Happy Christmas, Bonne année

 

at the Chemin des Rêves in Saint Gély du Fesc yesterday

This is several things at once - a much-delayed blog (including wine, music and books), a substitute for Christmas cards to many, and a chance to update our news to others.

We revisited this favourite wine producer the Chemin des Rêves in Saint Gély du Fesc, home of Benoit and Servane Viot, some 15+ years after our first meeting in their home nearby in Grabels.  They have built a splendid business on their own terrain facing the Pic Saint Loup from small beginnings - Benoit is now president of the appellation.  Their children were tiny when we met - now they are making their way in the world.  The wines are astonishing - the white  Abracadabra and 2006 red Exubérant still full of life though as old as our acquaintance we drank at lunchtime today were both delicious.  It was a great beginning to our Christmas week here in the Languedoc, driving the fairly short distance across the garrigue north of Montpellier.

Musically it has been a good year for us - Mary as ever practises the cello and travels nearby for lessons, chamber groups and small orchestras.  My one remaining choir, B.a.Bach, has reformed under the new direction of my friend and erstwhile singing teacher Kamala and to our pleased surprise has more tenors than ever.  Above all, the wonderful variety of music we listen to via BBC and internet is inspiring.  A Messiah from Coventry we heard recently was among the best we've known.

While Mary has continued to enjoy the labyrinths of  Proust (in French), my recent reading has been more prosaic.  I have plunged into the historical fiction of Ken Follett, first through the Century trilogy, then into the mists of time with the four Kingsbridge novels about the middle ages and renaissance (the prequel The evening and the morning written last but set before the first millennium).  Meanwhile I keep up with the news through Midi Libre and the Guardian.  I use Kindle and internet a lot - Mary prefers the paper media and puts up with my being a fortnight ahead of her with the London Review of Books.

We have kept a watching eye on the football World Cup despite the severe doubts we have about its numerous ethical shortcomings and shall watch the final later today - may the best team win!  Cricket is a periodic source of pleasure, with England repeatedly pulling irons out of the fire and are currently edging Pakistan in the 3rd Test having already won the series.  Ben Stokes has proved an even better bet as captain than as astonishing match-winner, and Jimmy Anderson is a splendid example of age-defying skill.

Ed missing from this photo, as are Karen and Isla, but always in our thoughts

Our highlight of the year was the week-long celebration in Brittany of Mary's 80th birthday, most of the family together in a great gîte near the coast.  Otherwise we have travelled little but continue to enjoy our Lunel home, where we shall soon have a less leaky roof with tiles aligned and secured by well-designed hooks.

Our tortoise has long since hibernated, but the dogs Elvire and Edmond continue lively as ever.

wine tasting near Mèze

So we wish you all a very happy Christmas and new  year, and hope to see you in 2023.  Visitors always welcome here in Lunel!