There is a bicycle in my living room.

It is there because Bobby feels that it should not sleep outside in the cold with the other bicycles; it and its muddy wheels should be all cosy and warm inside.

So yes, Bobby got the bike for his birthday present. Along with every safety device I could lay my hands on. He likes it very much. A little too much; I'm really not all that keen on having it nestling up against the sofa.

Bobby's birthday was lovely. We woke up to the perfect day - perfect blue sky, sunshine, and a picturesque sprinkling of snow on the ground.





Even though it is starting to look a tiny bit like spring; these flowers (crocuses? hyacinths? I'm clueless) are coming up under the trees on the way to Soph's school.





I do know this is holly, though.





So after Bobs had opened his gifts, we walked the girls to school, and then walked through the park to a coffee shop, where we drank coffee and read the papers at leisure (a real treat for us these days).

Bobby on the way through the park ...




Returning to a peaceful, empty, house was also a mini-treat; we felt a bit like teenagers left up to their own devices while their parents are away. In the evening, the five of us went out to dinner at a local Indian restaurant; the one recommended by Stephen's Indian employer (the guy who owns the corner store). A very nice break from our current fairly frugal regimen.

I am a little surprised that Bobs didn't want to do anything more adventurous on his birthday - laidback and relaxed is not his usual style - but he says that the day was what he really wanted. He took today off as well (though I went to work), so will have had a decent break by the time he goes back on Monday.