I went to my daughter-in-law’s house, cooked, cleaned everywhere, and she still wasn’t satisfied.

You know, my son and his young wife live in a rented flat not too far from me. I asked my son for a spare key to their placeits just handy to have in case anything comes up, and you never know when it might be needed. So, Im on holiday at the moment, and while theyre both at work during the day, I sometimes pop over when the coast is clear.

I love making classic English comfort food for themthings like shepherds pie, roast pork, or proper dumplings. My son absolutely loves these hearty, simple dishes. Once Ive finished cooking, I usually get stuck into cleaning as well, because my daughter-in-law isnt exactly keen on tidying up. Their bits and bobs are scattered around the sitting room, and the washing up piles up in the sink.

I keep thinking maybe Ill show my daughter-in-law a thing or two about keeping the flat nice. Anyway, when they both get home, everythings spotless, dinners ready, and my son tucks in like hes been starvedall you’d need for a happy home life, right? But it’s never quite that simple. My daughter-in-law, Alice, always seems a bit put out. She barely touches the food, says its too heavy and not healthy enough for her tastes. Shes more into porridge and salads made with all sorts of leafy greens.

Usually, shes in a hurry to get me out the door as soon as she can.