My friend was rather down when I saw her after the holiday. Her husband has declined recently and she feels that what little communication they had is fast slippng away.

Before we went away she had suggested that we all go to hers for lunch on Easter Sunday. Seeing her so tired and depressed I proposed that she and her husband come to us for Easter instead. 'Oh no', was her response, 'I've already done a menu', and she scuttled off to fetch it.

It was most impressive:

aperitif with asparagus and hollandaise sauce

roast lamb with flageolet beans

cheese

nougats

birthday cake

coffee and vodka

'Whose birthday is it?' I exclaimed.

'It's mine. I'll be 70.' she replied.

'In that case, I insist that you let us bring the cake', I said.

She had tears in her eyes when she expressed her pleasure at the idea because 'no-one has ever offered me a birthday cake before'.

CC, Jay and I ordered a special gateau from the best patissier in town yesterday.

The only problem is the Bear. He refuses to come if the Whale is invited. He made it plain that he expects me to tell the others to stay at home so that just he and I go. No way. If he wants to sit at home on his own and sulk he can stew in his own juice.