For a Change

It seems to have been along time since I donned an apron and prepared a dinner for friends out on the terrace.
Anne and Peter, Diana and Martine made up the party. Not sure what they all thought of each other well, of Diana's belly dance at least. The food was fine though, even if I do say myself and of course, there were several bottles to take to the recycling. Found a great recipe for baked salmon with oriental flavours and had a chocolate torte for dessert. The guests were perfect and left a bit for us to have for tea over the next couple of days.

Don't Count the Calories!

There was no Association committee meeting Thursday morning but the language exchange took place as usual although there weren't so many of us. In the evening, the Council Meeting took place up in the other village for a change. Funnily enough there were more of the public in attendance than ever there is down here. 14 of us stayed on for dinner, yes, duck again, and very generously, the Mayor paid for all of us. Out of his own pocket, I hasten to add.
Called around to see Juste and Joséphine on Friday afternoon. Juste is still hobbling around with a crutch and was pleased to have a bit of company. Tea became dinner and this photo is of us while Joséphine was doing her mozarella and tomato salad and Juste was making his Spanish omlette.
Saturday we took a brief trip into the market and came back and ate at the bar which wasn't the brightest idea as we went down to this week's organised meal (paella) and disco in the evening. Ah well!

Catching Up

Anne telephoned out of the blue last weekend and invited us up to have lunch with her and Peter. It must be over two years since we last saw them so there was lots to catch up with. Came back to the village where there was a wee apéritif at the Mairie for the winners of a garden/window boxes in bloom competition which although I didn"t participate in, I went along and took a few photos, none of which was up to much. in the absence of any higher-ranking members of the council, Christian was the one who gave the welcome and well done speech.

A Lie In

There was no enthusiasm to get out of bed yesterday morning so the walk went by the wayside. Christian has ordered a treadmill though so there won't be any excuse on lie in days, rainy or cold days! We did make it out this morning while the weather was fine but although warm the clouds are gathering for the rain that's forecast. The ducks, however, were less energetic.

A Merry Dance

Weather is a bit sunnier though quite windy and it is the day of the festa that Catalan traditions are to the fore, ie, sardane, sardane and more sardane. The morning's session didn't get off to a very good start as someone had left their car parked in the space where the dancing was to take place and there was a lot of dithering about while decisions were made as to what to do. The local MP was there so rather than waste time just hanging about, she went off to her next engagement. When I think of of the fuss that is made when MPs visit in Uk, it's refreshing to see her low key approach. Normally at this time the Sardanists and the spectators seek the shade but today we were all happy to be in the sun, July hasn't been great here.
We had drinks in both bars but ate at home for a change and came out in the afternoon to watch more dancing and have more wine.
In the evening we decided to go down only for the folk dancing and not for the meal of squid rings and chips in an effort to watch the calories. Best laid plans and all that .... the person sitting next us passed us the basket of "calamars" that his wife decided she didn't want and we were unable to resist. They were so much better than the previous evening 's meal. While we munched away, a folk dance troupe from another village put on a display which was colourful and only included one sardane in the programme and one to finish where everyone was invited to join in. Didn't stay on for the disco ... how sad are we getting?

Catering for the Masses

Didn't bother going to the market as we knew that it would be just heaving. Had a coffee in the bar, followed as usual by a glass of rosé which was followed as usual by lunch. The effect of the wine took it's toll and instead of falling asleep over the computer as I almost did, I took myself off to bed and had 40 winks - 2 hours worth to be exact! Still it set us up for the evening's meal down at the recreation ground. I'd booked a table for 20 people from the association but only 10 turned up and the meal of pork, peppers and rice was ... well, nothing to write home about and certainly didn't live up to the promise of the photo. Left around midnight and went for a tea in the bar feeling that it had all been a bit of a waste of effort. Only good thing was that we were seen to be present and supporting village events ..... oh, the sacrifice of it all!

Tick Tock 2

And while we're on the subject of clocks, here's a photo of the village clock tower all decked out for the Festa Major which kicked off this evening. Organised meal and a disco + foam. Have no idea if they're popular outside France but those who don't mind getting covered and of course wet, I'm told that it's great fun. We gave it huge body swerve.

Tick Tock!

We're now the proud owners of a grandfather clock. It came from Michel's Mum's house and I have to say that I had reservations about being able to find room for it and how it would look. With a bit of shuffling around it's new home is just right. Anyone know of someone who'd like a practically-never used "hostess trolley" ? Apart from Victoria Wood, that is!

Meeting the in-laws

We drove Léo and Marine back down the coast for a pleasant lunch in the shade of some palm trees before Marine had to go off to work. Her Dad and wee brother came down to say "hello" so things seem to be serious but at 18, they always are, aren't they?

Big Wigs

The Président of the Region (which is one of 22 in metropolitan France and made up of 5 départements or counties, if you like) came with his entourage to the village. The programme included the handing back of an 18th century painting that had been restored through Départmental funding when he was its Président. It continued with a visit to the Mairie, the crêche and the new canteen that had all received Regional and Départmental funding.
He has only recently been elected to the post and very shortly afterwards he was in hospital having a kidney removed. He didn't look so good but I suppose that that is not surprising but he's still a good orator and has lost none of his quick fire repartee. Christian was part of the group that ate with him at a local restaurant and the Maire manged to get the promise of money to repair the altar in a 10th century chapel in the commune, so all in all, the village is on the map!
I stayed home and ate left-overs and waited for "himself" to return.
From old politicians to young love ....
In the evening Léo , who is staying down the coast with his girlfriend and her father, came to stay over as he wanted us to meet her. We felt quite touched by him wanting to show her off to us and us to her! We showed them both off at the bar.

Return Meal 4

The weather continues to be overcast and cool (22°) so the soirée chez Alain and Geneviève took place indoors rather than around the pool. First of all we watched the première of a super DVD that she had compiled of the Scottish trip complete with music then came delicious duck and chicken kebebs. There will be one more soirée in September at the President's house and that should effectively tie up the Association's adventure in Scotland. There's no room to be lulled into a sense of false security though, there are already discussions about bringing over a women's choir ..... watch this space!

Two parties and a Market

For a change, I wasn't buying at the market on Saturday but selling to help raise funds for the women's organisation in the Congo. There's a big drive on to find enough funding to send 14 young women to secondary school and we're well on the way. Doing the market was well woth the effort as it brought in a good bit of cash.
In the evening it was over to David and Laura's for a party. We caught up with Anne and Henry again as well as a number of Brits. The food was excellent and it was just right eating out on their balcony. This was much more my idea of a good time that eating grilled sardines at the recreation ground.
Sunday and another day dawns but this time it was cloudy and rain was threatening. Even though it came, it didn't last and we were able to celebrate Barbara's birthday in Lynn and Colin's garden. More lovely food, plenty of wine and a sing-along whiched showed that we were all young and swinging during the 60's!

Birthday Celebrations

Last day for the family before they move onto a cottage on the west coast of France. Michel invited us over to his place for coffee after lunch and both Léo and Frank showed off their guitar picking skills on his electric guitar. Hopefully there weren’t too many neighbours having a siesta. Christian was much relieved to take delivery of the latest edition of the Commune's newsletter for which he's responsible. spent the afternoon preparing a birthday meal for Frank and Elsa which inevitably included several bottles and a frighteningly calorific chocolate cake.

Vive la France!

Public Holiday ... not for some. We were up as early as usual to fulfill our civic duty by following the well worn routine. I seem to be saying that a lot recently. Anyway, military convoy up to the other village for a wreath laying and refreshment at the restaurant; more wreath laying, speeches, presentation of medals, sardane and a "republican" apéritif in the square. After that all of us ate at the bar. The evening's fireworks were absolutely fabulous and earnt lots of ooohs and ahhhhs and a spontaneous round of applause at the end. Feeling quite tired, we didn't stay around for the disco as tomorrow there will be another early start.

Don't do it!

Today Laura and David took us out for lunch and for want of a better idea we went back to Mas Salelles. It's always quite difficult when someon asks you to choose a restaurant and it's they who are paying. We came home via Capmany where we all stocked up on cava.
It wasn't all fun and games, however, as having received a email from my sister with some fun inserts in it, I succumbed to downloading "incredimail" and then thought better of it as it meant changing the whole email system. Couldn't take it off and on reading different user forums (or is that fora?) found that it's a right .... programme. So, however cute the graphics look, don't be tempted. I'm now waiting for Michel to come and sort it all out.
ps Forums v fora: Apparently fora is correct but either can be used depending on your audience and whether or not you want to sound pompous.

Musical Chairs

Was on my feet all day putting together appetising things for this evening’s soirée. Tapas sound and look simple but they take an enormous amount of time to prepare. Laurent, Samra and little Izak , seven of us and Michel around thetable on the terrace. There were three guitarists in the group who entertained us but the title doesn’t refer to their endeavours. Just as we were ready to sit down to eat it started raining so we moved the table under the covered part of the terrace; when the rain stopped, we moved it out again and when the rain restarted we dived once more for cover! There we stayed as the rain came down heavily and the sky was filled with thunder and lightning which went on for a good part of the night.

Then there were 8

Frank, Stéphanie and the kids arrived and it's been a couple of days of domesticity. We did get to the bar for an after dinner coffee and we finished the bottle of "Monkey Shoulder" as a tribute to Eddie who gave it us on his last visit here before he died a year ago on the 13th July. Just for your interest, the name refers to the injury sustained by the maltmen from turning the malt. There was also an internetless day which was annoying both to be without it and to realise that you're annoyed to be with out it!

Keeping Busy

We've been busy doing this and that:
Wednesday, Figueres to take Christian's leather coat in for repair followed by lunch at Mas Sallelles where now we're on kissing terms with Dolores and José.
Thursday, a soiréé tapas chez Kathie followed by a trip to the Fête de la Bière to put in a brief appearance.
Friday, cleaning, ironing and another vernissage. I have a photo but as they are all starting to look alike, I won't bore you with it.
Saturday, no market but visits to Michelle who's recouperating in the village for a couple of weeks and to Josette who is feeling more and more fed up with being on her own. This joyful morning was topped off in the afternoon with yet more ironing and cleaning in preparation for tomorrows visitors.

Viking Challenge

A domestic morning and afternoon which saw the cave and the garage getting a clean up. Weather is still warm so it was quite hard going as well as boring.The evening was another matter though. Lone and Jesper introduced over 30 members of the Association to the old Scandinavian game of Kubbs a loose cross between skittles and boules with the winners getting to keep the game. Once agin Tony walked away with the prize. All good fun followed by Danish beer "skål!"and French wine " santé!" and in our case rather too much French wine.

1st Monday

First Monday of the month and another routine evening with Christian's surgery up in the mountains though first of all we went to see Jean-Marie who is recovering from major surgery. I walked for a good 15 minutes uphill from his place to go and see Annette while Christian went down to the village to wait for the hordes of good citizens who appreciate having the Mairie come to them. Sadly disappointed! I had the far better deal; a glass of wine and magnificent views. Annette joined us for a drink but not for a meal. There were a few more people than usual, all walkers. Christian had trout and I had .... go on guess ....duck

Musical Accompaniment

The good news is that we've found a young guy who is interested in working in the garden. as he's a gardener with his own business, he wasn't in the least put off by the sorry state that he found it in. Christian and I were joined in our sunday morning apéritif by Joséphine who just happened to be passing on her way home from the bakers. Feeling too hot and lazy to cook we decided to try out lunch accompanied by flamenco at the nearby auberge. It was pleasant to be in the shade but the food is still not what I would expect for the price and the flamenco was disappointingly mediocre. Yes, you're right to ask "why do we keep going back?" Truth is we like the couple who run it and Christian is ready to make allowances.

In the News

Of course it was the market this morning and lunch at the bar. Weather is still warm and it was difficult not to feel drowsy in the afternoon especially as there was nothing on the telly but the Monaco wedding. The presenters tried to make out that the bride was very happy but I reckon that the rumours flying round about her being disenchanted by the whole thing have an element of truth in them. What the truth about DSK is, heaven only knows but the speculation rumbles on.

A Bit of Culture

An artist of international repute who we know had a vernissage down on the coast this evening to which we were invited. He such a nice a man and neither snobby nor arty, farty. Christian was unable to come as he was at a meeting of the Communité des Communes which was followed by a bbq. We did end the evening together though in the bar with Laurent, Samra and a carafe of rosé.