A good time was had by all … at least that’s
the impression I got. J.L. and B. were great hosts, despite the fact that they
met most of my blogger friends for the first time, and that conversation was mixture of
French, English and Dutch.
It was almost 7 p.m. when our last guests
left. It took us an hour or so put everything in its original place. Garden
furniture was stocked away, dishes and glasses washed, leftovers were skilfully
packed by B. and put in the fridge. They would be nice additions to our picnic
suppers for the rest of the week. The surpluses of melon and strawberries made
excellent breakfast treats.
The party is over ... and the patio empty, bare and distressingly quiet ...
It had been a fantastic day, which wouldn’t
have been possible without B. and J.L.’s generous hospitality and indispensable
help. And the warmth, good spirits and genuine friendship of my fellow
bloggers! I hope this B-BBQ will become an annual tradition, a tradition
initiated in 2012 by Susan and Simon! It won’t be easy to synchronize
everybody’s agendas, because our holidays don’t necessarily coincide. But we
can try, can’t we?
****
The next morning I woke up with very sore ... legs! All the running up and down the stairs, using leg muscles that are only trained to take the lift or climb 15 stairs at the time at home, had taken its toll. But as there is no peace for the wicked and we were already starting the third day of our 7-day vacation, we set out on Tuesday's traditional outing: the weekly market at Bourgeuil, by far the best in the area after Amboise's Sunday market, the mandatory stop at Candes St. Martin, on the confluent of the Loire and the Vienne and finally lunch at l'Hélianthe in Turquant.
Cripsy lettuces at Bourgeuil market... 3 for just 2 euros. 'Une très bonne affaire',
but we didn't buy any since we still had some lettuce left from the party.
but we didn't buy any since we still had some lettuce left from the party.
More food photos coming up!
11 comments:
Parties are a lot of work for the hosts, even if the guests prepare some of the food!
For all that preparation, clearing up and washing up, you and your friends all deserve a medal.
It was a great party and we had a lovely time, so thanks again for all the trouble you went to.
If it does become an annual event, officially, we hope to be invited next time !!
Jean, For me, it was a pleasure and an honour being allowed to organize this party, which wouldn't have been possible without the hospitality and help of my generous hosts, B. and J.L. and the delicious food and excellent company provided by all of you. Well worth the sore legs! And don't worry ... I'm sure that you and Nick are on everybody's guest list ... whoever the next host may be :) Martine x
Maybe we can host host October 2014
The only way you are all going to get together is if someone host the party, you all meet in a restaurant, or in a picnic area. The last one being the cheapest and easiest but it has to be well organized when it comes to food. The most important is to be together, wherever that would be. I have very fond memories of wonderful picnics along a river in Burgundy.
It was a fantastic gathering.
Depending on when you are in France, we will be very happy to host a future gathering. We are still tied to UK school holidays until July 2014, but after that I (if not Tim) shall be as free to spend as much time as I would like in France.
It was a great party.
As I recall during the party we offered to host summer 2014 at our place.
The offer still stands :-)
A super way to get together and it would be great for you all to meet up at least once a year ,, :-)
I don't think you mind the clearing up so much if the event has been a great success as yours was.
Lovely lettuce!
Glad you all had a great time!!!
I'm looking forward to next year.
Leon, On behalf of all blogger friends: Thank You! October might be a bit tricky though.
Nadege, A picnic would be fun and I know of just the right spot for it. Logistics could proof to be a bit of a problem though.
Gaynor, You'll have to work it out with Leon and Antoinette ... :))
N&A, I will gladly take you up on it ... that way I will get to meet Her Highness Mademoiselle Katinka!
Anne, I do hope it can become an annual tradition, I really do.
Craig, B. and J.L. were great. I couldn't have done it without them. On my own it would have taken me two days to get everything out of the way.
Virginia, Thank you!!
Chm, So do I ... 10 more months to go.
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