A conspiracy theory down the drain

And there I was thinking that tall long legged blonds were taking over. Maybe I'm not too smart when it comes to conspiracy theories? Well done Venus, the best player won!

***

Jill and Harry came round for dinner last night and Jan excelled herself. We started with a fig, parma ham and mozzarella salad with a lemon and honey dressing followed by a seafood ragout with black pasta. Cheese and an upside down apricot cake rounded it off. At ten to nine the following morning, Jan reminded me that Jacquo, from next door, was coming to borrow the lawn mower. It's just as well that she said something because I'd still be in bed and he'd still be knocking on the door!

***

I must admit that I didn't want to go, but, at 12.30 we headed for lunch in the village to Alain and Christianne's. This was the third day on the trot that we were meeting with friends and I'd just about had enough. OK, Alain is the village artist (both piss and paint) but she is an excellent cook and he always produces very drinkable local wines. As Jan said afterwards, the invitees were our favourite village people, plus some of their delightful family. Twelve of us in all. Aperos consisting of home made tapenade, peperonata and taramasalata, under the trees outside and then into his studio to munch on baby squid in a tomato sauce, lamb and an excellent ratatouille, cheese and a uncooked chocolate refrigerated cake. We finally got away at 7.00 pm, which isn't bad for a 'lunch'. In all our time in England, which was considerable, we have never had a meal with a mayor, an artist, a landscaper, and a Parisian leather technician (he repairs leather opera costumes - belts and shoes).

Whilst all this was going on I missed the men's singles final from Wimbledon and the Grand Prix from Silverstone. Before we went I said to Jan that we should get away by 2.30 pm and, you know what, we so enjoyed ourselves I didn't miss either event all. The sporting events will come round again but lunch with such good company was very special. We feel so privileged to be invited to a French only gathering and had a wonderful time with lovely people.

***

Having only just finished eating, neither of us were very hungry when we got back so Jan made a salad for dinner. A watermelon, feta and black olive salad. Sounds horrible but tastes great. Highly recommended.