Lucky black cat for dinner

This morning we took a walk around the Cirencester Hare Trail. This afternoon Mr hazelh and Richard watched the rugby. Meanwhile I helped Jackie with the final preparations for dinner, and then we popped into town so that I could buy her some books for her birthday. On my recommendation she chose His bloody project by Graeme Macrae Burnet, The luminaries by Eleanor Catton and Sweet caress by William Boyd. I also picked up Dobble as a wee present from Miss G given how much she enjoyed playing it with me on Thursday evening (evidence here).

This evening's birthday party was a huge success. It started with Champagne and canapés at 7:30pm and ended after dancing some time after 1:00am. We were meant to be 14 at the table, but one of the guests couldn't make it due to illness. When this happens in my family you have to give the place to a black cat to avoid the bad luck of 13 at dinner. I have blipped my quick black cat creation, made from a Lanson Champagne box and handle, and some sequins.

Jackie's menu was amazing. All the food was home-made, even the oatcakes! It comprised:

Canapés: melon and parma ham on bamboo skewers; red pepper and onion crostinis; smoked salmon, cream cheese and poppy seed palmiers.

First course: Lobster bisque and croutons.

Main course: Confit of duck with: flageolet beans, leeks and garlic; cubed roast potatoes; broccoli; cherry sauce.

Pudding: Lemon tart; chocolate pots.

Cheese: Cornish yarg; Lincolnshire poacher; chèvre; mature Cheddar; Cheshire.

Petits fours: Meringue kisses; peanut butter and toffee bon bons.

Exercise today: walking (11,346 steps), dancing.