[Dad hands the receiver over to her, and I start talking]

- hi mum! happy mother’s day!
- hi alan, how are you?
- good thanks – you still in bed?
- yes.
- good to hear.
- i had to make the cup of tea this morning though.
- what?!
- yeah. but i suppose it’s OK, after all, i’m not his mother you know.

[We don’t bother attempting to stifle our shared, ironic laughs at this statement.]