31.12.18
There were 8 of us around my neighbours Gérard and Anna's table until 2.30am. Good food, fine wine, plenty of champagne, lots of merriment. Welcome 2019!
Weather:
20, sun
Monday 31 December 2018
Seeing in the New Year
There were 8 of us around my neighbours Gérard and Anna's table until 2.30am. Good food, fine wine, plenty of champagne, lots of merriment. Welcome 2019!
Weather:
20, sun
Tuesday 25 December 2018
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Here are a few photos to prove that I'm still around. Merry Christmas where ever you are and whatever you're doing! Rx
Friday 30 November 2018
Unhappy Internaute, Happy Diners
26.11.18 - 30.11.18
Well, time to say "hello" again and bring you up to date until the end of November.
Of course there's been the usual things going on with Association admin, the language exchange, even a committee meeting (26th). Well in fact there were two committee meetings this week, the other was for the Twinning association (28th).
Trips to the café are now for a hot chocolate rather than tea or coffee as not only is it cold outside but inside too. Apparently, if Nico is cooking and has the hood working, they can't light the fire as the smoke comes back down the chimney!
Anne who I haven't seen for ages called by on the off chance on 27th and stayed for tea. Sadly she's losing her memory which at only 2 years older than me is pretty scary. Putting that thought firmly in the box marked "not needed on the journey"! JJ came for a catch up the same day but this time it was a bottle of cava and a few nibbles that helped the conversation flow.
Good deeds included 3.5 tiring hours of cutting up melons and another couple of hours cutting up oranges for the Téléthon jam. Over 500 pots were made.
Tellywise, the gorgeous Jaimie Fraser (Outlander) kept me entertained. Not met a woman yet who doesn't share my 5* opinion of him.
Back in the present day and feet once more on the ground, I finally planted up the pansies I bought 3 weeks ago, was without internet for 4 days (fibre optique cable accidentally sliced through), had a power cut for an hour due to a power station failure that affected almost the whole of the Pyrénées Orientales.
There was some fun too. Jo organised a birthday cake at the bar for Kevin's birthday and then a karaoke evening in Le Boulou for 30 of us (30th). Not one nod in the direction of Bonnie Scotland's national day but having gone against my better judgement, it was more fun than I'd anticipated . Probably because it was a good mix of nationalities.
The new owner of the "Happy Diner"hasn't yet quite got to grips with managing group bookings. He phoned Jo to say that he was 4 plates short; she thought he meant servings but he actually meant plates to serve on. The DJ, a youngish bloke missing his front teeth doubled as the washer up. He abandonded the turntable to return to the kitchen to wash the starter plates so that the main course could be served. When pay up time came, the owner gave up trying to sort out individual bills and charged us all 20€ each which with all the wine we got through, was a good deal. At least for us!
https://www.tripadvisor.fr/ShowUserReviews-g612419-d12921109-r532939693-Happy_Diner-Le_Boulou_Pyrenees_Orientales_Occitanie.html
Weather:
Temperatures between 11° - 17°, sun and clear skies.
Of course there's been the usual things going on with Association admin, the language exchange, even a committee meeting (26th). Well in fact there were two committee meetings this week, the other was for the Twinning association (28th).
Trips to the café are now for a hot chocolate rather than tea or coffee as not only is it cold outside but inside too. Apparently, if Nico is cooking and has the hood working, they can't light the fire as the smoke comes back down the chimney!
Anne who I haven't seen for ages called by on the off chance on 27th and stayed for tea. Sadly she's losing her memory which at only 2 years older than me is pretty scary. Putting that thought firmly in the box marked "not needed on the journey"! JJ came for a catch up the same day but this time it was a bottle of cava and a few nibbles that helped the conversation flow.
Good deeds included 3.5 tiring hours of cutting up melons and another couple of hours cutting up oranges for the Téléthon jam. Over 500 pots were made.
Tellywise, the gorgeous Jaimie Fraser (Outlander) kept me entertained. Not met a woman yet who doesn't share my 5* opinion of him.
Back in the present day and feet once more on the ground, I finally planted up the pansies I bought 3 weeks ago, was without internet for 4 days (fibre optique cable accidentally sliced through), had a power cut for an hour due to a power station failure that affected almost the whole of the Pyrénées Orientales.
The new owner of the "Happy Diner"hasn't yet quite got to grips with managing group bookings. He phoned Jo to say that he was 4 plates short; she thought he meant servings but he actually meant plates to serve on. The DJ, a youngish bloke missing his front teeth doubled as the washer up. He abandonded the turntable to return to the kitchen to wash the starter plates so that the main course could be served. When pay up time came, the owner gave up trying to sort out individual bills and charged us all 20€ each which with all the wine we got through, was a good deal. At least for us!
https://www.tripadvisor.fr/ShowUserReviews-g612419-d12921109-r532939693-Happy_Diner-Le_Boulou_Pyrenees_Orientales_Occitanie.html
Weather:
Temperatures between 11° - 17°, sun and clear skies.
Sunday 25 November 2018
Autumn is here
5.11.18 - 25.11.18
Yes, I'm still here! Earlier this year it was too hot to sit in front of the computer and bring you up to date. Now that it's turned chilly, when I'm home, I just want to stay snug by the fire when I'm not out and about making paper flowers for next March's carnival, organising things for the association's participation in the Téléthon and the Pipe Band's visit next year, drinking coffee, going to the Ciné Club (Ladybird, 3 Billboards outside Ebbing), or sitting around some table or other with friends (chez JJ, chez Jean and Françoise, chez James and Beverley, chez moi). There's also a bit of cleaning, shopping, treadmill, even a bit of cooking going on too. Oh, and also time spent trying to get my papers together for a forthcoming interview for my "Carte de Séjour". Many thanks to all those ****** Brexiteers for the uncertanties that have come our way and the drop in the value of the pound and all that means for those of us on a fixed income.
Still, all the more reason to make the most of life. Carpe diem! There's snow on Canigou, the leaves are rich in autumnal colour and a good pot of soup warms body and soul!
Last night I went to a show down in Port Vendres that included music from 3 Spanish guitarists, flamenco, a violinist and stunning aerial acrobatics to take you far from the mundane.
Follow this link for a few photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/7Gt3qNR91mc1a66H6
Weather:
Temperatures as low as 7° (6th) and as high as 22°(12th). More rain and cloud than usual, interspersed with blue skies and sun.
Still, all the more reason to make the most of life. Carpe diem! There's snow on Canigou, the leaves are rich in autumnal colour and a good pot of soup warms body and soul!
Last night I went to a show down in Port Vendres that included music from 3 Spanish guitarists, flamenco, a violinist and stunning aerial acrobatics to take you far from the mundane.
Follow this link for a few photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/7Gt3qNR91mc1a66H6
Weather:
Temperatures as low as 7° (6th) and as high as 22°(12th). More rain and cloud than usual, interspersed with blue skies and sun.
Sunday 4 November 2018
It's an ill wind
Saturday 3 November 2018
Family Visit N° 2
3.11.18:
Frank, Stéphanie and the girls left early this morning which left time for some exercise on the treadmill and a trip to the market with Maggie. The sun was shining and there was pristine snow on Canigou set against a backdrop of a cloudless blue sky. fabulous.
Met Nicole this evening for a glass of wine and a catch up without her normally ever-present son.
Weather:
16°, sun
2.11.18:
Coffee with Nicole and her son and were later joined by Frank and Stéphanie after which we went over to the restaurant for a meal "en famille". The food is so much better than at the bar and at lunch time is even better value. It's a bit late to be thinking that I should eat there more. Sabrina finally confirmed that they have sold and will be closing before too long. The new owners plan to continue in the same style when they open next Spring, so all is not lost
The family made the most of their last day here with a trip to the sea to see a friend and to Spain to buy petrol, which is cheaper there. Meantime, I prepared this evening's apéritif dinatoire with Jean and Françoise.
1.11.18:
Today, people traditionally visit deceased love ones, often to wash the plastc flowers or to replace last year's chrysanthamums. Didn't join the family but went to the café instead. Christian would have approved; he was there with me!
JJ and Jacques came for dinner so there was good conversation, a few drinks and a tasty meal of Pork and Chorizo, my go-to dish.
Weather:
18 deg, sun
31.10.18:
No lunch to prepare today as the family went of to Perpignan despite a forecast of rain. A really nice thing happened this morning at the baker's. Dominique, who was on the German trip, wanted to buy me a coffee but when we realised that neither of the bars were open, the baker offered to make us one. Of course, in return we treated ourselves to a pain au chocolat.
Unlike Rowena, who appeared for a cuppa this afternoon, literally soaked through to the skin, the family managed to stay dry. With the wet weather, there were no kids at the door trick or treating so the girls fell heir to a huge bag of sweeties. It's an ill wind .......
30.10.18
Joined the family for a day out in Figueres; coffee, fruit and veg market, a bit of shopping and lunch on the Ramblas. Unlike the others who had tapas, I went for a "fideua" cooked with squid ink and ended up with black lips and tongue for most of the afternoon!
Weather:
16°, sun, wind
29.10.18:
Committee meeting, a hot chocolate in the cold bar. Must be the drop in temperature but I felt tired. Couldn't sit through to the end of "The Bookshop" but I'd already seen it so an early night was more tempting.
Weather:
10°, cloud.
28.10.18:
In between preparing for Frank, Stéphanie and the girls' arrival, I managed my usual coffee at the bar. Some things are sacred, are they not?
Weather:
10°, rain, cloud
Frank, Stéphanie and the girls left early this morning which left time for some exercise on the treadmill and a trip to the market with Maggie. The sun was shining and there was pristine snow on Canigou set against a backdrop of a cloudless blue sky. fabulous.
Met Nicole this evening for a glass of wine and a catch up without her normally ever-present son.
Weather:
16°, sun
2.11.18:
The family made the most of their last day here with a trip to the sea to see a friend and to Spain to buy petrol, which is cheaper there. Meantime, I prepared this evening's apéritif dinatoire with Jean and Françoise.
1.11.18:
JJ and Jacques came for dinner so there was good conversation, a few drinks and a tasty meal of Pork and Chorizo, my go-to dish.
Weather:
18 deg, sun
31.10.18:
No lunch to prepare today as the family went of to Perpignan despite a forecast of rain. A really nice thing happened this morning at the baker's. Dominique, who was on the German trip, wanted to buy me a coffee but when we realised that neither of the bars were open, the baker offered to make us one. Of course, in return we treated ourselves to a pain au chocolat.
Unlike Rowena, who appeared for a cuppa this afternoon, literally soaked through to the skin, the family managed to stay dry. With the wet weather, there were no kids at the door trick or treating so the girls fell heir to a huge bag of sweeties. It's an ill wind .......
30.10.18
Weather:
16°, sun, wind
29.10.18:
Committee meeting, a hot chocolate in the cold bar. Must be the drop in temperature but I felt tired. Couldn't sit through to the end of "The Bookshop" but I'd already seen it so an early night was more tempting.
Weather:
10°, cloud.
28.10.18:
In between preparing for Frank, Stéphanie and the girls' arrival, I managed my usual coffee at the bar. Some things are sacred, are they not?
Weather:
10°, rain, cloud
Wednesday 24 October 2018
Family Visit N°1
24.10.18:
All too soon it was time for my visitors to take to the road again to visit other family members in Limoux and Toulouse. Still, it was great to see them and I really appreciate the effort that make to come.
Wasn't alone for too long though as Nicole came around to let off steam. Didn't bother with coffee, something stronger was needed. We went straight for a couple of glasses of cava making lunch somewhat later than usual.
Weather:
23° sun and cloud
23.10.18:
Joined the family for a day out in Roses over the border. A pleasant walk along the prom to have a coffee overlooking the sea, then continued to the marina where we had a beer. Turned around and walked back again in search of lunch. Many places were closed and we finally settled on the "Restaurant Panaoramic" which was well situated. The food though was the usual tourist stuff.
https://www.tripadvisor.fr/ShowUserReviews-g262060-d7722687-r599501167-Restaurant_panoramic-Roses_Costa_Brava_Province_of_Girona_Catalonia.html
Tanguy was the only one brave enough to get in the water; Christophe and Valérie had a short siesta and I read in the shade.
Stopped off at the shopping mall on the way back where once again I found a comfy place to read while the others parted with their cash.
Weather:
25°, sun
22.10.18:
The kids went off and I pottered around and tried out a Jaimie recipe that I'd never done before. Changed the tapenade for pesto but still felt it needed a bit more of a "kick".
https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fish-recipes/one-pan-fabulous-fish/
Weather:
22°, sun
21.10.18:
Coninued preparations for the the arrival of my Norman family. Did find time, however, to have a coffee at the bar. Once their bags were unloaded and we'd had a cuppa and catch up, Christophe and Valérie were itching to stretch their legs. We ended up doing a 7km walk up into the hills outside the village. Gorgeous views though by the time we made it back, the clocks having changesd last night, it was already dark. Stopped off at the bar for an apéro then it was back home to prise the boys away from their tablets.
Weather:
26°, sunny
Wasn't alone for too long though as Nicole came around to let off steam. Didn't bother with coffee, something stronger was needed. We went straight for a couple of glasses of cava making lunch somewhat later than usual.
Weather:
23° sun and cloud
23.10.18:
https://www.tripadvisor.fr/ShowUserReviews-g262060-d7722687-r599501167-Restaurant_panoramic-Roses_Costa_Brava_Province_of_Girona_Catalonia.html
Tanguy was the only one brave enough to get in the water; Christophe and Valérie had a short siesta and I read in the shade.
Stopped off at the shopping mall on the way back where once again I found a comfy place to read while the others parted with their cash.
Weather:
25°, sun
22.10.18:
The kids went off and I pottered around and tried out a Jaimie recipe that I'd never done before. Changed the tapenade for pesto but still felt it needed a bit more of a "kick".
https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fish-recipes/one-pan-fabulous-fish/
Weather:
22°, sun
21.10.18:
Weather:
26°, sunny
Tuesday 16 October 2018
Sister Time
6.10.18 - 16.10.18
What a bonus! After nearly a week staying with my lovely little sister, she came to stay with me. Meals with friends, coffeee at the bar, jaunts to the sea and for the last few days, a lazy time with our feet up drinking cava and over dosing on "Black List" box set. https://photos.app.goo.gl/tPDNF38g4ANsShSK7
Saturday 6 October 2018
Surprise!
Been away and since coming back I've been busy and haven't had time to catch up with "Chitchat". Where have you heard that line before? Anyway, I have found a moment to put the resulting photos into a web album. If you're interested, just click on the link. https://photos.app.goo.gl/EcoSadpe6juMVkbn7
Wednesday 19 September 2018
Unsustained Good Intentions
Oh my goodness! I didn't realise that I was so far behind with "Chitchat". So much for my resolve to do better.Sorry but I've been busy and I've been lazy and I'm again in a busy phase.
Hope to catch up before toooo long.
Still hot here, 28°!
I've seen that there have been a lot of page hits lately so, thanks for bearing with me.
Wednesday 15 August 2018
Round Up
Since the last post:
- Temperatures relentlessly almost hit 40° and the only solution was stay indoors behind closed shutters
- Had a birthday with flowers, presents and a couple of lunches out
- Had a day trip to Figueres and curry lunch with Nicole S
- Attended several musical evenings at the bar, sometimes having dinner too.
- Enjoyed a visit from Valérie and the kids, spending time visiting the Palais des Rois de Majorque in Perpignan with its exhibition of Byrrh (local apéritif) posters, Les Prichard's exhibition, dinner at the bar, dinner chez Jean and Françoise, an apéritif dinatoire chez Jean-Jacques and an excellent dinner cooked by Valérie and Maureen
https://photos.app.goo.gl/JiN8KaXW9VvQ37UW9
Saturday 28 July 2018
Thank goodness for the café and invitations from friends
28.7.18: Out for dessert:
Missed going to the market as I was waiting for a parcel to be deliverd some time between 8 in the moning and 8 at night. Damn thing didn't arrive! Luckily, having opted out of a full meal, I have a date to join Michel and Anita to eat dessert (cheesecake) at his place. More later.
Weather:
29° cloud then sun. Not a breath of air
27.7.18: Out for apéros
Coffee with Nicole and another lethargic afternoon. Mojitos chez Michel livened up the evening especially as a young couple, his airbnb guests, arrived and joined us.
Passing through the square on my way home, the bar was thronged with folk listening to the music. Despite being better than the last concert, I resited requests to stay, preferring to try and catch the lunar eclipse from my terrace. Sadly cloud obscured the view for much of the time but I did manage to snap the tail end of it.
Weather:
34°, hot and sunny, cloud later
26.7.18: Routine Thursday
Language exchange followed as usual with a stopover at the bar.
Weather:
37°, hot and sunny
25.7.18: Out for apéros
Had a change of coffee venue this morning (Joëlle's) though not of company.
This evening though was the highlight of the week with apéros at Jim and Mags'. A good mix of French (including JJ), Scots and English with endless Pimms to drink and a variety of goodies to eat looking out on a fabulous bit of scenery.
Weather:
36°, hot and sunny
24.7.18: Out for coffee
Coffee with Nicole P, worked on the association website.
Weather:
31°, hot and sunny
23.7.18: Out for coffee and tea
Supermarket with Nick, coffee with Nicole P and walked to Nicole S's for tea.
Weather:
31°, hot and sunny
Missed going to the market as I was waiting for a parcel to be deliverd some time between 8 in the moning and 8 at night. Damn thing didn't arrive! Luckily, having opted out of a full meal, I have a date to join Michel and Anita to eat dessert (cheesecake) at his place. More later.
Weather:
29° cloud then sun. Not a breath of air
27.7.18: Out for apéros
Passing through the square on my way home, the bar was thronged with folk listening to the music. Despite being better than the last concert, I resited requests to stay, preferring to try and catch the lunar eclipse from my terrace. Sadly cloud obscured the view for much of the time but I did manage to snap the tail end of it.
Weather:
34°, hot and sunny, cloud later
26.7.18: Routine Thursday
Language exchange followed as usual with a stopover at the bar.
Weather:
37°, hot and sunny
25.7.18: Out for apéros
This evening though was the highlight of the week with apéros at Jim and Mags'. A good mix of French (including JJ), Scots and English with endless Pimms to drink and a variety of goodies to eat looking out on a fabulous bit of scenery.
Weather:
36°, hot and sunny
24.7.18: Out for coffee
Coffee with Nicole P, worked on the association website.
Weather:
31°, hot and sunny
23.7.18: Out for coffee and tea
Supermarket with Nick, coffee with Nicole P and walked to Nicole S's for tea.
Weather:
31°, hot and sunny
Sunday 22 July 2018
Cooler Weather
22.7.18: Still bearable
Sunday morning coffee was more animated than usual as there was a cobla (sardane orchestra) playing in the square after Mass. It was good to see it and the bar busy with dancers and spectators as well as the usual suspects.
What's more, the cooler weather has continued. You can see from the photo that there's no blistering sun to deal with. Such a relief!
Came home for lunch and here I am in real time sitting in front of the computer bringing the blog bang up to date. Talk about well in advance. I'll be back at a later point to finish off the day as I'll have this evening's music to report on. Don't let the suspense get to you!
Later:
Arrived late and left after about three songs; the music even to my untrained ear was was rubbish. Martine turned up just as I was making my get-away so she came back to mine to drink cava on the terrace. Altogether a better way to spend the evening.
Weather:
28°, sun and cloud
21.7.18: Drop in temperature
No Saturday lie-in; there was a treadmill to pound and a rendez-vous with Michel at 10am to go to the market. As usual, he was late so it was after 10h30 by the time I met up with Jean and Françoise.
To give myself a bit more latitude, I decided to go home on the bus rather than with Michel. Even had time for a bit of photography; local businesses were responsible for this street decoration. Cheery, isn't it? I saw something similar in Gerona a couple of years ago; it featured parasols instead of kites and was every bit as effective.
With half an hour left to wait before the bus I decided to have a coffee in a bar on the way to the stop. By chance I met Thérèse and her partner Eric who invited me to join them. Not from the village, I only know them from my local where they stop by from time to time. As Thérèse was not prepared to offer me a coffee at 12.30 in the day, I succumbed to a white wine while we caught up on all our back news.
Spent a quiet time at home until it was time to go to the recreation ground for the fireworks' display which was good and much appreciated. Luckily, the earlier rain hadn't interfered with the continuing festivities of the Festa Major. (meal of "moules/frites", disco and fun fair)
Weather:
27°, sun, showers and cloud later.
What's more, the cooler weather has continued. You can see from the photo that there's no blistering sun to deal with. Such a relief!
Came home for lunch and here I am in real time sitting in front of the computer bringing the blog bang up to date. Talk about well in advance. I'll be back at a later point to finish off the day as I'll have this evening's music to report on. Don't let the suspense get to you!
Later:
Arrived late and left after about three songs; the music even to my untrained ear was was rubbish. Martine turned up just as I was making my get-away so she came back to mine to drink cava on the terrace. Altogether a better way to spend the evening.
Weather:
28°, sun and cloud
21.7.18: Drop in temperature
To give myself a bit more latitude, I decided to go home on the bus rather than with Michel. Even had time for a bit of photography; local businesses were responsible for this street decoration. Cheery, isn't it? I saw something similar in Gerona a couple of years ago; it featured parasols instead of kites and was every bit as effective.
With half an hour left to wait before the bus I decided to have a coffee in a bar on the way to the stop. By chance I met Thérèse and her partner Eric who invited me to join them. Not from the village, I only know them from my local where they stop by from time to time. As Thérèse was not prepared to offer me a coffee at 12.30 in the day, I succumbed to a white wine while we caught up on all our back news.
Spent a quiet time at home until it was time to go to the recreation ground for the fireworks' display which was good and much appreciated. Luckily, the earlier rain hadn't interfered with the continuing festivities of the Festa Major. (meal of "moules/frites", disco and fun fair)
Weather:
27°, sun, showers and cloud later.
Friday 20 July 2018
This Week's News
20.7.18: Showing willing
Had a late coffee at the bar on my own and enjoyed every minute of listening to the fountain and the mummer of conversation in the background.
Had lunch at "La Galerie" with Ann, Lynn and her visitor Anne. The restaurant has had good reviews and we weren't disappointed and the two young proprietors were charming. https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g196603-d14076345-Reviews-Restaurant_La_Galerie-Ceret_Pyrenees_Orientales_Occitanie.html
Spent the afternoon trying not to think about having to wear my demon costume (long robe, long sleeves, red wig, wings) and having my face painted for the first evening of the village's "festa major". Given that the carnival was cancelled back in February due to bad weather, it was decided to bring out the float at this time. Being so hot, I'm sure that I will have lost the kilos I put on this lunchtime but not those that the sausage chips we ate afterwards will have piled on. The things I find myself involved in to support village events.
Weather:
32°, hot and sunny
19.8.18: Standing room only
Language exchange this morning and a cuppa at the bar afterwards. God, how often have I written this over the years. The exchange started six months after the blog, 10 years ago though at that time it took place at the café.
Ate lunch rapidly at home before an Association committee meeting and at the end of the afternoon had tea with Michel. This time there was no cava and no baking but it was good to catch up even if he was on the clock.
This evening there was an Irish night at the bar with music provided by 10 local singers and musicians. There wasn't a seat to be had and for all concered, the evening was a big success.
Weather:
34°, sunny
18.7.18: Doing the rounds
Took my usual Wednesday morning coffee at Joëlle's on the main road where I was joined by one of the village nurses who was on a rare day off. Here community nurses are all self employed so many of them put in very long hours.
A women only afternoon tea chez Mags organised to meet her friend Gillie. As is the fashion these days it started with a glass of fizz though rather than the ubiquitous glass of prosecco that's on every menu in UK, we stayed loyal to Catalunya and drank cava. My kind of afternoon; chat, cava, Earl Grey and lots of home baking!
In the evening there was an imromptu apéritif at the bar with Nicole and Florian. Luckily I didn't listen to the voice in my head that was saying "no need to water, the rain is coming", because of course, it didn't.
Weather:
32°, sun, cloud later
17.7.18: Eureka!
Obviously had an uneventful day as I can't remember anything about it! Am I on the slippery slope or was it such a boring day that I couldn't even be bothered to make a note?
Mystery solved; maybe you can hear my sigh of relief. Have just had a look at my photos and it's all come back to me! Can recommend this as a memory prop.
Went and had a coffee this morning and heard that Lolo and his new group were going to play at apéro time. I felt that in the name of solidarity, I should go back this evening to encourage them and enjoy a glass of wine. In actual fact this imprompu "concert" actually their first rehearsal! Have to say, knowing absolutely nothing about the subject, it was quite interesting watching them put it all together and by the end, they did run through several pieces without stopping and starting.
Weather:
Hot and sunny once more.
16.7.18: Them bones, them bones, them old bones!
Nono and Evelyn came to the bus stop this morning to say "farewell" before they headed off to the mountains and I took off to have my annual "once over" by the osteopath.
Walking around killing time before my appointment, I came across this interesting street name. It tells me that the town has been socialist for a long time. 10/10 for originality.
The osteopath did a good job; he realigned my back and I now walk straighter. Question is, for how long.
Had a cuppa while waiting for the bus back in a non-descript café, thanking my lucky stars with every sip that ours is a much more pleasant place to hang out.
Did some blog catch up in the afternoon and afterwards found myself sucked in to watching some of the arrival of "Les Bleus" at the Elyesées Palace. Was actually heartening to see all the players and our normally buttoned up President having fun. Pogba was a real elevation. Talk about holding his audience in the palm of his hand. Wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't go into politics after football has finished with him.
Weather:
26° Early morning thunder storms, low cloud, rain, sun by the end of the day
Had lunch at "La Galerie" with Ann, Lynn and her visitor Anne. The restaurant has had good reviews and we weren't disappointed and the two young proprietors were charming. https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g196603-d14076345-Reviews-Restaurant_La_Galerie-Ceret_Pyrenees_Orientales_Occitanie.html
Spent the afternoon trying not to think about having to wear my demon costume (long robe, long sleeves, red wig, wings) and having my face painted for the first evening of the village's "festa major". Given that the carnival was cancelled back in February due to bad weather, it was decided to bring out the float at this time. Being so hot, I'm sure that I will have lost the kilos I put on this lunchtime but not those that the sausage chips we ate afterwards will have piled on. The things I find myself involved in to support village events.
Weather:
32°, hot and sunny
19.8.18: Standing room only
Ate lunch rapidly at home before an Association committee meeting and at the end of the afternoon had tea with Michel. This time there was no cava and no baking but it was good to catch up even if he was on the clock.
This evening there was an Irish night at the bar with music provided by 10 local singers and musicians. There wasn't a seat to be had and for all concered, the evening was a big success.
Weather:
34°, sunny
18.7.18: Doing the rounds
Took my usual Wednesday morning coffee at Joëlle's on the main road where I was joined by one of the village nurses who was on a rare day off. Here community nurses are all self employed so many of them put in very long hours.
In the evening there was an imromptu apéritif at the bar with Nicole and Florian. Luckily I didn't listen to the voice in my head that was saying "no need to water, the rain is coming", because of course, it didn't.
Weather:
32°, sun, cloud later
17.7.18: Eureka!
Mystery solved; maybe you can hear my sigh of relief. Have just had a look at my photos and it's all come back to me! Can recommend this as a memory prop.
Went and had a coffee this morning and heard that Lolo and his new group were going to play at apéro time. I felt that in the name of solidarity, I should go back this evening to encourage them and enjoy a glass of wine. In actual fact this imprompu "concert" actually their first rehearsal! Have to say, knowing absolutely nothing about the subject, it was quite interesting watching them put it all together and by the end, they did run through several pieces without stopping and starting.
Weather:
Hot and sunny once more.
16.7.18: Them bones, them bones, them old bones!
Walking around killing time before my appointment, I came across this interesting street name. It tells me that the town has been socialist for a long time. 10/10 for originality.
The osteopath did a good job; he realigned my back and I now walk straighter. Question is, for how long.
Had a cuppa while waiting for the bus back in a non-descript café, thanking my lucky stars with every sip that ours is a much more pleasant place to hang out.
Did some blog catch up in the afternoon and afterwards found myself sucked in to watching some of the arrival of "Les Bleus" at the Elyesées Palace. Was actually heartening to see all the players and our normally buttoned up President having fun. Pogba was a real elevation. Talk about holding his audience in the palm of his hand. Wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't go into politics after football has finished with him.
Weather:
26° Early morning thunder storms, low cloud, rain, sun by the end of the day
Sunday 15 July 2018
Vive la France
15.7.18: Vive les Bleus!
Preparing lunch meant that my Sunday morning cuppa came later than usual and unusually, I didn' linger for long.
Had a lazy, lethargic afternoon; it was too hot to do otherwise.
Timed my trip to the bar, where we were booked in for the communal paella, to coincide with the end of the match. Needless to say the terrace of the bar was packed and everyone was in high spirits. You'll know of course that France won. Of course, there's all too much hype but the pleasing thing about this team is that they're not the "brats" (too polite to use the term that more adequately describes them) that the last team that included the like of Benzema was.
About 80 of us tucked into the paella which sadly was pretty mediocre. Mass catering at the bar is always a bad deal and if I hadn't been invited, I would have eaten at home. Sorry for being negative.
I did have a mini bottle of cava though to bring back a bit of sparkle and all the positive vibes around meant that no one, not even me, could small niggles spoil the evening.
Weather:
32°, very hot and sunny
14.7.18: Vive la Republique!
Glory, it was hot this morning for the "Bastille Day" ceremony. A procession to the war memorial, the Maire's speech in which he emphasised that there are still personal, national and international Bastilles to be felled, presentation of medals, sardane dancing and an "apéritif républican". It was too hot to linger without shade so Nicole, Nono, Evelyn and Iwandered to the bar for a coffee in the shade next to the cool of the fountain.
Didn't have to prepare food as I was invite d to the cousin's for lunch and in the evening we ate the leftovers in the fridge after Nono had sorted out the light that I've been waiting for Sauveur to fix. My kind of day!
Weather:
32° very hot and sunny
Had a lazy, lethargic afternoon; it was too hot to do otherwise.
Timed my trip to the bar, where we were booked in for the communal paella, to coincide with the end of the match. Needless to say the terrace of the bar was packed and everyone was in high spirits. You'll know of course that France won. Of course, there's all too much hype but the pleasing thing about this team is that they're not the "brats" (too polite to use the term that more adequately describes them) that the last team that included the like of Benzema was.
About 80 of us tucked into the paella which sadly was pretty mediocre. Mass catering at the bar is always a bad deal and if I hadn't been invited, I would have eaten at home. Sorry for being negative.
I did have a mini bottle of cava though to bring back a bit of sparkle and all the positive vibes around meant that no one, not even me, could small niggles spoil the evening.
Weather:
32°, very hot and sunny
14.7.18: Vive la Republique!
Didn't have to prepare food as I was invite d to the cousin's for lunch and in the evening we ate the leftovers in the fridge after Nono had sorted out the light that I've been waiting for Sauveur to fix. My kind of day!
Weather:
32° very hot and sunny
Friday 13 July 2018
Football, Food and Photos
13.7.18: Last association obligation for a while
Coffee in the morning with Nono, Evelyn and Nicole. My visitors come with their own accommodation, so they went back to theirs after lunch and I had a free afternoon until it was time to prepare a bite to eat for this evening.
Association duties called all too soon; there was the apéritif to set up before ardent exhibition goers turned up for the vernissage. It was quite well attended but as the photographer is a local person, that wasn't really surprising. There was little food left over which is always a relief though the President did skip off before it was time to clear up. Nothing surprising there either!
Weather:
32°, hot and sunny
12.7.18: Feeling smug
Early morning rendez-vous with Marguerite to buy provisions for tomorrow evening's vernissage, then the language exchange and a cuppa at the bar afterwards.
Moved furniture up and downstairs; not the wisest course of action but there you are, who else is going to do it?
Nono and Evelyn arrived for dinner after which we went to the bar to listen to the music and have a herbal tea. By the way, have you noticed how often non-alcoholic drinks crop up these days rather than "a glass of rosé"? Can only be good, eh?
Weather:
30°, cooler when the rain and thunder came in the afternoon
11.7.18: More good music, lovely setting, disappointing food
Coffee at Joëlle's on the main road, pottered and prepared food for Nono and Evelyn's (cousins of Christian) arrival tomorrow. The evening was spent with Martine, Laura and David overlooking the lake, listening to "swing" and eating a meal that wasn't worth the 30€ it cost. Sitting there brought back many memories of the time that Christian and I walked there every day. Not that it was a pass time that he enjoyed!
Weather:
32°, overcast, rain showers overnight
10.7.18: Allez les Bleus!
Went to the bar late this morning for my cuppa and was sitting quietly enjoying the peace until the U3A group arrived; they well and truly outdid the the terrible two. They came with a photo of one of their group who had died the day before to put on the table with them. Beat a hasty retreat, preferring to go home to my trusty tablette, the volume of which is easily controlled.
And there I stayed until I wandered over to the bar to experience the atmosphere at the end of the French semi final against Belgum. They won and as Martine was there we lingered a bit longer for a cuppa.
Weather:
34° sunny
9.7.18: Good music, friends and tapas
Had a coffee at the other bar with Martine and Nicole this morning
and went to the folk evening in my regular this evening. A pleasant way
to spend a warm summer's evening.
Weather:
33°, sunny
Association duties called all too soon; there was the apéritif to set up before ardent exhibition goers turned up for the vernissage. It was quite well attended but as the photographer is a local person, that wasn't really surprising. There was little food left over which is always a relief though the President did skip off before it was time to clear up. Nothing surprising there either!
Weather:
32°, hot and sunny
12.7.18: Feeling smug
Early morning rendez-vous with Marguerite to buy provisions for tomorrow evening's vernissage, then the language exchange and a cuppa at the bar afterwards.Moved furniture up and downstairs; not the wisest course of action but there you are, who else is going to do it?
Nono and Evelyn arrived for dinner after which we went to the bar to listen to the music and have a herbal tea. By the way, have you noticed how often non-alcoholic drinks crop up these days rather than "a glass of rosé"? Can only be good, eh?
Weather:
30°, cooler when the rain and thunder came in the afternoon
11.7.18: More good music, lovely setting, disappointing food
Coffee at Joëlle's on the main road, pottered and prepared food for Nono and Evelyn's (cousins of Christian) arrival tomorrow. The evening was spent with Martine, Laura and David overlooking the lake, listening to "swing" and eating a meal that wasn't worth the 30€ it cost. Sitting there brought back many memories of the time that Christian and I walked there every day. Not that it was a pass time that he enjoyed!
Weather:
32°, overcast, rain showers overnight
10.7.18: Allez les Bleus!
Went to the bar late this morning for my cuppa and was sitting quietly enjoying the peace until the U3A group arrived; they well and truly outdid the the terrible two. They came with a photo of one of their group who had died the day before to put on the table with them. Beat a hasty retreat, preferring to go home to my trusty tablette, the volume of which is easily controlled.And there I stayed until I wandered over to the bar to experience the atmosphere at the end of the French semi final against Belgum. They won and as Martine was there we lingered a bit longer for a cuppa.
Weather:
34° sunny
9.7.18: Good music, friends and tapas
Weather:
33°, sunny
Sunday 8 July 2018
Very quiet weekend
8.7.18: Another point of view
There were seven women for coffee at the bar, the terrible two included. Jacques came by later on and after an apéro, he invited Nicole and myself to help finish up the leftovers from Friday's meal. as ever he was very hospitable and we had a good discussion about the unrest in Nantes after the shooting of a young man by the Police.
Too well fed and too hot to do anything other than sit on the settee and watch my latest Netflix boxset, "Serangoon Road". It's an Australian production set in Singapore in 1964 and for once the Brits weren't portrayed as the "good guys". That does make a change, doesn't it?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serangoon_Road_(TV_series)
Just in case you're tut, tutting that I'm not exercising off all those calories, I'll have you know that I've done 1 hour+ on the treadmill for six of the last seven days. Not bad, eh?
Weather:
35°, hot and sunny
7.7.18: More Swedish than the Swedes!
Market with Michel and Patrick. Didn't even have a coffee with anyone. Spent the afternoon at home waiting for the electrician to come; he didn't. Filled the time with doing some cooking to see me through the week and then at the end of the afternoon, I went to the bar only for as long as it took to take a photo of Nicole in the Swedish colours. Here she is with a couple of Swedes who have a holiday home here and not one to do things by half, she's even carrying an IKEA bag! How much longer must we suffer the football? If you're wondering why, if I'm not interested in the "beautiful game", I'm taking these photos, it's to put them in the Association's photo gallery on the web site in order to show that our members participate in the life of the village. Heck, I'm getting so boring but that's life at the moment.
Weather:
33°, sun, cloud later
Too well fed and too hot to do anything other than sit on the settee and watch my latest Netflix boxset, "Serangoon Road". It's an Australian production set in Singapore in 1964 and for once the Brits weren't portrayed as the "good guys". That does make a change, doesn't it?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serangoon_Road_(TV_series)
Just in case you're tut, tutting that I'm not exercising off all those calories, I'll have you know that I've done 1 hour+ on the treadmill for six of the last seven days. Not bad, eh?
Weather:
35°, hot and sunny
7.7.18: More Swedish than the Swedes!
Weather:
33°, sun, cloud later
Friday 6 July 2018
Keeping up with friends
6.7.18: Food, friends, footie and all that jazz
Delivered the posters for a forthcoming exhibition of photographs by one of the Association's members, stopping on my way around at the new wee salon du thé. Then it was lunch followed by supermarket shopping with Maggie. Lunch was a good deal in one of those purpose built restaurants on an estate accommodating small businesses and workshops. Thus it's only open Monday to Friday and its clientelle predominately pensioners (good value for money) and male workers.
Turned down an invitation to join Jacques, his partner and 4 other friends for a BBQ but I did make dessert for them and to be sociable, stayed for an apéritif when I delivered it.
Later I met a few friends at the bar to listen to some jazz on the terrace. The yellow mug with tea in it, is mine!
Inside, the football was on and here's Nicole in the Belgian colours. She's becoming quite a legend with her footie get-ups in the colours of one of the teams in action.
Weather:
29°, sunny
5.7.18: Forward Planning
Language exchange, a cuppa afterwards at the bar, time on the computer and a meeting to try and advance "project cornemuses (bagpipes)". Despite the two members from the Mairie not turning up (one was stung by a wasp and dealing with the aftermath, it went completely out of her head, the other chose to go to a vernissage in Perpignan instead), it felt as if there was a bit more support and willingness to be involved. However, having been let down the last time, I decided to take the minutes myself. Not anyone's favourite pass time. Still, a glass of rosé rather than a cuppa at the bar was a good pick-me-up.
Weather:
29° sun and light rain shower
4.7.18: Rosé for two
Met Nicole at the other bar for a tea which was followed by a glass of rosé and once we were able to have a conversation without interruption or banalities.
Nothing else of interest.
Weather:
34°, sunny and windy
3.7.18: An evening in
Arrived at the bar at 11.30am, an hour later than usual. The terrible two were just about to leave .... result! Nicole, bless her, stayed on.
For once, I spent a good part of the afternoon in the kitchen preparing tapas for Michel, who's back from Thailand, his two visitors and Jean-Jacques. It was good to have some new faces and conversation along side old friends and a reason to open some cava. Patrick and Christian were appreciative of the evening which leaves me wondering why I don't do it more often.
Weather:
32°, hot and sunny
2.7.18: An afternoon out
Gave coffee a miss in favour of doing stuff around the house. Went with Florence in the afternoon to see the Dufy exhibition. As you can see below, the title is Dufy's Perpignan studios. I naively thought that there would be lots of paintings that were painted there. Yes, there were but they were of the studios themselves! Not you'd know it from the museum's website. This photo is of the card I sent to my Mum.
Upside was that there weren't many people there so we could take our time to navigate around the exhibition rooms and studiously read the notes alongside each exhibit.
http://www.musee-rigaud.fr/fr/actualites/expositions/raoul-dufy-ateliers-perpignan-1940-1950
Being Monday, many of the independant shops were closed; is it any wonder that the centre is dying, we asked ourselves. The two "salon du thé" that we'd thought of going to were also closed so we ended up in a brasserie on the way back to the carpark.
Spent the night in with my wee pal Netflix.
Weather:
30°, hot and sunny
Turned down an invitation to join Jacques, his partner and 4 other friends for a BBQ but I did make dessert for them and to be sociable, stayed for an apéritif when I delivered it.
Later I met a few friends at the bar to listen to some jazz on the terrace. The yellow mug with tea in it, is mine!
Inside, the football was on and here's Nicole in the Belgian colours. She's becoming quite a legend with her footie get-ups in the colours of one of the teams in action.
Weather:
29°, sunny
5.7.18: Forward Planning
Weather:
29° sun and light rain shower
4.7.18: Rosé for two
Nothing else of interest.
Weather:
34°, sunny and windy
3.7.18: An evening in
For once, I spent a good part of the afternoon in the kitchen preparing tapas for Michel, who's back from Thailand, his two visitors and Jean-Jacques. It was good to have some new faces and conversation along side old friends and a reason to open some cava. Patrick and Christian were appreciative of the evening which leaves me wondering why I don't do it more often.
Weather:
32°, hot and sunny
2.7.18: An afternoon out
Upside was that there weren't many people there so we could take our time to navigate around the exhibition rooms and studiously read the notes alongside each exhibit.
http://www.musee-rigaud.fr/fr/actualites/expositions/raoul-dufy-ateliers-perpignan-1940-1950
Being Monday, many of the independant shops were closed; is it any wonder that the centre is dying, we asked ourselves. The two "salon du thé" that we'd thought of going to were also closed so we ended up in a brasserie on the way back to the carpark.
Spent the night in with my wee pal Netflix.
Weather:
30°, hot and sunny
Sunday 1 July 2018
In need of change
1.7.18: Change of air in view
Got up early to use the treadmill before going to the café. The cacklers were there in good voice. I really am going to have to put some distance between us. Think I'll use the other bar more and alter my timing. Upside will be that I'll be more productive in the mornings so every cloud and all that .....
Weather:
30°, sunny and windy
30.7.18: Fresh air
Heck, we're already halfway through the year and the longest day was 10 days ago. Where does the time go?
Nick and Lizzie picked me up in their open top as I waited at the bus stop to go to the market. It was a pleasant reminder of the fun that Christian and I had in ours. So glad that he eventually got his heart's wish. Came back on the bus an hour and a half later having met Françoise and Jean for coffee and done a bit of shopping.
Back in the village, I arrived at the café at the same time as Nicole and once again we weren't able to avoid the noisy pair. Nicole and I did linger on though and had a glass of rosé and thankfully there was enough calm and quiet to chat.
For the rest of the day, I dithered around on the computer and watched more box sets than were good for me.
Weather:
32°, hot and sunny
29.6.18: Too much hot air!
Arranged with Nicole to go later to the bar in the hope of avoiding the noisy pair. Wouldn't you know it, they had lingered on. Had another dose of raised voices this afternoon as the bureau was a bit heated between three of the members. No point in going into details. Maybe it's the relentlessly hot weather.
This evening was more pleasantly spent with the English women with whom I have the "apérobio"; for once their men were invited. Went to the other bar for a change and ordered up the grill that they do at the weekend. The company was an altogether different kettle of fish with no loud, over the top discussion. Food was tasty, too.
Weather:
30°, sunny
Weather:
30°, sunny and windy
30.7.18: Fresh air
Heck, we're already halfway through the year and the longest day was 10 days ago. Where does the time go?
Nick and Lizzie picked me up in their open top as I waited at the bus stop to go to the market. It was a pleasant reminder of the fun that Christian and I had in ours. So glad that he eventually got his heart's wish. Came back on the bus an hour and a half later having met Françoise and Jean for coffee and done a bit of shopping.
For the rest of the day, I dithered around on the computer and watched more box sets than were good for me.
Weather:
32°, hot and sunny
29.6.18: Too much hot air!
This evening was more pleasantly spent with the English women with whom I have the "apérobio"; for once their men were invited. Went to the other bar for a change and ordered up the grill that they do at the weekend. The company was an altogether different kettle of fish with no loud, over the top discussion. Food was tasty, too.
Weather:
30°, sunny
Thursday 28 June 2018
Widening horizons
One of the association's activities is "chez nous" where members from other countries or regions of France open up their homes so that people can sample the cuisine and learn about the traditions and customs.
Click the link to see more photos https://photos.app.goo.gl/j9P7p4kbnuaiYLzA6
Isn't the black and white puppy a wee cutie? Just look at the heart shaped patch on his nose.
Started with dill pickles dunked in crème fraîche and honey, nuts and salted sunflower seeds accompanied by a strawberry liqueur.
Next came generous slices of gravalax, sweet cucumber salad and rice salad with white wine.
Then came a salted fish pie that should have been served with potatoes but they never appeared!
Dessert was a cream and peach cake.
Finished off with coffee, liquorice liquer and fruit liquer chocolates
It was all a bit chaotic as you can imagine but Hannele who is a larger than life character with a load of different projects on the go at any one time was very hospitable.
Don't know whether it was the interrupted sleep I had last night, the heat or the liquers but when I came home I nodded off on the settee for a short time.
As I write, the sky has clouded over and it's feeling cooler and I think I'll take a wander over to the bar at half time to catch up with one or two people who I know will be there to watch the world cup. Certainly couldn't face eating anything tonight but a chilled glass of rosé would go down well.
Weather:
30°
Wednesday 27 June 2018
Up to date but for how long?
27.6.18: Oh, for a bit of breeze
Apart from a coffee at the salon du thé, nothing of interest to report. Yep, there are days like that.
Weather:
32° hot and sunny
26.6.18: Friends and Neighbours
Had an early coffee with Nicole in an effort to avoid two women who chatter and chortle loudly about nothing of interest.
Later on I met up with David, Laura and Martine to go cava buying over the border before the traffic becomes unbearable with the onslaught of summer tourists. Had lunch at our old tried and tested favourite "La Plaça" and it didn't disappoint. http://spahotelgarriguella.com/en/
Came home with enough time to make something for this evening's neighbourhood get together. The theme was "by the seaside". Grilled sardines, gambas and marine decoration gave the evening a festive spirit. There were lots of stripey teeshirts and my "handbag" was original .... a bucket and spade in which to carry my bits and pieces. As well as the old faithfuls, new people came; it was a real pleasure to see the young family that are renovating a house in the street and a young woman who's just moved into the square. New blood is always welcome.
Weather:
30° sun and blue skies
25.6.18: Tea for Two
Had a break from all the routine stuff when Florence, who I haven't seen for ages came round for tea. Made a date to go to Perpignan next week to see the new Raoul Dufy exhibition. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raoul_Dufy
It will be a double pleasure as it was Christian who introduced me to his work when we visited the Malraux museum in Le Havre.
Weather:
31° sun and blue sky
Apart from a coffee at the salon du thé, nothing of interest to report. Yep, there are days like that.Weather:
32° hot and sunny
26.6.18: Friends and Neighbours
Later on I met up with David, Laura and Martine to go cava buying over the border before the traffic becomes unbearable with the onslaught of summer tourists. Had lunch at our old tried and tested favourite "La Plaça" and it didn't disappoint. http://spahotelgarriguella.com/en/
Came home with enough time to make something for this evening's neighbourhood get together. The theme was "by the seaside". Grilled sardines, gambas and marine decoration gave the evening a festive spirit. There were lots of stripey teeshirts and my "handbag" was original .... a bucket and spade in which to carry my bits and pieces. As well as the old faithfuls, new people came; it was a real pleasure to see the young family that are renovating a house in the street and a young woman who's just moved into the square. New blood is always welcome.
Weather:
30° sun and blue skies
25.6.18: Tea for Two
Had a break from all the routine stuff when Florence, who I haven't seen for ages came round for tea. Made a date to go to Perpignan next week to see the new Raoul Dufy exhibition. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raoul_DufyIt will be a double pleasure as it was Christian who introduced me to his work when we visited the Malraux museum in Le Havre.
Weather:
31° sun and blue sky
Sunday 24 June 2018
Finally, a day of rest
24.6.18: Uneventful Sunday
Nothing at all out of the ordinary though I suppose that is out of the ordinary for me.
Just my routine Sunday morning coffee this time in the company of Nicole S (yes, she's reappeared), Anne, Valerie and Jo. Declined their invitation to stay for lunch.
Spent the afternoon dealing with photos, working on the web site, researching flight options for later this year and gave the treadmill a body swerve.
Weather:
28°, sun
23.6.18: Multi tasking
Poor old Jacques is out of action as an operation on his eye means that he can't drive. Nothing for it but to take the bus to the market; not that was a hardship. Met Françoise for a coffee and catch up and whizzed around the supermarket in time to take the 11am bus back to the village. Managed to meet up over another coffee this time with Nicole who's been busy all week.
Watched some of my latest Netflix fix while pounding the treadmill. If you're wondering (and I don't really kid myself that you are), it's "The time in between", a Spanish production set at the time of the civil war. On the French version of Netflix, it's called "L'espionne de Tangers" and is only in Spanish and French. Be impressed: exercise, tv watching and a language test.
In keeping with the Catalan tradition to mark the start of summer, there were fireworks and a bonfire this evening. They were much appreciated and drew a lot of applause from the locals and those who'd come from neighbouring villages.
Didn't stay for the disco but beat a retreat to the café to have a tea with Nicole. Yes, you have read this correctly!
Weather:
28°, sun
22.6.18: Duty Calls
Up early as I was expecting Sauveur, the electrician, to come. Used my enforced house "arrest" to plant up the window boxes and do a bit of outside cleaning. The young man who was employed on a temporary contract by the Mairie to sweep the streets has been let go due to budgetry restrictions, so, we'll all have to do our bit to keep our street clean. I later found that Sauveur had sent a text saying that he couldn't come. No matter, I obviously achieved more by staying home than going to the café to drink coffee.
Computer and some baking for this evening's soirée tapas filled the afternoon. About 54 people signed up for the evening, the theme of which was straw hats; more than 80 turned up. Feedback was very positive but I have to say that I was glad to get cleared up and get home to a) not have to speak to anyone and b) put my hot, tired feet up.
Weather:
30°, sunshine and some cloud
Nothing at all out of the ordinary though I suppose that is out of the ordinary for me.
Just my routine Sunday morning coffee this time in the company of Nicole S (yes, she's reappeared), Anne, Valerie and Jo. Declined their invitation to stay for lunch.
Spent the afternoon dealing with photos, working on the web site, researching flight options for later this year and gave the treadmill a body swerve.
Weather:
28°, sun
23.6.18: Multi tasking
Watched some of my latest Netflix fix while pounding the treadmill. If you're wondering (and I don't really kid myself that you are), it's "The time in between", a Spanish production set at the time of the civil war. On the French version of Netflix, it's called "L'espionne de Tangers" and is only in Spanish and French. Be impressed: exercise, tv watching and a language test.
In keeping with the Catalan tradition to mark the start of summer, there were fireworks and a bonfire this evening. They were much appreciated and drew a lot of applause from the locals and those who'd come from neighbouring villages.
Didn't stay for the disco but beat a retreat to the café to have a tea with Nicole. Yes, you have read this correctly!
Weather:
28°, sun
22.6.18: Duty Calls
Computer and some baking for this evening's soirée tapas filled the afternoon. About 54 people signed up for the evening, the theme of which was straw hats; more than 80 turned up. Feedback was very positive but I have to say that I was glad to get cleared up and get home to a) not have to speak to anyone and b) put my hot, tired feet up.
Weather:
30°, sunshine and some cloud
Thursday 21 June 2018
Village Life
21.6.18: Being a grumpy old woman
Thursday and of course, it was the language exchange in the morning. Didn't succumb to a glass of rosé afterwards but had a cuppa instead with Nicole, Ros and Charles.
This evening the Fête de la Musique brought a goodly number of people into the square to eat, drink and listen. Didn't fancy beef cheeks and dessert at the bar for the princely sum of 20€. Seemed a bit much given that the entertainment was free and as a consequence had lots more people putting money into their till than would be normal for a Thursday.
We ate instead at the restaurant where gambas were on the menu with a delicious albeit small slice of chocolate dessert. Marginally better value; certainly better quality.
Kevin did a good blues set but otherwise, the music was the same ol', same ol' and pretty dull.
Weather:
34°, blue skies
20.6.18: A new square at long last
The bar being closed, I tried the new "salon du thé" which has been opened by Joëlle, the seamstress in front of her workshop on the main road. She's created a comfortable terrace and with all the hard work she does to earn a living, she deserves to be supported.
After lunch I went with Martine and Laura to buy plants to cheer up my window boxes and in the evening attended the public meeting to unveil the project to renovate the square. Much to my surprise, there weren't any complaints even when it was announced that there would only be 5 short term parking spaces. Work is likely to start at the beginning of November so come Easter next year, the centre of the village should have a new look.
Martine and I joined Terry, Ann and their friend Carol afterwards at the other bar for a glass of wine and then had another when JJ and Antoine (also on the Council) joined us.
On the way home, I found Don and Roger in the square who had just finished erecting a canopy over the temporary stage that had been put up for tomorrow's "Fête de la Musique". They were enjoying a bottle of red wine and I was invited to join them. And I did!
Weather:
31° Sun and blue sky
19.6.18: Summer is a coming in
Beautician, computer, treadmill, cleaning (not much) during the day and then this evening an apéritif dinatoire chez Judith and Trevor, an Irish couple with a holiday home here. Munching, sipping, chatting on their terrace looking out over the garden and Canigou beyond. And, no washing up to do. All very pleasant.
Took this photo on the way over to theirs. Pretty impressive nest building, isn't it but all I can say is, thank goodness they're not my eaves. Doesn't take much imagination to realise the mess that all those baby swallows leave behind!
Weather:
26°, sun
18.6.18:
Went along this morning to the ceremony to commemorate General de Gaulle's call from London to the occupied French to resist. You'll know by now that such events are followed by an apéro and this was no exception. Came across Anne on my way back home; she was having a cuppa at the bar while waiting for her take-away lunch. Joined her but didn't linger too long as I had a date with the treadmill to keep!
Weather:
26° sunny
This evening the Fête de la Musique brought a goodly number of people into the square to eat, drink and listen. Didn't fancy beef cheeks and dessert at the bar for the princely sum of 20€. Seemed a bit much given that the entertainment was free and as a consequence had lots more people putting money into their till than would be normal for a Thursday.
We ate instead at the restaurant where gambas were on the menu with a delicious albeit small slice of chocolate dessert. Marginally better value; certainly better quality.
Kevin did a good blues set but otherwise, the music was the same ol', same ol' and pretty dull.
Weather:
34°, blue skies
20.6.18: A new square at long last
The bar being closed, I tried the new "salon du thé" which has been opened by Joëlle, the seamstress in front of her workshop on the main road. She's created a comfortable terrace and with all the hard work she does to earn a living, she deserves to be supported.
Martine and I joined Terry, Ann and their friend Carol afterwards at the other bar for a glass of wine and then had another when JJ and Antoine (also on the Council) joined us.
On the way home, I found Don and Roger in the square who had just finished erecting a canopy over the temporary stage that had been put up for tomorrow's "Fête de la Musique". They were enjoying a bottle of red wine and I was invited to join them. And I did!
Weather:
31° Sun and blue sky
Beautician, computer, treadmill, cleaning (not much) during the day and then this evening an apéritif dinatoire chez Judith and Trevor, an Irish couple with a holiday home here. Munching, sipping, chatting on their terrace looking out over the garden and Canigou beyond. And, no washing up to do. All very pleasant.
Took this photo on the way over to theirs. Pretty impressive nest building, isn't it but all I can say is, thank goodness they're not my eaves. Doesn't take much imagination to realise the mess that all those baby swallows leave behind!
Weather:
26°, sun
18.6.18:
Weather:
26° sunny
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