Lots of Routine and a Fix of Chocolate

8.9.16: Snooze by Chocolate

After neglecting my language exchange duties recently, I relieved Maggie of the burden of opening up and setting up. Of course, there was a drink at the bar afterwards and after that lunch at the restaurant to talk once more about the Scottish trip. Needless to say Martine and I couldn't resist this dessert; David and Laura were made of sterner stuff!
You can see from the photo how bright it was as the reflection of the church is visible on the rim of the dish.
Don't know if it was the glass of wine or the pud but unusually for me, I nodded off briefly in the afternoon. These never ending high temperatures certainly zap your energy.
Weather:
28°, sunny

7.9.16:  Routine Daily Routine
More treadmill, more chores and then a late but lengthy coffee at the other bar with Nicole P. Went to the other Nicole's for tea and more chat before attending the AGM of the village music association. Stayed for the apéritif but not the meal, preferring instead to come home and watch tv. A welcome bit of quiet time.
Weather:
28°, sun with strong winds making it feel cooler. Blessed relief!

6.9.16: Daily Routine

Treadmill, domestic chores, coffee at the bar, work on the Scotland tour and that was it. Too hot for anything else.
Weather:
32°, sun

5.9.16: Navigating the System
Another Monday and once again it was time to fire up the treadmill. Much to my surprise after 4 days lay off, I did. Had coffee with Lone, who's just arrived from Denmark and helped her register over the phone with the unemployment folk as she has to sign on there to continue receiving her benefit from Denmark. Apart from that, I tackled  some admin work for the association and not much else.
Weather:
32° sun

Word Play

An interesting language exchange during which we discussed the origin and different meanings of the word "brace". It was fun racking our brains and making links between the French and English   http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/fr/definition/anglais/brace
Had a drink in the bar but went home for lunch before going once again to make flowers. However, we finished early as we'd run out of paper. Went in the evening to the council meeting where the opposition were out in force among the spectators. There wasn't any heckling just the odd snide comment.and then at the end I went back with Jean-Jacques to his place for supper with his sister. A pleasant relaxed affair.
Weather:
13°, blue skies and a little cloud

Bienvenue!

Language exchange and as usual back to the bar but this time it was only for a drink and no soup. Maybe I should have done as in the afternoon I was working on the computer and lost a table so had to re-enter all the info ***** !
This evening was the Association's welcome apéro for new members. It all went well. People mixed and created a good buzz. And, the icing on the cake, it was held in Christian's room.
Weather:
17°

Looking Back

It's Thursday so this morning there was the language exchange followed by a glass of rosé at the bar. Again stayed for soup and cheese with Ann and Terry.
Spent the afternoon doing admin stuff, mostly for the association but did come across the cards that I received for my 50th. So, as I'm in  clearing out mode, I wanted a wee reminder before they go to the recycling bin.
These three made me smile:

The Card says " Rumours that the Tunnel would bring closer links with France sent panic round the village pond!" 

From Guess who?
Joyeux anniversaire "me love". You did half of the way, now there are 50 more to go but with me - so courage! Love is all you need.

From Mary Kate
Do you remember ........?

• our long weekend in Egypt
• our first year in Queen's Drive when we partied for a year
• oue Sunday brunchies with Buck's Fizz
• the bloody Marys in the New Orleans bar
• when we thought work was so important
• when we dressed up as Princess Anne and Mark Philips
• drinking cider at Glastonbury waiting all night for Richie Havens to play
• that package holiday in Tunisia and the Belgian
• finishing at 4 o'clock on a Friday and going to the Lea Rigg
• me driving that car home late one night in Marin County with Jack, Jay's friend
• Sunday afternoons at the Riverside listening to folk music
• jumping over that wall in Texas or was it San Francisco and your grazed knees
• our Jewish breakfasts in San francisco and that great hotel where the Japanese stayed

Short and Sweet

17.10.15:
All too soon it was time for Colin and Sheila to leave; theywere on the road by 10h30 to get their flight so I took the bus to the supermarket where I met Martine who gave me a lift back. Spent the afternoon on the computer catching up with association stuff and the evening watching tv.
Weather:
18°, feeling cool 

16.10.15: 

Coffee in the bar, well those of you who know me, will be aware that I'm a creature of habit, before setting off for Sant Martí. Started with lunchas it was after 2pm and had to wear hats and keep under the parasol while we ate. Had a pleasant meal at "La Terrassa" in the picturesque square. Thought this link might be more interesting than the usual Tripadvisor one (there is one by the way). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzM2r9Cs9HQ
A good walk along the prom followed and a stop in the restaurant opposite on the way bacm for a tea and a pee!
Made it back to the village with just enough time to freshen up and get over to the exhibition room for a vernissage. As it was the local art group, it was well attended and as the apéritif was augmented by the members, it meant that we didn't need to worry about supper. Lingered chatting for quite a while and then went next door to the bar where we supped wine and danced until late.
Weather:
18°, warm sunshine, clouding over late afternoon

15.10.15:

No language exchange this morning as there was a treasure hunt instead. We didn't do the hunt as Colin and Sheila had a lie in and we went for a coffee instead. Did join the treasurer hunters for the meal,  a delicious couscous and other North African delights. Dessert of Apple Crumble was decidedly British. Not sure why Trudi is so pleased with herself but it was obviously something athat amused Colin and Sheila.
 Had invited Jean-Jacques for an apéritif but he wasn't well and didn't come.
Weather:
17°, sunshine

14.10.15:
Spent the day getting ready for Colin and Sheila's visit. They arrived at the end of the afternoon so there was supper, chat and then bed.
Weather:
17°, damp and feeling cooler