Birthday boy

Yesterday Robert Hamish Duthie turned 44. I know, that's what I said. He doesn't look a day over 43. Rob was on nights the night before so dragged himself home desperate for bed, but knowing he'd never get passed Miss Scarlett who wanted to hand over gifts and repeatedly spill the beans about the various cakes I'd made as surprises. I also had a surprise planned for lunch which I couldn't mention to her at all for fear she'd spill. Rob's presents included a large glass paperweight with a giant tarantula inside - something he has always said he'd like - plus a book of photos I made of him and the girls in the style of one of our favourite children's books called My Dad. Oh yes, there were tears. Rob finally made it into bed at 8am, only to be woken by me 3 hours later as we were heading off out to a special birthday lunch. With Scarlett in nursery for the day, Rob, Florence and I headed to the north shore to an amazing spot in Mosman. The old barracks and gunnery that once stood here has all been converted into a visitors centre, workshops and a restaurant that must have one of the best views of Sydney harbour. The Tearoom Gunners Barracks is a stunning 19th century sandstone building built into the side of the cliff over looking the harbour but hidden from sight when you are on the top of the hill. Nearby are the cannons once used to protect Sydney Harbour facing out to the heads. On the verandah, where we enjoyed a magnificent lunch, the view was quite spectacular. As was the vision of Ms Sarah-Kate Lynch, my next surprise. SK was in Sydney for the weekend with her sisters but took time away from them to surprise Rob. We had a really great catch up and laugh as always and SK finally got to meet her God-daughter Florence. In the afternoon, we picked Scarlett up early from nursery ready for our family birthday dinner at our local Italian. On the walk there, with the birthday cupcakes I had made secreted in my bag, Scarlett repeatedly asked "where are those cupcakes you made for Dad, Mum?' I sense we are not yet at the point where we can reveal where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Poor old Rob was shattered by the time we got to Napoli in Bocca so after a swift pasta dinner, finished with my cupcakes - presented by our waiter with candles blazing - we hit the pavement for home and an early night. Today is Rob's party. More later.