Tomorrow is the 1st day of September.  How can it not mark a major change! Although the weather continues to be marvellous, it philosophically marks the end of summer. Uniquely too tomorrow is a Monday, Labour Day. According to my good friend Hal at ChatGPT, the next Labour Day Monday that is on the 1st of September is Monday, September 1, 2031. That’s 6 years from now – longer than I prefer to stand waiting.  But I will by contrast jump into the mix today!  Indeed we did so by visiting our dear friend in the Village of Ashton where he reported to have been busy harvesting the summer produce in order to prepare this evening’s glorious meal.  And what a success it was!  Fresh corn with an abundance of garden herbs, spices, garlic and an exotic addition (anchovies). This was followed by a bubbling hot cast iron pot of ratatouille complimented by a focaccia loaf. And then the fresh fruit cobbler with local ice cream (a late summer imperative).

We were greeted – as we always are – by the ever-friendly Finn, the black Labrador and faithful pet of our dear friend and host. Finn – as I remarked to our host – appears to identify us instantly on our arrival upon opening the car doors. He has long ago established our voices and scents. Finn conducted us upon our arrival to the pool then afterwards to table on the porch overlooking the meadow. His only husky bark had been upon our arrival (before opening the car doors).

At table – when not munching upon the garden fresh delicacies – we addressed automotive matters related in particular to electrified vehicles; the MAGA movement in America naturally; historical medical training in South Africa (as well as some insightful analysis of pre- and post-Apartheid); travel (always a key feature of our host’s agenda); property management (at home and abroad); as well as the taste of the Chablis; and finally the sundown presence of gnats (we were dining al fresco).

Abiding by the adage of our mutual late friend Louis de la Chesnaye Audette QC OC that, “Dinner guests, like fish, begin to smell after three hours” we abandoned ship with a friendly embrace and heartfelt thanks.  The drive home along the Appleton Side Road into the setting sun was an equal marvel, a fitting conclusion to our celebratory meal and congregation.