Off to a Flying Start

31.10.16: Portuguese Wine, Food, Music and Culture
After a copious buffet breakfast Margaret negotiated the car out of the garage which had steep slopes and tight corners. A helpful motorist called assistance for us bringing a smiling attendant arrived to let us out as we'd waited too long to go out and the barrier had come back down again . And that's how it was throughout the holiday; people were extremely kind and patient. Sad, isn't it when something like that is worth remarking on?
Margaret and I went off to visit the Roman ruins at Conimbriga about 30 minutes away. Fabulous as can be seen from the photos on Tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1190898-d911530-Reviews-Museu_Monografico_de_Conimbriga-Condeixa_a_Nova_Coimbra_District_Central_Portugal.html 
It took us ages to find the mosaic of a rather handsome young man that featured in my guide book as it was much smaller than we'd anticipated. Sadly we have no idea who he was. Maybe no one does as I haven't been able to find a reference on the internet; maybe he was neither a god nor a real person; just a figment of the craftsman's imagination.
It was warm and sunny, so at the end of our explorations on the site and in the museum, we settled down on the terrace of the café and had a vinho verde and nuts.

Once the car was back in the garage we gave lunch a miss in favour of another vinho verde at which point we tried to catch up with Nicole who had decided to explore the town instead of the ruins. She was our guide for what was left of the afternoon climbing up through the old town to the university area. Needless to say there was lots that we didn't see, so another trip at some point would be good. http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/coimbra-p-coim-coim.htm
We managed to catch the tail end of the sunset and great views from the terrace of a smart wine bar that Nicole had spied from down by the river and funnily enough, my inner radar found it despite the maze of narrow streets more easily than the mosaic . Yet another vinho was in order, Nicole had lemonade. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189143-d8547128-Reviews-Passaporte-Coimbra_Coimbra_District_Central_Portugal.html
Came back down to get our cardis and found a bite to eat near our hotel. It was a simple place but Margaret and I who were starving by now, had a very tasty dish of veal in a spicy sauce. Nicole ate the smallest of salads having had a good lunch.
Next came our search for a bar where fado is sung. Coimbra is the only place in Portugal where men sing fado and a man toting for business for his restaurant took us to a great wee bar called the "Diligencia". We had to wait about an hour but the barman didn't hassle us to buy more than the one drink that we made last. Between us we tried two local liquers; ginjina (a cherry brandy) and Beirão (made with herbs and seeds) and this time Nicole joined us. Hope you enjoy this You Tube clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7XLCGQqnns
There was a great ambiance with local folk arriving to sing when the resident singer took a break; whats more one of them was a woman!
Weather:
27°, whispy high cloud

30.10.16: Taking to the Skies

Still woke at the normal time so there was no benefit of an extra hour of sleep. The day started cool enough but the drive over to Carcassonne airport for our flight to Porto was in glorious autumn sunshine. The vines looked lovely and the idea of going on holiday, actually took root. Although I've had trips away to visit family and friends, it's over 3 years since I've been a tourist and the only time I was in Portugal was in 1985 when an ex and I went with Suzanne and Eddie on their honeymoon! This time I was off with Margaret (English) and Nicole (French).
We didn't have anywhere in mind for lunch and we took what we could find ending up in a village bar on past the airport serving simple fare. Still, the patron was a friendly type and the food was fine. The flight went without a problem and we arrived a little in advance which was just as well as we found ourselves heading to Coimbra, our first stop with the GPS set (unbeknown to us), to avoid motorways. The 100 miles seemed to take forever so it was dark when we arrived. Still, we found our hotel, set between the river and the old town, easily enough and it didn't take long for us to drop off our bags and head for a much appreciated glass of "vinho verde". http://www.hoteloslo-coimbra.pt/en/
Wandered around the through the narrow streets of the old town where we spied lots of boutiques and cake shops. Finally settled on one called "Brasileira" that had a restaurant upstairs. Unsurprisingly, the charming waitress who spoke excellent English, was from Brasil. Margaret and I settled on omelette and chips, Nicole on a salad; Margaret and I went for more vinho verde, Nicole for water which set the pattern more or less for the rest of the trip. We were all impressed with the linen serviettes which not only had the restaurant's name on them but a buttonhole in one corner to attach them to a garmet. Now, that's what I call a good idea; something like that would have saved Christian a number of spoilt shirts!   https://www.facebook.com/CafeaBrasileiraCoimbra/photos/?ref=page_internal 
Weather:
23° at 5pm in Portugal, sun

Patter of not so Tiny Feet and the Babble of Voices

29.10.16: Au revoir until Next Year

Up very early to see the family off at 8am. Bit of blog catch-up, bit of tv catch-up, bit of ironing and last minute packing at well after midnight. Thank goodness for the extra hour.
Weather:
20°, sun, cloud later

28.10.16: End of the Hols
Did some admin with a quick coffee at the bar somewhere in the middle of it all. Frank treated us to lunch at the restaurant and then from there it was over to Michel's for coffee. Quite by chance, while Frank and Stéphanie were in Céret for a coffee this morning they found an old single of, would you believe it, "Nights in White Satin"! What better gift?
After coffee we went to visit the micro brewery that has just opened in the village to taste and to talk about a visit from the association. We were very well received and enjoyed talking with someone passionate about his work. Our two Parisians bought a few bottles to take home at a price well below what they would pay in the capital. https://fr-fr.facebook.com/blaoblank/
There was a last apéritif at the bar for the family who leave tomorrow and they were really pleased as they were able to say their goodbyes to Laurent and Joan who sang at Christian's funeral.
Dinner was a "clear the fridge" kind of meal after which we sat down to watch "Les Hommes de l'Ombre", a French political drama series about spin doctors and their and others dirty dealings. Watch it, if it comes on to British TV.
Weather:
20°, sun and clear blue skies

27.10.16: Revitalised

Went to the association committee meeting first thing but gave the language exchange a miss. Did however go for a drink with them all at lunch time. The sun was shining and we got talking about the possibility of organising some Celtic Games next June. Don't know if it was the stimulation of brain storming or the couple of glasses of rosé that I had, but I felt full of energy at the end.
Kelvin and Irene, who are on holiday on the coast, called in unexpectedly which was a good reason to open a bottle of cava. Quickly did some tapas when they left for Jean, Françoise and Michel who were coming around for the evening. Michel brought his guitar and he and Frank took turns in entertaining us. The Moody Blues "Nights in White Satin" was much appreciated and I found their "Days of Future Past" album on which it features to help Michel with some pronunciation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdykXAT19Go We in our turn sang along though I'm not sure that we managed all the words of a single song!
Weather:
23°, glorious sunhine, no cloud cover so cooler in the evening.

26.10.16: Running out of Steam

The family went out walking for the day which gave me time to deal with lots of routine stuff. Marie-Jo came for me to book her flight to Scotland as she's without internet, the electrician turned up unannounced with his curious 3 year old to have a look at the work and I'd just started to plant the pansies I'd bought last week when Jacques from Paris turned up to get JJ's key as he's staying there. Kindly, he treated me to lunch at the restaurant so, it's not all grind, is it?
Prepared dinner, cleaned the terrace, booked Nicole's hotel in Scotland (problem with her card) and she stayed for a cuppa. Philippe arrived with a trailer load of wood and as luck would have it the family were back and got roped in to unloading it. Philippe stayed for a beer and a catch up and then I scuttled off for a rehearsal for the forthcoming  fashion parade and didn't get home until 10pm.
Much fatigued, I didn't linger long before going to bed.
Weather:
24°, sun

25.10.16: Not a Jolly Day

Woke early and finished my Spanish homework while still in bed. Gave Georges short shrift after the lesson as he wanted the association to meddle in the affairs of another association to which he belongs. Another day I might have been more patient but today wasn't it.
Cleaned out all the leaves from the back court and sorted the wood ready for Philippe to bring a new load. It wasn't a pleasant task as being open, the local cats had wandered in to do whatever it is that cats prefer to do elsewhere than in their own backyard.
After lunch on my own of left-overs, I went with friends to be present at the departure of the body of Carmen, from the village who's to be buried near Barcelona. A solemn but short affair.
Came home to make phone calls but kept losing the connection, someone came to measure up the windows for an estimate, I made dinner and two people phoned with queries about the trip during our apéritif. Surprising really as French people usually avoid meal times which are (or were) considered sacred. After dinner there was a bit of light relief with an old Robert Redford and Brad Pitt film.
Once again went wearily to bed.
Weather:
22°, cloudy but warm

24.10.16: Bonnie Scotland

André, who's going to be managing the work in the house, came by to look at what needs done. Arrived on the dot giving lie to all those expat stories of the unreliability of French workmen. All in all it was a busy day.
Made lunch and dinner for us all, did Spanish homework, prepared for and went to the meeting with the participants on the association's trip to Scotland. Watched the photos of the family's trip to Scotland this summer and fell, exhausted into an early bed.
Weather:
19°, cloudy but not cold

Family and Friends

23.10.16: Welcome Back!

Coffee and an omlette lunch at the bar. Did some association admin before the family arrived from Paris late in the afternoon.
We had our first apéritif at the bar and then another one at home while the leg of lamb cooked. Here's Frank wielding the carving knife like a professional. There was enough meat left over to go with  Mimi's couscous sauce (no worries, it's been in the freezer) the day after tomorrow. Now, that's what I call good planning when you have a full house.
Went to bed at 10pm to be refreshed for the week ahead.
Weather:
23°, sun

22.10.16: Pity it's not for Me!
Market with Nicole S where we stayed for an apéritif. Filled the house with the smell of spice as the Téléthon Xmas cake cooked for 4 hours+.
Weather:
17°, sun
 
21.10.16: No Comments, please
Computer, coffee and an unexpected lunch with Henri and Michèle at the village restaurant. A bit naughty really as I was invited to Laura and David's for dinner in the evening.
Weather:
18°, sun

In Need of Rose Tinted Glasses

20.10.16: A Friend in Need!

Took the bus to go for an optician's appointment which meant that I had quite a bit of hanging around until it was time. Occupied myself with a stroll around the town, a coffee out on the terrace of the "Pablo" while getting into Amy Tan's novel "The Valley of Amazement".
Upshot of the appointment is that I have a floater in my eye and the start of a cataract. The delights that come with age, eh? Met up with Maggie afterwards and we did a bit of supermarket shopping.
This afternoon, life took on a rosier hue; Jean-Jacques came to the rescue with the name of an electrician. Whatsmore, his father who I know from social events in the village is happy to work as project manager and assemble all the quotes etc. His son has done work at the Mairie so I've confidence that he'll treat me right given my connections.What a weight from my shoulders when JJ said he'd set it up for me.
Soaked the ingrediedients for the Xmas cake that I'm making as usual for the "Téléthon" and went over to Margaret's to finalise our accomodation in Portugal.
Arrived home to find this lovely bouquet from Suzanne by way of a thank you for her visit. Given that I hardly fed them, it was a very generous gesture indeed!
Weather:
19°, sun

19.10.16: In Need of Refreshment

No possibility of lingering this morning as I had an early appointment at the hairdressers. did a bit of admin for the association and then went with Yasmin to help her register with a doctor. Not a patient soul is our Yasmin, she got fed up of waiting, preferring to go for a coffee and a cake instead.
In the afternoon it was a visit to Perpignan with Nicole S and a cup of tea in a very nice "Salon de Thé" surprisingly at the Auchan commercial centre https://top10cafes.fr/02075959/La_Cafeti%C3%A8re_Catalane_-_Porte_dEspagne
Home to do some more admin and watch some more telly.
Weather:
19°, sun and blue skies

18.10.16: In Need of a Boost

Felt too tired to go to Spanish so decided to to try and catch up on some rest. felt a bit more energetic in the afternoon so toddled up to Jany's to retreive my glasses and prepared for the appointment wit the woman from the ANAH to talk about a grant to help improve energy saving in the house. She was extremely kind but nonetheless, my head was spinning by the time she went. Feels all too much and am tempted to abandon the idea as there seems so much to do by the end of November.
A trip with "les copines" to the local nursery to buy pansies and a cup of tea afterwards helped restore my morale. even so, I only had enough energy to watch tv in the evening.
Weather:
19° Sun, cloud

17.10.16: In Need of a Holday

Started off by making dessert for dinner tonight.
Don't laugh! I'm the most unlikely candidate for a fashion parade but the one I've voluntered for (Téléthon/Children in need  event) is a humouristique one . Like the one with the amazing hats a few years ago, Jany is the director. Yasmin and I went over to her place this afternoon to see about costumes. I'm Feather Woman; me a bird of paradise?? Can only do my best.
Home for an hour and then over to Margaret's with Nicole to reserve our accomodation in Portugal. Didn't manage it all but at least the first two nights are organised.
Then it was on to Jean and Françoise's to celebrate Jean-Jacques ' birthday along with Jacques. 8 years older than me and he had more stamina at the end of the evening than I did!
Weather:
21°, sun

Couscous, Champagne and a Commemoration

16.10.16: 76 Years Already

There was time for a coffee and to clap home the cross country runners arriving back in the square before Nicole P, Martine and I took the cross country drive over the col with André and Nany to the annual commemmoration of Lluis Campanys' execution. I go every year so you'll probably remember who he is from previous posts but here's a link just in case https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llu%C3%ADs_Companys

The main speaker was an MP who is Mayor of Ripoll and what a firebrand she was. Even though I didn't understand the Catalan, I could understand that she was haranguing the Spanish government. Such energy and passion is always invigorating.

Tables were available for picnickers but we prefered to continue toward La Vajol for lunch in the restaurant. Came home after a good meal to do some admin. Yes, on a Sunday because it feels as if things are starting to pile up.
 Weather:

19°, cloudy, sun later in the afternoon

15.10.16: Up and off; Out and About
Bernadette left just after 7h40 for the airport which meant that i had time to go into the market with Michel. Met Yasmin for coffee and came home to do some admin and watch a bit of telly.
Walked over to Hans (German) and marie-Madeleine's (French) for dinner which given that she comes from the area, kicked off with champagne. Annette, David and Laura were also present.
Weather:
19°, blue skies, a sprinkling of snow on Canigou that disappeared during the day

14.10.16: Spice of Life
While Bernadette was being energetic playing boules with the association, I took some photos,  pottered about. had coffee with Yasmin and set up the apéritif. Lunch, prepared by Mimi and Eric in the village hall, was a delicious couscous with enough sauce left over for some of us to take home for future culinary delights.
There was time after we'd cleared up to have a short break at home before attending the latest vernissage in Christian's room. As it was the village art class that were showing off their talents, the room was packed. Oh, how I just love events where all I have to do is chat with a drink in my hand.
Came out of the expo and into the bar for something to finish off the evening.
Weather:
19°, sunny spell in the morning, cloud and a little rain later.

Weather Gods on our Side

The rain came in with a venegence but temptingly their were windows when the sun shone and it was dry. We'd planned to go to Figueres market, so go we did. And we were right as we passed a rain free time wandering around the crowd free market. All so much nicer than sitting through the language exchange.
I think that Bernadette should be paying more attention to what St Jordi (George) is up to as his sword is menacing her  rather than the dragon!
Drove down to Garriguella for lunch at "La Plaça", a long time favourite and weren't disappointed with the menu. Guinea fowl was one of the main course choices and delicious it was too. Oh, yes ... and not to mention the to die for chocolate dessert. Bernadette was well impressed.
Stopped off at the cava wine cave to visit the tap museum and to replenish my stock of bubbly which was down to its last bottle.
Also stopped off at the outlet centre in La Jonquera for a hot chocolate and rapid dash through the supermarket. Don't like the centre but there's a café there which has settees and low tables thus making it a pleasant place to sip and chat.
Had torrential rain on the way home which with luck stopped when we had to unload.
Watched the start of the new serial "Missing" which took a bit of brain power with all the time slip scenes that kept popping up in what seemed to be a random fashion. We kept asking "who's that? Where does she fit in?" Apparently we weren't the only ones. TV reviewers of the Alison Graham ilk struggled too.
Weather:
21°, rain on and off, sometimes heavy

A Long Overdue Visit

12.10.16: Our Condolences, M'am

Went into Céret for a stroll around, had a coffee, finished strolling and bumped into Hortense and had another coffee. Mum will be pleased to see from the photo  that her jacket is still doing sterling service. Yes, it was a bit chilly.
Came home for lunch and prepared dinner for Jean-Jacques and Michel. Ken and Margaret had cried off, both having heavy colds. We'd had the date in the diary for ages so it was a bit disappointing but on the other hand with all Ken's no go foods, it was also a bit of a relief. Served up my ever faithful chicken in tomato and pernod sauce. 
We were much exercised  however by the news that the Queen was inconsolable by the passing of a loved one; we immediately thought "Philip" only to find it was one of her dogs! Beggars belief that this was a news story on my French  "Orange" homepage. You'll be relieved to know that conversation moved up a few notches after we'd fantasised about sending her a sympathy card.
Weather:
19° , sun, cloud, heavy rain in the evening

 11.10.16: Washing the Floor with Cava

With the barometer set to fair we decided to head down the coast only to fing that getting out of the garage was going to be difficult. A lorry was parked up (no sign of workers) so instead of going down the street, Bernadette was forced to do some nifty manoevering to get out and go up the street instead. Pretty stressful in a hired car. Those of you who've negotiated this narrow street will be in sympathy, I'm sure. Anyway patience and good pedal control got us away without a scratch or bump.
Drove down to Banyuls and had coffee overlooking the sea and then came back to Paullilles for a visit to the site of the old Nobel explosives factory. Won't go into details though if you're interested you an read the 26th September post. This time I climbed the watch tower and was rewarded with fine views. 
Lunch beckoned so we continued back toward Port Vendres and had a good, honest  meal at "Le Chalut". Next to us were a Bulgarian/Czech couple who apparently have a holiday home Céret. He was desperate to chat, she (very glam) took forever to move her bag from where Bernadette was to sit and looked at us with out cracking a smile which was more hostile than her lack of English or French would account for. Oh, how we speculated about who they were!
We'd hoped to see "The Belem", a three masted training ship while we there but it was hard luck for us that it was out at sea and not due back until late afternoon. Contented ourselves instead with a walk around Collioure (or Collimore as Lena, Bernadette's Mum called it when she was here).
Came back for tea  at which point I read my emails to find that Françoise was expecting us for an apéritf in 20 minutes time! Thérèse came too so she and Bernadette exchanged language assistant stories. The title of this post refers to Jean having to mop up the bottle of cava that ended up on the floor. Don't ask!
Weather:
20°, sun, high cloud and some wind

10.10.16 : A Wind Down Day

Back to the treadmill after the weekend break and once Berndette was up and about we went to the bar for a coffee where we were joined by Linde. More exercise after lunch with a double circuit of the two lakes. Spent the evening in.
Weather:
20°, sun and light cloud

Busy Weekend

9.10.16: Quick Change Over

Up bright and early to set up for the "Forum des Associations" which talks place at the same time as a carboot sale and small food fair. There was music, a farrier, pony rides, human towers and a percussion band. If you think that the tower on the photo looks impressive, you should see the exceptional ones that reach the giddy heights of 9 and 10 levels. Once again we were lucky weatherwise with warm sunshine. We did quite a good trade recruiting new members so I felt justified in having an apéritif offered by the Mairie for stall holders. Nicole P and I ate a rapid lunch of sausage and chips before finishing our shift. With Bernadette arriving from the airport in the afternoon, I needed to do a bit of last minute organisation (ie. wash the floor and get the kettle on!).
After said cuppa, we decided to go for a walk around the village but didn't get farther than the carboot sale where the late stayers were in the process of packing up. Straight off we bumped into Jean and Françoise and then Juste and Joséphine who we  persuaded to come with us for a drink at the bar. Jean was absolutely delighted to at last have one of my cross channel friends who could speak French. He was well impressed by her fluency and delighted in being able to have a discussion with her.
Neither Bernadette nor I was very hungry so when we finally went home it was a "fridge" supper and a bit of catch up tv.
Weather:
21°, sun and some wind

8.10.16: October Garden party

Had to abandon May and Suzanne to whizz for the 9h30 bus as I'd realised that I'd left my camera at Eamon and Liz's. At least I was able to show face at the sale of brioche (for an association for people with disabilities) which was right next to the bus stop. Oh, how those brownie points are stacking up. Better than plenary indulgences. (If you've not been brought up RC, you won't get the reference). What's more there was some urgency as they were due to be leaving about 10am and buses to and from the village are few and far between. It was quite a walk from the bus stop to their place but I made it and back again to get the 10h10 bus back to the village. What a good job that I hadn't accepted Suzanne's offer of a lift, as when I got back, I found an empty house and a note on the table saying that they'd had to go as their flight was earlier than they'd thought!
Caught my breath, went and had a coffee  and got ready to walk over to Martine's 70th birthday in her garden. It was lovely. Sun, champagne, endless canapés, lots of folk to talk to and a jazz group. All very pleasant after so much rushing around, as was the walk home and the well deserved night in .
Weather:
21° Cloud, sunny spells, light wind later

A Lotta Scots

7.10.16: Happy Wanders and Fine Hosts

Suzanne, who has boundless energy, was desperate for a hike this morning and May who had real sniffles gallantly agreed to join us on or uphill forest walk. She made it to where there was a good view of the village and called it a day while we strode on for an 1h30. So glad that yesterday's was cancelled, she'd have hated it. Have to say that it was invigorating and I enjoyed it. Sun was shining, the birds were singing and the air was clear.  Suzanne is obviouly feeling at home among the heather on this photo and at least she and May got to wear their boots that they carted with them.
Recuperated a recurerated May and had a well deserved coffee at the bar before getting the bus into Céret where we were having lunch with Eamon and Liz who Suzanne is good friends with.
A raucous time was had by all and off course we were well fed by Liz and well watered by Eamon, inspite of which I managed to get them to the bus on time.
Once we'd drawn breath, Suzanne who's a keen gardener wanted to see the garden that I no longer work so I took advantage of two more pairs of hands to take down some sacks of garden greenery for the compost bins. Don't I know just how to give my visitors a good time?
They did get a reward though by way of a couple of glasses of wine at the bar where we fell in with Lone and a friend. A light supper and early to bed finished the day.
Weather:
22°, sun and light cloud

6.10.16: Dodging the Rain

May and Suzanne went off to explore the coast while I went as promised with Ann to a hospital appointment. The storms didn't appear as predicted but they did have a downpour. We, in Perpignan had no rain so were able to window shop and lunch without getting wet. Lunch was in a really nice restaurant with the accent heavily on beef. There were lighter options though and we both enjoyed the menu du jour along with a glass of wine.
http://www.restaurant-le-divil-66.com/ The dining room has lots of character set as it is in weaving/spinning shop dating back to the Middle Ages.
Jean-Jacques stopped by in the evening to help me set up monthly payments for my rates bill as Christian and I had previously but apparently it wasn't possible for this first year. Gulp, whole lot needs paying in one go; and me a poor widder woman!!! Before you reach for your hankies, i hasten to add that I won't be starving as a result.
The least I could do was invite JJ to join us for dinner; so passed another agreeable evening.
Weather:
20°, sun cloud with late afternoon rain

5.10.16: Best Laid Plans
Treadmill again and food preparation for my Scottish visitors. This is the 3rd day that I haven't been out in the village for a coffee and no one's sent out a search party. May and Suzanne arrived from the airport in Carcassonne with time to have a cuppa before this evening's vernissage. They mixed and mingled with the village's finest, including the Maire and some of their compatriots who have holiday homes here. Sorry, forgot to take my camera so no photo.
Françoise came along as we'd planned she'd take Suzanne and May on a hike but sadly the forecast wasn't good tomorrow so it's off. She came back to mine and called up Jean to join us and we drank and had tapas (sounds better and more substantial than nibbles, doesn't it?). Luckily, the refreshments at the expo were relatively substantial too for these kind of affairs. Jean was his usual lively self and the lack of French and English didn't get in the way of us having a load of laughs. When they finally went, it was too late for the cooked meal I'd prepared and offered earlier to all, so we made do with bread and cheese. Hardly the welcome I'd planned.
Weather:
25° sun, cloud later

4.10.16: That's More Like It!

Treadmill then Spanish! You may well gulp! Though from there on in, it was all pleasure. Met Eamon and Liz who are over on holiday, at the Pablo for an apéro and then moved on to Al Catala for lunch in the garden. Went back to the place that they were renting that had views over the mountains supposedly for coffee; it turned out to be champagne (the real stuff, I might add) but who was I to argue! Eamon looks as if he could have come out of a Marcel Pagnol book with that hat.
Even managed to get myself to the bus on time to get back to the village.
What a surprise I had. I bumped into Joséphine who I haven't seen for over a year. Did a bit of catching up and we both expressed intentions of making contact again. Remains to be seen.
Finished the day with a trip to the guitar evening at the bar. Was a bit chilly sitting outside but it did look pretty with all the little lights on the tables.
Weather:
23°, blue skies

3.10.16: Nowt Much Doin'

Took bus to the supermarket to get stuff in for Suzanne and May who are arriving for a couple of days. Pottered in the afternoon before having a cup of tea in Céret with Nicole. None of which is of any interest but if I don't record it, I'll think I've lost a day such is the state of my mental processing at the moment! Though I suppose this tree trunk covered in knitted squares is quite fun.
Weather:
22°, sun and some cloud

2.10.16: Wetting the Baby's Head
Happy news this morning, Jean and Françoise have a granddaughter; their first after 3 boys. Had coffee with the usual Sunday morning suspects and Jean-Jacques joined those of us who stayed for an apéritif. Pushed the boat out with a bottle of cava. Appropraiate really as Gilles who was at the next table to us while we were having lunch treated me to an "affogado" , an Italian dessert of ice cream and hot coffee" which means "drowned". http://www.jamieoliver.com/news-and-features/features/affogato-the-ultimate-simple-dessert/ Mmm, simple but tickles all the taste buds.Back home, I did a bit of this and a bit of that crossing things off my list as I went.
Weather:
23°sun, clouding over to give a light rain shower at the end of the afternoon.

1.10.16: Al Fresco

Went off to the market with Jacques, this morning's chauffeur. Had coffee with Françoise and an impromptu BBQ lunch with Henri and Michèle. A quiet evening but a restless night. Didn't get to sleep until after 3am
Weather:
25°, sun