, let alone read one, I'm sure you will join me in wishing her a very happy birthday.

Tonight, because Mr Bryan is at the Bridge match over at school, my friend and colleague Mr Bush has been directing operations - and very well he has done so, too. I look forward to hearing his version of the evening's jollity tomorrow morning.

Mrs C is bringing the matriarchal car back, - ah! she has just arrived. I will go down and greet.

Plus ca change, alors. Who's the first member of the family to be greeted? Yes, that's right: the dog.

Ah well. It's been a good day.

Goodnight.