Absent with Leave

27.7.14:

Christian appreciated getting a lie in and I appreciated having my breakfast made for me. We wandered over to the bar for a coffee but Christian wasn't on great form. We think that it's his body readjusting to the new cocktail of medication. He had a good sleep in the afternoon before we watched the end of the Tour de France. Then it was a healthy meal of salad to set him on his way back to Banyuls before curfew time at 22h.
Weather:
29° sunshine at first becoming cloudy later



26.7.14:


After his morning walk, attendance at a lecture on cardiology and queueing up to collect his meds, Christian was finally free to come home with Juste and I. In need of a treat, we went to the restaurant where we sat out to eat on the terrace. There was only one other person there which shows just that there are far fewer holidaymakers in the village. Even coming back from Banyuls, the roads were noticably quiet for a sunny day in July.
You may be thinking that a restaurant meal wasn't the best idea but we were very reasonable taking only a starter (chickpea salad) and main course (slice of lamb with a galette of crushed potatoes) accompanied with a glass of wine. The servings of neither food nor wine are ever copious there so the psychological positives far outweighed the physical negatives. The rest of the day was spent quietly and the evening meal made up for any midday excess.

Weather:
30° sunshine
Headlines:
A British judge has been exposed as having (supposedly) nodded off during a child rape case.

On the Buses

25.7.14:

Took the bus in the opposite direction this morning and went for my blood test and as I hadn't been able to eat before hand I then went off for a coffee and croissant. Françoise came along and joined me and luckily, the rain was off and we were able to sit outside. Next came my xrays and seemingly there's a bit of arthritis in one vertebrae. The cheery news is that "you can't turn the clock back" but that some physio will help with the discomfort by strengthening the back. That's organised for Monday. Then by way of fun, Maggie and I went to the supermarket!
Weather:
26°, Intermittant thunderstorms with short bursts of sunshine
Headlines:
Politicians are still trying to broker a ceasefire between Hamas and the Israelis.
 

24.7.14:

As luck would have it, Françoise was going down to Banyuls this morning to meet up with her daughter and grandchildren so I had a lift.We arrived there over 1h30 too early for visiting but a couple of coffees, the newspaper, a bit of chat overlooking the sea and the time soon went. Christian had an appointment with the doctor and he was pleased with his progress as are we. Looking good, isn't he? (Well apart from the cut on his lip done while shaving). He's walking more easily and they're going to change the medication that has been interfering with his thyroid. At last!  All in all, he's a happier chappie. I was happy too as I had a lift back too, this time with Dani and Brian.
Weather:
30°, sun
Headlines:
The Israelis have bombed a UN school, killing even more women and children. Must start doing my supermarket shopping more carefully.



23.7.14:

A day at home today but instead of  relaxing I found myself trying to sort out some (33) translations into French which somehow I find myself with. Not sure how it happened but luckily there are a handful of people who say they'll do one. A recruitment drive for more helpers is sorely needed so I'd better tackle that this weekend. The texts were written by young people in Finish then "translated" into English to accompany their photo-portraits to be exhibited in October. Nothing if not international, eh?
The evening was more fun though as we had our monthly apérobio at the restaurant. A nice bottle of white wine sipped in the late sun on the terrace was just what I needed and as you can see, the plates are clean.
Weather:
30°, Sun
Headlines:
Overnight an Air Algeria flight came down over Mali killing all 118 passengers and crew on board. 54 were French

22.7.14:

Up and out to catch the bus to Perpignan at 9.40; then there was a 30 minute wait for the bus to Banyuls which arrived over there for 11.30. A weighty book about Katherine of Aragon by Philippa Gregory kept me occupied. Christian was looking well and making good progress. He now has a single room which makes life easier. This is the view from the bench where we sit in the shade. can't complain, can we. Jean came over at the end of the afternoon so I was able to come back with him .... a journey of 40 minutes!
Weather:
30°, Sun

And the Beet Goes On!

21.7.14:
No visit today and instead turned my attention to my own health or rather my sore back. It was the GP's first day back after holiday so, of course, she was running late. Still, I came away armed with a prescription for blood tests, a back xray and some physiotherapy.
Spent the day catching up with stuff that needed doing like cooking this giant beetroot. What a beauty. It should keep me going for a couple of days!
Weather:
26°, blue skies and strong Tramontane

Festa Major

20.7.14:

It was an early start, well, 9am to get over to the square and help Carmen prepare refreshments for a mountain bike race organised by Aguallana on the other side of the border. We were expecting many more than 21 who came through. The first whizzed past and didn't stop; the last one,about an hour later arrived with oily hands and a dog bite on his leg! Once we'd done our duty we went over to the bar to share the chacuterie brought by the Catalan officials and a bottle of wine.
Next it was down to the placetta to watch some sardane and then over to the André and Nany's to join the Fiesta Committee in an apéritif.
There was no time for a siesta, however, as Françoise and I were going to Banyuls to see Christian. He was looking a bit glum when we arrived, mostly I think because he's having to get through a couple of days with nothing happening. We took him down into the town and had a shandy overlooking the sea which helped and when we left, I'm pleased to say that Christian's spirits had lifted and hopefully, next week he'll get a weekend pass. By this time, the sky was getting darker and there were rumbles of thunder.  On the way back to the village we stopped off to see Marie and Jean and left just as the rain came tipping down.
This was a double bonus ...... there was no need to water the plants and no need to put in an appearance at the last disco of the Festa Major as it had been cancelled.
Weather:
29°, Sun then a thunderstorm

19.7.14:

Not having any inclination or energy to cook at home, I invited David, Laura, Martine and Maggie for lunch at the restaurant by way of a thank you for their support. The menu of the day was excellent and appreciated by one and all. Afterwards it was off to Banyuls for David and Laura to swim and for me to sit with Christian.
After such a good lunch, I went down to the recreation ground for just an aperitif; paella seemed too much to cope with. Martine was of the same mind but somehow what with watching the village banda, chatting and tippling some rosé, it was after 11pm when we made our way up to the bar for a coffee. Here, we were joined by Roger, his wife, a friend and then by Lloyd and Helen. Now there's only one more day to go and life can take a quieter turn.
Weather:
29°, Sun

18.7.14:

The kids left this afternoon  so they went down to Banyuls to say their farewells to Christian while I stayed home to prepare lunch. I did manage a coffee at the bar though where I met Annie, Violette and Jean-Marie. This evening, was the first night of the village Fiesta Major. Disco and gambas/frites in the company of David, Laura and Valérie. after dancing a bit, I wandered up to the bar and had a coffee with Terry and Ann.
Weather:
30°, Overcast start, then sun and blue skies, then an overcast end to the day

Looking Trim

17.7.14:

Woke with an even sorer back; I must go and see the GP when she comes back from holiday next week. The kids went to the beach in Racou so were able to drop me off nearby to get the bus to Banyuls. Christian was just coming out of the gym after his morning session looking very trim. We sat outside in  the shade of a pine tree until it was time for his lunch. I stayed put and had a sandwich. I also stayed put while he had his afternoon gym session and relaxation class but in between we enjoyed the fresh air and sea breeze together. The family arrived at the end of the afternoon for a swim and visit to "Papa".
This evening we should have gone to Penny's birthday bash but instead I had to settle for dinner at home and a night cap in the bar; can't complain, it was more than Christian had.
PS. This photo does not come with a ransome demand!
Weather:
30° Clear blue skies, 24° at midnight!

Headlines :

• 298 people dead in a Malaysian Airways crash. Flight coming from Schipol and seemingly shot down by anti-aircraft missile over rebel held Eastern Ukraine. Confusion and mutual blame abound.
• After days of bombardment and hundreds dead and injured, the Israelis have put troops on the ground in Gaza.

16.7.14:
Woke with a sore back. Had a day off and left the visiting to the kids. Had coffee with Linde at the bar when she updated me on the Congo project.
Weather:
29° Sunny

Five Star Treatment

So, today was the day that Christian set off for the next stage on his road to recovery. There was a morning first to check that he had all he needed for his stay and a last coffee at the bar. We went en masse with the family to the cardiology centre in Banyuls and while I accompanied Christian through the admission process, they went for a swim at the beach next to the building. There was no single room available for the time being but as Christian's room mate doesn't arrive until tomorrow, he at least had time to get settled in. The staff are all very friendly and the setting is just beautiful so what with the excercise and other stuff, the thee weeks should go very quickly.
This evening, Christophe and Valérie treated me to dinner at the restaurant and I treated them to a drink in the bar afterwards. I certainly got the better deal.
Weather:
30° Sunny
Headlines:
Nadine Gordimer, nobel prize winner (literature) and anti-apartheid activist  died yesterday, aged 90.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/15/anthony-sampson-nadine-gordimer-appreciation

Vive la Revolution!

For once we didn't have to get out for the crack of dawn for the early morning ceremony in the mountains. Instead we took our time and went to the bar for a coffee and to wait for the others to come back for the ceremony in the village. Despite a three line whip, not all members of the council were there. One of the opposition was at the bar but left before the parade to the war memorial, one came to the Mairie for the speeches but stayed in the crowd and the 3rd was nowhere to be seen. Before the elections they were all out in force! The morning progressed in the usual "Bastille Day" fashion ..... and as usual ended with an apéritif. Christian joined his colleauges at the Mairie but needed to sit. Inevitabily, the heat and effort took it out of him so he rested in the afternoon.

Jean-Jacques joined us for dinner of veal pot roast, the first time I'd ever cooked it. I was pleased with the result but can't share the recipe as I read several on line and mixed them all up together. Dessert was a plum/yoghurt ring cake, something I've been making a lot recently with different fruits. Lovely and moist; tastes pretty good too.
Christian gave the fireworks a miss as did Jean-Jacques. The rest of us went  and weren't disappointed. Lots of ooo's and ahhhh's. While there I met up with Issy, Richard and two of their friends who are here on holiday and would you believe it, when offered a drink, all I had was water. Must be catching!
Weather:
28°, sunny
Headlines:
The Church of England finally voted to allow women bishops!!

En Famille

Took things easy this morning, well that's what you do on a Sunday, isn't it? Christian went for the paper and we then went to the bar for a coffee. We were joined by Martine and she and I had some rosé while Christian stuck to water.
In the afternoon I had to gear up a bit getting organised for the arrival of Christophe et al. Their journey went without problem but after all day in the car, they wanted nothing more than to have a walk after a reviving cuppa.   christian rested and I went with them through the vines. Along the way we came across these friendly creatures which I now know from Maggie who is an expert on all things horsey, are Welsh Cobs.
Dinner and an early night were the only other things on the agenda, so the day ended as it began.
Weather:
26° sunny

Weekend Leave

12.7.14:
After a good night's sleep, Christian felt ready to face the outside world. He walked to get a newspaper and then to the bar for a coffee. It was pleasant sitting on the terrace after being cooped up for so long. I finished with a glass of white wine and Christian had a glass of water. Changed days, eh?
Weather:
25°  Sun, cloud with the Tromantane blowing.

11.7.14:

While I did a mammoth shop with Laura in preparation for family coming on Sunday, Christian spent his last morning in the clinic. He arrived home with Jean-Jacques at about 3pm and is looking trim and so much better although, needless to say feeling tired. Just compare this photo to the one taken on the 26th June. Quite a difference, n'est-ce pas? A quiet afternoon for both of us and then in the evening Jean-Jacques called round followed by André. They had a glass of wine, Christian had water so we're off to a good start!
Weather:
25° Sun, lighter winds

Time Hanging Heavy

10.7.14:

 Another day and another trip to theatre for Christian and this time he was 6th on the list and allowed a small coffee in the morning. I'd been going to take the bus but on my way out I met Jacques  who dropped me off at the clinic as he was going that way. The days are hellish  long. Today, the tedium was broken by the shock announcement from the nurse that Christian would be going to Banyuls tomorrow for 3 weeks! She was quite embarrassed when she realised that he knew nothing of the plan. Thoughtfully, she rearranged his admission for next Tuesday so that he could be at home for the long weekend (Bastille Day on Monday). In any case, nothing would be happening. You may remember that Christian has already been to this cardiolgical re-education centre. It was late afternoon when Christian was taken to theatre not long after I'd left to get an earlier bus back, so position on the list isn't much of an indicator.
This evening I was helping Lone and Jesper with the annual games that they organise at the recreation ground. This year they tested the senses, memory and knowledge. There was lots of fun despite the rain showers and Danish beer. The evening ended with dinner al fresco at the restaurant with David, Laura and Martine. People are being really kind with making sure that I'm ok.
Weather:
23°, sun, wind, short rain showers
Headlines:
Death count rising on the Palestinian side as the bombardements continue.

9.7.14:

Today Christian had a heart ultrasound and was shocked to regulate the heart rythm. He was 3rd on the list so was showered, hatted and gowned from just afer 9am. Imagine my surprise when I arrived at 2pm to find that he was still in his room. Poor thing had been "nil by mouth" since the night before! He eventually went to theatre at 3.30pm. About 10 minutes later, Jacques turned up to visit and we sat chatting until just before 6pm when Martine and Patrick arrived to pick me up.
In the evening the neighbours invited me to join them for a meal and jazz where  moonlight on the lake added to the great music, tasty food and good company.
Weather:
23° Sun but very windy

8.7.14:
As Christian was due to go to theatre this morning, I had a morning to myself. Went to the bar for a coffee to glean any village news and met up with Ann and Lynn for a natter. By the time I'd arrived at the clinic, Christian was back and having had only a local anesthetic he was compus mentis.  Just as well, as Nany and André called in and so did Yvon and José. They were all off to the cremation of a 34 year old young woman from the village who left a baby born at 7 months. There were two offers of lifts home but I'd already arranged to get one with Terry and Ann who'd gone to the airport to collect Annette.
Weather:
22° Sun and cloud, windy 

7.7.14:
Awoke to a raging storm that even brought some hailstones and in such horible weather I valliantly battled my way there and back to the clinic on the bus. Christian will be having an examination of his arteries tomorrow; it's been a long wait but his weight and swelling are down.
By the time I arrived back in the village, the sun was shining so after being cooped up all day, it was with pleasure that I set about delivering the Association's messages. Half way round, I bumped into Martine and once the job was done, we went to the bar for a glass of wine and a bite to eat.
Weather:
18° Thunder, lightening, hail, heavy rain and cool. Sun in the evening.

6.7.14:
Sunday as we all know is a day of rest and I was off visiting duties. With no public transport from the village, I left the visiting  to David and Laura. Jean and Françoise went too but only after the three of us had headed over the border to the market. I bought some more plants for the window boxes and then we all went for a coffee and for me anyway, a Danish pastry. Well, on Sundays Christian gets a croissant for breakfast, so fair is fair!
On coming back to the village, I went to the bar for a glass of rosé and stayed for a natter with Jo and Chris.The afternoon was spent catching up with all sorts of boring chores. Half a rest day is better than none. Enough said!
Weather:
24°

Friends, Flowers and Fiesta

5.7.14:

Started the morning with a coffee in the bar where there were a group from Perpignan decorating the fountain with flowers and petals. A lovely idea.
While waiting for the bus into Perpignan our neighbours came by and gave me a lift. The town especially, the gardens along the Quai Vauban were looking beautiful in the sunshine. Yet again, I asked myself why we don't make more effort to go onto the town.
There was no change with Christian and we spent the afternoon watching the first stage of the Tour de France which started in Leeds and sped through North Yorkshire. As always, the scenery is more interesting than the cycling; sorry Andy!
Jean-Jacques came by to see Christian anad gave me a lift back and then the two of us went to the Water Festival in a neighbouring commune as the official representatives of the Maire. There was a meal (melon and ham, chicken and king

prawns, floating islands) and a show with 20 singers, dancers and musicians on stage. The women were scantily dressed for their dance routines which took them through different countries. Grhhhh! We didn't stay on to dance the night away ourselves but came home wondering how long it would take for rumours to circulate about me being out with "another man"!!
Weather:
28°, sun
Headlines:
Leon Britton denying abuse allegations


4.7.14:
Another day spent at the hospital enlivened by a visit from Marie- Andrée and Jean. While Christian had an evening meal of something which he didn't know whether it was meat or fish (!), I spent a pleasant time with Robin, Di and later on, Roger. Di gave me an interesting wee book called "The Man Who Planted Trees" written by Jean Giono. It's short, sweet, easy to read and this link is to an animated film version.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_7yEPNUXsU
Weather:
27°, cloud but only a few drops of rain
Headlines:
Rolf Harris sentenced to 5 years and 6 months for child abuse.Oh dear and he painted the Queen's portrait for her 80th birthday.