Autumn is a coming!

 21.9.20 - 27.9.20: Equinox came and went

Did some entertaining chez moi this week. An apéritif for Jean and Françoise (23rd) and tea for Jeanne, the American who is immersed in the complications of buying a house in the village (25th). Involving rather more work was a farewell dinner for David and Laura. On the menu was Lemon Cinammon Pork served with couscous and toasted almonds followed by a seriously good "Torte Royale"; chocolate laced with strong coffee and Tia Maria. An adult cake that's rich and dark so, if that's your thing you won't be disappointed. Went even farther on the over-indulgence scale by serving it with marscapone pepped up with Tia Maria. If that's a step too far for you, no worries, the torte is very moist and doesn't actually need anything else. https://www.thatslife.com.au/torte-royal  Even though we were joined by Jacques and JJ (Michel couldn't come) I'm not ashamed to say that I was delighted that there was some left for me to have with my afternoon cuppa during the week!

Other coffee breaks were taken at the café with the folk who no

longer go to the Language exchange (24rd), Françoise on 25th and 26th and with Michel and his visitors, Claude and Françoise (27th). It became progressively windier and colder, so by the Sunday we were the only ones to brave the terrace. Sweaters, jackets and shoes have replaced tee shirts and sandals; smiles replaced by gritted teeth and hunched shoulders!

There was an escape from the village on 23rd with a trip down to Argeles with Lynne and though quite breezy, the sun was warm and a walk around the marina and along the sea front was enjoyable. Of course, there was a lunch stop overlooking the sea. We went with "Les Planches" where Lynne had already eaten. Shame the waiter was somewhat offhand. Even with a mask on, the feeling came through. https://www.les-planches-argeles.com/carte-restaurant-les-planches/

 Lunch at the village restaurant the next day with Hortense was so much better and cheaper. She was impressed with the  quality and ceativity of the food, the service and the relaxed atmosphere which lent itself to our long conversations.

The market on Saturday was less jovial than usual due to the strong wind and fewer folk going about their shopping. Still, the weekend was not without its pleasurable moments in the company of others. After - lunch coffee at Michel's and Sunday lunch of roast chicken back there meant that I had a break from organising my photos and watching tv. An added bonus was that there was no need to cook anything. A boiled egg sufficed.

Weather: Temperatures dropped from 25° on Monday to 16° on Sunday; the sky became more and more cloudy bringing some rain showers which even 3 days of very strong winds didn't blow away.