The return of Mr. Bricolage

Today is my daughter Lyn's birthday. No family party this year, at least not in person. Because one other household can now sit in the garden at a safe distance Lyn came round for lunch. She requested a barbecue.

This cast iron barbecue was bought at a branch of the French chain Mr Bricolage about 30 years ago. We used to go to France for camping holidays when the children were young. The barbecue has done tremendous service. It's tiny really but it has been a trusty friend for all that time. It has provided food for quite big gatherings despite its small stature. These days we rarely eat meat so the point of a bbq is rather lost on us and I don't think that Mr Bricolage has been dusted down for a couple of years. However out he came today and the three of us had lunch in the garden.

If there hadn't been Covid restrictions we would have retreated inside. Lyn has had many cold and wet birthdays over the years. Today hasn't been wet but it also hasn't been warm. But we did well to stay outside for lunch and then a short zoom meeting with family and friends for the cake.

No matter how old she is Lyn always asks for a chocolate sponge. This is a big help to me as it is my default cake. See extra. We've all admitted defeat now and Lyn has gone home to her flat and I've put on a fleece to try to warm up a bit!