And from the Languedoc....a quick word

His Lordship is in the kitchen frying up mushrooms, chicken livers and bread soaked in duck fat. I've got my eye on a cold slice of turkey on a large chunk of hot toast followed perhaps by a small spoonful of Christmas pudding and crème anglaise, actually make that a large spoonful I've got rather a lot to do this afternoon and they do say that housework burns off the calories although I'm dubious.

We've had three days now of non-stop sunshine. Christmas Day was the prettiest though with a liberal dusting of frost and a piercing blue sky overhead. I'd kept the log fire burning but it really wasn't necessary. Bubbly was taken on the terrace and I gleefully took lots of pictures of the Christmas feast with the windows flung wide open to send to the Golden Oldies in Blighty although they seem to have disappeared into the computer.

The house is having a thorough airing for the New Years party that's going to take place. The beds are all made and pillows plumped, new ivy twined around the fireplaces and a fresh supply of chopped logs piled high. Yesterday I cut a magnificent bunch of mistletoe and winter greenery for the entrance hall.

I've just discussed the New Years Eve menu with the client. Five courses consisting of Fois Gras, Fruits de Mer, Roast Guinea Fowl, a selection of Cheeses, Chocolate Pots, gooey Meringues. I've had to sit down to take a breather, I feel ready for a doze just discussing it.

His Lordship is listening avidly. Turns out the client is in Madrid. I just knew what was going to come.

'Ask him to bring a bottle of Spanish sherry' he hisses.

He does this to me every time, his one saving grace being that he is a devil in the kitchen too !!