Quiet celebrations .

Wilf celebrates his 11th birthday. Quietly . Not a bad age for a PON . This morning the illicit half croissant at the cafe seems more like an illicit three quarters of a croissant . An extra hair tousle from the waitress . She stoops, breaks the croissant into pieces , and feeds them to him . Wilf called a ' gaillard ' . A lusty lad. Once upon a time maybe . Laughter all round . A ' salut ' from the man on the motability scooter . The family fellows unexpected milestone toasted by the smiling , pre-breakfast , beer and absinthe crowd .

Home. A workmans van parked on the green . Wilf barks . A reminder that this is his village. Time for a quick circuit of the old roman walls before the heat builds up. The posts on the pottery kiln christened . Through the courtyard gates in time for a pre-lunch nap. We're sleeping most of the day now. PON birthday wisdom : '' The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are ". Simple happiness lies ahead .