Bygone Days

Went to the market with Michel where my first stop was to watch a local group doing some Renaissance dancing. I'm afraid that my attention was taken up by the age of the dancers rather than their fancy footwork. Oops, I guess that makes me ageist and with my lack of energy, I'm in no position to criticise. Sorry!
Bumped into Jean and Françoise and had a coffee together.
Next it was a trip to the supermarket and a laze around at home until it was time for bed. Slothful or what? Can't leave it there, so I've gone in search of quotes so as to put myself in a better light. I particularly liked these:
* Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. (Sam Keen, American Author)
* Laziness is nothing more than resting before you get tired. (Jules Reynard, French Dramatist)
* I like the word "indolence", it makes my laziness seem classy. (Bernard Williams, English Philosopher)
Weather:
30°, sun and wind

Three Reasons to Celebrate

Didn't rush to start the day so as to conserve my energy to tackle the tax people who I reckoned are taking too much money from me. Couldn't believe that you need to phone a premium rate number to contact a public service. Still, it was worth it. Apparently, the standing order for one of our local taxes is still current.
Despite:
* Informing them that Christian had died and changing it to my name only
* Receiving a rebate as it was overpaid last year
Talk about not joining up the dots. Much to my surprise the person on the other end of the phone took my instruction to cancel the mandate without me having to put it in writing.
Regis came after lunch to fix the leak. Apparently it's the mixer tap. Before he went off to buy a new one, the pair of us went along to Jacques' for a coffee with his lunch guests. Just to put you in the picture, it was Jacques who recommended him. So, that's another problem sorted!
Did some work on the blog and then walked over to Ann and Terry's for an apéritif dinatoire to mark Dani's 70th birthday which was a couple of weeks ago. (That's her in the blue dress).
I was having another of my tired phases and found my eyes closing a couple of times which meant that I lost the thread of the conversation ... but there again there was quite a bit of football talk!
Weather:
33°, hot and sunny; thunder, lightening and a very short downpour in the evening

Dining In, Dining Out

17.8.17: Home Alone Again

Emma found another leak this morning; this time in the cave which I guess is coming from the shower on the 1st floor. ****** the air was blue for a short while.
The family left to head home at the end of the morning. It was lovely having them around and I'm so appreciative that they still want to come here.
Again circumstances meant that I gave the language exchange a miss but once I'd waved the family off, I had time for a quick coffee at the bar before getting the bus to Perpignan for my annual mamogram. It's always such a relief when there's nothing abnormal detected. And to my credit, I walked from the bus station to the clinic and back in the heat (15 minutes each way) rather than take the bus.
In the evening Nancy invited, JJ, André and Nany to Céret for dinner. This photo, taken from the car park on our way to the restaurant, is of a sculpture paying hommage to the "cubist", Juan Gris http://www.theartstory.org/artist-gris-juan.htm who stayed in the town in 1913 and 1921.
It was very pleasant sitting under the shade of the plane trees and chatting about international and local politics. Of course the subject of the terrorist attack on the Barcelona Ramblas came up though we hadn't yet heard of the one that came later in Cambrils.
Came back to the village for a last drink at the bar to take advantage of the cool of the night.
Weather:
35°, sun

16.8.17: Friends and Family

There is one less pair of shoes on the stairs as Pierre left after lunch to join his pals in Argelès . Maureen still in a bit of a huff so his departure hasn't helped. This evening Nancy and JJ came for dinner; Michel stopped by to say "hello" and have a glass of water. It was short and sweet as he was expecting friends to arrive and was off alcohol in an effort to fight the calories.
We had a good time though and ended the evening with a drink at the bar.
Weather:
31°, sun

The Glums

15.8.17: Off Duty
The usual Rallye Pedestre didn't happen this year as there were no volunteers forthcoming to organise it. The kids were disappointed but they still booted up and went to explore the Cathar Castles instead, therefore, I had another day left to my own devices with the added bonus that I was to be relieved of cooking duties.
Met Nancy and Nicole P at the café and stayed on to have an omelette lunch.
Spent the afternoon being a couch potato. So what? It is a public holiday after all.
Jean and Françoise stopped by to bring some photos of the hike and stayed for a quick drink.
Dinner was a real treat and everyone contributed.

On the menu:
Guacamole and nachos (Pierre), melon,saucisson
Chilled Cucumber Soup
Stuffed Aubergines
Panna Cotta with Strawberry Coulis
White Chocolate Cookies (Maureen)
You don't need me to tell you that it was a good meal but sadly there was a bit of a hiccup as Maureen went into a strop when the conversation strayed on to her future studies. (Look, you can see from the photo, she isn't always a mardy soul). As there was no lifting the mood around the table, when the meal was finished Valérie and I went to the café in a search of a bit of a wind down and light relief which we found at the bottom of a teapot!
Weather:
29), cloud and a few spots of rain
PS For those of you who are too young to remember, the Glums were a radio family from the 50's - 60's. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSk3of8kZ4c

14.8.17: Yet Another Problem Coming to Light

The family were up and out very early to meet Françoise to go on a hike up in the mountains. The plumber turned up as arranged and fixed the leak under the bath but while sorting this problem, he found another; there's a small gap between the floor and the wall so any surface water finds its way there and drip, drip, drips into the sitting room below. All very depressing; it's just one thing after another. There was only one remedy and that was a cuppa and chill out at the café.
Weather:
28), sun


13.8.17: Salutations and Songs of the Seventies

Valérie and I started the day with a walk up to where Christian rests in the shade to say "bonjour", reminisce and admire the view.
I stopped off at the bar for a cuppa while the family headed off to Spain for the whole day. This suited me fine as I was able to do some cooking and have a bit of settee time.
They came back absolutely exhausted so there was no interest in the least to go to the bar to listen to music; in any case they could hear it from the house. The terrace was packed so I was pleased that Nicole V, Anne and Jacques had saved me a seat. It was fun singing along to songs from the 70's. The accordionist made us laugh with the most fixed dead pan expression we'd ever seen. It didn't crack once!
Weather:
31°, sun

It's Like Picadilly Circus Here

12.8.17: Another Meaning of "Slow Food"

Don came back to put the finishing touches to the fireplace. We all went to the market; I with Jacques as there wasn't room for six in the car. Needless to say, it was busy so I was pleased to stop off and have a coffee with Michèle and Henri.
Had yet another afternoon cleaning the sitting room in between catching up on a bit of tv.
This evening we had dinner over at the bar. There were loads of people there dining so there was a bit of a wait and to make matters worse, Jean-Louis hadn't noted our reservation. Quick as a flash, he found a sturdy folding table and laid it up to the side of the terrace. Have to say that our fingers were crossed that no car wanted to come down the passage way! Nicole P joined us, so with all the chat, the long wait didn't weigh too heavily. Pity the meat was tough but we were hungry and it was food .....
Weather:
29°, sun chilly breeze in the evening

11.8.17: It's Not Finished Yet

Had both Don and the plumber working this morning. Well, the plumber's visit was diagnosic only as he needs to buy a piece to replace the leaking joint under the bath.
Maureen and boyfriend Pierre were off in Perpignan for the day so there were just four of us for lunch at Jean and Françoise's. It was defintely cooler but even so we were able to eat in the garden.
Dinner was a "what you can find in the fridge" affair but good nonetheless.
Afterwards the women of the family, spanning three generations, went down to the recreation ground to give this week's dance organised by the local PTA a go. Sad to say, it was not well attended perhaps due to the cold; perhaps due to other events elsewhere. These affairs usually cater for at least 150 - 250 meals but tonight only 50 had reserved and even worse, only 31 had turned up. We felt really sorry for all those who'd worked hard for such little recompense destined for the kids' outings fund.
Ended the evening with a cuppa at the bar.
Weather:
24°, blue sky, chilly wind

10.8.17: The Work Goes On

Don back again; this time to fix the curtain rail that had come down. The family made a relatively early start for a day out in Spain which left me to my own devices. I played hooky from the language exchange. Met Nicole P for a coffee and catch up. Poor thing is absolutely exhausted with excessively noisy neighbours (well, there are 18 people in the 4 bed roomed house!) and a week of caring for her 1 year and 6 year old grandchildren. Went back to the bar later to meet the exchangers and found Penny and Frank there having lunch. Worked on the blog in the afternoon and reserved the last B and B for my trip.
The family didn't arrive back until 9pm by which time I'd gone over to the bar to meet Nicole, Nancy and Yasmin to listen to music. This evening's offering was blues and rock and it set the terrace alight.
Weather:
25°, cool

9.8.17: The Delights of Old Houses
Don back to plaster; another late start for the family; coffee at the other bar before lunch once everyone had come back from the recreation ground.
Once again I succumbed to short snooze only to wake up to the sound of water dripping through the ceiling. Couldn't see where it was coming from so hoped against hope that it was an aberration.
Spent the rest of the afternoon while everyone as out preparing tapas for Ben, Kath and their 3 children which we had down in the "pub". A pleasant evening even if it was damp and chilly out.
Oh dear, the leak is a real one; so now I need to find a plumber.
Weather:
24°, chilly, light rain

8.8.17: More Dusty Footprints
Sauveur arrived for 8.15am to install the plug that's needed for the pellet burning stove; Don came to do the plaster board; the kids appeared for breakfast at 11.30 and were ready for lunch when I came back from having a coffee with Nancy at 1pm!
Had a wee snooze in the afternoon and a drink with Valérie and Linda in the bar after dinner.
Weather:
24°, sun and a few drops of rain

Yasmin to the Rescue

Having missed my chance to go to the supermarket with Michel on Saturday to do a big shop ready for the family's arrival, Yasmin , lovely person that she is, helped me do what would have been impossible on the bus.  How do women do huge shops every week as well as working, I ask myself?
Sauveur, the electrician came and Don came to talk about coordinating the work that they need to do on the fireplace. I had to do a rethink about the cake I was going to do for dessert as despite this morning's expedition, I didn't have all the ingredients I needed. As it was, I only just managed to scrape enough sugar together.
Chores done, there was less than half an hour to spare before the family arrived for lunch.
Had a quick cuppa at the bar with Valérie after dinner but gave the open air cinema session a miss as watching tv in bed was more appealing than a French comedy.
Weather:
28°, sun

Heat and Dust

6.8.17: Best 2€ Worth I've Ever Had.

Stomach not so bad though still sounding like a tuba but having spent all day inside yesterday, it was over to the café without a moment's hesitation.
Met Nancy's current visitors; Linda, an ex ballet dancer/teacher turned biologist and Emma, a fresh faced young woman passionately interested in History. This village is amazing for the diverse and talented people that you can come across.
Back home, I did some more cleaning, a bit of cooking for tomorrow, more B and B hunting and caught up with one blog post.
After all the mundane stuff, this evening's musical offering at the bar was just fabulous! A group playing Rock, Latino and Soul wowed us all. A great evening of music all for the price of a cup of tea!
Weather:
29°, chilly start after overnight rain

5.8.17: Heat Wave Goes On
Gave the market a miss as my stomach is worse. You'll be relieved to be spared the details, I'm sure.

Despite my woes, I cleaned the cave (needs must and all that) and for a bit of light relief, continued my B and B research.
Jean and Françoise called by to check up on me which was kind and just the best medicine.
Weather:
35°, sun

4.8.17: Heat Wave
Went for an early coffee to makethe most of the cooler air. Then I came home to start the clean up ready for visitors next week. It was hot and tiring but I kept at it until the end of the afternoon with only a short break for lunch. Oh, Thérèse, why did you have to break your wrist when I needed you most? Don came by to see about the fireplace so there's more dust to come but I won't go there as it's too depressing to think about at the moment.
For some reason, my stomach has started rumbling and rolling. My goodness, what a moan I'm becoming. These two birthday cards sum up my current state: how I 'd like to see myself and how I'm actually looking!
Weather:
Another scotching day, 38°

Just About Staying the Course

3.8.17: Don't Ask "How Old?"

What a masochist I am! Instead of pampering myself on my birthday, I went to do my duty at the language exchange and it didn't exactly set the heather alight. Still, I had a trip out to lunch in La Jonquera to look forward to with Yasmin, Nancy and Nicole S.
Temperatures reached 100° today and much to our surprise there were people sitting out on the terrace under heat-trapping parasols at the restaurant instead of enjoying the cool of the air conditioned dining room. It was a simple but pleasant lunch in good company and some lovely earrings came my way too.
Still feeling tired, I had a wee siesta and rest on the bed for a couple of hours until it was time to head over to the bar to heat Lolo and his friend play the night away. JJ, Nancy, Kathy, her goddaughter, Nicole S and I soaked up the atmosphere of the full terrace and appreciative audience while bopping as we sat!
Weather:
38°, sun, stifling heat

2.8.17: Three Little Maids Are They!

Had a more leisurely start this morning and then a leisurely coffee with Nicole P and Nancy. Sadly we said "goodbye" to Jacques, Lisa and Yaneth who are not only on their way back to Paris but also heading off to live in South America. Who knows when they'll be back this way and despite a warm and pressing invitation, I'm not sure I'll make it to see them.
There was even sadder news from Michel who phoned to say that his friend, the village dentist, had died while they were on a cycle ride out in the country. Michel, of course was in bits having struggled for 15 minutes to revive him while awaiting the emergency services.
On a much more mundane subject, the sweep came this afternoon to give my chimney a good clean in readiness for the pellet burning stove.
This evening Jim and Mags hosted a reunion of the group that went to Scotland but I felt so drained that I didn't really enjoy it as much as I should have. Feel tired and flat and I'm wondering if it's because I've let gluten slip back into my diet these last couple of days. Or maybe it's just the heat as temperatures soared to 95°
Weather:
35°, sun and no breeze at all

All Good Things ...

Jill's last day and it started with a trip into Céret on the bus. Had a wander around visiting the church and the Place de Neuf Jets before having a coffee. Had another coffee on our return at the bar so Jill could listen to the fountain and gaze out on the square one last time.
After lunch, while I caught up with the blog so that she could take the latest instalment to Mum, Jill did sterling work hanging some curtains and cutting down the wide trousers that I kept falling over last year. What a treasure she is; what a slave driver am I.
And so the time came to meet Françoise for the trip to the airport where we killed time by having  a cuppa. Our fond farewells were sad ones but I know Jill will be glad to get home in time for the imminent birth of her latest grandchild. She's promised that whatever happens she'll come back and visit next year which will be a real pleasure. Can't tell you how good it was to have some "real" sister time after all these years.

This evening I didn't have time to sit home and mope as I went with Nancy, Yasmin and Nicole to the nocturnal market. Nothing much of interest to tempt a purchase so we settled for a drink at one of the bars where jazz was being played.
Weather:
32°, overcast start, sun and a rain shower in the afternoon. Apparently the village experienced a few minutes of a strong turbulent wind that sent things flying. Chez moi it blew my heavy bedroom curtain with such force that it pushed the curtain rail out of one of its fixings leaving a bit of cosmetic plastering to be done. There's always something.