Cake in advance[d years]

The fantastic host Lucy Redman got a few of us together for an early birthday roast dinner for me. A mountain of potatoes, personalised Victoria sponge and cheese and biscuits platter. She outdid even her high standards.

Cake decorations evidenced Lu's resourcefulness and ability to make do. When lit the 3 started to melt and form a growth that looked like a 4.

I remarked on (soon) entering the mid 30s and Lu was also on hand with this sage offering as she hit 34 a few months ago: 'I'm just grateful for any extra year at this point'. Not quite sure I'm ready for the one foot in the grave approach just yet.