BUSY, BUSY DAY BUT GREAT FUN!

I've been on the go all day.

No lie-in this morning. Got up, fed dogs etc. Then I made a a birthday cake for J. I tried her recommended recipe - Mary Berry's all-in-one sponge. I usually use Mum's weigh-an-egg recipe - but Mary Berry's worked beautifully, made a fab cake and was quicker and easier! [Sorry Mum - in this case Mary Berry wins hands down!] Then I finished J's Christmas present, a homemade scarf made on a Loopa (photos to follow at some stage!). After that I had to wrap presents, shower, do some ironing and get out of the house (having assembled cooled cake) by 10:00 ish. I didn't manage it and ran about 30 minutes behind schedule - expect greater delays once Clara's home.

I drove to Marlborough to meet J and the gorgeous P (my God-daughter). We nearly had lunch at The Polly but ended up in Pizza Express - a great choice, we had a good table and plenty of space. Then we ambled round Marlborough and did some retail therapy. I bought a few bits and bobs, including a door stop for Clara's nursery and a navy jumper with a daisy on it. I also bought a bag that I will use to take my lunch to school - it matches my kitchen china, I might also use it as a small bag for Clara's bits when we're out and about.

Then we went back to J's for tea and play. P and I had fun with Playdough (it's got a very evocative smell). The vicar and his wife popped in for tea and admin. Then we had belated birthday cake - unfortunately the fudge cake had turned into a culinary disaster during the journey, the fudge icing was runny and the top layer slid off the bottom and split. We sang the 'Birthday Song', lit the candles and then, before we cut the cake, put the top layer back in the right place. It wasn't the most beautiful cake but it was the most delicious one that I've ever made. (I bought new cake tins in Marlborough, so I might have to practise the recipe again soon!)

I don't get to see J or P nearly as often as I'd like to - but P is incredible, at 2 and a half, she recognised me from a distance and was immediately relaxed in my company and very affectionate - I feel highly honoured! A super day.