Another Restaurant for the List

31.10.14:
Halloween and we decided to join in the fun at the bar. Some people really looked the part; I only managed a witch's hat.
Weather:
20° Cloudy with sunny spells
Headlines:
Virgin space module crashed killing one test pilot and badly injuring the other. The project goes on, however.

 30.10.14:
Ended up having lunch at the bar with Chantal and Jean-Mairie. It was warm outside so we spent a pleasant moment of calm before the family arrived back after their successful trip.
Weather:
21° Sunny

29.10.14:
Had a wine at the restaurant his morning and was back again in the evening after my French pronunciation class to mee "les anglaises" for our regular apérobio. In between, I caught up with the blog to within a week. You'll notice that despite all good intentions, I'm behind again.
Weather:
21° Cloudy


28.10.14
Taking advantage of a visitor free house, (the family have gone to Barcelona for a couple of nights) we went off to Figueres to change some shoes of Christian's that had come apart at the seams but sign of the times, this quality shop established in 1905 had gone out of business. While Christian sat over a coffee, I looked around the fruit and veg market and went in search of the "emblematic" restaurant that we wanted to try "l'ou d'or". As luck would have it, the car was parked less than 5 minutes away. The restaurant (translates as the Golden Egg after the design of the Dalí museum) lived up to it's reputation as could be seen by how quickly it filled up; 13.50€ for an all-in menu well presented in verdant surroundings. We'll go back! http://www.loudor.com/spa/index.html
Jean-Jacques joined us after his and Christian's meeting to drink some wine, eat some tapas and let off steam!
Weather:
19° Cloudy with a few spots of very light rain. It's feeling autumnal.

No Cooking Weekend

26.10.14:

Started the day with a walk up to the camping where the Mairie had organised a refreshment station for the annual cross country marathon organised by Le Boulou. The extra hour in bed came in handy. Then it was down to Philippe's for lunch along with Josette and Jordi. By the time we came back home Frank, Stéphanie and the kids were installed in the house at he start of heir week's holiday.
Weather:
26° sun


25.10.14:

Frank came to take away the garden rubbish first thing which left us free to get off to the market to meet Lone and Jesper for a coffee before their departure to Denmark. By the time they'd bid us their farewells Henri had appeared and we had moved on to a glass of wine.
In the evening David and Laura chauffered us to Henri and Michèle's for dinner and for once André and Nany (who had another obligation) didn't make up the party. There was the most delicious asparagus mousse and pork en croûte on the menu and of course, plenty of good wine for the non drivers. Just look how Christian is dwarfed by David and Henri. He should have played rugby!
Weather:
27° Sun
Headlines:
Jack Bruce of "Cream" died aged 71

24.10.14:

Finally made time to clear up the garage and beleve me, it was long overdue and a job well done. In the evening we joined Terry and 7 others at the restaurant to celebrate his birthday. Christian left a little earlier than the rest of us because he was tired not because he was the only Frenchman at he table.
Weather:
26° Sunny

From the Dizzy Heights

Not the usual Thursday as we finally went on the trip with Nick and Lizzie that we'd been talking about since before the summer. Since they don't really know the other side of the frontier, the idea was to take them to Can Xiquet to enjoy the view and have lunch. Started by showing them Can Nadal also with a view and the little church beside it for future reference. http://www.fogonsdecannadal.es/el-restaurante/ They weren't disappointed at Can Xiquet especially as we were able to have our cava out on the terrace http://www.canxiquet.com/es/hotel  As the menu is 48€, and it wasn't a special occasion, we went down for lunch somewhere simpler. I had in mind Can Cassoletes in Espolla (13€) http://www.cancassoletes.net/ but it was closed so off we went to Can Tomás (12€) in Rabós and it too was closed. http://www.restaurantcantomas.com/inicio_franc.html Decided to backtrack to La Parra in St Climents as it had been recommended by a friend as a cheap and cheerful place. Talk about the sublime to the ridiculous. An unsophisticated place, buzzing with locals. Menu with wine was 10.50€, great value and cheerful, patient service. On the way back we stopped off to stock up on cava but didn't linger long as Christian was really on form and Nick and Lizzie had to see to their 3 dogs.
Weather:
22°, Sun, light cloud, less windy than yesterday.

Patience is a Virtue

22.10.14:

With much chivvying up and a lot of relief we managed to get Stéphane to the station for 8.30am. On returning home, I did a clean up and found several bits and pieces that he'd left and Christian went to the Mairie to catch up on his work. Feeling in need of some space and a change of scene we headed off to "La Central" for lunch only to find that they didn't start serving until 13h30 so rather than wait we went down to Pont de Molins instead . Also there, were the patrons of the village bar having a quiet lunch tête à tête. After the usual greetings we left them in peace and treated ourselves to the special mushroom menu. Their one day off a week and they end up with regular clients.
This evening we were due to meet Lone and Jesper, Danish friends for an apéritif at the restaurant but they called it off due to Lone not feeling well. We decided to go anyway and while quietly sitting in our corner sipping away 9 giants came in. I kid you not! It was quite funny to see them one after the other taking care not to bash their heads on the low beams. We found out later that they were Dutch.
Weather:
20° Sun , Tramontane blowing at 100km/hr
Headlines:
A soldier was shot dead in the Parlement in Ottawa


21.10.14:
Another failed day. This time we didn't get to the lake at Darnius for lunch which was a real shame as it was a lovely day weatherwise. Christian went to the Mairie and I attacked the pruning. Nerves are getting a little frayed and patience is wearing thin.
Weather:
27°
Headlines

• Oscar Pristorious sentenced to 5 years in prison
• Oscar de la Renta (for along time my favourite perfume) died

20.10.14:

We had thought to have a day out in Figueres but Stéphne didn't get his act together. Had to make do with lunch at home and a run down to Argelès for a drink overlooking the marina.
Weather:
25° Sun
Headlines:
Christophe De Magerie, the CEO of Total,(and one time boss of Christian) died in a crash in Moscow when his plane hit a snow plough left on the runway.

19.10.14:

It took even longer to get Stépane out today which meant that we were late getting up to the frontier for the Lluis Campays commemoration. If you're wondering what it is, just look back to previous posts at this time of year There were fewer participants than usual as folk were at a huge demo in Barcelona. Went down to La Vajol for lunch with Nany and André and were joined by Jean (one of the opposition) and Thérèse. All very amicable and really pleasant to be sitting out.
Weather:
23° Sunny spells

18.10.14:
Finally got out to the market in the morning and had a siesta in the afternoon. Stéphane spent most of the time sleeping.
Weather:
23° Sun

17.10.14:
Just went to the bar for a drink where we met Jean-Marie and had lunch with Jean-Jacques. Christian slept in the afternoon, Stéphane a lot longer and instead of going to bed at night he stayed out on the terrace, fell asleep and rolled off his seat, cutting his head!
Weather:
24° Sun





16.10.14:
Our Thursday routine of language exchange, bar and restaurant was broken by the addition of a trip to Perpignan to pick up Stéphane at the railway station. We were waiting at one enterance, he at another but that's par for the course, I guess
Weather:
24° Sun

Enough to Make Your Jaw Drop

15.10.14
Had a laugh at the French prononciation group this evening with all the ways you need to contort your mouth to make the right sounds come out. Round mouth, hand under my chin (as I have a tendancy to let my jaw drop apparently) sounds to come forth from the back of the throat or down the nose!!! Not esay, I can tell you! No wonder French women are known for their pouty mouths. Now, that would be a result - speaking understandable French and looking sexy! Do I hear the odd, "dream on" out there?
Weather:
23° Sunny spells and cloud

14.10.14:

Well, it was certainly a day of presents today. Two different lots of wild mushrooms (Gérard and Dominique), 2 wild ducks and 2 pheasants (Maggie) and a bottle of cider left over from the visit (José). Michel joined us after the council meeting and helped polish off a huge pan of lovely "meaty" cep mushrooms done in parsley and garlic. My goodness, they were delicious!
Weather:
24° but it felt cooler with the cloud

Norman Conquest

13.10.14:

Today, our Normans were out all day which gave us the chance to catch up with things at home. Christian had his stiches out and though still feeling pretty sore but he doesn't complain. With just enough time to have a snack, take a group photo and say their goodbyes, when they got  back to the village after a successful trip over the border, our visitors clambered back into the bus and headed for the green, green pastures of home. All that way for such a short time. Next year it's us that will be taking the long road North. All that was left was to stay and help  to clear up after which 17 of us went down to the bar for something to eat and relax.
Weather:
26° Sun

12.10.14:

Our visitors should have participated in the village "October Fair" but with early morning rain, it was called off. This meant that it was up to us to entertain them. As Christian drove for the first time since his op, we didn't go far, just to Céret. Wouldn't you know it, the sun came out for the rest of the day. Lunch at the Foyer and then a trip out for them and a  much needed rest for Christian. Then it was back to the hall for an  evening meal of "Fideuà" , speeches and an exchange of gifts.
Weather:
26° Early rain, sun and some wind


11.10.14:

The bus from Normandy with over 50 folk on board arrived in glorious sunshine. There was a welcome drink at the village hall during which a host/guest hook-up took place. As Agnès had booked late, she went to stay with here aunt who lives a couple of kms from here and we 'inherited' Pascal, Sylvie and Josiane from Martine. Agnes did join us for lunch though (roast wild boar)  as did Jean-Jacques. In the afternoon our visitors were whisked off to Perpignan before the evening meal back at the hall.
Weather:
24° Sun

Taking it Slowly

10.10.14:

With the Normans arriving tomorrow for the twinning visit,  it was "Operation Clean-up" in and around the house while Christian went over to the Mairie. Coffee at the bar followed. In the evening there was a vernissage, the first one for absolutely ages and then we went on to Linde's for drinks and tapas to meet her American friend Pickles. Yes, you've read it correctly. Christian ducked out early to go home and get a good sleep to be ready for our three visitors .
Weather:
24° Sun and cloud


9.10.14:
Same ol' Thursday routine - language exchange and lunch at the restaurant.
Weather:
26° Sunshine and cloud
Headlines:
The ecotax that the Governement was trying to introduce was abandonned in the face of opposition from transport companies. 850m€ is being paid to the companies that installed and were going to run the scheme by way of compensation.


8.10.14:
Today it was Christian's turn to go to a funeral; that of the mayor of Le Boulou but before that Jean-Jacques and Michel joined us for a curry lunch.
Weather:
26° Sun and cloud

7.10.14:
Christian got off to a slow start and decided that he wanted to have lunch at the bar. No change there, then! While had a siesta, Maggie and I went to the funeral of the Gereral Secretary of the Maire's mother-in-law, had a reviving coffee (it was a mass so it took longer and we need one) and did a supermarket shop. See, life in the South of France can be as mundane as the next place.
Weather:
24° Cool in the morning, followed by sun and then cloud

6.10.14: 

Henri took me  to collect Christian and because of a lack of co-ordination, we had a bit of a wait. Christian finally arrived home with his file, a new prescription, letters for his GP and cardiologist and a box that will remotely follow how his new apparatus is functioning. Amazing really but he doesn't look to be overjoyed, does he?!
Weather:
21° Cloudy later

Not so Hale but Hearty!

5.10.14:
Went with Françoise and Jean in the afternoon to visit the patient who's looking forward to coming home tomorrow.
Weather:
22° Sun, cloudy later


4.10.14:

Well, poor old Christian didn't have such a good night - pain and a reaction to the anaesthetic but now able to get out of bed, he was picking up when we spoke first thing this morning. He'd already been for an electrocardiogram and xray to check the electrodes.
Before going to visit I went to the market (never been there so early) to do a couple of things and have a coffee with Henri. Then it was the bus to the clinic  where I found his nibs just finishing off his lunch. As you can see, despite not having shaved, he's is looking better though he's still taking pain killers and trying not to use his left arm because of the wound. Roger kindly came in to  pick me up so I was home before 6pm with a blissfully quiet evening in front of me. Christian's evening was even quieter. He was feeling very tired so when I phoned at 8.15pm, he was already asleep and I woke him up. Luckily he can get back off pretty easily and doesn't get grumpy.
Weather:
23° Sun. 
Headlines:
Christian Olive, Socialist Maire of Le Boulou died suddenly aged 66. He always looked to be in good shape, so everyone with an interest in local politics is pretty shocked.

 3.10.14

Well, here he is after a long haul in the operating block. Christian left his room at 7h30 and didn't get back until 12h20. In fact I'd just gone off o the nurses station to find out what was happening. Needless to say that he was pretty groggy during the afternoon and slept a lot. Thank goodness I had a book with me. Still, when I left he was starting to perk up, making jokes and resigned to not coming home until Monday rather than tomorrow as we'd expected. Still, it's all for the best, methinks.
I'm off out in five minutes to Jean-Jacques for apéritifs along with  Sandrine and Jean-Marie, so must dash.
Later:
Well, in fact there was no sign of Sandrine, nor of Aurore who had also been invited but instead Carmen and Chantal were there busying themselves in the kitchen heating up the canapés with Jean-Jacques looking on.  We washed the food down with cava, red wine and an endless stream of conversation. In no time it was 10pm and the right moment to depart but oh dear, while passing the bar, I came across Di, Robin (who sensibly went to bed) and Roger. More conversation, this time in English and before we knew it, it was gone midnight and bed was calling loudly.
Weather:
24° Sunny
Headlines:
Second Briton beheaded by I.S.

Summer's Back!

2.10.14:

Coffee at the bar, language exchange al fresco, apéritif, lunch at the restaurant. Christian went for all three courses off the menu du jour, obviously determined to have a good last meal before the delights of hospital food.
Jean-Jacques played chauffeur and went off to do a bit of shopping while Christian was admitted (patients have to leave a [returnable] cheque of 150€ in case of their insurance not covering all the "domestic" charges). He saw the anaethestist again and again we had a good discussion about Britian and France for at least 15 minutes. Once he went a very nice young woman came in to shave Christian and bring his sexy paper gown for theatre and then along came the nurse to go over his meds. Barring emergencies they'll wake him at 5am to get ready as he's first on the list. All being well, he'll be home on Saturday. 
Weather:
27° Sun and blue skies

1.10.14:
Somehow there was a mix up with Christian's appointment with the anaesthestist; it wasn't at 11h15 as we thought but at 15h45 so there was a wasted journey to Perpignan. When we finally met the man himself, he turned out to be really charming. Chatty, took his time with Christian  and was a great fan of the UK. He said that he could say that he'd had a successful day, if he'd been able to speak English!
In the evening I went to a French pronunciation group which I'm going to go to until Christmas instead of Spanish. After that I'll see if I can find someone to have 1:1 Spanish with in exchange for English. Then followed a meeting about the twinning visit. 54 Normans arrive on the 11th and we're putting up 3 of them.
Weather:
27° Sun and blue skies