Funny Shaped Balls?

A large throng of English, and a lone french girl, gathered to watch rugby, a game played by men with funny shaped balls last evening.

The event was the 6 nations clash between England and France. The subject of rugby reminds me that last summer I received several touching heart-felt texts from local large smoldering hot-blooded latin-type former professional rugby player Gerald Gomis, with whom we spent a convivial evening on Friday. He claims he thought he was texting his wife, but no one I know was completely convinced, and I was both flattered and alarmed in equal measure to receive several messages, one of which was a message telling me he loved me.

The gathering took place at the Thornton Allan’s house in their cinema room. Most of us just have large screens in their living rooms, but they have to have a cinema room.

Published author, very pleased with himself for the reviews of his book Half way To Heaven in The Spectator last month, Bill Colegrave it was who originally hatched the idea of a rugby get together, and had invited around 30 people when he suddenly realised that for all the glories of the Bastide St Matthieu, a fabulous boutique hotel, wonderful wedding venue and home to a very famous pop star in April, the only TV facilities he has are a 24 inch screen in his snug, and seating for 4, thus the Thornton Allan’s came to the rescue by offering their cinema room as an alternative venue. I do hope she who cannot be named is not used to watching TV when she is there for a month.

The English listened in deference and silence to an appalling on-screen version of the speeded up Marseillies , before the National Anthem was sung by the assembled multitude and the thrashing of the French began.

Many more girls that normal were taking an interest in the rugby, but not for the match itself. Toby Flood from the English team attracting those females with an eye for a pretty boy and Sebastien Chabal, the caveman lookalike from the French side for those girls amongst us who would seem to prefer a bit of rough. However, a quick look at the assembled manhood on display watching the TV should have been enough rough for anyone. I believe that nice lady decorator leans towards Toby Flood, which to me is unsurprising as he is a clear look-alike for her beloved husband, although in my opinion perhaps a little too in touch with his feminine side for complete comfort.

Much wine and beer was consumed and many stories told and forgotten but One wonderful conversation I recall was with the great grand-daughter of Jenny Churchill and An Iroquois Indian, Camilla, which concerned of her family. One of her ancestors was a Spitfire pilot in the Second World War. He memorably claimed that he had brought down three aircraft during the campaign and been flying all of them.

Last week when walking near Theoule Sur Mer, I took this picture of the mimosa just about to reach its peak. The bright yellow shrub covers the hills from Theoule almost to St Tropez with a carpet of bright yellow at this time of year.

The mimosa trail at Theule Sur Mer

The possibility of a shower was sufficient to deter me from playing golf, so, what to do today? I know, let’s have lunch and drink wine. Not sure where or how yet but I feel in my bones that this is the natural course of action for a Sunday. I also know it is going to cost me money