Happy birthday, John

Last week it was his graduation, today it is his birthday - it's a great time for our son, John.

With my wife at work, I took advantage of my day off to take him out for lunch.

We went to a favourite haunt of mine - the Black Horse at Amberley, Gloucestershire - which is in an idyllic setting on Minchinhampton Common with spectacular views west across the Nailsworth valley.

Today it was an even more magical setting than usual. As we got out of the car we were struck by the peace - no rumbling engines, just the sound of birds tweeting and cattle munching the grass.

The cows are allowed to go wherever they like on the common, but it can be an uneasy marriage of car and creature, with occasionally disastrous consequences.

But not today. The heat seemed to deter them from strolling around.

The pub was surprisingly quiet itself, but the food was as good as ever. It really is the perfect place to relax and have lunch in summer.

Later we had a birthday tea at home, plus the cake created overnight. By this time, John was too worn out for photo modelling, so after the strains of Happy Birthday, it was a quick gust of breath, presumably a secret wish, then back to the food.