Dimanche le 1 fevrier – Nev’s Birthday!

Last night Nev went out with a few friends – Simon, Stephane and John, to celebrate his birthday. They had a few drinks then went out for a meal – Thai at about 11:00pm. I think he ambled in the door about 1:30am. Great to see him get out and about with friends. This will fend off the cabin fever for another few months!
Nev’s 42nd birthday – breakfast in bed while he talked to some dear friends. A super way to start the day! After he got up we entered a big game of family Monopoly while we had appetizers, then entrée we then watched a French movie – very funny. It was about a guy who really wanted to live down South on the Riviera and was doing everything possible to get transferred there. However things go wrong and he is ‘punished’ by being transferred to the north! Up North they speak differently and all sorts of rumours abound. A bit like us and people from Gore! The story continues and is a great laugh.
The presents he received – new running shoes and the special pants runners wear when it is cold and leave nothing to the imagination – Stunning!
We then proceeded on to salad and then the main course – (by now it was 5:00) a raclette, this is a machine that grills cheese and you then put the melted cheese over potatoes and cold meat. However since we have a very unusual child who can't eat dairy products (very uneard of inFrance!) we adapted slightly and she grilled tomatoes, bacon etc. Normally the top flat part is for keeping potatoes hot and you grill underneath. However we also cooked our meat on top - a Kemp variation. It is extremely yummy! Will have to have you all round for tea - French style on our return - will have to be all separately though as nowhere near enough room for everyone to cook!

followed by dessert and fromage! I really like the little and often eating. It is such a social time and many things get discussed.