Kir Royale in memory of a dead cat

When the class of flight allows it I will go for a glass of champagne and raise it with a silent toast of "Absent Friends" in memory of Oliver sadly lost to an road traffic accident last year.

I have just returned from two days in Broomfield, Colorado, US and was not looking forward to a 9 hour, overnight flight trying to sleep, even in World Traveller Plus. Fortunately the very nice lady on the ticket desk not only checked me in without me having to queue but also bumped me to business class. Flat bed and a decent nights sleep. Result!!

Just as I was about to raise my glass I heard the man next to me ask for a Kir Royale. Excellent idea I thought and the stewardess obliged with a splash of cassis. So Oliver's memory was toasted with one of my favourite aperitives :-)