An entertaining family affair...

It was a pleasure to be invited to join Gail and Chris and their family to celebrate her special birthday yesterday at the picnic area in Chaumussay.

There was a great turnout of friends with an amazing array of talent for the afternoon, all managed by our excellent MC and equipment provider, David. 

The afternoon's entertainment started with an Irish music set from David, Geoff and Chris.

Followed by a poem on 'talent' from Bob, my photo of his actual performance was missed.

Bob was followed by a very good set by Tim. 

This was followed with my favourite act of the afternoon, Jean, Cally and Maureen doing a hilarious sketch on growing old, complete with props. 

Then I did a set but neither my wife nor sister-in-law captured the moment. Peter followed me with his well performed humorous monologue. 

We then had more fun presented by the cycling troop the 'Spokes Girls'.

The great afternoon of entertainment was rounded off with David. Cally and Geoff getting everyone involved in a sing-song...great fun!

A big shout out to Chris & Gail for organizing the venue and providing the drinks for the afternoon and to David and Jane for their usual generous contribution of time and equipment.

Let them eat cake(s)...

 

Invited to friends for dinner last night and was presented with homemade birthday cakes...too kind!

Welcome back!

 

We welcomed back Angela and Dennis last night after her Birthday visit back to the UK...and she brought cake!

 

Make mine a double Jim...

We are in Scotland for a double 'special' birthday celebration for both Rose (Tuesday) and Eileen (Wednesday). We got together on Saturday with Rose's lovely family for a birthday lunch on Saturday in Edinburgh which was followed by the party proper.

Ada was on hand to greet us as we arrived...

and to pose with cousin May!

 

Papa Jim and Grandad Jim.

Something else to celebrate...

 Lovely meal last night at 'Le Local' in Oyré to celebrate Pauline's birthday.

Busy evening and seeing the light...

 

Glad we could share in celebrating Jean's up and coming special birthday - even if only for a wee while.

We had a prearranged (indeed rearranged) dinner to attend back in Barrou with French friends and neighbours. We tumbled out at 1.00am to the surprising sight of a partially illuminated Grande Rue.

We thought that perhaps the maire heard we were out late and left them on so we could get  home safely but no, our local companions on the way home informed us that at the weekend there is a system when one half gets lit up, then the other, on alternative weekends! Lucky enough it was our turn this weekend!

More birthday fun...

 

Pauline's weekend of fun continued yesterday when dear friends laid on a fab birthday lunch for her...great afternoon! 

Zooming in for virtual birthday celebrations...

It was a pleasure to invite  Jean-Pierre and Caroline along to cerebrate his up-and-coming (Tuesday) major birthday event. As a surprise we invited some of his friends from the UK who would probably have been here in person but for the current restrictions,to join us on 'Zoom'.He was well chuffed!

As it happens June is the month when  Pauline,Maureen and Angela all have birthdays so it was an opportunity to make a toast to them. Oh and not forgetting a major aniversary for Maureen & John.

A good day...

For Pauline's birthday yesterday we trotted along to the newly reopened 'Les Tilleuls' restaurant in the village for lunch and were able to eat alfresco in spite of the slight change in the weather. As we were leaving the house we found a gift card for two lunches at said restaurant from a dear friend and a pressie from another on the doorstep...how kind! With chats with  the kids and a greeting from 'Adadorable' one I think she had a good day!

Special birthday!

Delighted to join our friend Maureen to help celebrate her 'special' birthday yesterday.

Age is but a number.

It was a pleasure last night to join Mike, Liz, their family and friends to continue to celebrate his special birthday. 

We were then lucky enough to head over to some other friends for a lovely dinner where we enjoyed more good company, great food with the added benefit of 'climatisation'.

Can you spot the theme?

We had intended making our annual visit to the Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire with friends Mike & Liz yesterday as part of Pauline's birthday day out but due to the rain we had to have a change of plan. What do you do in the Loire Valley in the rain?...head undercover, We started out in a cave - the 'Cave des Producteurs' in Montlouis-sur-Loire for a spot of wine tasting (and buying) before having lunch.

After lunch we headed across the Loire for a little more wine tasting,this time at the' Cave des Producteurs' at Vouvray.

After lunch we headed underground! - to 'Les Grottes Pétrifiantes de Savonnières'. We had never been, so it was useful as an experience so as we can advise our guests as to what to expect and at the same time satisfy our curiosity (more on this later)... 

...and there was a bar for a spot of wine tasting!

Some parts of the cave proved a little tricky for some with theses faux steps causing a problem along with the many opportunities to bump your head!

When we arrived back home we were greeted by a card and cake from a dear friend...lovely end to the day.