"Ian Hoare" > wrote in message
...
>>How's Lord St. Helier? Did you let him sleep in your cellar?
>
> He seemed to be suitably amused by the brief visit. At least he's talking
> about coming back! And no, I did NOT let him sleep in my cellar, the
> gravel
> wouldn't have done much for Kathryn's back!

IIRC, there isn't much room on the floor in there anyway. Besides, would
you think it safe to leave him alone in there with all that fine wine? ;^)

The Esk Valley Terraces
> he brought was magnificent and he seemed to like the burgundies we
> served -
> at least he was polite about them, which is uncharacteristic!

So I've gathered from exchanges on this NG. Rather feisty chap, sounds
like - although I've never met him in person. Perhaps a trip to NZ is in
order for yours truly. OTOH, perhaps he (and his S.O.) will show up here
first.

We've got
> "Sojourner" coming for a night tomorrow, which should be fun. The French
> onion soup and Terrine de Campagne are ready and the magrets and tarte
> tatin
> (I didn't do one for his lawdship) ought to please, with luck.

I'm _envious_, and wishing I were there too. Bon Apetit to all!

Tom S

P.S. - Just to drag this back on topic, the 2002 harvest here in California
was very good, so the "bad 2002 harvest" isn't all that widespread. :^)