Cassoulet, Cinema and Christmas Cheer

11.12.16: Christmas Market

It was a cold start at 8.30am when we gathered in front of the Mairie to set up our stall. Still, we had an ideal place in the sun so, no complaints. We sold our bits and bobs for next to nothing; the mulled wine was 1€ for a generous helping. We felt well pleased with the 257€ raised which will be given to the "Restaurant du Coeur" an association that provides food, basic necessities and work experiences for people in difficulty. It was founded in 1985 by Colouche, a much loved comedian and irreverential critic of the system. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coluche
There was a good buzz in the morning with lots of children coming to hear the story of "Gaga Tió" at the end of which they tap a log from which, fruit, sweets and little cakes fall out from the rear.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ti%C3%B3_de_Nadal
I managed to grab a very quick one course lunch at the bar with Nicole S before heading back to welcome the Anglophone choir on behalf of Carmen from the Mairie who had not yet finished her lunch. There are a couple of French people in it too and although the carols were predominantly in English there were a few in Latin and French. Fewer people came in the afternoon so we happily cleared up just after 4pm.
I had intended to go to the carol service in the church but I felt I'd had my dose and it had been a long day so just stayed home.
Weather:
17, sun°

10.12.16: Is She Guilty or not Guilty?

Whilst waiting for the bus to go to the market, Jacqueline came by and gave me a lift. That's the 3rd time that she's picked me up. Met Françoise for a coffee, saw Hortense too and came back with Jacques and his son Pierre.
In the afternoon a couple of us loaded up Maggie's van with the stuff that we were to sell at tomorrow's Christmas market. I also made about 18 litres of mulled wine while my thoughts strayed to other years when I stirred and Christian tasted - all in a good cause of course!
Finished the day with a trip to the cinema with Nicole S to see "Allied" starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard. It was the kind of film that you might watch on a borrowed DvD on a wet Saturday afternoon. If you watch this clip, you have the whole film apart from the very end which I can fill you in on if you wish. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlp94-C31cY
Weather:
14°, sun, cold night

9.12.16: Doing my Duty, Having Dinner
Coffee at the bar this morning, admin and then dinner at Jackie's this evening along with Nick and Lizzie. Yes, the same couple who were around at my place on Wednesday. It was a typical French dinner with apéros and savoury pastries, a fish in sauce starter, cassoulet (a bit on the heavy side for a late night meal), cheese and dessert. It was just shy of midnight when we left the table. Conversation was very general but at least Jackie didn't start to cry when her husband, who died about five years ago, was mentioned. All a bit sad really as they'd only moved from the North of France a couple of days before. Jackie's no family here so we've all tried to encourage her to come to the café des copines, Sunday morning coffee and the Association but no, she isn't one to mix. Can't do more but as they say "you'll reap what you sow" and that's something I can attest to.
Weather:
14°, sunshine