We had lunch by a rather cold and grey Canal du Midi at Homps - a delicious meal at the Auberge de l'Arbusier which had reopened for the season only two days ago. A lucky find. And now we've moved on to stay at this beautifully decorated chambre d'hôte in the Minervois. A month today I'll start on a new decade and we'll have a trip with the family, but this seems like a good way to practise celebrating in a year of celebrations, with our big party in the summer after LoJ joins me in the same decade.

Last night went very well and everyone enjoyed their meal. It was great fun, but quite tiring and LoJ and I are both glad that we'd planned this little break for this weekend. Now it's time to get ready for supper, which someone else is cooking for us!