TULIP

I have a very firm view that the best birthday cakes are baked by hand, regardless of soggy bottoms and lopsided icing. Shop bought cakes are just not the thing at all. Today I meant to make a cake for our daughter's birthday, which is on Thursday, but is actually being celebrated on Wednesday because I am teaching on Thursday (do keep up!)

However, I was feeling a bit seedy, so the Professor went to the shops, bought a cake and also bought me these silky tulips. Meanwhile I lay on the sofa looking pale but not at all interesting.

The sad truth is our daughter will probably prefer the shop bought cake.