9th march to 18th

What a time this had been. Weather getting hotter by the day but snow just about holding in readiness for ladies from Lancaster coming on 12th. Final look after Oliver on the 11th :-( so cute. Pippa kindly baked a lovely chocolate cake for the birthday girls.

Morning of 12th arrived, military operation put into action!!! Decorating and stocking up maison rose, cooking curry, decorating cake and then they arrived. Steph and Janet birthday girls, Diana, Lisa, Paula and tracey. Lots of hugs, lunch then walk with blaze around cham, (needless to say blaze big hit) viewing of tiny studio, tracey very happy with family painting done by Dave, coffee then fitting of ski equipment, all done to time. Curry, beers early night.

Couldn't sleep for worrying. Awake at 3.30!!! Off to le tour for early lesson for 5 of the girls, trace being an old hand at the skiing. By lunchtime, feeling concerned re Steph look of sheer terror, thought she was slightly better in pm with things, but unbeknownst to me tearful texts and to Pete did ensue. Diana managing well, similar to Steph though seems to want to avoid learning snow plough and just going straight down slope parallel!!!! By afternoon Paula and Janet on first nursery. Lisa low on energy due to virus, so relaxed in the glorious weather.

Evening, amazing meal at munchies, has to be recommended on, and at 41 euro a head with tip for 2 courses and wine a bargain for cham. Early night again.

Le tour on Friday. After a shakey start for poor Diana and her bruised shins eventually remedied to her relief, herself and Steph returned to the previous days slope but by lunchtime had moved onto another slope of slightly more gradient and length. In the meantime Janet trace and Paula onto longer nurseries and by lunch time onto the blue!!!!! Back to Steph and diana, with more and more control being obtained by 3pm we moved onto the nursery slope proper, and with help from fellow ski advisor tracey, they were conquered, much to both Diana and Steph delight, we then couldn't get them off until the final button at 5!!!!!! Brilliant day all round!

With skis returned prosecco at des alpes followed joined by some of the lovely people I have met in cham. Feeling at last I could relax drank too much, though managed to cook supper then drank more wine. Lots of giggling marked this final evening!!

Tearful goodbyes on the saturday, then cleaned maison rose removing all traces of balloons etc, then off to Jekyll for the rugby, so close for England  but Ireland came out on top. Too many beers later off to bed

Recovery day Sunday then Monday 17th march dawned. Gulp!!! Vallee Blanche beckoned. Below are videos and photos that speak for themselves. Frightening descent of the arret followed by beauty and best way to spend ones 51st birthday, thanks Dave. Barbie in evening at fellow St Patrick days birthday girl dawn, excellent day all round. Detox starts on 18th!!!!!!! ng!

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