At daughter's request I managed to book a day's annual leave during her half-term week, and so last Thursday we went up to London for one of our jolly days out.

We got up early so we could take the dog for a long walk first and also so daughter could spend at least an hour deciding what to wear to the big city. By midday we were sitting on the pavement in the sun outside Covent Garden watching the street theatre.

After strolling round the shops and stalls we went for lunch at an outdoor Italian restaurant to gain strength for the rest of the afternoon.

As we were 'day out' eating, I decided my current, carbohydrate-free diet rules needn't apply. I couldn't sit nibbling a chicken salad while daughter tucked into something wonderful. Hopefully there's not that many carbohydrates in a large plate of pasta with sauce followed by strawberry cheesecake.

After lunch we went to the London Aquarium and followed that with the London Eye.

I had booked the 'flights' as a surprise for daughter, but had had second thoughts as I don't 'do' heights very well. But having got the tickets, I had to do it. At least the pods didn't look like they could fall off easily, so I gritted my teeth and climbed on board.

Daughter, for whom no fairground ride is high enough or fast enough, was totally unfazed. In the end it was actually a very exciting experience being 450ft above the city, looking down on Nelson's column, and pointing out various landmarks to each other. I would recommend it to any height phobics out there.

By the time we'd strolled along the South Bank and had another drink, it was time to join the rush- hour crowd home. All in all, it was a great day out.