Hic*!@?*.....

All going swimmingly well here the kitchen is suffused with the smell of the soft chocolate cake that is nearly ready to come out of the oven.. time for another glass of fizz before we sit down and watch the second two episodes of Lady Chatterleys Lover as supplied by Santa in the guise of Mum and Dad. We had to watch two episodes last night as Ruth wouldn't go to bed till Joely Richardson got what for from Sean Bean: who should be looking after his pheasants but seems to have alot of time on his hands.

Last night was Roast breast of Mallard with Orange sauce and a gratin of Cardoons which if you can lay your hands on them are really superb, very provencal christmas speciality. Tonight is the Bresse Pigeon with a chunk of pan-fried Foie Gras, potato gratin and swiss chard, yumm yumm. I have to make the most of it as Ruth goes to Paris tommorrow and isn't back till New years Eve.

The snow seems to be creeping close so when if the clouds lift we (I) might get up there and do a little overweight skiing. Life is strangely different here when you can listen to the Archers omnibus and Desert Island Discs. Hope you all/everybody are/is having a smashing time. Lots of love J