Seeing out the Old

So, it's the last day of the year and I was feeling pretty half-hearted about having signed up to the village shindig with the neighbours. I'd have much prefered a home based evening but this does have the advantage of not having to cook and shop.
Started off with an apéritif at my place for 7 of us and Anne who we're starting to worry about arrived an hour early even though she'd phoned me at least 3 times to check out the timing. We joined 6 others at the village hall where Eric and Mimi had done a good job of decorating it. There were 110 of us booked in so as they were a bit short handed I gave them a hand serving and clearing the plates away between courses. The meal was very good and there was more than enough for even the heartiest appetite. There was also a DJ who had people up on the floor without any difficulty though, the line dancing that folk here (well, of my age group) are fanatical about, is absolutely not my thing. there was way too much of it for my taste.
Made a discreet exit with Anne about 1.15am to go home and straight to bed.
Weather:
17°, cloudy

Taking My Foot of the Pedal

30.12.17: Unseasonally Warm Wind Blowing

Managed to have a longish lie as there wasn't any need to get the bus to the market as Jacques phoned offering a lift. There were more people on the terraces than buying at the usual market stalls though there was quite a large crowd around the stall selling truffles. I didn't even try to get close to see the price as it was no doubt eyewatering. Made do instead with treating Jacques to a coffee and chatting in the sun.
End of the afternoon, I met Nicole for tea at the bar which I augmented with some Christmas cake. It's a big cake that will take ages to finish! What's not to like?
Weather:
19°, blue sky and a warm wind. Cloud later

29.12.17: Stay Home Day
Didn't set foot outside all day!
Weather:
16°, cloud and showers

28.12.17: Christmas Cake and Lady Grey
All was very quiet in the square when I went along to have my hair colour done this morning. after lunch did some association admin until Terry and Ann came to pick up the logs that I don't have any use for anymore. There visit coincided with teatime so it was all the excuse I needed to cut into my Christmas cake. Ooooh, I do love afternoon tea.
Rest of the day was spent doing the usual. No need to tell you what.
Weather:
10°, showers on and off

27.12.17: Saving the Day with a Packet of Smoked Salmon

Despite having an irritating cough, Nicole didn't cancel our lunch date chez moi. I'd looked out a really interesting quail recipe but when I read the label after I'd defrosted them, I found that they were rather too much out of date to safely serve up to a guest! Scrabbled around in the fridge for a last minute substitute. Luckily, Nicole's a friend who likes smoked salmon with pasta. And there was a tasty homemade beetroot and parsnip soup to start and small mincemeat cakes and cream for dessert. So what with a bottle of cava and chocolates as well, my honour was saved.
Weather:
11°, cloud some blue sky and rain on and off

26.12.17: Not a Public Holiday here

Another late start then, with the café being closed over the holiday, it was coffee at the other bar with Nicole. Rest of the day was spent with my feet up in front of the telly.
Weather:
13°, sun and cloud

Merry Christmas!

With nowhere to go for a coffee this morning, I made the most of a leisurely start until it was time to meet up with Ann and terry with whom I was having lunch at the Café de France.
Christmas is so much less commercialised here; there was a special menu of 2 or 3 courses but if you wanted, there was the everyday menu too. How refreshing that people don't have to dig too deep into their pockets. Foie gras and vension tempted me and then Terry and I shared a dessert.
Left the table to head back to theirs for an afternoon of talk, musical nostalgia, tea and Christmas cake.
Of what joy! I've been hankering after turkey sandwiches all week but found that it was impossible to buy anything for one so you can imagine my pleasure when some cold turkey appeared on the supper table. And joy of joys, I came away with some for sandwiches tomorrow. as I've said many a time before, simple pleasures are enough to make me very happy!
Weather:
14°, sun and cloud
 

All's Well that ends Well

10.12.17: Christmas Traditions enlivened by Mulled Wine

Set the alarm for 7am and found that it had rained overnight but was now dry. Luckily, I could hear the Mairie workers setting up the tables so I assumed that even though the sky wasn't visible at this time, the market was on. Made the wine and sold it all and with our other sales we made a respectable sum to go towards "Project Cornemuse". (If you've missed previous posts, it's our plan to bring some pipers over from Comrie near Perth). The treasurer came and it would seem that a line has been drawn under her bruised feelings.
The café was exceptionally busy; so much so, that Nicole and I had to have our lunch sitting at the bar. Would you believe it? There was liver on the menu so of course, I went for that.
The market was a great success; plenty of stalls, Santa with his horse and cart giving the kids a tour around the village, Christmas carols from an Internation choir and from a Catalan choir, sardane and the traditional Catalan "Caga Tio". If you're wondering what this is, if you can be bothered, have a look at last years's post where it's explained.
Having only had an hour to sit down at lunch, 7am - 4pm was a long day to be on one's feet. Didn't want to do anything other than eat my soup (disappointingly, in need of being pepped up) and watch the telly. I'll be honest; that's exactly how I'd have spent the evening even if my feet and legs weren't protesting.
Weather:
12°, cloudy

9.12.17: Much ado about Nothing!

Awoke to a phone call from the Association President who had had an upset treasurer on the phone. Apparently she felt excluded as I'd not invited her to help Maggie and I sort the Xmas market sales. Hadn't realised until that point that I was the organiser! To make matters worse, I'd asked (hold my hand up to that) her when she'd asked me when she should come, to help on the stall in the afternoon when she normally helped set up in the morning! Hadn't realised that it was a trick question. I had to do a lot of back brushing to stop her resigning! Here, I should add that she'd already resigned from another association as she didn't get on with the President. Fragile or what? In the end, I let her know that there were difficult things that I have to deal with too and she started to back peddle. Crickey, life is far too short for this nonesense.
What a relief it was to go to the market with Maggie who is a down to earth, take things in her stride Yorkshire woman.
Bumped into Nicole S who joined us for coffee ; what an age it is since I've seen her.
A quick trip to the supermarket followed but to my disappointment I didn' find any liver which I'd fancied for lunch. Not to worry, I didn't starve as I stopped off at the restaurant for the "plat du jour" which was an entrecôte steak; so, my desire for red meat was satisfied with the added bonus of no dishes to wash.

In the afternoon Maggie and I loaded her van with our wares for the Xmas market (didn't ask the treasurer to join us!) then came home and made some carrot and parsnip soup (a Joyceline Dimbleby recipe) for tomorrow.
Normally, I would have made the mulled wine for tomorrow this evening but the weather forecast is iffy and rather than risk having 20 litres left on my hands, I decided to get up early and do it when it was clear what kind of weather we were in for.
Weather:
11° sun

8.12.17: Telly Dependant?

Coffee at the bar and then another one at Jacques over which we talked about last night's film. In the afternoon I had an impromptu walk around the lake where it was pretty windy with Flo. No other excuse was needed to head off and have a cuppa in the warm afterwards.
As I'd opted for a goodie box rather than the OAP's lunch, Cédric who works at the Mairie next door, delivered mine and Nicole's to the café where we were having a glass of wine.
My social diary being blank this evening, it was a night in front of the telly (again). Do you think that I should be starting to worry about my attachment to the square screen?
Weather:
13°, cloudy with a spell of sunshine at the end of the afternoon

Chugging Along

7.12.17: A Relief from the Domesticity

Language exchange, a cuppa at the bar and then home to do some admin. Attended the Council meeting this evening and escaped without picking up any of the cold bugs that are obviously doing the rounds.
There was half an hour to spare before it was time to set off to the Cinéclub with the neighbours. This week's offering was "The Other Side of Hope", a Finnish film about the new beginnings for a shirt salesman turned restauranteur and the aid he gives to a Syrian refugee. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/may/25/the-other-side-of-hope-review-aki-kaurismaki-refugee-crisis
Weather:
11°, sun and cloud

6.12.17: More Domesticity
Another day of domesticity: chores, computer and sorting out things with Maggie to sell at the Christmas market.
Weather:
12°, blue sky


5.12.17: Domesticity and a Welcome social Interlude
A domestic day cooking rabbit and preserved lemon for lunch, a bit of cleaning and some computer stuff. The evening was a lot more interesting as JJ and I were invited to Jean and Françoise's along with Hélène and Mohammed for an impromptu apéritif.
Weather:
11°, sunshine

4.12.17: Out for lunch, Out for Tea and Out for an Apéro
Went into Céret with Maggie. She, to get her feet done, me to do a bit of shopping. I would have done it if I hadn't bumped into Bridget and gone instead for a coffee. Met up with Maggie in the another bar and had an absolutely awful hot chocolate that was not in the least bit worth the money. Never again.
From here we went and did a bit of supermarket shopping and searched for a restaurant that was open on a Monday.

We ended up at the "La Via Domitia"which was a first for both of us and well pleased we were too and it was only 13€ for 3 courses.  https://www.facebook.com/Laviadomitiabyeric/
Had tea at Jacques's to plan for New Year's Eve and in the evening there was an apérobio at the bar. The logical choice was a bowl of soup and not to hang around too long as it was still feeling chilly despite sitting over the fire..
Weather:
12°, blue sky and no cloud

3.12.17: Brrrrrh!

Coffee at the bar and computer time. Feeling cold in the house and I've still not yet got to grips with the stove. Of course, when I wasn't in front of the computer, I drank tea and watched tv.
Weather:
8° sun, cold wind

2.12.17: Doing One's Bit

Arrived to help set up the Association's stall at 8h30 and spent all day there selling our cast off accessories and running the bottle stall apart from an hour's break to have a solitary lunch at the restaurant. came away from the foyer having not won anything in the raffle despite there being about 50 prizes. Oh and I did eat far too much home made cake.
Once home, all I wanted to do was put my feet up and drink tea.
Found out later that the village raised over 15,000€. Pretty good, eh,
Weather:
4°, blue sky, strong wind

1.12.17: Oh, So Cold

Too cold to get out of bed without a great deal of thought. When I did, I had some time sorting the bottles with Maggie for tomorrow's bottle stall and some computer time.
There was a vernissage this evening but due to some kind of hold up on the motorway, the artists (a sculptor and painter) didn't arrive until after I'd left with Nicole P to go to Ann and Terry's for dinner. Once again, art lovers were thin on the ground which was a shame as the exhibits were interesting . http://artpunch.com/Artpunch/Artpunch_home.html
Weather:
7°, blue sky and cloud

Winter's Here

30.11.17: Cold Feet and Red Noses

Oh my, god, what brave souls we are. It was so cold this morning making our attendance at the market with our accessories stand for the Téléthon a real act of penance. Things kept blowing away because of the wind; at one point some of the jewellery on the easle blew into the canal. The grid was too narrow to get your hand down and too heavy to lift, so yours truly went on her hands and knees armed with fire tongs to fish the stuff out. No easy task, I might add but probably a bit of a laugh for the onlookers. We make 60€ and the hot chocolate was a bit of recompense. As, indeed was the bowl of chips that I shared with Ann and Terry afterwards.
Attacked the cleaning when I came home thus by the time I sat down for my pot of tea, the place was looking better and I was feeling less ashamed.
Weather:
9°, sun, cold wind

29.11.17: Boring Day
Got up later than usual, contemplated the need to clean up the white cement dust left after the work and did some furniture moving before taking the bus to Perpignan for a rendez-vous. Continued the furniture moving this evening in my head meaning I didn't get to sleep until after 3am. Don't even know why I'm bothering to record such a dull, uninteresting day but there you are, OCD kicks in.
Weather:
13°, sun, feeling a lot chillier

28.11.17: A Place in the Sun

Took the bus to Perpignan with Lynn and Ann and had another a goodly walk which took us from the bus station to the centre of town. Can't be too smug about it as we stopped halfway at La Rotunde for a hot chocolate served by really nice staff. https://www.facebook.com/brasserie.larotondeperpignan/
Visited the two new chic indoor food markets, "Les Halles Vauban"  https://fr-fr.facebook.com/LesHallesVauban/ and the "Carré Arago" https://www.facebook.com/Le-Carr%C3%A9-Arago-1878946452432922/
Wandered through the old town without doing any shopping, essentially, to find somewhere to eat. Finally settled on "Déclic" on the Place de la République where we were able to soak up the sun and marvel that the end of November could be so warm.
Had tea in the Café Catalogne on the way back and found that the proprietor, who recognised me, is the daughter of a woman from the village. Nice place; seems tripadvisor crtics are in agreement, so will have to try a lunch there sometime. https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g187156-d4244990-Reviews-Catalogne
This evening as there wasn't a meeting at the Mairie, JJ entertained me rather than vice versa. Pizza and of all things, a bottle of champagne even though there was nothing special to celebrate.
There were celebrations, however, in the bar where Kevin was celebrating his birthday by playing music with another guitarist. Have just googleded him and while he gives the impression of being an ageing rock star, apparently he is. Would seem also that he's an ageing rock star who muddles his which with his witch (biography page). Should I point it out to him? Would he even care?  http://kevinsaundersmusic.com/bio.html
Sat with a group of Brits who were there to eat and listen and who had already been enviegled into buying his new cd. Had to laugh when I looked around and wondered what a Martian looking down at us would make of such an incongruous staid looking lot of pensioners. Don't include myself in this description, of course.
Once the group had left for home, I stayed on talking about films, music and life with Jacques, the patrons and Jean-Vincent, the other guitarist. Called it a day at 1am.
Weather:
16°, but feeling warmer under the blue skies

27.11.17: This, That and Not Much Else
Committee meeting at 9am followed by a coffee at the bar with Nicole who had just been initiated in the delights of Association business.
Dominique, my neighbour came by to see about sticking down my loose tiles; or rather I should say tiles on the stairs as I don't think I'm not that far gone yet! Went into theirs for a cuppa and catch up.
Spent the rest of the day doing nothing other than this and that.
Weather:
13°, sun

26.11.17: Blowin' in the Wind

Usual Sunday trip to the bar this morning where we were a bit thin on the ground even though Françoise had come over for coffee.
Then there was a very windy walk over to Flo's for lunch; no complaints, the exercise  did me good. Nicole S arrived a bit later. Curry and discussion were on the menu after which with the wind even stronger, I was pleased to accept Nicole's offer of a lift back. A quick pause at home and then I walked across the square for a Gospel concert in "Christian's room".
Had a wine at the bar afterwards before another night in front of the tv.
Weather:
11°, blue sky, strong wind

The Weekend is Here

25.11.17: Putting Things in Perspective

Zoomed into town, zipped around and caught the bus back to the village all in less than an hour. Joined Nicole for a coffee at the bar and then it was home to catch up on the blog. Doing better but I can't get too complaisant though as I'm not sure how long it will last.
Other computer stuff, soup making and nothing else except .......; you can fill in the space without my help
Mundane as all this is, I can hardly complain about my life when I'm safe and have a roof over my head.  Today is the UN designated day to eliminate violence against women and girls. The facts are grim. http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2017/11/news-orange-the-world--2017
Weather:
15°, cloudy start, sun breaking through

Developing Square Eyes

24.11.17: At last, a Bit of Fun
Was spared sorting and other chores today as my time was taken up with organising the apéritif after the association's boules competition and then joining the players for lunch at the bar. Nico, the chef is on holiday so Eve was cooking for 22 of us and very well she did too. There was a good atmosphere and no complaints.
Later on I went for a long over due hair cut which was a boost. Whilst there, I was able to reassure Jennifer that I'd be staying loyal and not going to the new salon that's opening soon in the old mini mart. Honestly, it doesn't seem to make much sense because as well as Jennifer, there are two mobile hairdressers and Spain where prices are much cheaper close by.
Spent the evening as I spend every other evening these days.
Weather:
16°, cloudy start, sun later

23.11.17: Unexciting or what?
Language exchange, tea and a glass of wine at the bar, more accessory sorting, more tv.
Weather:
17°, blue sky

22.11.17: People in Glass Houses ....
More leaves to collect, a bit of cooking, and a bit of sorting. If you've seel the post of 17th October, you'll remember that we laughed at Mum's open bottle of dry ginger dated 2002. Apparently there's a hoarding gene that runs in the family; cleaning out the top cupboard I came across flavoured oils and vinegars dating from the same time!
Spent the afternoon  more sorting the accessories that we've been given for our Téléthon stand. A few nice bits and pieces along with some absolute .... that went straight into the rubbish pile. It never ceases to amaze what people think others would be happy to buy.
Finished off the "Acquitted" box set this evening. A Norwegian crime drama portraying dysfunctional characters from dysfunctional families living in a dysfunctional town where surprisingly for Norway, it didn't seem to rain very much! https://crimefictionlover.com/2016/12/norways-acquitted-crime-drama-comes-to-walter-presents/
Weather:
17°, sun and blue sky

21.11.17: Passing Time

Cleaning, a welcome coffee with Nicole and so passed the morning.
Supermarket shopping, pansy buying at a local nursery with Maggie, planting up, association admin and so passed the afternoon.
TV watching and so passed the evening. Nothing new there!
Weather:
20°, cloudless blue sky

A Quiet Start to the Week

20.11.17: Autumn Leaves

Was hijacked by Terry on my way back from a short walk. He was on his way to mine to invite me to join him and Ann at the café for a coffee; funny as I was on my way there myself for a cuppa. Now there's a surprise.
Spent some of the afternoon cleaning up the leaves over the road in between watching episodes of "Aquitted", another addictive Scandi crime series.
This evening I caught up with the blog and the tv that I missed while entertaining.
Weather:
20°, blue sky and some light cloud

Entertaining Friends

19.11.17: Supporting the Téléthon

It was lovely to linger in bed, with one ear on the French news whilst reading the paper and eating my breakfast.
Made it over to the square where mint tea and North African pastries were being served in aid of the Téléthon. Jean and Françoise came over as did their daughter and her family. It seemed only right that we patronised the café too as on any other Sunday , so Françoise and I took our pastries inside and bought something to drink. We were joined by Nicole P and Flo therefore, this Sunday felt more like old times. There's been no news from the other Nicole so I guess she's decided to write us off.
Had lunch at home and prepared some canapés until it was time to go up to the village hall for a concert in aid of the Téléthon. Two flutes and a piano envelopped us in lovely music composed by Fauré, Delibes. Offenbach, Schubert, Bizet, Scott Joplin and Chopin among others.
Our spirits replenished, it was time to do the same for our stomachs. Jean, Françoise and JJ came back to mine which made a pleasant change from watching the tv!
Weather:
18°, sun and light cloud

18.11.17: No Worries for Nigella

I won't go into detail as I know that you won't be any more interested in my day of doing chores (cleaning out the stove, general cleaning, cooking) than I was. Had just the canapés to do and was about to make a pot of tea when Nicole called with her pushchair-sized granchild to say "hello". A welcome break that didn't knock my schedule our of kilter.
Managed to entertain and serve Terry, Ann, Maggie and Trevor without stressing too much. Haven't been doing very well with taking photos of late and today was no exception. Sorry
Weather:
18°, sunny

Need to Get a Life?

17.11.17: Energised by the Sun

Took the bus into town for a quick whizz around the supermarket as I'm doing dinner for five of us tomorrow evening but before that I bumped into Françoise. Made time for a coffee together which meant that my whizz was even faster than I'd anticipated. I'd forgotten how slowly the queue in this particular supermarket moves. Dropped the shopping off at home and went for a cuppa; I was the only client in the café so sat and chatted with Eve, the patron and leant that another hairdresser's is opening up. That we don't need.
Did some hard prunning this afternoon but there were some trees that will need more force than I can muster so that's for another week.
Maggie called by to collect a paper which I'd printed off for her but didn't stay for tea even though I'd just made a pot. Bet you can't guess how I spent the evening? Yes, more small screen.
Weather:
21° !!! warm and sunny


16.11.17: Another View, Another Sunset

Language exchange, tea, then a glass of wine over which I lingered quite a long time with Ann, Terry and Nicole P.
Walked over to see Martine who's recovering from an operation and had tea and a good catch-up. The sunset on the walk home was absolutely stunning. I'm sure that you'll appreciate the change of view as I did. Home to make soup and watch more tv.
Weather:
17°, sun


15.11.17: Guest Appearance

A bit of a later start that was interrupted by a call from Françoise to come to our room where she was in the process of giving her French conversation workshop. She wanted to talk about something and nothing but a cup of coffee and an invitation to join the group was on offer. Stayed for an enjoyable half an hour.
Next door jam making for the Téléthon was in full swing; apparently, 830 pots of watermelon and citrus fruit was the splendid result.
Brought the blog up to date in the afternoon and then went to set up the welcome apéritif for new members. All went extremely well with a great bit of mixing and mingling which didn't go on past 8.30pm. This left time to watch "Free Men" a film that gives an interesting slant on the Muslim community's contribution to the Resistance effort in wartime Paris. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/may/27/free-men-french-review
Weather:
19°, sunny


14.11.17: Long Time, No See

It's ages since I've seen Hortense so it was great to catch up with her over coffee and have a laugh. Was offered a lift while waiting for the bus and Hortense gave me a lift back. Not driving is a bit of a pain and no doubt the time will come when I need to look to move to a smaller house somewhere bigger with more services but I'm not there yet.
Spent all afternoon doing the website and all evening watching tv.
Weather:
14° sunny

13.11.17: Looking to Increase Takings

Did the shopping for the apéritif that I'm organising for new members and then called in at the bar for a cuppa.
This afternoon made a start on updating the association website .
The first acoustic guitar evening was launched at the bar this evening. 9 of the 11 folk who ordered up food were Brits; is it any wonder that we always receive a warm welcome?
Left at about 9.30pm; yes, you've guessed it, to watch telly. Sad or what?
Weather:
11° blue sky and extremely strong winds

Weekend in the Village

12.11.17: Faithful Few

The non-church brigade were very thin on the ground again for coffee this morning. It's not the same sitting inside as being out on the terrace; maybe that's why. Even so, I'll keep going. What else would I do on Sunday morning?
The Maire and his wife came in around midday and we had an apéritif together; then I came home for lunch, do some Association admin and watch some telly.
All in all, this sunset was the highlight of the day. stunning, isn't it?
Weather:
20°, sun, blue sky

11.11.17: Poppies and Cornflowers

Sadly for French workers, Armistice day, which is a public holiday, fell this year on a Saturday. Surprisingly, even though the Unions were strong in the past, there's no day off in lieu when a public holiday falls at a weekend.
Old soldiers wearing medals, school children and the general public wearing symbols of remembrance (in France it's a cornflower) gathered on the square ready for the off..
We followed the brass band up to the War Memorial and listened to the Mayor talk of the Catalan brigade's contribution to the 2WW effort. Unsurprisingly, he drew parallels with the need to support democracy and resist fascism today as in the past. I've asked to get a copy of his speech as I know there will be one or two of you who'll be interested to read it.
Followed the band back to the Mairie for the apéritif and then toddled over to the bar where I found the British contingent (well, the 5 who'd turned out) having a coffee. Gave a nod to the public holiday by ordering up an apéritif.
Entertained Flo, a new member, to tea and chat about the association. Of course, we ranged farther than that, moving on to women's issues, politics and travel. We found a lot of common ground so expect to hear more about her in future posts.
Watched "Victoria and Abdul" cosied up by the stove and did nothing much else.
Weather:
18°, blue sky, lighter winds

Blowin' in the Wind

10.11.17: A Reservoir of Talent

Made an iced ginger cake to sell at this evening's Karaoké in the aid of the Téléthon. Treated Nicole to lunch at "Le France" by way of a thank you for taking me to the airport the other week. In the evening I attended a vernissage which due to a lack of publicity was extremely poorly attended. Rather, I should say embarrassingly poorly attended. Was a shame as the black and white paintings of jazz artists and three sculptures, demonstrated that the young Belgian artist deserved the awards she's received as a new talent. http://annelies-adriaensen.com/wordpress/
Next, it was off to the village hall to listen (not sing) to the kataoké, a first ever in the village. I was pleased for the organisers who'd put a lot of effort into it, that it was a big success. They made over 1,450€. And ..... there was lots of interesting finger food to sample.
Weather:
15°, sun, strong wind

9.11.17: Food for Thought
Language exchange, cuppa at the bar, impromptu lunch at Jacques' and the ciné club in the evening to see "Summer 1993," a film by a Catalan director. Luckily there were French subtitles.
http://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/summer-1993-review-1201993688/
Weather:
13° sun, chilly wind

8.11.17: Testing my Grasp of French and Local Knowleddge

Spent a good part of the day doing stuff on the computer for other people. The most tedious of which was correcting a CV.
In the evening I went to the presentation and signing of a book on the history of Céret written by the ex curé. Interesting but not being from here, the names of some of the old families and place names were lost on me.
https://autres-talents.fr/collections/roman/ceret-ville-d-art-et-de-culture--2-12-26-3499.html
Weather:
14° sunshine, chilly


7.11.17: À la Maison
A day doing chores and preparing an apéritif dinatoire for Jean-Jacques who's back from his trip zig-zagging France.
Weather:
14°, blue skies, no wind

6.11.17: Well done, Mum!

Mum's birthday today and she's still living in her own home and going strong. This year she's made some advances by going for a wee walk most days and even more astoundingly, taking herself every now and again to the Community café for lunch.
After speaking to her and getting to chat to Mary who was down from Birmingham to take her to lunch, I had a coffee with Nicole and passed the rest of the day doing Association "admin" before going for the monthly apéritif with two of the three other British women who make up the group.
Weather:
12°, blue skies and ferocious winds

Anti climax after all the Recent Buzz

5.11.17: Going Solo

There were about six of us around the table for coffee this morning though none of my usual pals were there. The church brigade left quite early as they were all going to the Sardane Association lunch in the foyer. Didn't feel like beating a retreat so stayed on for a white wine and was rewarded by the appearance of Margaret.
Home for lunch then down to the recreation ground to have a walk around the car boot sale. Shouldn't have bothered. Came home and brought the blog up to date; now there's only several weeks of back posts to do.
Weather:
17°, sun and stong winds

4.11.17: Winding Down

My Parisian family left on time at 7am to do the long drive in front of them. These few days have passed very quickly but it's great that they are so willing to make the journey south and keep the contact going. Evenings chatting around the dinner table were a pleasure (as was the bottle of cava at apéritif time) that I feel I should make more effort to invite friends to share food with me.
Went to the market with Michel and met Françoise for coffee then came home and spent the rest of the day quietly.
Weather:
20°, sun

Full House

3.11.17: A "bity" Kind of Day.
Frank and Stéphanie combined a wee trip out with buying a stock of wood pellets for the stove which will see me set for about three months. I stayed home while Sauveur finally came to finish a few bits and pieces and take away the huge ladder that's been propped against the wall for so long that it was growing roots. Did a fair bit of stuff for the Association, watched the last episode of the really interesting series about the Vietnam war. Echos of which apply today; false news, no exit strategy, cover ups and waste of life. Hegel was right. "the only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history".
In the evening Frank, Stéphanie and I went around to Michel's for an apéritif then back home we had dinner and an early night as my visitors are setting off early tomorrow morning.


2.11.17: Spanish and Indian Flavours

While the family were out for the day, I had a cuppa at the bar with the exchangers and prepared tapas for this evening which included some flapjacks so that we could finish on a sweet note. https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/member-recipes/recipe-detail/2982/
Our guests (Jean, Françoise and Michel) were gone by 10pm so we watched the 2nd Best Exotic Marigold Hotel which was 2nd best in every respect. 
Weather:
18°, sun
  
1.11.17: Somber Day, Cheery Evening

The family went off to Perpignan so I had another day to myself. Apart from Linde calling around briefly, I spent the time quietly. Today is Toussaint or "All Saints". It's the public holiday when families visit the graves of their loved ones to replace the dead flowers, dust the plastic ones and pull up the weeds.
Watched a fair bit of tv and was not happy that "George Gently" was bumped off; then Elvis in "Our Girl" was blown up. Who's next? Will Matt Crawford (Archers) recover?
Frank and Stéphanie prepared a tasty bacon risotto for dinner which we followed with "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" in front of the cosy glow of the stove. At least that brought a few laughs to go to bed on.
Weather:
19°, sun and light cloud

31.10.17: Trick or Spell

The family went out for the day which left me free to meet with Nicole S for a coffee. It was fine but she literally remained tight lipped when I asked her if she was going to come back to the café on a Sunday morning. So, the mystery of who or what has upset her remains unsolved.
Baked my usual Christmas cake (Delia's Creole Xmas cake) which gave off the most evocative smells. Well, fruit steeped in a variety of alcohol for a week and mixed spices would, wouldn't it?
This evening we inaugurated the stove; not that we really needed it as I spent the whole evening running up and down the stairs to give sweets to a stream of children who threaten to put a spell on you if you don't hand over a treat. Glad to say that I had just enough and consequently am still hale and hearty!
Weather:
18°, sun

30.10.17: Ever Reluctant Cleaner
Got stuck into some cleaning, some baking and took a break to have coffee which became an apéritif with Nicole. Imagine my embarassment when Ann, who was going to do the supermarket shopping that I couldn't carry, stopped by.
Frank and family arrived on schedule after their long drive from Paris. Spent a quiet night in.
Weather:
18°, sun and light cloud

Cleanliness is next to ..... Boredom

29.10.17: Reluctant Cleaner
Neither of the Nicole's were at the café so there was just Anne, Martine and I who stayed on for lunch. The imminent arrival of visitors means a splurge on the cleaning and Martine refereed the debate I was having with myself  about whether I should do some today or leave it until tomorrow. Reluctantly but wisely, I took her advice. Ugh!
Weather:
19°, sun and blue skies

28.10.17: Pottering Around

Took the bus to see Annette who's in a convalsence home and then another one into town to a bit of supermarket shopping. Came back loaded like the proverbial Catalan burro (donkey) but needs must; there are five more mouths to feed from the day after next.
Did some catching up with the blog in almost real time, had a long chat with Rowena who's back from China, watched tv and ate more chocolate than I should have.
Weather:
20°, sun and light cloud

Artistic Challenge

A day of domesticity and admin and then in the evening I went with Michel to a vernissage in Argelès. Sculptures in stone and paintings. There were at least 20 paintings like the one in the photo that were all in the same vein. They didn't do anything for me; the sculptures were a pleasure to touch but quite honestly, my artisic vocabularly is too limited for me to say anything else.
Weather:
20°, sun

Chocoholics

The family left at the end of the morning to go on to visit other family which left me with time to go over to the bar to meet the exchangers. It was a depleted group (often is at holiday periods). Home for a quick lunch and then a rendez-vous for a visit to a local chocolate maker. 13 of us squeezed into her workshop to listen, question and taste. They're not cheap but the strength of the raw chocolate means that you don't need much.
http://anglophone-direct.com/chocolate-arles-sur-tech/
Purchases in hand, Nicole and I left the rest of the group who went off for a guided tourof the abbey; we went in search of a cup of tea and found one in Céret where we sat in the sun and watched the world go by. On returning to the village, we wanted to make the most of the sun before it disappeared, so stopped off at the bar for a glass of wine where Marie Christine and her bloke joined us. One glass only, if you're thinking that I'm getting into bad habits and then, it was home for a bite to eat and an evening in front of the telly.
Weather:
21° sun

Sharing Memory Lane

Had a lovely day out today with the family down on the coast in Spain. Started off in L'Escala and a brisk walk along the coastal path. Stopped of for a beer at the hotel where Christian and I spent our last St Valentine's together. A really beautiful spot. Refreshed, we set off again to continue our walk to St Martí where we had lunch in the square after a little walk around. It's hard to believe that the family despite their numerous visits had never been here. to say that they were enthusiastic about what they found would be an understatement.
https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Attraction_Review-g580329-d10751203-Reviews-San_Marti_d_Empuries-L_Escala_Costa_Brava_Province_of_Girona_Catalonia.html
Before walking back to L'Escala, the family headed for the beach; Tanguy even went in for a swim. Me, I found a bench where I could read more of "Outlander" even though I'm watching it on tv. So far, it's pretty true to the novel. I just can't get enough of it!
Stopped off in Capmany on the way home to buy cava which was as well, as Margaret called in after her language workshop and stayed for an apéro.
Weather:
23°, blue skies

Getting Together

The family went off for the day and I stayed home to make a cake for this evening's neighbourhood get-together. Settled on a marmalade cake as being something seasonal that would go with the soup and roasted chestnuts that were on the menu. There was also time to meet Nicole P to hear about her trip to Southern Spain, do a bit of admin and to put my feet up with a cuppa without feeling guilty as the place was spick and span.
The evening was a great success with lots of delicious soups to sample. Just look at the number of folk in short sleeves.
Weather:
26°, blue sky

Bonjour à la Famille!

23.10.17: Making the most of the Muscles; Making the most of the Sun

First thing on the agenda was a trip to the rubbish dump with ever helpful Christophe and Jean. I did appreciate it but what a way to start the holidays. Treated them all to an apéritif at the bar out on the terrace and they in turn treated me to lunch. In the afternoon, they went off to the coast while I stayed home and did a bit of cooking.
Weather:
20°, blue skies

22.10.17: Mop and Bucket at the Ready

Allowed myself a break from pushing the vacuum around, weilding a mop and flicking a duster to go and have coffee at the café. Not many of us; once again Nicole S was noticable by her absence. didn't linger too long as I to do some baking, Still, all that needed to be done was done by the time that Christophe, Valérie et al arrived from Normandy.
After all day in the car, once their bags were dropped in various bedrooms and a cup of tea was washed down with cookies straight from the oven, they were ready for a walk around the village in the late afternoon sun. Stopped off at the bar for an apéritif before coming home for dinner.
Weather:
19°, blue sky and light cloud

Home Again

Strong winds had been forecast and one of the roads on the way to the airport was closed off we

assumed due to a tree across the road. Anyway, there was no problem with the flight taking off on time and my trusty tablet kept me entertained until we landed in warm, sunny France.
Ann and Terry were at the airport to meet me and kindly stopped off at the supermarket so that I could get some food in for the family's arrival tomorrow.
Spent a quiet evening as the next few days promise to be busy with 4 extra in the house.
Weather:
13°in Birmingam, 24° here