Blooming May

May 2024:

 

Looking forward; in May we've three public holidays, the hosting of  the twinning visit and of course thoughts of long , warm evenings.

Looking back, I had to dig into the depths of time to find memories of visits to this month's destination of Northumberland. Went at least three times with different people, taking in Bamburgh with it's long, unspoiled, sandy beaches and impressive castle ruins, the spooky Kilder forest, and of course, Lindisfarne. Here, a priory was built in the 7th century and is reached by a causeway when the tide is out. Viking incursions, skirmishes with the Scots, power base of the Percy family, wild and windy Northumberland is rich in history and well worth going off the beaten track for a visit.

1.1.24: May Day

In Uk, May Day, with the exception of bygone Miners' Galas, brings Maypole and Morris dancing, sporting events and for me memories of never being elected May Queen in primary school!

Here, it's a public holiday and the only day when newspaper's aren't printed. It's also, the day when Lily of the Valley is given for luck. I had several virtual sprigs to brighten the dull, cloudy day that dawned. Despite damp and uncertain weather, Françoise and I headed down to Collioure for a warm drink at Les Templiers and a walk around. Noted that a café crème and a hot chocolate that costs 5€ in the village café costs 8€ there. Not only is it at the sea, it's in all the guide books as the bar where artists paid their bill with bits of art. The walls are full of paintings but sadly those done back in the days by famous artists are long gone to other homes.

8th - 12th:  May's Main Event the Twinning Visit

 This year it was our turn to host the twinning visit. As usual, Agnes stayed with me and to my relief there were enough beds to go around for the nearly 40 Normans who braved an overnight coach drive down from Calvados, so no need for me to volunteer to take anyone else. With two back to back public holidays followed close on the heels by a weekend, meant that there was heavy traffic and a delayed arrival. After a welcome apéritif down at the recreation ground, Agnès and I went to have lunch at her aunt and uncle's in the next village. Dinner at the foyer was wild boar flavoured with orange which was deliciously lighter than the usual stew in red wine.  The evening ended at midnight but with salsa music and dance still going strong in the square, Agnès and I stopped off to watch for a while before turning in.

Next morning with some free time to fill, we headed off to Le Perthus with Uncle & Aunt to do some shopping and then a coffee back in the bar before lunch at Nicole's. She was glad of a bit of relief from her guest. After lunch Agnès went off on the organised visit and I went on the treadmill. Paella for dinner at the foyer and a late night followed.

A day off for me as the Normans were away all day. Just as well that there was time for a rest as it was another late night. This was the official part of the visit. The Mairie provided the meal, there were speeches, mutual pats on the back and an exchange of presents.

Another free morning and it being Saturday, we went off to the market for a wander and a coffee. A BBQ lunch at the recreation ground went on until 16h so there wasn't much time to recover before dinner at the foyer hosted by our visitors. It was a lively evening with music provided by an excellent guitarist/singer who had everyone going and by that I mean, I actually got myself onto the dance floor. Not that Bretteville needed any encouragement. They partied non-stop!

And so the day dawned at 6h30, which was all too soon, but there was a rendez-vous at the bus to keep with strict instructions to be there for 7h30. The road to Normandy is a long one. All the farewells took half an hour and then the rest of the day was mine! Treadmill, coffee at the bar, some gardening and an impromptu apéro at Jean & Françoise's put pay to any idea of putting my feet up.

There were other apéritifs too, here, there and everywhere including a get together with Jenny who used to live here but a few years ago at the age of 80 moved with her husband to live in New Zealand near to her family.

What a blessing that there were less dinner invites than usual; after all the feasting with the Normans, my stomach needed a rest. Just a couple of meals at Jacques'. Restaurant-wise there were two contasting lunches; one at the village café with Bridget & Hortense, where I only ate a salad and at the newly opened "Jardin de Céret" with Michèle & Henri. Talk about chalk and cheese! It was a splendid meal in modern, comfortable surroundings.

Other things of note: 

On the down side I gave myself a headache by starting to do my tax return and was disappointed by an exhibition of black & white photos of Glasgow. They were so dismal.

On the up side: I had a trip to Argelès with Jean and Françoise to enjoy the sea air, the seaside art and the local producers' market. 

This month's vernissage was unchallenging and easy on the eye . . . .            and now to look forward to June and a trip to visit family and friends in UK.

Weather: Day time temperatures between 16° - 28°; Night time temperatures 6° - 15°. So much for warm evenings! Just a few light rain showers. Water restrictions continue.

Notes of Nature: