Long and happy life....

 ...Here's our friend and neighbour Msr Louis, celebrating his 95th birthday. He remains a force of nature. We ate, drank and sang immoderately but well.

There are other photos but I'm saving them for blackmailing purposes. 

It was a very good meal, organised by Michel with Guillaume; an apero on entry, salade gesiers,  canarde parmentier, cheese, birthday cake made by the family with their own Menton lemons.

Now Toby has gone, off with Rose to Ireland to visit the Matthews tribe.

Spare a thought for my family today - my sister-in-law Mel (wife to my brother Matt and mother of Tom, Holly and Paddy Beer) died yesterday morning. She was in a hospice, surrounded by her family. By all accounts, an admirable death though too soon. 

   Now begin the long days without her. 

We are that age. I am emboldened to write my favourite prayer, for all in the same situation:

May those in pain know their suffering shall not last and find comfort and relief. 

May those who feel the weight of burdens and the solitude in which they bear them know that they are not alone, only detached temporarily from the oneness which has never left them, and find comfort and relief.

May all who find their circumstances difficult and trying be assured that these things too shall pass, and find comfort and relief.

May great love and compassion be visited on all beings.

Hugs all round.  Its insanely hot here, too hot for me to go to the vide grenier by the river; a first I think. Think hydration, think shade.