The men from Del Monte they say 'beer anyone?'

Today was a day when it was just good to be alive.

I don't mean that in some deep philosophical celebration of life. Just that when you're up until 5.45 am drinking and chatting on the terrace, and have to get up at 8am with the kids.... it feels like an achievement to get through the day at all.

Our host arrived today to join the rest of us, fresh from some high-falutin' corporate something, and here he is with Mr B in the terrace uniform, enjoying a pre-dinner beer.

Fine hosts we have here - though I think I may try to escape to bed slightly earlier tonight.