'Give me books, French wine, fruit, fine weather and a little music out of doors'

The second part of my early birthday was just as great (first part here). This time, the promised weather was just as beautiful as predicted with scorching summer sun and bright blue skies. Dan gave me some very generous gifts...the new Dan Brown book and a 2005 bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal. Which is definitely being saved for a special occasion.

 

I spent the afternoon with my mum, rustling up some very tasty al fresco treats...

 

Holy homemade guacamole (my new favourite thing) | Fresh local asparagus

With lots of crusty bread and butter, we had antipasti and cured meats, Jersey Royal potato salad, baked lemon and garlic chicken with peppers, grilled asparagus with balsamic glaze, Portobello mushrooms stuffed with goats cheese and parma ham, the homemade guacamole, and grilled king prawns with lemon, fresh garden herbs and chilli. A glass of rose and two very curious cats.