My parents were over today, mainly to visit Louise, but as I was working at home we went out for lunch and pottered round one of the garden centres. As is the way in my family, I learn the most about myself during these times, when we venture into nothing conversations about buying a parasol for the garden (for example).

It turns out that my Mum is the ‘sensible’ one when shopping, and she is the one that lies awake at night worrying about money. So I take that from her. On the subject of the new garden gate my Dad instantly asks for a tape measure, and starts planning it out in his head. So I take that from him.

Another little lesson learned.