Getting Wound Up!

Nothing special during the day but we had a fright with the electrics last night; was confronted by an awful smell when I went to put the washing on at midnight. I sniffed my way through the caves until I tracked it down to the fuse board cupboard. One of the EDF boxes was HOT and the plastic case was melting! Christian, who was unusually still up at this time, switched off the electric and phoned the C°  who said they'd send someone out this morning. Went to bed by the light of his and hers torches. Thank goodness for the "for - once - a - useful - free gift" wind up torch that had come a while ago with some mail order stuff. What's more the whole affair was a timely reminder that we need to get our smoke detectors up before the legal obligation comes in on 8th March.
Weather:
19° Sunshine and cloud

Despite having a gas hob and the leckie back on by 10am, Christian didn't give up on his thought that it was as good a reason as any to go out for lunch. Before that however, we went to the bar which has finally reopened for a coffe after which Christian went to the Mairie for an hour and I pottered.
Decided to kill two birds with one stone by going over the border; bought cava in Capmany  where despite it being closing time, we were offered a glass by way of an apéritif and a bottle of pink cava by way of a thank you for buying 4 cartons and had lunch in Can Tomás in Rabos. http://www.restaurantcantomas.com/inicio_franc.html
The menu del día was simple but very tasty; the service pleasnt. 12€ for 3 courses, wine, water and bread. Although the restaurant, itself,  doesn't have much character, the village does. That is apart from a small communication or maybe satelitte dish on the church tower!! https://picasaweb.google.com/114284735716067114333/Rabos2015
Weather:
20° cloudy with the odd sunny spell

Lots of Firsts

7.6.97:
A few things to celebrate with the gift (champagne) from BMW in Royon;  the new car, Christian's "last "folly; the long awaited visit to La Rochelle and an overnight visit to June and Bill (our ex-neighbours) in Toulouse.

 14.7.97:
A different 14th July for us both. Christian suffering the monsoon in Rangoon and a not very exciting embassy drinks party. Mine was

more eventful. A village gathering in the square to hear Monsieur le Maire give a speech about "liberté, égalité et fraternité" and present medals to veterans of the Algerian war; the band played the Marseillaise while the municiple police and fire officers saluted. after that they removed their headgear and the Maire his tricolour sash and everyone headed for the apéro which had been laid on for one and all. finally, dancing of the sardane which was far to complicated for me to join in with. Next year? Lunch at the "Mas" (Philippe and Giselle's in -the -process-of-being-renovated farmhouse) al fresco. Fireworks and dancing in the evening.

 13.7.97:
"Feria" - what an experience! Bulls running in the streets with young men hanging off every part, music, dancing, water sprays, colourful hairdos, the red (blood) and black (death) of the corrida officienados, drink and merry making in excess.

3.8.97:

First birthday in France celebrated with Philippe, Gisèle and Jen at Can Tomás in Rabos, over the "border". http://www.restaurantcantomas.com/inicio_franc.html A picturesque village with church, paved streets, flowers and the chimes of midnight when we walked by. Followed the next and actual day with an al fresco lunch up at the mas with Josette and Jacky after a phone call from Christian. Veuve Clicot and cake to complete.

9.8.97:
A welcome return for Christian after 8 long weeks in monsoon Burma, shared with Gisèle anf Jen on the small terrace.

Back home after 8 long weeks; it's really nice to come back to your big house and your wee wife with so much love to share. (Christian)

14.8.97:
I was the one who arrived well before the oven! Now I know where you're phoning from. What a great choice of house and area - watch out, I halls be back! Remember vous êtes dans le sud - no rush, think of the possibilities. Every happiness to you both for your future here.
 All my love, Jen

13.8.97:
One of many visits to "La Taverne" but this time with Frank, Clara and the children before they head back to Sete. Our  first  "family" visit with zarzuela" all round.

24.8.97:

Many thanks for a wonderful visit and for showing us your corner of France and Catalunya. There is always a warm welcome for you in Meussac. we hope to come back soon, but please, please, arrange for a gros orage to STOP les clôches.