A Birthday Treat, belatedly recorded

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I work most closely with two very pleasant, and very competent, ladies; who, in spite of this, treat me as an equal. Here I snapped them to prove that unlike old codgers like me they are prepared to act like (to use a UK term) hairy arsed site surveyors.

They had forgotten when my birthday was and, in view of my dislike of hitting yet another decade, I was keeping it secret. I did once let out that it was on Rabbie Burns' Day, which probably does not mean as much to a Singaporean as to a Scot. However they did notice my grumpiness on the day in question and the following day I admitted that I had just passed the horrid date.

I am remarkably fond of octopus, whether pickled or as sashimi, so what a nice surprise it was when they asked me if I would join them after work at a nearby Japanese restaurant. I really enjoyed myself, both the company and the food were great. Previously I had only been to the restaurant at lunchtime, when the set lunches are quite acceptable, but in the evening there is a vast improvement. I intend to go there with Alice one evening, when it does not conflict with either my diet or my post-Xmas cash shortage!

They showed their strong side as the meal concluded, adamantly refusing to allow me to pay a share of the meal cost. I have done nothing to deserve such kind treatment, but I am glad to get it! I was extremely pleased to have been given such a good time.

Who could resist this?