A Hasty Retreat

The weather continues to be unstable but it didn't get in the way of us carrying out our civic duties. The two ceremonies to commemmorate those who were deported to concentration or work camps during 2WW followed the usual pattern. first up in the mountains and then back down in the village. during the apéritif that followed it was clear that Michel was feeling bereft without Sylvie who had gona away for the day to visit family, so we invited him to shae the roast monk that was on the menu for lunch. (http://www.cookitsimply.com/recipe-0010-01674y3.html).
Later in the afternoon we went over to Juste and Joséphine's and all went well until we got onto village politics. Christian and Joséphine went head to head and we left hastly when Christian was criticised for his naive loyalty along with the Mayor and that was that.

Goodbye to Another Friend

Nothing special yesterday apart from Spanish in the morning ... the subjunctive .... and to think that I have only a vague notion of it in English!

Today started wet and windy but even so we made it to a vernissage in town as a member of the association had an exhibition and another provided the entertainment; an improvised dance accompanied  by short monologues  

depicting woman's  journey through life.We stayed on for lunch at a fairly new bistro before returning to the village for Gaby's funeral. Fortunately, by the time that we came out of the church, the sun was trying to come through so going up to the graveside presented no problem. Tea followed at the restaurant afterwards, after which we spent a quite evening at home.

Home from Home

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  While Christian was at the Mairie I tried to bring the website up to date. Then it was lunch at the village restaurant (once again delicious) with Michel, Sylvie and Philippe who's here for a few days from the North of France. Hardly had I managed to digest my meal than it ws time to go back for the monthly rendez-vous with "les anglaises". This time we were joined by Lone from Denmark. The sun was still warm enough to sit out and it was good to make the most of it as rain is due tomorrow. Christian, in the meantime had a meeting at the Mairie and a bowl of soup at home.

Sant Jordi

Sant Jordi, St George's day, Shakespeare's birthday and the death of Cervantes, April 23rd is a significant date on the calenadr. Here, the Association organised a simple celebration in front of the Mairie. In keeping with the Catalan tradition, there were roses and books. In addition, there were troubadours, a children's story corner, an exhibition of paintings on a rose/book theme, sardanes, calligraphie, the telling of the legend, tea and coffee.

 The weather gods were with us and it was that sunny people were searching for shade.  It all ended with an apéritif and very tired feet. By way of winding down we went to the bar and had a large salad before going home to bed.

Another Adieu

Sadly, before getting that much needed sleep we found a message telling us that our friend Gaby had died Sunday morning. Despite several serious illnesses during her life, she was always cheerful and fun to be with. This photo was taken New Year's Day. It's difficult to know what to say apart from we'll miss her, committee meetings will be duller and life is never a bowl of cherries.

From one Exreme to Another

Saturday was a sunny but very windy day so it felt really cold. Decided against going to the market and just lazed around the house instead, not straying far from the fire.
Today, however, was a lot more animated. Jean-Jacques came for lunch of roated cod wrapped in serrano ham. http://www.womanmagazine.co.uk/food/roasted-cod-parma-ha-peppers-recipe/ Left the table at 3.30pm and went to his place for coffee and armagnac. Left there at 7pm and instead of being sensible and going home, we called into the bar. Doog and Linda stopped by for a last drink before leaving for the States tomorrow. Several drinks  and an omelette and chips for Christian later we found our way home at about 12.30am. The dishes were still on the table but they could wait until after a much needed sleep.

By Special Invitation

It was all a bit of a rush but I managed to do my Spanish homework for this morning's session and for the rest of the day enjoyed catching up with some work on the computer and doing a little bit of revision on the 80's, the theme for this evening's quiz at the restaurant. Christian was involved in more high powered activities. Manuel Valls, the Minister of the Interior was in the area to inaugurate the new Sous-Préfecture and Christian was invited along with 2 MPs, the President of the Département,, the Préfet, several mayors and assorted high ranking officers. Apparently, the Minister made a good impression on Christian though the good citizens demonstrating against 'Mariage pour Tous' (same-sex marriages) were vociferous in their opposition. The bill goes before the Assemblée Nationale on Tuesday but sadly even if it passes, we can't hope that the viciousness and intolerance will end.

So to the 1980's; for me it was a time of demonstrations, trade unions and  Labour Party activity and a family and overseas postings for Christian but not much of that came up. The Mayor's wife and Jean-Jacques were on the team with us and we came 2nd, just one point adrift. Sadly, there is never a prize for the runners up although I did qualify for a free glass of muscat for wearing something vaguely in keeping. Power dressing with broad shoulders rather than skinny pants à la Olivia Newton-John was my style of choice. Shame that it reminded me of work.

Short Night, Busy Day

All too soon, it was time to attack a bowl of porridge and get out up the road for a committee meeting and organise the language exchange. The sun was shining and it was lovely and warm so the after exchange drink was taken on the terrace. From there it was only a two steps to go for lunch at the restaurant. ate outside where we found Robert and Jean-Robert anxiously waiting for news of Gaby who was undergoing major heart surgery. While there, they received a call from the surgeon to say that all had gone according to plan. Phew!

In the afternoon, I went over to the Mairie where we were to hang an exhibition on the theme of Sant Jordi (St George) which in Catalunya is marked, not only by the legend but also by the giving of a book or a rose.
Finaly, in the evening, we were invited by Doog and Linda, two Americans who rent a house in the village every year for several weeks. They leave in a few days but before going invited about 18 of us to participate in a wine tasting accompanied by bread and cheese chosen to complement each wine. There were 10 wines from the Loire to sip and enjoy, interesting people to talk to (Brits, French, Americans and one Catalan). and a superb view over the mountains. The simple pleasures are the best, aren't they?.

Farewell Angleterre

Our last day in Bournemouth and Bob and Chris took us out for coffee to a hotel overlooking the sea where a chain ferry operates. It was a smart place but for the second time in three days, the coffee machine made a terrible deafening noise. Oh dear, is this a sign of the heavy footsteps of declining faculties approaching? Anyway, to get back to something more pleasant, we positioned ourselves by the large bay windows and looked out on the ferry working away, the seagulls following a lobster fisherman, the RNLI, the Special Boat Service and the Police coming in at speed from doing whatever.

Our flight wasn't until 9pm so we had a quick meal of pizza and salad before driving  out to the airport to first of all, hand back the car without a scratch. The fight again left early and it was about 1.30am by the time we got to bed. Oh, and what a pleasure it was to arrive to temperatures of 15°  at midnight. There's no place like home, is there?

Memory Lane

At last some sunshine and we were able to appreciate the Dorsetshire countryside in all its splendour as we drove out to the end of the "World's End" (another pub) to meet Mary and Andy. Mary is a friend from school days and it's several years since we've seen each other. We all enjoyed a pleasant lunch in this typical inn and chatted away non-stop. Andy and Christian put up with our chatter with very good grace. On leaving, we realised that in 2015 we'll have known each other for 50 years, so we'll definitely need to organise a reunion for then. What a thought ... all the water that's flowed under the bridge since then but those few years when we were still in school uniform certainly provided their fair share of stories. I'm sure that people who know us now as staid pensioners would have a few surprises!

Another Day, Another Pub

Woke at 7am to the patter of tiny 6 year old feet and a "hi guys!" from Charlotte who clambered into bed with us until it was time to go and have a more reasonable breakfast of cereal, toast and marmelade. Fortified and with a plastic card looking for a bit of activity, we headed for the Castle Point Shopping Centre where there's a huge M&S. Christian found some bits and pieces but the womenswear was a dull as ever and all I managed to find were a couple of pairs of chinos. Went out of town for a late lunch and could only eat a main course. Settled on liver and bacon which we both fancied as it's not something that's on the menu at home.
Susie's husband, Derek was back from his race training to eat with us which gave us the chance to hear all about the round the world sailing event that he's taking part in. He's competing in every leg which means a whole year away  but what an experience and Susie is very supportive of the venture. Weather still miserable but well, it is  England in April.

Picturesque Dorset

Another good breakfast; this time we went for smoked haddock and poached eggs and my goodness, it was absolutely delicious. No doubt any French readers might find this a strange thing to eat for breakfast but there again, I find their custom of eating cake strange too. Had a bit of a walk around and took a few photos of historic buildings while Christian stayed in and read the papers. Normally, we should have vacated our room by 11am but as there were no other guests expected, Marylyn said we could stay on as long as we liked. She really was extremely kind and welcoming and seemed to enjoy doing B&B unlike some we've had experience of. Having had a good walk I was ready for a pub lunch and we chose to stop off at this one simply because we liked the name. Typically, for Sunday lunch, a cavery was on offer, so, roast beef, Yorkshire pud and horseradish sauce it was.

As Julie, Bob and Chris's other daughter and the boys were back off home, so, we took possession of the vacated bedroom and moved in for the next three nights.

The Secret's Out

Started the day with an excellent breakfast ... a full English. Had a bit of time to look around but sadly, it was pourring with rain. Then came the purpose of our visit, Bob's 80th birthday lunch in the "Guildhall Tavern". Poor old Bob, who thought he was going for a curry, found himself in a French owned restaurant surrounded by about 20 people. He'd already had a surprise the day before his birthday when his daughter and her family arrived from Australia and on the actual day and the day after when friends and neighbours came in. But as they say, it's not all over until the fat lady sings!

Everyone went back to the house for cake and lots of bubbles and Bob did a great job of keeping going. He really is amazing for his age. We took a taxi back to the B & B, went to bed and slept until breakfast time.

Bye, Bye Sun

Managed to fit in a Spanish lesson before taking the motorway to the airport for our flight to Bournemouth. Being the end of the Easter hols, there were a fair few kids aboard the flight which was full. Arrived ahead of schedule but the sat nav played silly beggars and took us to completely the wrong place by way of a long diversion. Finally, found our B & B down by Poole Quays where we were made extemely welcome. The room was small but very comfortable; nice wee touches and quality fixtures and fittings ... all very Victorian. Time to eat and we were spoilt for choice with a myriad of every kind of restaurant within walking distance. Settled for a pub and enjoyed a nice meal in the restaurant. Needless to say we left temperatures of 23° only to find 8° in dear old Angleterre. Sod's Law 

A Few Kilos More

As you well know by now, Christian normally has a surgery up in the mountains on the first Monday of the month but as last week it was a public holiday it was put off until today. Even though the restaurant has reopened after its winter break we went on the back road down to Sylvia's salon and had something to eat locally. No great shakes and nowhere near as good as our regular haunt.

The guitar evening was also put off from last Tuesday to this week because the match between Barcelona and PSG in some cup or other was being televised. Not that it makes any difference. Shame it was the last session of the season. Having eaten at lunch time in the bar, we only had a snack before going out. There were lots of people and as well as the usual musicians, there were others too, so all in all, it was a right good evening.
Oh yes, Maggie Thatcher died today which of course has polarised opinion especially as her non-state funeral will cost the country £10m which would be better spent elsewhere. Ken Loach made a valid comment suggesting that the funeral should be put out to tender and the cheapest option accepted regardless of quality.
Wednesday, it was my brother Chris's birthday and his best surprise was the news that we've finally got planning permission for our bit of land, so the sale should go through soon. Yeeeeees!
Back here, I was doing the ironing ready for our trip away, Christian was at the Mairie until he and Michel came back for lunch.
Thursday followed its usual pattern of a committee meeting, language exchange, apéro at the bar and a very good lunch at the restaurant. The afternoon was spent working through a list of stuff for the association and putting off packing!

G'day, Cobbers!

Two new members, from the States came along to the language exchange and seemed to enjoy themselves enough to come along to the bar afterwards. As usual we went along to the restaurant afterwards and they came too. like most folk they were well impressed. Later on, I took Vicki along to an associatio where they do painting on silk. Couldn't resist another scarf; Vicki bought 3. There's always a warm welcome and a cuppa whenever I go there. Monette, the President was insistant that I phone first next time and there will be cake to go with the tea.
Friday evening there was a vernissage of aboriginal inspired art. A great show and the artist, an Australian, was really interesting. After that, Jean-Jacques, Michel and Sylvie came back for supper.
Yesterday, it was an early start to go and collect the car from the garage .... it does look good. We ended up looking good too as we went to Sylvie's hairdressing salon for a tidy up. The Tramontane was blowing strongly and it felt bitterly cold so an afternoon at home was bliss.
And so Sunday has come around again. Jean-Jacques came for a lunch of roast chicken and fresh strawberries. It was 5pm when he left so we did a quick dash up to the village hall where there was a do on. It was just about finished but at least we had showed our faces.

Steady As She goes

Lovely sunshine for most of the day yesterday but apparently it won't see the week out. Once he was back from taking the wee car to have some body work done, Christian put in more hours than usual at the Mairie. There in the morning and then again for a meeting in the afternoon and again in the evening.
On the news front, the socialist party is in shock after the Minister for the Budget finally came clean about an undeclared  overseas account which for 4 months he's been denying. Hollande's governement is looking weaker and weaker. A public image lacking authority.
Dinner with a Russian theme at Michel's this evening started at 9pm, once Sylvie was home from work and the 3 councillors and the Mayor back from their meeting. Not a word about cheating politicians was mentioned.
Christian only went to the Mairie this morning so this afternoon we went down to Port Vendres to get some fresh air. While hanging around the harbour, this fishing boat came out of dry dock and went into the water. Christian found the whole process fascinating. A stroll and a cuppa served by an unsmiling waitress followed as the sky became more and more cloudy.

Toad out of the Hole

Woke up to teeming rain and a drop in temperature so spent most of the day in front of screens of various sizes. Finally stirred ourselves and went over to see Joséphine and her Mum and had a cuppa with them. In the evening put the umbrella up and walked up to the village hall to share in the Pascal omelette, hear some singing and watch some sardane. There seemed to be fewer people than usual though the number of omelettes that came around were as plentiful as ever. On our way home we came across this fella and apparently even he is fed up with the weather!