Happy Birthday to me

The Festival of Kate began in earnest on Friday morning when I was allowed a tray of tea in bed, listening to Radio 4, without interruption. A lovely pile of presents and cards soon arrived via the girls and I was spoiled with a new IPod, marvellous William and Kate tea towels and a book by my homemaker guru Kirstie Allsop. I dropped Scarlett at school while Flo and Rob disappeared off on a covert birthday operation. On my return I was told I wasn't allowed to go in the kitchen and that I would have to wait until Scarlett got home before I could see this extra gift from the girls.  We then drove to Dad's for a really lovely birthday lunch in the garden. It was another sunny warm day and I was throughly treated to bouillabaisse, fillet steak and chocolate fudge cake washed down with Champagne. Back home, after picking up Scarlett from school, my extra present was revealed - 6 goldfish in a tall vase. Unable to name them all we have decided to call them all Kate. A quiet night in front of the telly ensued in preparation for my party on Saturday. Rob was already beavering away in the kitchen, by the time I came down, glazing hams, barbecuing chicken, prepping salads and making batches of scones. I put up the balloons and the bunting, laid the table and prayed that, despite the gathering storm clouds, the drought of the last month wouldn't break during lunch. It did spit a little (don't you love that expresson?) but by the time all the old London gang had assembled on the deck, the sun was shining and the Champagne was flowing. I had such a great birthday made so special by sharing it with so many old friends. Also I hadn't spent a birthday with my Dad and sister in 13 years. I was chuffed to bit with all the amazing presents I received - not least a spa day at the Hilton, a silver bracelet, fantastic tree-shaped cheese board, paper bag tea light holders, a solar-powered, waving Queen, and two stunning silk kimono cushions made by Cass. Rob was the star of the show delivering delicious food and doing all the clearing up too, allowing me to graefully retire to the couch in the evening to watch Britain's Got Talent (which, as it turns out, it doesn't). Brilliant.