Falling into Autumn

 October 2023: A month of golden sunshine and an extra hour in bed as the clocks go back.

Oh yes, another destination to bring back vivid memories; this time of a month long visit to Mexico in an even earlier life. 1982 with John to be precise. Chichen Itza in particular brings back a memory of talking to a blue-rinsed American woman whilst taking a breather from going around the site. I marvelled at the scale and grandeur of the architecture to which her reply was, "yeah, but whata they done since!"

3,000 miles by bus and despite upset stomachs, mosquito bites, dreadful toilets whilst travelling, it was an unforgetable experience. We met Jay and Mary from the States with whom we we had much in common. It was a holiday frienship which lasted several years; they came to Scotland a couple of times and I went to Austin for a whole other experience; but that's another story

The main event this month was the visit of the Lagendorf Mandoline Orchestra; my friends Ines and Dirk were coming and would be staying on for a week longer to have some holiday. Dirk's cousin and her husband Manfred were coming, too in their camping car and were booked on the site in the village. Even though I was feeling a lack of energy, as well as the usual social activities, there were preparations to be made so that hopefully, all would go smoothly when they arrive in the middle of the month..

 Before that though, there were a couple of dinners at JJ's, a Nepalese curry chez Judith and Trevor a soirée chez Jim and Mags and Erika and Doug's farewell as they're back off to the UK. Sadly there was also a funeral. That of Isobel, who'd been on the Council with Christian; she was only 41 and had a young son.

On the culture front, this month's vernissage appealed as I like naif art. I particularly liked the one with the little yellow train. The artist was self taught and cleverly incorporated small lights into a couple of his works, like the one top left which was inspired by fireflies. Not sure if I told you already, but their first appearance in the Département was here. 

Also managed to fit in a trip to Figueres market with Nicole though sadly, not much time to get on the treadmill. Priorities, eh?

Dirk and his cousins arrived the day before the orchestra. Manfred unfortunately has a mobility problem following an operation on his back so this had to be factored into any of our activities. 

 The first week was fully organised with visits out, just one of which I went on (La Vajol) 

and official concerts to give, just one of which I attended (Reynes). The orchestra also gave an "unofficial" concert at the soirée in the village hall. The Germans provided homemade desserts loaded with cream and we were on savouries. Dirk's gâteau made with nutella was particularly sought after.  In actual fact he did two so we came home with some left overs which could not be resisted. Glad I hadn't seen the list of ingredients as it nearly gave me a heart attack when I did!

There was also a lunch of fideuà al fresco and at the other end of the culinary scale, a trip to the Pablo for a brasserie meal.

After a week of warm sunshine, we waved off the orchestra in the rain for the long haul back to Germany in one go. It had been a very successful visit on cultural, social and personal level. Now with no schedule to respect, life though still busy, became a bit easier.

There were days out in various combinations; Manfred didn't always go though as you can see, he was tempted by ice cream in Figueres, I didn't always join them and sometimes Anke felt that she shouldn't leave Manfred alone too much.

Wish I could lay claim to the paella but I can't. Dirk was it's creator. Well, he is a chef. The meal with Jacques and Suzette which I did wasn't quite as splendid; apart that is, from the left over gâteau which I can't lay clain to either. Manfred & Anke invited us for a BBQ; sausages à gogo and a lot of beer. Oh yes, there was also dinner at Jacques' and our autumn neighbourhood get together which provided an experience of local life. Yes, indeed, there was a lot of eating and drinking and not a lot of exercise.

Just one other thing: as Anke's dog (oh yes, I forgot that there was also Timmy, the Jack Russell that had to be taken everywhere) knocked over a plant outside the bakers. Much to Marie's surprise, a replacement was soon handed over. A good deal, methinks. As you can see from the photo, it was a much healthier looking specimen.

Over the two weeks I was able to do a few things of my own; mammo (all clear), blood tests to try and understand why my hair is coming out. They showed a vitamin D deficiency (even with all our sunshine) and a consequent GP consultaion. Injections were prescribed to help the hair sitution and as well as a non urgent thyroid ultrasound which is just, as well as there's a 6 week wait. Also had a walk with Françoise, coffee with Les Anglaises and 

 JJ's  birthday celebration. And some celebration it was, too! After we finally left the restaurant, the long stayers continued back at his house.

So, all holidays come to an end and this one was no exception. No time to draw breath though. 

That afternoon I accompanied Jacques to a concert given by Cécile in Sandrine's garden up in the mountains. No charge; just bring a bottle/cake for the interval. Sitting in the warm sunshine was a good way to wind down before meeting Izzy, Richard and their girls at the bar for a drink.

Next day, Jacques took Nicole and I to the market in La Jonquera where we came across this colonoy of Coypu in the river.

Ugh! Apparently, they're stewed in the States but I don't know about you, it's not something I'd go for. A stiff, very large G &T at the Marfil Bar brought some much needed comfort! Well, that's my excuse . . .

Weather: Day time temperatures between 23° and 30° , chillier evenings and just a smattering of soon - over rain. 

October's Notes of Nature