Best of the Bunch...Top of the Crop/Pops?!?

Hello Gem here checking in!

Just wanted you all to know that Clive & I were half watching BBC Oxford's Local News this evening and our ears pricked up when a bulletin concerning Monsieur Blanc was introduced. Raymond Blanc has won the extremely prestigious 'AA Chef of the Year' Award, as voted for by his peers in the industry.
He was asked by the presenter why he thought he had won the award, and what he thought his biggest contribution to the industry was:

" I think it is because We here at Le Manoir have trained 22 Michelin star Chefs (all British) and that we are dedicated to continue training and nurturing Young British talent.

Respect to da Man (youff slang!). How cool is that? The presenter then mockingly complained that you need to book early as six months in advance for some dates (cue smug feeling inside).

Aren't we lucky. So really looking forward to seeing you all in just a few weeks time (I've taken a weeks annual leave so I can make the most of you all being back in Blighty).

Temperature today was (sorry Nic, Jen, Claire & Dan) 18 degrees in Oxford, which actually felt quite warm with the favourable autumnal breeze this morning. We are getting some beautiful English sunrises this week. We must try and get some pics to upload to show you all.

Last Sunday, Clive and I walked along up to Iffley Turn then to Iffley Lock which for those who haven't been is on the Oxford section of the Thames just by Donnington Bridge. The geese, swans, moorhens and ducks were competing rather noisily with each other for the soggy bread thrown to them by the kids. The flower beds & hanging baskets at the quaint lock keepers cottage are still in full bloom, the traffic on the river was busy with pleasure cruises making their way down to Abingdon and the 'Isis Tavern' was taking a brisk trade. How 'Oxford' can you get?

A special hello to Grandma, we're all very glad to hear you are feeling better.

The update on Will is that he feels that he doesn't need to wear his sling anymore as it was giving him a Larry Grayson hand holding style but his arm is still a ghoulish green colour and he has lost some muscle mass from his upper arm. He is due at the Radcliffe for a check up X-ray this week.

Well better get to bed as I'm getting typists neck, good news is that tomorrow I only have to work till 13.15 and then its le weekend...

Love Gemsi xxx