Olive Picking Weekend

Had the most fantastic weekend picking olives in Italy with friends. We managed to pick 130 kg of olives from the 48 trees and in the end produced around 18 litres of the most delicious olive oil imaginable - thick, green and really, really fresh.

Made you feel glad to be alive.

The Colours in the Garden Are Amazing At The Moment

Ordinary Thunderstorms

I'm a big William Boyd fan and was not disappointed by his latest book 'Ordinary Thunderstands'. It was a classic thriller / murder conspiracy novel where the central character gets caught up in stuff he doesn't understand. However, what I particularly liked was the London setting. Most of the action takes place in modern day Chelsea and Rotherhithe and other sections around the river.

It's certainly not his best book (Any Human Heart is my favourite), but still really good. Recommended.

Long Fu Girls Weekend

A couple of weekends ago we had our Long Fu girls reunion, where girls from the same orphanage all got togther. This time it was the 10th year and we held it in Liverpool, where one of the families lives. (Pam, Les, Olivia and Josie)

I've not been to Liverpool for many years and was really impressed with it. It has really smartened up, but still has a lot of character. As ever, it was great to see the girls again who are now in senior school. Can't believe how tall they are. Thanks to Pam and Les for organising it. I think we brought good luck to the city as against the odds, Liverpool beat Man U.

In Paris For Supper

Am making a quick visit to Paris for workshop today. Took the Eurostar yesterday - only 2 hours 15 min and arrived in time for supper. I've forgotten how great French food can be: soupe a l'oignon, magret de canard, tarte tatin. All classics. All fantastic. It's even OK to eat out on your own. Must get back into French cooking when I get home.