Birthday Girl

The Birthday Girl with her entourage.

Today was Susan's birthday and Wes planned a special day.

A local French chef, Manuel, arrived late morning and spent the day at the Villa.

First, he prepared a light lunch, including Chicken gizzards (French word to be substituted in future update) and prosciutto, and a green salad with tomato, cucumber and onion.

All local ingredients, of course.


After lunch Manuel began working in earnest on a four course traditional country French dinner.The table was set with candles and fresh picked flowers from the grounds of the estate. In the meantime...




The ladies dressed to kill. The meal itself ...

... was a feast for the senses. In addition to the fine food, there was moderate excessive consumption of alcohol, primarily wine from Chateauneuf-du-Pape (although a new drink was also invented for the occasion, with the working name "Martini Provencale" - more details as we refine the recipe).

After dinner...


Gifts were exchanged ...

...for the collective birthdays and anniversaries...

as were kisses...


and other tokens of of affection.

The ladies show Manuel their heart-felt appreciation.