Hi Marj The evening was quite good, most of the conversation was a mix of English & French. Two others from my class went & we all agreed our French was better than the others - apart from the 3 French women there! The food was good too, 2 chefs amongst the guests so the nibbles etc were well worth going for. And what a lovely house, we go every week but only see one room, last night we were in the upstairs drawing room. It's a large Victorian mid terrace with all the stripped pine & subtle decor. Bit of money there somewhere me thinks. Green with envy. Anyway it was what I term a very grown up party - polite chat & no getting drunk & rolling around the kitchen. I liked the kitchen too it had an Aga which is another of my dreams. I met up with my 3rd & 4th cousins in the afternoon & we all feel like we've known each other ages. The wonders of the Internet & email! None of us have got beyond our brick walls with our joint ancestors though. I don't run my home or family - it all tends to happen around me at the moment. I seem to be very disorganised of late, my life is for living, the more mundane chores will keep until they start screaming at me! Sue S > That Soiree sounds lovely! Wish I had done more about my French when I was > younger. > > Glad to hear about your distant rellie - go to it girl! I have so much > admiration for you young ones, running your homes and families and doing all > you do. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.365 / Virus Database: 202 - Release Date: 5/24/2002