When will I ever learn?

The realisation that you are a mere mortal is not something that comes easy. As we start the third day of partying there's a strong argument for pacing yourself. Yesterday was a case in point.
The day started hot and very humid which is the kind of weather I hate. The thought of wearing a suit and tie in such conditions filled me with dread.
Anyway, after lunch we headed off to Saché, to the most beautiful village church, where the blessing took place (under French law you can't actually get married in church and have to have undergone a civil ceremony first, all part of the separation of church and state which is of course a complete nonsense because the state celebrates religious holidays, but there you go) and from where the bride and groom in all their finery left for the reception a couple of miles away.
What a venue. What a tradesman's entrance. We weren't allowed to drive the cars up the gravel driveway of this posh pile but were directed to the back of the property. No cluttering up the front aspect of this imposing pile mes braves.
No wonder there was a revolution in France!
This was a private residence, a friend of the family, with a tradesman's entrance to out shine all other tradesman's entrances.
We approached the huge terrace at the front of the property (unsullied by the view of any cars) through large gates and down the side of this majestic pile.
We then got stuck into a gentle three hour stint of canapés and champagne.
When they called dinner at 7.00pm I groaned at the thought of any more food. I'd stuffed my face. What a mistake, when will I ever learn?
We were then directed to the marquee, a huge marquee, which had been 'squeezed' into the inner courtyard of this not so council house.
It was all a bit too much for Jan who had ditched the dungarees, put on a party frock and who looked stunning. Such a change for someone who had started life as a daughter of Scargill (a champagne socialist), if you get my drift.
I just about managed the starter, scallops and stuff, which was absolutely excellent but the pheasant main course was lost on me. I'd out greeded myself. I had to admit defeat.
We left around midnight with everything in full flow, such party poopers, but safe in the knowledge that it all started again tomorrow.
Such kindness and such incredible hospitality but many years of debauchery and watching my old mate AJ disappearing into the mist at the crack of midnight had taught me about the need to pace yourself.