Cooler Weather

22.7.18: Still bearable

Sunday morning coffee was more animated than usual as there was a cobla (sardane orchestra) playing in the square after Mass. It was good to see it and the bar busy with dancers and spectators as well as the usual suspects.
What's more, the cooler weather has continued. You can see from the photo that there's no blistering sun to deal with. Such a relief!
Came home for lunch and here I am in real time sitting in front of the computer bringing the blog bang up to date. Talk about well in advance. I'll be back at a later point to finish off the day as I'll have this evening's music to report on. Don't let the suspense get to you!
Later:
Arrived late and left after about three songs; the music even to my untrained ear was  was rubbish. Martine turned up just as I was making my get-away so she came back to mine to drink cava on the terrace. Altogether a better way to spend the evening.
Weather:
28°, sun and cloud

21.7.18: Drop in temperature

No Saturday lie-in; there was a treadmill to pound and a rendez-vous with Michel at 10am to go to the market. As usual, he was late so it was after 10h30 by the time I met up with Jean and Françoise.
To give myself a bit more latitude, I decided to go home on the bus rather than with Michel. Even had time for a bit of photography; local businesses were responsible for this street decoration. Cheery, isn't it? I saw something similar in Gerona a couple of years ago; it featured parasols instead of kites and was every bit as effective.
With half an hour left to wait before the bus I decided to have a coffee in a bar on the way to the stop. By chance I met Thérèse and her partner Eric who invited me to join them. Not from the village, I only know them from my local where they stop by from time to time. As Thérèse was not prepared to offer me a coffee at 12.30 in the day, I succumbed to a white wine while we caught up on all our back news.
Spent a quiet time at home until it was time to go to the recreation ground for the fireworks' display which was good and much appreciated. Luckily, the earlier rain hadn't interfered with the continuing festivities of the Festa Major. (meal of "moules/frites", disco and fun fair)
Weather:
27°, sun, showers and cloud later.

Vive la France

15.7.18: Vive les Bleus!

Preparing lunch meant that my Sunday morning cuppa came later than usual and unusually, I didn' linger for long.
Had a lazy, lethargic afternoon; it was too hot to do otherwise.
Timed my trip to the bar, where we were booked in for the communal paella, to coincide with the end of the match. Needless to say the terrace of the bar was packed and everyone was in high spirits. You'll know of course that France won. Of course, there's all too much hype but the pleasing thing about this team is that they're not the "brats" (too polite to use the term that more adequately describes them) that the last team that included the like of Benzema was.
About 80 of us tucked into the paella which sadly was pretty mediocre. Mass catering at the bar is always a bad deal and if I hadn't been invited, I would have eaten at home. Sorry for being negative.
I did have a mini bottle of cava though to bring back a bit of sparkle and all the positive vibes around meant that no one, not even me, could small niggles spoil the evening.
Weather:
32°, very hot and sunny

14.7.18: Vive la Republique!

Glory, it was hot this morning for the "Bastille Day" ceremony. A procession to the war memorial, the Maire's speech in which he emphasised that there are still personal, national and international Bastilles to be felled, presentation of medals, sardane dancing and an "apéritif républican". It was too hot to linger without shade so Nicole, Nono, Evelyn and Iwandered to the bar for a coffee in the shade next to the cool of  the fountain.
Didn't have to prepare food as I was invite d to the cousin's for lunch and in the evening we ate the leftovers in the fridge after Nono had sorted out the light that I've been waiting for Sauveur to fix. My kind of day!
Weather:
32° very hot and sunny

Happy Easter Bunnies

It was a real pleasure to come out of the house and see the street decorated with flowers, chickens and eggs for Easter.
There weren't many of us for coffee in the bar; folk were either in church or the kitchen, I guess. Toddled over to the church in time to watch the traditional sardane after the mass was over which took me to lunch time.
As there are never any buses from the village on a Sunday or public holiday, Henri came to pick me up for lunch at theirs. Foie gras, lamb and strawberries. No complaints there.
Didn't get back home until after Henri had a lengthy siesta followed by a cup of tea and a biscuit. Eager to get back home I did hold out about not staying on for supper.
Was looking forward to a quiet evening in front of the telly and had just poured myself a cuppa when Margaret arrived at the door to invite me for a drink at the bar with her son and family. Still had time for a bit of telly afterwards and relatively early (ie, before midnight) night.
Weather:
17°, blue sky

10th Anniversary

Who would have thought it? Certainly not me but I started Chitchat on 1st January 2018. There are still a few holes to fill but Maureen, I will try harder to keep up to date. So it's actually the 3rd and I have just got here from Christmas day.
OK now back to the 1st ....
Jean and Françoise came over for coffee bearing an invitation to go up to Ghislaine and Nicolas's for lunch. It was an age since I'd seen them so it was a pleasure to say "yes". We stopped off in Céret for our coffee and found that there were lots of people out and about doing the same or dancing the traditional New Year sardane in front of the Mairie. Of course there was an apéritif to spread even more good cheer but we gave that a miss. Met lots of people that I knew even one or two from the village. Jacques and Véronique among them. Apparently the neighbours weren't much after me going home last night.
It takes about 40 minutes to get to our destination but the drive in the sunshine up into the mountains was a bonus. Lunch was good, chat was abundant and there were the lambs to bring a smile to our faces.
Spent the evening watching the tv and don't laugh ..... knitting.
Weather:
18°, blue sky while the West of France was being battered by the tail end of hurricane Carmen.

Bygone Days

Went to the market with Michel where my first stop was to watch a local group doing some Renaissance dancing. I'm afraid that my attention was taken up by the age of the dancers rather than their fancy footwork. Oops, I guess that makes me ageist and with my lack of energy, I'm in no position to criticise. Sorry!
Bumped into Jean and Françoise and had a coffee together.
Next it was a trip to the supermarket and a laze around at home until it was time for bed. Slothful or what? Can't leave it there, so I've gone in search of quotes so as to put myself in a better light. I particularly liked these:
* Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. (Sam Keen, American Author)
* Laziness is nothing more than resting before you get tired. (Jules Reynard, French Dramatist)
* I like the word "indolence", it makes my laziness seem classy. (Bernard Williams, English Philosopher)
Weather:
30°, sun and wind

Dancing Queen

The last bit of work on the windows was done this morning and the boss was at the house to do the last bit of paperwork and collect the cheque even before his worker had arrived!
Jill and I went off to the market and started with a coffee with Henri and his son-in-law. We toddled around, chatted to folk here and there, went and had a look at the brunch possibility which looks promising as can be seen from the photo. Finished with another drink; this time at the Grand Café. Took the bus back and had a a quiet afternoon behind closed shutters as it was too hot to go out.
This evening we wandered down to the recreation ground to dance the night away. Yaneth, Nancy, Lisa, Jill and I were joined on the dance floor by a young woman; blonde, tall, slim, dressed all in black wearing the most amazing boots with enormous sprung wedges. Never seen anything like them. I'm sure she is a model!! What a great mover; I can't imagine why she'd join such a motley crew as us. Once our legs started to give out, Jill and I went back to the bar for a last cuppa.
Weather:
30°, sun

Keeping Tradition Alive

My usual Sir Galahad's being away, I joined Yasmin and Nancy for a trip to the market though we did split up until it was time to meet for a drink. Almost immediately, I bumped into Hortense, so Radio Times already purchased, we retired to the café for a coffee and chinwag. And there I stayed until it was time to meet the others at this very place. Jean and Françoise and then Nany and André happened by and joined our table. We had a prime spot from which to watch the the sardane being danced by enthusiasts in the town for the annual festival. I also got to meet Frederick, who not only plays in one of the "cobla" (a group playing traditional catalan music on traditional instruments https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobla) but is also a teacher from the conservatoire in Pepignan and an expert on the Catalan bagpipes. A useful contact for "Project Cornemuse".

It was quite late by the time we got back to the village so it was a short afternoon until it was time to costume up and dance our way down to the recreation ground behind our carnival float accompanied by waves, toots and shouts from passing cars. Those who drove by with po faces were seriously booed. Who cares if we were making fools of ourselves.
There didn't seem to be as many people as usual for the mussels and chips and outdoor disco so Nicole P and I stopped only to whet our whistles. Went back up to the bar where we met Nancy on her way down who did a "u" turn and joined us for a coffee. Jacques first port of call after three weeks away was the bar to watch the Women's European Cup (football). He joined us until we all went home in separate directions.
Weather:
28°, sun

My Home from Home

19.7.17: Twice in One day

Made the camp site my first stop this morning in order to catch up with Nono and Evelyn. Like most campers they were up and about when I arrived and typically, Nono, he'd made friends with the groundkeeper who'd cut them a deal on the electricity! We went down to the bar for a coffee and chat in the shade and were joined by Jean and Françoise. Home for a salad lunch. Spent the afternoon quietly watching the Tour de France with the shutters closed to keep the sun and heat out.
Soon, it was time to organise the apéritif for this evening's vernissage in Christian's room. Attendance was better of late, I suppose because Jean who is a member of the Association, is from the village and his photos were of the area.
10 of us came back to mine for a glass of cava while waiting for the flamenco evening at the bar.
Loli, also a member of the Association who came with us to Scotland, and Antonio gave a fabulous performance. The paella was excellent, the audience appreciative and the atmosphere lively. We're all hoping that Jean-Louis will rebook them. If you look back over these posts you'll see that this village showcases a wealth of artistic talent. Long may it continue!
Weather:
31°, sun and slightly less wind

18.7.17: Three Times in One Day

Started the day at the bar with Nicole P, Brigette and Martine (yes, another one). Moved from their table to another to have more coffee with Penny, Kate and Lynn with whom I had a meeting to discuss a forthcoming event that "Cancer Support France" is organising in the village. Showed them around the facilities at the recreation ground that they're going to be using and gathered one or two things to do in my role as liaison with the Mairie. http://sud-de-france.cancersupportfrance.org/sud-de-france-aude-ari%C3%A8ge-pyr%C3%A9n%C3%A9es-orientalestarn-and-tarn-et-garonne-e
We then came back to the bar for lunch. Just had an omelette and downed lots of water.
Finally, I spent the whole of this afternoon bringing the blog up to date. Yes, you're reading this in real time!
This evening the rump of the "Project Bagpipe" group had a meeting once again at the bar. David was able to report that he'd had a favourable response to the proposition. Did a double take at one point to see Nono and Evelyn in the square, a day earlier than I'd anticipated. No problem though. They'd installed their camping car at the village camp site and said they'd entertain themselves this evening as I was busy.
Meeting over, I stayed on for a short time for a chat with Vanessa and Debra and then went home to my remote control.
Weather:
30°, blue skies, wind in the evening

Heatwave

19.6.17: Hot and Bothered

A bit of a later start; oh what bliss!
Coffee with Nicole P at the café where we were later joined by Gilles. Took Paul's present around to Gilbert and Suzanne's for them to give him tomorrow and found that they too, were suffering from the heat. To add insult to injury, I couldn't get the association website to work. Grrrh!
Weather:
31° even though it was hot and sunny, here, along with Brittany was the coolest place in France!

18.6.17: Olé! Olé!

What a good sleep I had last night, not waking until after 8h this morning. Coffee as usual at the bar but didn't stay for lunch. There were lots more people out and about today as the village square acts as a thoroughfare to the polling station at the Mairie. The French were voting in the second round of the election of their Députés (MPs). Emanuel Macron heading up "En Marche", a party of just a year, won with a large majority. The National Front did less well than they'd expected; the socialists were all but wiped out. What a pleasure to see the FN take a hit. It wasn't all celebrations though, as Macron was mainly seen as the lesser of two evils which was borne out by the high abstention rate.
In the evening Françoise and I went to watch a local "seveillanes" group give their end of year show. Joséphine was dancing; it was good to see her and we made yet more resolutions to catch up once she was back from Paris. Had a drink in Céret afterwards; squeezed lemon juice, well diluted for me. Helle, a Norwegian of whom I've already spoken, stopped on her way by and it was good to see her in good spirits after her recent "scare". Jean came back to the village with us and we had another refreshment at the bar where Michel and JJ joined us after their stint at the count.
Weather:
31°, sunny

17.6.17: Being a Healthy (on the whole), Wealthy (maybe not) and Wise (sometimes) Bunny

Went there and back to the market on the bus. Fulfilled my mission to buy the Spanish groups' present for Paul who is giving up and helped put things back in store after last night; stopped off at the bar for a cupppa on my way home. Otherwise, not a lot else so found my way to bed a little earlier than usual. Should try and get into the habit, shouldn't I? afterall, you know what they say ......
Weather:
34°, hot and sunny

Deft Dancers and Great Danes

12.6.17: Scandi Games

An out of sequence committee meeting this morning in order for us to get organised for our annual "Danish Games" and Friday night's tapas evening. It all seemed to involve me in a lot of toing and froing in the heat of the day. Called into the bar for a coffee on the way home and met up with Lynn and Ann. Marie-Louise joined us and as my Mum would say, she's someone who can "talk the hind leg off a donkey" and golly did she live up to her reputation. It was exhausting and my compatriots, who don't speak French, left me to it! Not that I needed to say anything; a nod, a smile and a few huh, huhs were all that was necessary.
The games in the evening were explained and refereed by Lone and Jesper who also supplied several varieties of Danish beer at full time. There were about 30 of us to play "Kubbs" which is kind of like skittles. Well, 29 played and I took photos. https://www.mastersofgames.com/rules/kubb-rules.htm
Went for a cup of tea at the bar to wind down with Nicole P after clearing up. Finally went to bed about 12h30 and it was still 26°/78.8°F!
Weather:
In the 30's, hot and sunny

11.6.17: Didn't She Do Well?

The usual Sunday routine: coffee, then an omelette lunch with Nicole S and Patricia. A short rest followed which was followed by a dance gala featuring participants from the age of 2 to 67 years of age. The hall was filled to bursting and the audience very appreciative; not only because they were family and friends but also because it was genuinely good. Imaginative routines and incredibly supple and fluid movement. Nicole P and I had been invited to the show by Gérard and Evelyn. Evelyn was the 67 year old and it was her first ever year of dance. Have to say that it was extraordinary that someone who always seems so reserved and serious should take to corporal expression so easily.
By way of  recompense, we went to a local auberge for dinner. It's ages since I'd been there and I have to say that it hadn't changed enough to make me want to hurry back.
Weather:
30°, sun

Sunday and a Day of Relative Rest

4.6.17: A More Leisurely Pace

Oh, what joy! No need to timetable our getting up. Today was a "free" day. I took of advantage of the time to go and visit François, who Christian had worked with and Josette, his wife who used to teach English Ryes, a village of 485 inhabitants about 20 minutes away. It was good to catch up with them as I hadn't seen them since Christian's 70th birthday party in Normandy which was over 3 years ago.
We had a leisurely lunch of scallops (Josette remembered that I really like them) and fish both coming straight from the quay in Courceulles.
André and Nany went to Bayeux to see the tapestry while Agnes visited family who by coincidence also live in Ryes.
In the evening, there was the "official" dinner which was a more elaborate affair with speeches, a demonstration of folk dancing and a disco.
Weather:
Warm and sunny

Caledonia

12.5.17: On the Whisky Trail
First stop this morning was Dunblane to visit the cathedral, stroll through this attractive town which has a gold post box to commemorate Andy Murray's gold medal and to have a coffee. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/dunblane/dunblane/index.html
Sadly it was here too , that a gunman opened fire in a primary school in 1996 killing 16 children and their teacher.

A week in Scotland and we had yet to visit a distillery. This, however, was rectified today with a guided tour, thankfully in French, of Edradour, the smallest distillery in Scotland still using traditional methods. http://www.edradour.com/ Of course there was a tasting and a chance to spend in the shop. Ray, who has been here with our Scottish friends, Andy and Maureen, and who I haven't seen since, was working today, so we managed to have a 10 minute catch up. So that was a bonus, especially as I'd already done the tour the last time.
Next, it was on to the House of Bruar for lunch, some quality shopping and a walk to the Falls of Bruar for those who wanted to spend their energy rather than their money. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/blairatholl/fallsofbruar/index.html

The drive back seemed long and we were all beginning to flag a bit. Still we needed to be on form tonight as we were giving dinner to our hosts. There was a bit of a ceilidh, singing, a fair sprinkling of kilts and finally Loli got to dance some flamenco. Cousins Rob and Jean, who live about an hour away, came over and were so much at ease with everyone that Rob sang "Wild Mountain Thyme" as a solo. I had no idea that he had such a lovely voice but there again, his Gran was a music teacher and his Granddad a great singer.
Speeches were made and presents given. I was delighted to receive a really lovely Harris Tweed shoulder bag and glasses' case in autumnal colours.
So the last evening in Scotland for the group came to an end. I'm sure they'll all go back tomorrow with great memories having seen the country at its very best. I just have to leave you with a link to Dougie MacLean singing "Caledonia" especially as it's also the name of one of Edradour's whiskies. If you're an exiled Scot have a hankie ready and everyone "Enjoy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP8A9rtg0iI
Weather:
Very warm and sunny

Wealth, W.Cs and Women left Wanting

8.5.17: Spoiling Peaceful Waters

Today we journied farther afield with a visit to the Isle of Bute. First to the small village of Colintraive to take the short ferry ride over to Rothsay. Whilst waiting for the departure, I astounded some of the French women by suggesting that we use the men's loo that wasn't occupied. With only one women's facility and a number of us wanting to "go", they soon got over their misgivings!.
A walk around the town took Nicole P and I to see the outside of 13th century moated castle while Nicole S went off with the more serious sightseers. Loli hit the charity shops (which don't exist in France) and found herself a yellow wool coat and mauve tartan tammy. One satisfied customer and several group members amazed by the pittance that she'd paid.
The coming of steamships on the Clyde, soon made Rothsay a fashionable destination for visitors from Glasgow as is evidenced by its Victorian architecture and winter gardens. There are even some Victorian '"gentlemen's toilets" which are still working today. There was no similar provision for women and I don't think for a minute that Victorian "ladies" would have done as we did this morning!

After a quick lunch of soup and a roll, it was time to clamber back on board for the short journey to Mount Stuart House which was rebuilt after a fire for the 3rd Marquis of Bute, who made his money from South Wales coal (not to mention the toil of Welsh miners), in 1869. It was home to the world's first domestic heated indoor swimming pool and was the first house in Scotland to be lit by electricity.
Impressive as it was, it was the gardens that gave me the most pleasure and I regretted not having more time to just sit and enjoy the rhododendrons that were in full flower and the views over the Clyde.

Our return journey took 35 minutes for the ferry to cross from Rothsay over the Clyde to Weymss Bay. On the way we saw porpoise and in stark contrast, a submarine from the Faslane naval base; presumably not one armed with a nuclear warhead.
On the other side, the bus journey back to the hotel was long and retraced some of the route we'd taken on the first day.
We had thought  that Loli, who is a professional flamenco dancer and teacher, could provide a bit of entertainment after the dreary quiz but Bev the assisstant manager was not keen when I'd broached the subject yesterday because apparently her clients came for a quiet time and if they wanted flamenco, they'd have gone to Spain!! The women that I spoke to later were most disappointed and the next day they said they'd decided that they might as well have an early night as we'd not stayed up to dance. I'm thinking of asking Bev if she'd like to book us for next year's entertainment.
Weather:
Warm and sunny

Happy Tourists

7.5.17: A Castle, a Cruise and Plenty of Good Cheer

It was a glorious if early start to the day and being Sunday, I allowed myself the luxury of a full Scottish breakfast; as of course, did many of the others.
The first visit this morning took us along Loch Fyne bringing back memories of the times that Christian and I took visitors to the "Loch Fyne Oyster Bar". In those days it was a little known, simple affair which quickly became one of the places to say that you'd been to. Nowadays while this restaurant remains independent and supplies seafood and smoked fish all over, the name has been sold to a chain of restaurants throughout the UK.
Our destination was Inverary, a pretty town on the shores of the loch which attracts many a tourist. The main attraction is the 18th century castle that's home to the Duke of Argyll, head of the Clan Campbell, which was used for a Christmas edition of "Downton Abbey".
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/inveraray/inveraray/index.html
There's also a "double" church originally built (1792 - 1802) to allow one half to  worship in Gaelic while the other half worshipped in Scots. The jail and courthouse were built to replace the existing but inadequate buildings between 1816 and 1820 and shows visitors the harsh reality of the penal system of the time. History aside, there are a number of shops fulfilling every tourist's wish for tartan, whisky and other souvenirs. My "lot" were no exception. They were straight off the bus into the "Edinburgh Wollen Mill" in search of a bargain. Looking at the bags that were taken back on the bus, they were successful.
Nicole S had given the excursion a miss as she didn't feel up to it, so Nicole P and I went up to the castle to enjoy the views, the gardens and a cup of tea. Nicole had her first experience of scones and Tunnocks tea cakes; soft marshmallow on a biscuit base, covered in milk chocolate and wrapped in red and silver foil. Only 106 calories a go!. Mmmmm! They brought back memories of my own initiation into the world of Tunnock's teacakes by breaking and picking off the chocolate, bit by bit to prolong the pleasure. I gleaned from the Tunnock's website that the father of the company founder, who was born in 1865, had been a joiner and coffin maker from Uddingston, Glasgow. Mr Tunnock Snr advertised his wares as follows “Why live a miserable life when for 30 bob you can be buried comfortably”. http://www.tunnock.co.uk/about-us/
I kid you not; have a look see for yourself and for those of you who are too young to remember or are among my non British followers, a "bob" was a "shilling" which was 12 pence before decimalisation.

Still, enough of all that; let's get back on the bus and head back to Loch Lomond for an hour's cruise. The weather unsurprisingly as the day was wearing on, was not quite as sunny as it had been in Inverary but it was as picturesque as you would imagine. The boat chugged up the loch with a live commentary in "English" that was completely lost on the French. The main feature was Tarbet Isle or as it is better known, "Honeymoon Isle", so named as newlyweds were left there for a week. If they were still on good terms at the end of the week, it was deemed that the marriage was a success and would last!
After a good dinner, it was off to the bar for coffee for most and a wee whisky for some. We were all soon singing and even had some requests. No, not to be quiet! Just to be sure, I went into the ballroom next door where a quiz about tv programmes was going on and asked a group of women who were sitting out if we were too noisy. They replied "not at all, it's great to see young folk enjoying themselves!". So, there!
Not to be out done, two Scottish women came through and sang too.
The quiz over, it was time to let our hair down and dance. What's more, we fair livened the place up!
Weather:
Warm and sunny. lots of people out getting very red!. Cloudy later
News:
Emanuel Macron won the French Presidential election ahead of Marine Le Pen. In the village he polled 813 to her 605

Sorry for the Lack of Photos

21.8.16: More Music
Coffee this morning with the usual crowd but didn't stay for lunch. Tackled the ironing this afternoon and made up the beds for next week's visitors. Well, with 4 bedrooms+ to clean, I can't leave it all to the last minute. Oh, why did Thérèse have to take her holidays at this particular moment?
Joined, Nicole S, Anne and Florence for more music at the bar this evening; Much more like it. So much so, that I stayed until the end. Felt a bit like the Titanic with only seven of us left on the terrace.
Sorry that I've been so lax about taking photos to brighten up the blog.this week but there hasn't been anything much going on. Shame I didn't take one of Jaques in his beekeeping gear though.
Weather:
28°, blue skies,, wind, chilly eveneing

20.8.16:No More Cash Flow Worries
My bank card finally arrived yesterday. So much for the two days, the woman in the bank talked about. Pretty impossible with a weekend and public holiday in the way. Anyway, it's good not to be living off borrowed money and to be able to pay my debts.
Went into the market with Jacques and before coming home we chatted about his USA/Mexico trip and about life over a glass of wine.
This evening the "Café des Copines" women's group met at the other bar for a grill. All 7 of us were contentd with our welcome.and with what was on our plates. To be repeated, we decided.
From there, Nicole P, Christiane and I went down to the recreation ground to watch some sardane dancing. Not many people there which was a shame but there again, there didn't seem to have been much publicity. We all bought raffle tickets but none of us won. The village butcher had donated a prize of chacuterie which was won by his uncle; himself a retired butcher! It was quite chilly in the wind so Nicole and I came back up to the café for a warm drink with Tery and Ann
Weather:
27° feeling chillier, cloudy all day, wind

19.8.16: Procrastination
Spent a couple of hours preparing for a  meeting with David and Laura  to talk about the proposed Scottish trip for the association over lunch. Still, I always was a last minuter. We had lunch at the restaurant and then retired to the bar to pour over various websites. Why can't we find where we want to go, at the time we want to go, staying in well reviewed accomodation all at a bargain price? Seems like compromise is going to be inevitable..
Went back in the evening to listen to an Irish group. Sadly all I got for the effort was some  pretty mediocre music and mossie bites.
Weather:
29°, sun. Only a spit of rain despite the brooding clouds

18.8.16: Al Fresco Dining
How quickly the language exchange comes around! Nothing of note to report. A rosé at the bar and a one course lunch with Terry and Ann.
Had a surprise visit this afternoon from Trudi and Christian who are in the area on holiday from Switzerland. I was touched that they'd taken the trouble to look me up.
Once they'd gone, I got out the wooden spoon and made a cake for dinner at Kathy's. Linde brought stuffed mussels which is my prefered way of eating them. All very pleasant and there's an apéro in "our" garden in the offing. Yes, I still have my fifth share.
Weather:
29°, sun

17.8.16: Do You Speak English?
Gave Nicole P an English lesson over coffee this morning and had a square screens afternoon.
Weather:
31°, sun, rain shower, distant thunder

16.8.16: Doing Battle
Started the day with a visit to the osteopath who came highly recommended by Rowena. He was good and really put my back into better shape despite there being some arthritis. He advised me to give up milk products, cut down on sugar and get more exercise. Umph, we'll see. Had time for a coffee before my bus home, a trip that took 25 minutes instead of 10!
Had lunch with Yasmin at the Quattrocenco overlooking the fountain with 9 jets and where we were seranaded with music. All very agreeable. http://lequattrocento.net/index_flash.html
Had coffee in another café under the plane trees and then came back to sort out Yasmin's building permission at the Mairie. On leaving there, I bumped into Martine and we went to the other village bar and had tea on the patio at the back.
As night fell, Jacques, the bee-keeper came in full kit to try and aerosol the wasps to death. I could hear them going crazy above my bedroom ceiling which is under the eaves. He's not sure it will work as he couldn't see the nest, so fingers crossed. Discretion  being the better part of valour, I once again slept on the settee.
Weather:
28°, sun

Easter Weekend

28.3.16: Eggstravaganza

Decided to make my legs do a bit more work by encouraging them to take me around the village after I'd had a coffee at the bar. Home for lunch and a stint in front of the computer; out again for another even longer walk and back for more computer stuff.
In the evening, I was joined by Jean-Jacques at the village hall for the Easter Omelette. Having collected about 400 eggs, they were a plenty. Now you know why I surprised you all with my exercise spurt!
Weather:
15°, sun


27.3.16: Old Traditions and New Measures

Yes, yesterday was like a Scottish summer; the sun has given way to cloud today. The clocks went forward last night but with no obligation to get up and out, it didn't matter. Had a coffee in the bar where Eve had put a mini Easter egg on the side of the saucer. A nice wee touch and typical of her. Besides being a really nice person, she's a real asset to the business. The conversation was mostly about the presence of two gendarmes (one with a serious looking gun cradled in his arms) at the start of the street down to the church. They certainly weren't hunting Easter bunnies! Apparently, they'd checked all the cars in the square giving out fines where there was a contravention but it would seem that their presence was for surveillance and protection. All a bit unreal in this backwater but a consequence of  the country's state of "heightened alert", I suppose.
At the end of the Mass, a basket filled with stuff for the omelette was let down from the balcony to be blessed by the priest and yesterday's group sang a couple of songs. A couple of sardanes around the tree followed after I insisted on moving the crash barrier that was propped up against the wall which looked pretty ugly. As it was, they danced around bags and coats though there's not a pair of white high heels in sight.
Then it was a brisk walk over to Martine's for a traditional lunch of roast lamb and flageolet beans. Kate and Olivier from Barcelona were there as were Nany and André. We ate well, recited poetry, discussed a lot and even burst into song every so often!
Walked home and caught up with the blog.
Weather:
16°, cloudy and damp
  
26.3.16: Singing for Your Supper

Oh, today really felt like spring or maybe a Scottish summer. The market was a buzz even though  schools aren't on holday here for a couple of weeks yet. Bumped into Thérèse and had a long chat over coffee then when I went to go and do a tour, I spotted Henri so I sat and waited with him until Michèle arrived when we had an apéritif. Down to the supermarket and home on the bus.
This afternoon I went over to the square, in short sleeves, I might add, to listen to the traditional "Goigs dels Ous". A small group of Catalans made their way around the village singing in front of the local shops and houses and were given ingredients for Monday's pascale omelette in return. Here they are outside the butcher's. Didn't follow them for very long prefering to go to the café for a cuppa. Well, it was that time of day.
As I sat on the terrace in the sun, Jean-Jacques passed by and stopped for a chat  but resisted the offer of a glass of wine and therefore, so did I.
Spent the evening going over the published version of the website and found that all kinds of mishaps had occured; missing photos, spacing errors and wrong links. Oh dear, sounds like Monday's going to be tedious.
Weather:
18°, blue skies, warm and sunny

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

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

Father afield but not much!

15.8.15:

Today's a public holiday and the village up in the mountains fiesta. I went up with Maggie for the inauguration of a refurbished square which was part of the celebrations. The new mayor from our twinned village from across the border was there as was Lluis, the President of the Lluis Campays association who gave a speech in Catalan. I won't bore you with going into the history for the umpteenth time you can just follow the link if you're interested  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llu%C3%ADs_Companys Just know that the square was named in his honour as an anti-francist. A sardane  and an apéritif followed. Good old Nancy had a go at dancing but found it more complicated than she'd anticipated. Is there nothing that this woman won't try? Maggie and I didn't dance the sardane neither did we stay for the annual giant paella, settling for the apéritif and prefering to come home and have a siesta.
Weather:
24° Cool in the morning but warmer laer with the sun. Nothing like previous years when there's either been a thunderstorm or baking heat

14.8.15:

Pension paperwork; yes, it is an never ending saga. Afterwards went into town with Michel who had a meeting at the Mairie and bumped into Hortense so we did our second lengthy chat in less than a week. Had my nails done in the afternoon which I'm sure many of you will find out of character but there you are. Then, there was music in the bar in the evening. Passed on the meal in favour of a couple of glasses of wine  and table hopping to avoid the showers.
Weather:
23° rain showers
News:
The American Embassy (re) opened in Cuba amid a flurry of concilitary words and a blare of publicity

13.8.15:
Thursday again and did the usual stuff but this time we language exchangers were joined by Nancy and Annie for a glass of wine.
In the evening there was an interesting wine tasting chez Gabriela and I went home the proud owner of six bottles of red kindly carried by Jean-Jacques.  http://www.domaine-des-schistes.com/fr/index.html
Weather:
29°, Cloudy, rain

12.8.15:

Took the early bus into Perpignan. What a disaster the "Centre del Mon" is. Dali named the old railway station the centre of the world decades ago but it's way off the mark for the new TGV station just across the tracks. Almost all the shops have gone in a very short space of time, the offices, carpark and hotels are empty. In fact there are more security guards than shops. With so many train and bus passengers passing through, how has it not worked? Still, there are reports that another group is going to take it over so we'll see if it can be turned around.
Had lunch in "Le Figuier" which I found last year with Elsa and was entertained by a table of six blokes next to me. Came home and snoozed. Big city life is too much for this country bumpkin; though in my defence, I had done a fair bit of walking.
Weather:
31°
News:
Huge explosion in a Chinese chemical plant

11.8.15:
Michel came around to make a start on sorting out computer glitches after which I treated him to lunch at the restaurant. Spent the rest of the afternoon decluttering Christian's usb keys. You and me both; Yawn, yawn !
Weather:
29°, sun

10.8.15:
Took the bus into town to meet Hortense for a coffee. Talked long and hard. Updated the blog this afternoon. Didn't have a lot of energy so gave the open air cinema a miss.
Weather:
30°, Sun after a cool start

Festa Major

26.7.15:

The last day of the festa is more traditional with Sardanes in the morning and afternoon. For once, I was out and about most of the day. Yet again, Nancy and I had lunch together; this time a salad at the bar.
The traditional levant de taula didn't happen this year for the first time since we've been here. Shame if the old traditions fade away.
Having missed two days of the Festa Major, I decided to show my face this evening and join Nany and André for deep fried squid rings and chips at the recreation ground. Not worth all the calories so I didn't linger long. Came home and watched the tail end of "Barchester" which is showing on France 3 at the moment. By the way, there are more and more dramas playing on French tv these days, if you're remotely interested. And I caught up with the blog ...... finally up to date .... but how long for?
Weather:
32° sun and some cloud

25.7.15:

Went with Nancy on the bus to the market. There was a cold wind early in the morning and I went with a top too warm for later on, so needed to buy a teeshirt in order not to look ridiculous among the underdressed tourists. Came back in Nick's Saab convertable which put us in the mood for the menu du jour at the restaurant. Why? If it had been the bus we'd probably gone to the bar!
There was a very refreshing tomato, watermelon and mint chilled soup starter which was a bit ironic as for once there was a cold wind blowing.
Dinner was out too; this time chez Nicole who had also invited Anne (French), Lynn and Colin (Brits). Walked there and back which was a bit of well needed exercise.
The second night's meal was paella along with a live show. Apparently, it was good and attracted a lot of people.
Weather:
27°, Sun and wind

24.7.15:

Rain, something we've all been waiting for, arrived this afternoon. The gutters rain like torrents and the earth breathed a sigh of relief. Linde was here at the time for a cup of tea. It only lasted  couple of hours but at least it's cooled down.
Rather foolishly, when offered a load of books I just thought that I could pass them on to the Cancer Support France book exchange without specifying that they needed to be in good condition. I salvaged about 25 from 5 big bags full. The rest were old or tatty; all had that brown grubby look. So now, as well as all my own kept - for- too -long stuff, I'm having to take them bit by bit to the recycling bins. A real chore. Still, my own fault and I was pretty ruthless. On my return from such a trip, I met Roger in the square and we ended up having a glass of wine on the terrace of the restaurant. This time we were joined by the patron.
Sadly, the first night of the village festa suffered from the afternoon downpour. Only about 30 people turned up for the grilled sardines of which there were 400kg!!!! Apparently there were slightly more folk for the disco.