Changing Weather, Changing Plans

28.4.16: Hither and Thither

Just had time to call into the Language Exchange and say "hello" before meeting Nicole to go to Figueres. It was chilly, and rain threatened so there weren't the usual crowds thronging the market. Bought some plants and had lunch at the "Ou d'or" which you'll know from previous posts is a regular of mine.
Of course, Dali is reputed to have eaten there. We, however, went for the food not because of him. If the photo looks strange it's beacause it's an etching on the ground reflected in a large stainless steel tube.
Nicole being a great tea fan, we stopped off on the way back for a cup of Earl Grey in, of all places, La Jonquera.
Sticking to an artistic theme, once back in the village, I met Henri and his cousin Annie to show her the exhibition space for a proposed show. Following that it was on to Jean-Jacques for an apéritif with he and his sister.
Weather:
16° Rain, cloud, sunny spell at the end of the afternoon

27.4.16: Being Adaptable

Another change of plan. This time, I should have gone with Annie for some shopping and lunch into Spain but the road over the border was one long traffic jam so we went instead to Villefranche de Conflent, a lovely walled town, about an hour's drive. She'd suggested nearby Tourynia for lunch but the restaurant was closed. Still, it was a lovely wooded drive there and it worked up an appetite. So, back we went to the town and we were spoit for choice. Settled on the "Relais de Villefranche" where we were made welcome and ate well for a reasonable price http://www.lerelaisdevillefranche.com/ 
On leaving the restaurant, who should we bump into but Nicole P from the village with her two grandchildren. Annie was amused as she said that earlier she'd been surprised that I hadn't met anyone. Just goes to show, there's no escape!
Stopped for a cuppa on the way back; I do miss a good traditional tearoom, don't you know. Hardly the end of the world though.
Feeling tired so luckily I was able to have a quiet night in.
Weather:
16° Cloudy with a few sunny spells. Feeling damp

26.4.16: Not so Wicked Step Mother
Coffee with Hortense and then on to the lawyer's to sign the "Partage" so the kids can have their share of Christian's money now instead of waiting until I die.
Attended a Council meeting in the evening and went with Jean-Jacques to the bar afterwards for a glass of wine.
Weather:
16°, cloudy



25.4.16: Best laid Plans

There should have been a guided visit to a nearby village but hardly anyone signed up. Of the four who did, one couldn't come at the last moment, one forgot and the other two of us are on the committee and I'd already done it. A long way of saying this morning's plans were cancelled. Nothing else to do but go to the bar for a coffee. Even cooked for myself for once - a stirfry, if you're remotely interested.
Later on, François and Jacqueline came by to chose the carnival photos that they want copies of and Nicole called later to discuss her latest email reply. Once done, we sipped martini and Tio Pepe and chatted about life!
Weather:
28° sunny

Ever Present Christian

Yesterday I was on the receiving end of a good deed; today it was my turn to do one and have an excuse not to go to the French conversation workshop. Spent the morning helping James hang his paintings in Christian's room ready for Friday's vernissage. My reward apart from the pleasure of a job well done, for we were indeed pleased with our efforts, was lunch at the Molas restaurant.
Did a stint making paper flowers this afternoon and then in the evening, I joined a host of other villagers in the Foyer Municipal to hear the traditional "Vœux du Maire" which started with André mentioning that Christian's death was a loss to the village then gave a round up of what had been done in 2015 and what is planned for 2016. After no more than an hour of speeches we were let loose on the apéritifs and of course, galettes!
Weather:
14°, sun and blue skies

Raise a Glass

While our visitors had a lie in I did some association work and prepared some chilli for lunch. Michel joined us but it was all a bit of a hurried affair as we had a funeral (Nicole's Mum) to go to in Perpignan. Ken and Kathy came too and had a wander around. Met up for tea and very scrummy cakes. Weather was dull and the rain came on but not to worry. Wine and cheese was awaiting us at home with haunting Irish music to accompany it. I played "The Lonely Boatman" by the Fureys for when my coffin hits the flames and Ken introduced us to "Raise a Glass" which is what he would like. Despite the subject there was a lot of merriment and of course we followed the advice of Ken's song!