It's great having family living alongside the motorways - my parents live a mile from the M40 and I can sometimes pop in on my Mum and Dad when on my way to or from a client. Today I found myself turning onto the M1 more than an hour before a meeting that would take only ten minutes to get to.

Ah ha I thought to myself - I'll pop and see if my sister can spare a cuppa tea for a weary traveller. I have stopped by her house many times and more often than not find her out so I was surprised and pleased when she answered her door.

We chatted, I told her my problems and she sympathised. She told me her problems and I sympathised. She gave me my birthday present - it's lovely, thanks Jan, Simon and the boys. HAPPY!

Neither of us mentioned our parents.

Late tonight I had a phone call - my Mum asking me if I'd forgotten something........oh no - it's my Dad's 65th birthday today and, although I'd remembered and organised a pressie a week or so ago, on the day it had completely slipped my mind as I was so wound up in my own worries. 65 is a biggie here in the UK as it is the official retirement age for men so my Daddy is now a pensioner even though he has elected to stay on in his job for another year.
Daddy, I'm so sorry - I can't tell you how much I wish I'd not forgotten your big day (SAD)- now you can walk out on your job any time you want.....not that you will, of course, it's just nice to know you can eh?