Departures, Returns and KitchenAid/Magimix Offers

On Saturday just gone, my brother-in-law Mathieu Guyonnet died. He’d had cancer for some time and whilst expected it is nonetheless a shock when it happens. I’m not going to pretend that we were close, in fact, I hadn’t seen him since Babette’s funeral almost 4 years ago. But he was one of four remaining Guyonnet brothers and now there are three. 

So, things seem slightly off kilter as a result.

I’ve often been heard to say that I prefer a good funeral to a wedding any day of the week, and his was no exception. Yes, it was sad seeing evocative images coming up on the screen as I listened to five family and friends recalling Matthieu and his life as it affected them.

And in fact, I didn’t understand a word in fact as I’ve never managed to come to terms with the French language despite my 28 years with Babette, instead just allowing it to wash over me like a good symphony, listening to the music, not the words.   

It was evidently a great celebration of his life as a brother, lover, husband, father and friend.  He will be much missed by those who knew him well.

So, this weekend there isn't much of an email, and I’m afraid next weekend will be the same as I’m off on my annual tiny trains pilgrimage to Missenden Abbey for six whole days of soldering, swearing and stuffing ourselves with wonderful food, whilst coaxing tiny trains into life in the company of 30 other obsessives.  And we have a couple of tutors on hand to help, who know which end of a lathe is which.

This is the hair shirt end of the hobby, where the 50 rivets you’ve just punched into a sheet of specially cut 15 thou brass,  a helpful soul informs you, are actually only 49. Do you throw it away and start a fresh, or just accept the compromise. Nah, that would be tantamount to cheating…..

And before I finish, I’m delighted to report that as my youngest, Joey, and I took off for the funeral in Brittany on Wednesday morning, my erstwhile pleasure-seeking daughter, Jeanne, managed to return to this sceptred isle, with arms, legs and head all still attached and functioning.  The peace-loving Costa Ricans having looked after her very well. I really am most grateful to them, and will encourage her to go back there again… cant believe I’ve just written that!

Magimix Food Processors

We do have a couple of morsels that I will briefly bring to your attention, though.  If you've been considering upgrading your food processor, the ideal time may have arrived.  The

Magimix 4200XL is currently reduced from £340.00 to £299.00. Still the best food processor on the market as I've helpfully informed you before,

"One of the reasons that Magimix still have little competition in the market, is because of what they put in the heart of the machine. This is an AC Induction Motor. An induction motor has no brushes (to wear out), no drive belts (to wear out), no gearboxes (get noisy), and in short the motor is a classic case of “Fit and Forget”… it just carries on working day after day, year after year, decade after decade" 

Read more about my views on Magimix Food Processors in my earlier newsletter Getting a Handel on Magimix Food Processors.

KitchenAid Stand Mixers

And as the KitchenAid stand mixer probably doesn't need an introduction, we have a good selection of six colours also on offer, that thought I’d mention as well.

KitchenAid 125 £549.00 to £399.00 in 6 colours

So, that’s it from me for a couple of weeks. I trust you‘ll still be alive and in one piece when next we communicate. In the meanwhile, I hope you have a peaceful and pleasant time, holidaying or not as your plans dictate.

Warm regards

Andrew