a bit of cake

With apologies to the patissier for the photo - it was getting late. There was a fabulous and enormous cake for Bilo's birthday. The bold Macdonald rustled up a chocolate praline gateau of such proportions that it was shared far and wide around the canton over the weekend. It was much admired on the night and brought much chocolatey pleasure from here to Quillan.

L'anniversaire de Bilo

And so it was that a party was called for and there is always a reason. Bilo was considerate enough to have his birthday just as we needed to celebrate something, so a happy Tilling throng ventured abroad to Montazels and gathered chez Jeremy to mark the occasion. The 'shady estate agent who lives on ze hill' proved - com d'hab - to be a superbly well-provisioned host, as generous with his bonhomie as with his booze (as you know the photographer likes a tipple....) and his larder. I think Bilo -whose aged cannot be revealed in this column for fear of making our reader feel like Methusala's mother!-had a jolly old time, as can be seen.

a bit of jam

Another old face made a welcome reappearance this week. Pete is here with a couple of mates to do some work on their house. Sadly, Clare couldn't join them. Hopefully she will be here soon. Pete spotted other Pete's guitar on the wall and did a great set. He's a terrific singer too. It's always fabulous to see someone get their hands on an instrument and wring out a good un....

Aww, bless

Katrina amused the assembled company with her new party piece....

Norse birthday

continuing our intenational theme, last night was Aileens birthday party! La Belle Norvegienne was hosted by the adorable Irelandais in the charming home of the delightful Gallois. Comme d'hab, we had a fab night - fab food, fab booze and most importantly, fab company. But it did feel a bit odd without Vanilla!

one swallow does not a summer make, but Leo's arrival does!

Yes it's true. Summer is here and we know that 'cause our favourite Dutchman rolled into town last night. Sensing a party he put the foot down and got here in time for Aileen's birthday. As you can see, he was a bit faint after his long drive from Dutchland (sack the photographer!). Wonderful to see you back Leo!

party, party

When I was a lad, we went to a party with as much booze as we could persuade the old git with a cardigan and a never-ending cigarette to sell us. Usually itwas cider and Lutomer Laski-Riesling...
You can still buy it and it is still crap. Far better to invest in a 5litre cubi of excellent chardonnay from Domaine De Buscail. Find them opposite the funeral parlour 'sur la place' on a Sunday
Anyway, I am still lacking in photos. Much as I would like to claim that I am defending youff, the sad fact is that not much was happening at tonight's Hot Ticket. Annie and I went to check on the teens but were surprised to be able enjoy a cup of tea in the party house and it wasn't even 2 o'clock. We were uninterupted! Lightweight children. Haven't they learned to drink and stay up all night?
H