4 Public Holidays and 2 Traditional Days

May 2026: 

 

 I recognise the Sink but not the Outfit!

 

 

 May kicked off as usual with tradition (gifts of lily of the valley) and a public holiday (May Day) on the 1st. Other public holidays followed with V.E. Day on the 8th, Ascension on the 14th, and Whit Monday on 25th. Two Fridays and a Monday giving workers a long weekend and a Thursday when companies and individuals ofter take a "pont" (bridge) thus prolonging the weekend.

Not everyone's idea of an enticing meal, five of us went off to Reynes for a "Cargolade", i.e., snails cooked on the bbq. On the other hand, they're much appreciated by the Catalans who even have a Brotherhood in the tradition of winemakers.

Twinning Visit: Eat, drink and be merry!

The main village event of the month was the 3 day visit from our Normandy twin town. Copious communal meals, visits to local places of interest, an official exchange of warm words and gifts all contributed to an atmosphere of conviviality. Enjoyed having Bruno, Christine and Agnès, who I've known since the resurrection of the twinning association, to stay. Our turn to visit them next year. 

The First "Café Rencontre" off to a Good Start

Was pleased that my idea for an informal monthly get together over a coffee was taken on board  by Cyrielle, the part time community worker. The café being closed on a Wednesday, the owners were happy to let us use their tables and chairs. Besides the folk above, there were others who dropped in including some cyclists on the green cycle route that passes through the village. Coffee, teas, juices are provided and participants bring something sweet (optional).

May's Exhibition

 

Open Mike at the Bar

 

Geneviève's Farewell BBQ in the Midday Heat of Jacques' Terrace

 

Yet another depart from the village, we said goodbye to Geneviève who is going to live near her son in Brittany.

  

  

 Just a couple of Get Togethers with Friends at the Bar

 

There were of course a number of others chez des amis especially as Michel had a series of house guests to entertain. 

 

My dessert for Lunch chez Jacques 

 

A Day out in Perpignan with Suzanne and Liz 

 

Yes, we really did go on the Little Train around the town. Not just the  tourist sites but also the Quartier St Jacques which in Medieval times was the Jewish Quarter now its the "quartier gitan." We had coffee at the Café Catalogne and lunch at the Figuier over which we caught up with all our respective plans and remininced about happy times in Scotland. 

  

 Ready for a Picnic over the Border

 

Une belle Surprise!

 

On arriving in La Jonquera to go for a cheap and cheerful lunch, we fell upon these old cars that had been on a rally. I didn't bother taking a photo of more than one of the several modern "luxury" cars. They just don't cut it!

 

 Another Lovely Surprise!

 

After endless complaints, the Mairie was finanlly forced to deal with the lamentable state of our street after a low slung car tore up two access covers and surrounding tarmac. At least the humps, bumps and pot holes have gone but it's only been resurfaced with tar and gravel rather than tarmac which is sheduled way down the road (sorry!).  And it would be churlish to complain about all the loose chippings that come into the house, wouldn't it?

 

 

Cherries, Cherries Everywhere. 'Tis the Season! 

 

 Nature Notes:

 

Full Moon instead of a Sunset this Month 

Weather: Daytime Max 38°, Min 18°   Night Time Max 22°, Min 8°

P.S. The second traditional day? If you've been counting, is Mothering Sunday. That's right, another thing that Britain does differently; 

A Taste of Luxury

There weren't many of us at the language exchange this morning. Too hot? Of course, we diehards went to the bar afterwards.
This afternoon, I worked on the blog. Yes, I am getting there.
This evening Gilbert and Suzanne had invited a few of us from the Spanish class (Bruno, his wife and me) for "apéritifs" in honour of our "Prof" Paul. well, it was certainly more than an apéritif; there were two enormous trays of seafood accompanied by melon and ham, cheese, fruit and desserts, champagne and wine. Bruno has a business buying and selling classic cars and he came in a magnificent specimen. An American Zimmer from the 1980's. Forget a two wheeled contraption with a basket on the front much driven by elderly women and think Hollywood. Christian would have been drooling and I have to say, I wouldn't have said "no", if I'd been offered a lift.
Weather:
29°, sun, cloud with a slight breeze later

Paris comes South

31.10.15:
Off to the market with Michel and for once, didn't meet anyone with whom to have a drink but the sun was shining and there was music to liven the atmosphere of the town's Autumn Fair. This afternoon watched a bit of tv, made a cake and some soup, gave sweets to kids who came to the door for Halloween. Here you hand over goodies and all you get in return is a "merci" and a smile. Had to laugh though at 3 older kids who arrived with beanie hats on with "obey" written on the front; when I explained what it meant in French, in one fell swoop, perfectly synchronised, they whipped the hats off their heads! It was so funny.
Dinner chez Jean-Jacques where I tucked into Spag Bol along with Pierre and Andrée and so October moved into November ......
Weather:
20°, sun and blue skies

30.10.15
The kids left at 7am to get back to Paris in one go so, the house is quiet for quite some time to come.The soft top went too as Frank will try to sell it in Paris; even if it is heading into winter, he feels he'll get a better price for it there. It's strange to see the garage empty.
Still, there was no time to feel lonely as I was invited to Jacques along with Michel and Jean-Jacques for lunch.
Computer and tv in the afternoon and  the First Téléthon event of 2015 in the village hall. An am-dram group put on a play about the "Retirada" and there was a bar nice things to eat to help swell the funds. It was good though sadly there weren't any of the other local Brits in sight. Came home, fought and lost  with "itunes" which for some reason won't accept my password. Finally got to bed at 315am and still no sign of a solution
Weather:
20°

29.10.15:
There were a load of us in the bar to meet up with the language exchangers; there was, the family, Jean-Jacques, Annie, and Martine. Only stayed for a drink before having lunch at home. Spent the afternoon preparing for our neighbourhood get-together. I made a "Calypso Lentil Soup" while Stéphnie and the girls made chocolate brownies and a pepper and anchovy tart. Luckily the weather was good and standing around the roasting chestnuts, it wasn't at all cold. I came away early and went to bed as I was feeling done in. Straight to sleep without even hearing the others come in.
Weather:
21°, sun and light cloud

28.10.15:

Frank treated us to lunch and a good bottle of wine at the restaurant and while we were there, a local hunter drove up with this wee fella on the back. Hope you're not sqeamish because you could get a pal of his served up one day when you're here!  
After a quick turn around at home, Frank and I went to see the lawyer to sign the succession papers and then joined Stéphanie and the girls for a hot chocolate. It was that kind of weather.
Had dinner at home and watched "The Angels' Share". Still, good second time around and it was nice to go to bed on, unusually for Ken Loach, a feel good factor.
Weather:
21°, sunny morning, heavy rain in the afternoon

27.10.15:

While the family went off and did their thing, I went down to Argelès with Ann and Terry. Tried "Le Regal" for lunch which had had  good reviews. They didn't say that it was on a 'zone d'activité" and that it didn't have any character. On the plus side the meal was tasty and good value.
Went into the town for a coffee but being Monday, most of the shops were closed. Anyway, we found a tearoom for a cuppa but resisted the cakes. Ann did however succumb to buying chocolate for which she paid an eye-watering price.
With the sun shining, it was a pleasant afernoon for a stroll along the prom. Terry fell over while taking this photo and dropped the camera in the sand. One little grain jammed it but fortunately, I managed to remove it so, potential  problem solved.
In the evening there was the AGM of a cancer association of which I'm a supporting member. Apart from the committee, (and they weren't all there), I was the only member present. The association was wound up for lack of interest. Now there's a surprise, I don't think. The President is a "swanner around" who like's the glory and gets others to do the work. She did organise an apéritif and cakes (from her son-in-law's [reknowned] bakery). Called into the bar for a glass of wine with the family before going home for a dinner.
Weather:
20°, sun, light clouds and moderate wind.

26.10.15:
The beds were no sooner empty and the sheets washed and dried than the next family arrived, this time from Paris. They settled in, we ate in and caught up on our respective news.
Weather:
18°, cloud and light rain

All that Jazz

Sold the car today for the asking price to guy who did the MOT. What a relief to have one gone and less insurance to pay. Had lunch at Michel's; another "potjavelech" and chips. I've told you about this northern cold meat in jelly dish before. Sylvie, who works over the border,  was there too for a change as it's the Catalan national day and therefore a public holiday.
In the evening went to the bar with Anne and Nicole to eat and listen to Hans's  group "Bossa Nostra".  Pretty good. Here they are playing in Collioure. Hear for yourself......... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF9khp1bVSs
 Hans is the one on double bass though the portable model doesn't really look like the kind we non-specialists are used to.
Weather:
26°, sunny

Off to a Good Start

27.8.15

No Thérèse this morning as she's  on holiday but I can't say that I've been making much mess, so I didn't feel the need to replace her.
Went to the language exchange but left a little early to go to Monique's for lunch. She and her husband Roland live in a stand alone mas in the mountains. Beautiful spot but where does one go for coffee? I'd never met Roland, who's a pretty serious kind of bloke before. Chicken cooked in a solar oven was on the menu and I have to say I had a few uneasy moments when Monique said it had been sitting in the sun for over 24 hours. Glad to say, there were no undesirable effects!
In the evening there was an apéritif dinatoire at Michel's along with the neighbours from his street. It was a late evening; too late for me really as I as suffering with sore eyes pretty much like conjunctivitis. so, it was a good start activitywise that continued but wellbeingwise, it can only get better.
Weather:
29°, Sun

26.8.15:
 Slept through until 8am which is unusual and as there was nothing special planned, I lindered on until 10am. The bar being closed, I went to the restaurant for a coffee (offered by the patronne). People tend not to use it as a café so I sat in splendid isolation on the terrace reading on the ipod until it was time to go home and sort out some lunch.
In the afternoon; I went over to he Mairie to talk to Carmen about the women's group and she thought it was a good idea. on the domestic front I defrosted the fridge and worked my way through the laundry. Well, someone's got to do it.
Weather:
28° Sun

25.8.15:
Made a special effort and went to an association committe meeting to help plan the forthcoming AGM. Just as boring as ever so no regrets about  only being an occasional  attender.
Had lunch at André and Nany's. My goodness can she cook; as usual it was a Catalan culinary delight.

The apéritif came with little dishes of escalivade http://www.spain-recipes.com/escalivada.html and esqueixada https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esqueixada
Then there was a starter of baby roast peppers stuffed with "brandade", a cod and olive oil purée with a light red pepper sauce. The main course was a Catalan version of "bouillabaise". Cheese, of course, came next with home made fig jam for the hard cheeses and cumin seeds for the soft ones.
You might not believe it but we then found room for a dessert or should I say desserts. Caramel egg custard, baby meringues, poached white peaches and chantilly. Rounded the whole meal off with a bottle of champagne, arriving home for a wee snooze at 4.15pm to be ready to go out later on.
Just about summoned up enough energy to go to the last local nocturnal market with Nicole. Finished the evening off taking tea for Nicole and a beer for me which we made last a good length of time while listening to music. We're joined at the end of our stay by Hortense and her friend Hella and had some chat with the British choir who were staying in the hotel above the terrace. I was quite glad when Nicole said she had to get back for her B and B guests but even so it was midnight when I fell into bed.
Weather:
30° Sunny and very warm

24.8.15:

The car went off this morning to have the window repaired and MOT done in order to sell as well as possible.
On a personal level, I telephoned to get my UK pensions transferred to France and what an easy affair that was. Two charming young women dealt with my request in a straight forward manner. France could really learn a thing or two about decluttering bureaucracy. Still, it keeps people in jobs, I suppose.
Michel came around to do a bit more on the computer for me so now the printer is functioning even though copies come out skew-wiffed! Arrived a little late, as a consequence at the bar for our regular apérobio. The chef remarked when I was booking that these evenings are getting closer together and that our numbers are growing! This time we were joined by Ann's friend Carol. A real good spread was set before us and of course, we made a sterling effort to do it justice.
By the way, I haven't shrunk just squatting down.
Weather:
24°

Not Worth the Wait!

21.8.15:
Couldn't put it off any longer; so even though I wasn't back to 100%, I walked down to the local garage over a mile away to talk about an MOT and repairing the window on the car so that we can sell it. All seems complicated so I'm not really looking forward to negotiating my way through. The walk was no pleaure as it's a busy road but I did get a lift back to the village with a gut who'd just delivered some spare parts. Stopped off for a coffee at the bar and was soon joined by Nancy, Colin and Lynn.
After watching some tv, I talked Rowena through setting up the ipod that I'd given her and much to both of our surprises, we've done it. Just leaves the ibooks to sort.

This evening the sardane association organised an event at the recreation ground with a good "cobla" (group of sardane musicians) but sadly it wasn't that well attended. I think people are running out of steam or money, probably both. Left after the raffle was drawn. Of course, I didn't win anything but funnily enough the local butcher won the painting that his wife had donated! Came back up to the bar with Terry and Ann and believe it or believe it or not, my tipple of choice was hot milk! Desperate days, eh?
Here's where I have to say "sorry for this uninteresting post" to Liz who emailed me when she saw the blog was 10 days behind, asking if all was alright . Sadly it's not been because I've been too busy having a whale of a time. It's been such a non week that I couldn't rouse myself into action. To make matters worse, there are next to no photos to liven it up! Sorry folks.
Weather:
29° Sunshine and cloud

20.8.15:
Gave the language exchange a miss, feeling weary but did manage to get myself to the bar. Only drank a bitter lemon so you can imagine I wasn't on top form. I met up Jean-Jacques as well as Jacques, Yaneth and Lisa who are back in France after living in Colombia I even said "no" to joining them for lunch at the bar. Siesta'd a bit then defrosted the fridge so I had something to show for the day. Passed on a trip into town to listen to jazz with Colin and Lynn this evening settling instead for an early night. Everything catches up eventually, as people have long been telling me.
Weather:
31° Sunny

19.8.15:
Hastily made a dessert to take to Jean and Françoise's for lunch where were joined by Mairie-Andrée who has an exhibition on in the town. as you all know there's no such thing as a free lunch as we're being roped in to provide some entertainment at Thérèse's forthcoming wedding in Septemer. We have to dress (more or less) like Becassine, a Breton cartoon character from ways back who you're unlikely to have heard of. Click on the link if you're interested to know what's being asked of us  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A9cassine
Went in on the bus and camr back with Maggie who had an appt in the town. Stpeed off at hers to see if I could help sort her new tv installation. False hope but we did get time for a chat, a cuppa and to discuss the forthcoming MacMillan ( + French cancer charity) fundraiser in September.
Weather:
26° Sun and cloud

18.8.15:
Coffee with Ann and Lynn at the bar.
Weather:
24°, feeling cooler with rain on and off

17.8.15:
Apart from Michel coming to continue with the computer, nothing to report her.
Weather:
28° Sun,  clouding over with a short rain shower

16.8.15:
What a creature of habit am I. Sunday morning and as usual I toddled over to the bar for coffee and met up with Nancy. we inger long, chatted to all and sundry then moved on to the rosé. how could I resist when Nancy suggested that we stay for lunch at the bar We started off reasonably with salads bur at the last hurdle succumbed to chocolate mousse.
The eating wasn't over however as in the evening I was invited along with Kathy to Linde's for a bbq. Magret canard, a whole one at that for each of us, was on the menu and didn;t it go down well with the grilled aubrgines and courgettes. There was a moment of panic for Linde when Katthy stoked up the flames but there was no need to worry as all was under control.
Funnily enough, Kathy said she'd dreamt the night before that I'd become mayor of Maureillas! I'm sure if I get the women's group that I'm thinking of up and running, as the 2018 elections approach, something more will be read into it but that's a long way off.
Weather:
Cooler, Sun and Cloud

Officially Normal

28.11.14:

Woke around 6am to high winds, thunder, lightening and heavy rain. At lunch time we were both invited to join the municipal workers for a lunch of fideuà that José (the Mayor's first deputy) was doing off his own bat. Christian, beacause he's a good bloke and me (I'm sure, because it was at the last minute) to keep José's wife company. In the end, Violette had something else to do and until Annie, the Secretary General arrived, I was the only female there. Spent almost all of lunch time talking "heavy metal" and "Harley Davidsons" with Patrick, the painter. I did manage to extract a promise that next year he and some biker friends would come and give rides as a fundraiser for the Téléthon, our equivalent of  "Children in Need", so it was a useful bit of networking.
After a copious meal and plenty of wine, Christian had his usual siesta and I zonked out on the settee until it was time for my appointment with the GP. Despite being back to normal, I didn't leave empty handed. I've a pescription for some homeopathic medcine to boost my immune system.
Straight after that it was off to the village hall for the AGM of the Twinning Association which was followed by a slide show of our visit last year, tapas and music.
Weather:
16° On an amber alert. Rain, thunder, lightening and strong winds all of which eased as the day went on.

27.11.14:
The whole day was taken up by the association. Attendance at the committee meeting, the language exchange, updating of the photo album and the new members "welcome drink" for which I was responsible and which fortunately went very well. The only moment of respite was lunch at the bar.
Weather:
18° Overcast

26.11.14:
Nothing other than the French pronunciation class.
Weather:
16° Overcast, rain on and off

25.11.14:

Had another blood test that showed that everything is back to normal even though there is still a pale pink patch of skin under my shoulder. In order to have a change of scene we went off to Perpignan to look at cars but the garage was too stingy with a part exchange offer to tempt us to buy a new one. We went for lunch at a nearby restaurant that has had good reviews and decided to go home straight afterwards and think again about car.
In the evening I went for an apérbio at the bar (the restaurant is closed for a couple of weeks) and Jean-Jacques joined Christian for an omlette after their Tuesday meeting at the Mairie which included the Maire's birthday drink.
Weather:
17° Low hanging cloud in the valleys, then generally overcast leading to rain
Headlines:
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women http://www.un.org/en/events/endviolenceday/

In the Name of Jesus

16.4.14:

On the road again for 9h and we had a long but enjoyable drive via Limoges. Stopped at "Les Jardins de Corrèze", which has services with splendid views, for a sandwich lunch and for Christian, a wee snooze on the grass. Arrived home in the early evening feeling weary but pleased that the journey back was without mishap.
Weather:
9° when we left, 23° en route in the afternoon, 23° at home. Sun all the way



15.04.14:

Left to head south at 9h and drove to Vire, a detour from our usual route, to see Christian's 93 year old godmother. She coped with the surprise as if it wasn't one and she seemed pleased to see her wee boy. By the time we said our goodbyes with an obligatory photo (we always wonder if it will be the last), we were ready to find somewhere to eat. Went as far as Flers and found a rather chic place called "Les Veilles Pierres" just on the outskirts. The food was good but the service impersonal. http://www.aubergedesvieillespierres.fr/
We spent the night in Dangé St Romain (obviously that was a saint who got around) in a simple Logis. The bedroom was small but clean and the meal was simple but good, especially the foie gras. Sadly, Christian is somewhat off his food.
Weather:
6° in the morning, 17° farther south in the afternoon

14.4.14:

You'll be scratching your heads wondering if I've gone all religious but worry not ..... this is actually the name of the hotel where we ate with Christophe for lunch. We should have eaten at a "Chinese" but it was "fermé exceptionellement" and rather late on we went to this place in St Romain du Colbosc which is on the way to Valérie's where we were to go for coffee. The staff were were pleasant and the food honest. On arriving, Valérie and family, her Mum, Stéphane and Yohann were in the garden enjoying the sunshine. We stayed for the afternoon and then went home for another quiet night in. Well, we're off tomorrow and it's a long drive.
Bah oui, I forgot ..... there was another "au nom de Jésus!!!" This time when we found that someone had dragged a key down the side of our car ..... the first time that this has happened since we've been together. What a sad sight.
Weather:
13.5° sun and blue skies

Patched but Roadworthy

12.4.14:

Had a quiet day so that Christian could recuperate before tomorrow's festivities. Only went out for a coffee at the local bar and were even able to sit out in the sun. Once again, the father-in-law of the cheese seller that we use at the market was there and apparently he's heading down here for a couple of months next week. Have I told you before that his son played football in the same club as Christophe when they were teenagers? And, the ex-owner of the bar who we'd also met there before, will be helping at tomorrow's do (in another town) as she's friends with the people who bought the establishment from her parents. Small world, eh?
Weather:
13°, sunny


11.4.14:

At breakfast this morning we found ourselves next to a couple who have a house in Il sur Tet, the other side of Perpignan and that the woman had worked with our friend Michel in the N. of France. after that, it was of course, off to the garage to secure the front wing. Would you believe it? There was a nicer looking hotel with off road parking opposite! while we were there the lorry owner phoned and said that his driver was 71 (and driving a cattle wagon! Am I being ageist?)and wouldn't have driven off if he'd realised but if there was evidence of the bump, they'd take responsibility. The Gendarmerie also phoned to say that their colleauges in the other town had visited and now it's over to the insurance to sort out.
Had lunch in Artenay, a regular stop for us and arrived chez Christophe at 17h45 for a quiet evening in with the family.
Weather:
18°, Sunny

Normandy, Here We Come

Managed to get organised and leave at 9h30 and we made good progress, stopping at the "Pont de Millau for a picnic lunch in the sunshine. We took our time and visited the exhibition to watch a short video about it's construction and then while Christian had a siesta, I walked up to the viewpoint to take some photos. We both did this a several years ago with Andy and Maureen and I was pleased to still be able to do it without a problem.
Big mistake; we hadn't booked anywhere for the night as we weren't sure how far we'd get. Stopped in Cosne d'Allier and saw there was accomodation at a château that's now been turned into a conference centre. They had space but with a meal of radish for starters and spag bol for the main course we headed into town. The hotel on the main road, which we'd been directed to,  was a family affair and if you've travelled in France you'll have come across these old, tired establishments. Still, we were tired too and fed up, the owner was pleasant, the room was clean and adequate and there didn't seem to be any other villages for quite a distance, so we booked in.
Went for a stroll and had a beer in what really was a bit of a one horse town and came back to find that our car had been bashed on the wing. Fortunately, someone had taken the cattle lorry's number so off we went to the Gendarmerie. They were very pleasant and helpful and found the company but there was no reply when they phoned. Christian tried to phone later too but with no luck.
Had dinner at the hotel which was simple but good enough feeling that disappointed with the end of what had started ourt as a lovely day but realising that it could have been worse.
Weather:
Temperature ranged 16°-20° as we travelled, sunny

All Ok

A kinda quiet day with Ken having his first drive on the otherside of the road in the "I can't believe you don't have an automatic car". In the afternoon Christian had an appointment with the cardiologist to see if he is fit enough for his forthcoming artery operation. Thankfully, he is. Ken and Kathy had a walk around the town during this time and when we met up the weather was warm enough to have a drink outside. Continued at the bar once we were back in the village and so ended another day in Paradise. As Ken would say, we're so lucky!

G'day, Cobbers!

Two new members, from the States came along to the language exchange and seemed to enjoy themselves enough to come along to the bar afterwards. As usual we went along to the restaurant afterwards and they came too. like most folk they were well impressed. Later on, I took Vicki along to an associatio where they do painting on silk. Couldn't resist another scarf; Vicki bought 3. There's always a warm welcome and a cuppa whenever I go there. Monette, the President was insistant that I phone first next time and there will be cake to go with the tea.
Friday evening there was a vernissage of aboriginal inspired art. A great show and the artist, an Australian, was really interesting. After that, Jean-Jacques, Michel and Sylvie came back for supper.
Yesterday, it was an early start to go and collect the car from the garage .... it does look good. We ended up looking good too as we went to Sylvie's hairdressing salon for a tidy up. The Tramontane was blowing strongly and it felt bitterly cold so an afternoon at home was bliss.
And so Sunday has come around again. Jean-Jacques came for a lunch of roast chicken and fresh strawberries. It was 5pm when he left so we did a quick dash up to the village hall where there was a do on. It was just about finished but at least we had showed our faces.

Finishing in Style

Another scorcher of a day, Mary's last one until next year. She very kindly treated us to lunch at the restaurant in the village and guess what? Yep, we're back on the rosé. Well, it just goes with summer, doesn't it?
The afternoon was more mundane with a trip to the supermarket to find olives for Mary.
By 7pm, the bags were packed and in the car for the trip to the airport although it was still too hot to have the roof down other than for the last little bit of the journey. We, however were able to come all the way back with the wind in our hair!

Living it Up

Yesterday we had an easy day to give Mary time to settle in. Just went into town for a coffee and while Christian went to get the car back, Anne came up for tea and to give me some advice about disguising the hideous downpipe on the upstairs terrace.
Today was a different story. Made an early start for the mountains where Christian had some council business to do. This didn't take long and we were able to go to our favourite café over the border for café con leche and churros (can't you just feel the calories going on from here?)The weather was very warm and Mary wanted to see the see, so we drove down to Calella and then had a very good lunch at EL Far. Perched on a rocky headland, the restaurant overlooks the Mediterranean and offers a touch of stylish living.This photo was taken at the little church next door and reminds me of the Welsh weather predictor that I always bought my Mum when I went on the school outing to Barry Island. When it was going to be sunny, the woman came out of the door and when it was going to be rainy, the man came out.
Came home via Capmany where we sampled and bought their new line in cava which is more fruity than the one we usually buy.

Judgement Day

Another early start-Sunday, well, for Christian at least who was on duty again at the polling station in the mountains. I joined him for lunch and got a lift back down with some Norwegians from the village who were also in the restaurant.
The count in the village had finished with Alyagas, the socialist in the lead but where were Christian, Michel and the last ballot box? Christian had had a puncture caused by hitting a fallen rock on the road. Michel drove me about 5 miles to be reunited with Christian and we waited until 9pm for the breakdown service to come out. Luckily we were on one of the few straight stretches on what is a very narrow, windy road. The birds were singing, the scenery beautiful and the evenening sunlight golden; quite romantic really.
Sadly we missed out on the celebrations at Argelès, the fief of our new MP but Juste and Joséphine gave us a report when they stopped by afterwards for some supper and champagne.

Domestic Stuff

Took the car in yesterday to have the scratches dealt with and shopped for meat, both of which cost less than in France. Nick came down in the afternoon and I've resolved (once again) to give the association's new web site some of my attention.
Today Michel and Daniel came for dinner whch gave me an excuse to leave early from the Congo association's AGM and just look at the yummy tart that Daniel made.

Oh Dear!

Visitors left today and we went to the market. It was warm enough to have the roof down. Have to admit that it's great fun. Sad to say Christian bashed the wing mirror on the way back so it will need some attention "bientôt". C'est la vie!

Glasgow Wine

Today we cashed in out first Groupon voucher which gave us a deal on 6 bottles of red wine called "Charles Rennie McIntosh". The cave was the other side of Perpignan so with bonnets and gloves on we lowered the hood on the car and enjoyed the blue skies and sun on our faces. On the way back we stopped off in Argelès for a walk to make the most of the day. I think Groupon will push us to do things that we wouldn't otherwise have been bothered to do so that can only be good. All you have to do is a bit of home work to make sure the deal is as good as it's made out to be.

Showing Off!

Of course today we had to take the car out for a spin and again we’re able to have the top down. Worked in the morning at our various tasks and headed straight to Vilanova de la Muga for lunch, a village that we’d never visited before and it proved to be an excellent choice. An old stone building set in a pretty garden, family run with a good choice on the 18€ menu which consisted of an apéritif (took cava, of course), starter, main course, dessert, coffee, wine, bread and water. Almost, but not quite, up to the same all round pleasure factor as Mas Salelles.

The sun was shining so there was no excuse not to go for an after-lunch walk around the village. The river was in full flow, the 11^th century church well preserved and a “parfum du cochon” wafted through the air. Well, we were in the middle of the countryside and the chacuterie that we all enjoy has to come from somewhere.

Came home via Figueres where we had a cuppa on the Ramblas and chez Juste and Joséphine where we had an aperitif.

Visit from the Tooth Fairy

Helped Maggie in the morning to sort jewellery and a variety of accessories in preparation for our Téléthon stall in the market on Thursday. Then it was with an excited Christian that Juste drove us into Perpignan to collect the car. The sun was shining and we were able to drive back to Juste and Joséphine’s with the top down. There was enough time for them to crack open a bottle of champagne before Christian had to leave for a council meeting. Maggie came back from the meeting with Christian and we had a bottle of cava (cheapskates that we are!) and some bread and cheese.

Christian’s tooth has gone from under his pillow and his long-held dream has finally come true! Ahhh, in't that nice?