Passing 50 Without Breaking the Speed Limit Summary and Analysis

Mayle's wife decides to have a picnic for Peter's fiftieth birthday. Mayle reminds his wife that he hates picnics, based on his experiences with damp ground and hordes of ants at picnics he attended in London. She promises that this one will be different. The party will be held in picturesque Lubéron and the guests will arrive by horse and carriage provided by local chef and friend, Maurice, who will also be providing the gourmet food as well.

Peter and his guests enjoy the leisurely ride on the horse-drawn carriages, which allows them to take in the the beauty of the breathtaking countryside. Finally reaching the picnic area in what appears to be a thick and untamed forest, the party finds a table for ten set under a sprawling oak...