Early birthday dinner

Work, then my early birthday began earlier than expected with the presentation of a pear tree just before the gardener arrived! It is now safely planted near the other pears for moral support.

After more work, an early finish to review packing policy: I’m off to Seville tomorrow, and a glance at the weather forecast told me I may need to replace some of the linen clothing with waterproofs and jumpers!

Then champagne and this extravaganza of trout for a starter on the terrace, then leftover boeuf bourguignon, rosemary potatoes and asparagus. The latter should have been accompanied by a fine St Julian named after (not really) the street where our first flat was, but sadly it was off… a fine Côtes du Rhône stepped in!

Later, I will need to actually pack. Mr B is off tonight (by taxi) and I need to be up with the sparrows for the girls weekend away.