I have so many people to thank for my wonderful experiences in the USA. The first on my list is Jeanne.

Since we first met her last March, I doubt that DM and I realised just how close our friendship with Jeanne would be. We have both (in totally different ways) appreciated her vitality, fun and love. I don’t know why I’m so surprised – it’s rare we disagree about the people we meet, even though the things that make us love them are often very different, we still gravitate towards the same people.

What’s even nicer, is that now TR is a real living, breathing human being for us too – and they are totally wonderful together.

We went on our stretch limo tour of the wineries and this little shiny thing caught my eye in the sale room of the Artesa vineyard….it’s polished chrome inside, satin outside and is spectacularly gorgeous. I managed to acquire two of them so we now have one in our kitchen and one lives six thousand miles away in SF in Jeanne’s kitchen.

It’s been carted back across the Atlantic and has been begging to get its picture taken.

Every time I use this, I will be reminded of four glorious days in the California sunshine, with the crazy, corkscrew-haired redhead who IS Jeanne. When I pick it up, I will smile or even laugh out loud at some memory of the time we shared.

Jeanne is a life-giver, you can’t help but be energised by her. She’s got so much joy to share and she is infinitely generous with it. Whether it’s Sunbeams, stretch limos, lentil sandwiches, late-night conversations in the garden or snatched sentences……Jeanne – remember ‘whatever you do, you must stick with the orang-utangs’. I’ve not laughed so much in years.

Thanks Jeanne (and of course Tony) – for four days of bliss. For me, SF wouldn’t have worked without you!

BTW - when I was setting this up, DM said 'oh you are copying Cheryl' - sorry Cheryl!!!

Confusingly, last year I was posting my mother's day pic....a day early because I was travelling on the day!