What happened to November?

26.10.19 - 23.11.19:

Well, I was recuperating in UK after such a hectic time. The last few months had been stressful and I was so pleased not to have any obligations and time to just chill out. Main thing was spending time with family, especially my Mum who was celebrated her 90th and as you would expect, is getting frailer.
Did some shopping in Stratford and Banbury, made regular trips on foot into the town for a coffee. The Bower House has taken over from The George as the "go to" place. Using the loo is a real treat; you're entertained with people like Richard Burton and Judi Dench reciting from Shakespeare. Have to admit that it came as a bit of a surprise the first time round.
Caught up with a number of friends too. Spent a couple of days with Mary on arrival, with Jean and John on departure and with Karen who I missed the last time I was over. Margaret and Irene came down from Leicestershire for a lunch at the tapas bar and Jen came for a few days. Luckily, we took note of the forecast and spent a dry, sunny day at Batsford park.http://www.batsarb.co.uk/ The autumn colours were magnificent. Find the photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/zwb5YVCqeF36WCCc6
There was even a couple of musical evenings; "That'll be the day" in Leamington, https://www.thatllbetheday.com/show-history a 1920's Swing band https://vitalityfive.com/ and music at the micro pub in the town http://www.thirstedition.co.uk/.
Weather was as you would expect and then more some. The river where Jill lives flooded and even featured on the tv news.
It was lovely not only being out and about with Jill but also "cosy" time at home with a glass of cava in front of the telly. And of course catching up with the nephews, neices and the little ones was a plus.
Find more photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/f2CWUXeKkZqTy4g7A

23.11.19 - 24.11.19:
Martine came to Barcelona airport to pick me up even though she had a bad cough. We spent the evening in Sitges in a modern, comfortable hotel overlookibg the sea. https://www.hotelcalipolis.com/hotel/conoce-el-hotel/ The weather was lovely and the place animated and full of interesting architecture. Look forward to going back. Find the photos at
 https://photos.app.goo.gl/R3AHfQfBdAht5aeU7

Three Widows' Club

24.2.18: A Day of Architectural Splendeur

Had a good buffet breakfast in the hotel and then took the subway to the Sagrada Familia. The cathederal never ceases to astound especially, the stain glass windows. Even though we'd spent a while having a good look around, by the time we'd found the restaurant that Kate had recommended for lunch there was still an hour to fill. The sun was shining so we lingered over a glass of cava just over the road. Lunch at "Tasca i Vins" was a rushed affair as our next visit was booked for 2pm. http://www.tascaivins.cat/?lang=es
The visit to the Sant Pau hospital was another one of architectural beauty. https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Attraction_Review-g187497-d12814706-Reviews-Hospital_de_Sa
Back on the Ramblas, we stopped for tea in "Escriba". Follow the link to drool over the cakes. https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d2314979-Reviews-Escriba-Barcelona_Catalonia.html#photos;geo=187497&detail=2314979&aggregationId=101 I went for the cheese cake. That's the one with a white chocolate casing. Delicious. Pity the snooty manager and the cramped table space spoilt the atmosphere.
It was time then to go and collect our baggage from the hotel and head off to the station.
Made it home for 8pm, luckily, not having been stopped at the border given that Martine's ID card had been stolen.
Weather:
14° sun, blue skies

23.2.18: Barcelona here we come!
9h30 and off we (Martine, Nicole and I) set for the first outing of the "3 Widows' Club"; an overnight stay in Barcelona. Took the high speed train from Figueres arriving without mishap an hour later. First problem: Martine had downloaded our 48 hour city travel pass but had not printed off our vouchers. Had to buy tickets to get us to our hotel, "The Condal" where the very helpful recepionist helped us sort it out. http://www.hotelcondal.es/en/
Conveniently situated just off the Ramblas, once we we're installed we headed off to the Boqueria market in search of food. Lots of stalls had appetising fare but it was too chilly to eat there so we went to a nearby restaurant for a tourist lunch of tapas and paella.
Walked up the Ramblas and over to the church of "Santa Maria del Mar", but not feeling inclined to pay an entry fee, we didn't go in and have made do with a virtual tour instead. http://www.santamariadelmarbarcelona.org/home/

Continued on instead to El Born which was a facinating (free) visit. In the 1870's a large covered market was built only to fall into disuse and disrepair. Luckily, the iron building was renovated at the beginning of 21st century in order to house a library but excavations turned up the remains of the medieval city.
Walking back to the hotel we stopped off at "El Fornet" for a hot chocolate. Somehow, without any of us noticing it, Martine's bag disappeared. Next stop was, of course, the Police station.
It was a rapid walk from there to where we were meeting Kate, Martine's friend who works in Barcelona. Had some lovely tasty tapas and a bottle of cava in a trendy place, the name of which, I've forgotten..
The walk home pushed our step total to over 20,000 so feeling tired, it was an early night for us all.
Weather:
13°, sun and blue sky

On the Road Again

21.5.17: Chugging and Strutting

Breakfast was another buffet with everything you could possibly imagine on offer but there wasn't time to induge for too long as we were off down to the Ebre Delta, a nature reserve, for a boat trip. It was on the boat that the "update" post photo was taken. The trip was something of a disappointment as there wasn't really anything to see. We just chugged up to where the river meets the sea and then chugged back again. In fact the peacock at one of the café/bars was the most interesting bit of wildlife that I saw. Pity that such a splendid creature has to spend its life in a pen.
Back at the hotel there was a buffet lunch and with the luggage already loaded it was a quick turnaround for the trip home. Luckily, I had two seats to myself as Nicole had found two seats for herself so I wasn't obliged to talk to anyone and could watch a couple of films on my tablet. Arrived home at 18h30. What bliss it was being able to slump on the settee and just relax.
Weather:
28°, sunny

20.5.17: A Fitting Name

It was an 8am start for 45 of us to journey to Barcelona by coach. We visited the Museum of Catalunya and the Palau de Música http://www.palaumusica.cat/en/the-art-nouveau-building_23602 an absolutely fabulous Art Nouveau building. Follow the link to see the photos and you'll know that I'm not enthusing for nothing. In between the two we had lunch at "Quatre Gats" (4 cats) a restaurant that's been in operation for120 years. http://www.4gats.com/en/ Lots of atmosphere with plenty more Art Nouveau touches, including sanitary ware made by Thomas Crapper!
At the end of the afternoon, our bus took us on to Salou on the Costa Dorada where we were booked in to the hotel H10 Vintage for the night. https://www.h10hotels.com/en/salou-hotels/h10-vintage-salou
There was a huge buffet meal as part of the deal and entertainment (Brasilian dancers) laid on. Feeling tired and as my throat was even sorer, I was in bed for 21h; well before Nicole S with whom I was sharing the room.
Weather:
Very warm and sunny

19.5.17: Let Us Eat Cake!

Had a coffee at the bar before Sauveur arrived to sort out the light switch that wouldn't switch off. Left him to it as I went to get the bus to go and have lunch with Eamon and Liz. As often happens, I was given a lift which meant that I could take my time buying dessert and walking up to their holiday rental. Golly, it was hot and there was little shade.
My friends kindly gave me a lift back and once at home, it felt chilly enough to light a fire. What a contrast to the morning.
Weather:
21° sun, rain in evening

18.5.17: Duty Calls
Straight back into routine. Well, having missed several language exchanges recently, it didn't seem fair on Maggie to skive. Of course we all went to the bar afterwards for a drink in the shade. Spent the afternoon in front of the computer while it rained outside. A sore throat is hatching; no doubt the result of the AC on the plane.
Weather:
24°, sun with rain later

A Room with a View

6.5.17: A Room with a View

Had a good continental breakfast while some of the French (ie, of the male variety) indulged in a "full Scottish". Mags came around with bags of "tablet" by way of a welcome gift for one and all. If you've no idea what it is, just follow the link and discover the delights of this lovely, sweet melt in the mouth confectionary. No need to mention the calories! https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2014/jan/22/how-to-make-perfect-tablet-recipe
Took taxis for the short ride to get our tour bus at the pick up point opposite the airport. I found out later that the bus had come up from Carlise collecting passengers on the way and we continued to do so all the way to the last stop at Largs where we had time for a walk and a coffee. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/largs/largs/index.html
Of course most of us ended up at the Art Deco "Nardini's" café and ice cream parlour founded in 1935 by Pietro Nardini of whom the actress Daniela Nardini is a descendant. http://www.nardinis.co.uk/ Service was poor but it is an institution and a "must" for visitors.
Our fellow travellers were more elderly than ourselves but were pleasant and good natured in the face of a rather noisy French onslaught.
Our next stop was at the village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond where there was time for a wander in the sunshine and a bite to eat.
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/luss/luss/index.html
As we were just a little too early to check in to the hotel, our driver, Christine, took us on to the "Rest and be Thankful" mountain pass at 235m above sea level http://www.scotlandinfo.eu/rest-and-be-thankful-on-the-a83/ We stretched  our legs, admired and marvelled at such grandiose scenery.
The approach to our hotel was through woods carpetted with bluebells and according to Christine you can see red squirrels if you're lucky. We weren't. As the hotel came into view there was spontaneous clapping from "my group" and I heaved a huge sigh of relief. The interior of Ardgarten Hotel lived up to the photos on their website. Everyone in the group had a large comfy room with a view over Loch Long, a sea loch. Food was good with plenty of choice, there was evening entertainment, the bar prices were very reasonable and there were two Shetland ponies in the grounds. Just a weenie niggle; with 3 coach parties in, of which we were the youngest I might add, food was served in sittings starting at 6.30pm; a bit too structured but with friendly service, it seems a churlish to mention it especially as this 4 day, 3 night tour included dinner, bed and breakfast, travel, a wee cruise and a visit to Mount Stuart House for £196. Jim who was an accountant with an international firm couldn't believe what we getting for the price and had been worried beforehand that it was too good to be true. It wasn't. https://www.lochsandglens.com/our-hotels/ardgartan-hotel
Weather:
Sunny and warm

Off to a Flying Start

31.10.16: Portuguese Wine, Food, Music and Culture
After a copious buffet breakfast Margaret negotiated the car out of the garage which had steep slopes and tight corners. A helpful motorist called assistance for us bringing a smiling attendant arrived to let us out as we'd waited too long to go out and the barrier had come back down again . And that's how it was throughout the holiday; people were extremely kind and patient. Sad, isn't it when something like that is worth remarking on?
Margaret and I went off to visit the Roman ruins at Conimbriga about 30 minutes away. Fabulous as can be seen from the photos on Tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1190898-d911530-Reviews-Museu_Monografico_de_Conimbriga-Condeixa_a_Nova_Coimbra_District_Central_Portugal.html 
It took us ages to find the mosaic of a rather handsome young man that featured in my guide book as it was much smaller than we'd anticipated. Sadly we have no idea who he was. Maybe no one does as I haven't been able to find a reference on the internet; maybe he was neither a god nor a real person; just a figment of the craftsman's imagination.
It was warm and sunny, so at the end of our explorations on the site and in the museum, we settled down on the terrace of the café and had a vinho verde and nuts.

Once the car was back in the garage we gave lunch a miss in favour of another vinho verde at which point we tried to catch up with Nicole who had decided to explore the town instead of the ruins. She was our guide for what was left of the afternoon climbing up through the old town to the university area. Needless to say there was lots that we didn't see, so another trip at some point would be good. http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/coimbra-p-coim-coim.htm
We managed to catch the tail end of the sunset and great views from the terrace of a smart wine bar that Nicole had spied from down by the river and funnily enough, my inner radar found it despite the maze of narrow streets more easily than the mosaic . Yet another vinho was in order, Nicole had lemonade. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189143-d8547128-Reviews-Passaporte-Coimbra_Coimbra_District_Central_Portugal.html
Came back down to get our cardis and found a bite to eat near our hotel. It was a simple place but Margaret and I who were starving by now, had a very tasty dish of veal in a spicy sauce. Nicole ate the smallest of salads having had a good lunch.
Next came our search for a bar where fado is sung. Coimbra is the only place in Portugal where men sing fado and a man toting for business for his restaurant took us to a great wee bar called the "Diligencia". We had to wait about an hour but the barman didn't hassle us to buy more than the one drink that we made last. Between us we tried two local liquers; ginjina (a cherry brandy) and Beirão (made with herbs and seeds) and this time Nicole joined us. Hope you enjoy this You Tube clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7XLCGQqnns
There was a great ambiance with local folk arriving to sing when the resident singer took a break; whats more one of them was a woman!
Weather:
27°, whispy high cloud

30.10.16: Taking to the Skies

Still woke at the normal time so there was no benefit of an extra hour of sleep. The day started cool enough but the drive over to Carcassonne airport for our flight to Porto was in glorious autumn sunshine. The vines looked lovely and the idea of going on holiday, actually took root. Although I've had trips away to visit family and friends, it's over 3 years since I've been a tourist and the only time I was in Portugal was in 1985 when an ex and I went with Suzanne and Eddie on their honeymoon! This time I was off with Margaret (English) and Nicole (French).
We didn't have anywhere in mind for lunch and we took what we could find ending up in a village bar on past the airport serving simple fare. Still, the patron was a friendly type and the food was fine. The flight went without a problem and we arrived a little in advance which was just as well as we found ourselves heading to Coimbra, our first stop with the GPS set (unbeknown to us), to avoid motorways. The 100 miles seemed to take forever so it was dark when we arrived. Still, we found our hotel, set between the river and the old town, easily enough and it didn't take long for us to drop off our bags and head for a much appreciated glass of "vinho verde". http://www.hoteloslo-coimbra.pt/en/
Wandered around the through the narrow streets of the old town where we spied lots of boutiques and cake shops. Finally settled on one called "Brasileira" that had a restaurant upstairs. Unsurprisingly, the charming waitress who spoke excellent English, was from Brasil. Margaret and I settled on omelette and chips, Nicole on a salad; Margaret and I went for more vinho verde, Nicole for water which set the pattern more or less for the rest of the trip. We were all impressed with the linen serviettes which not only had the restaurant's name on them but a buttonhole in one corner to attach them to a garmet. Now, that's what I call a good idea; something like that would have saved Christian a number of spoilt shirts!   https://www.facebook.com/CafeaBrasileiraCoimbra/photos/?ref=page_internal 
Weather:
23° at 5pm in Portugal, sun

Valentine Treat

14.2.15:

Awoke on Valentine's day to a beautiful sunrise which sadly the photos don't do justice to. That's why we were here and not for the shower which was impossible to drain and the lack of a plug in the wash basin. The breakfast was copious (consisting of just about everything that you could wish for short of a "Full British") and our table was next to the window with that view. Shame we weren't able to stay on as the hotel was fully booked but the sky had clouded over and Christian was feeling the cold so we headed straight for home and didn't spare the horses. After our splendid breakfast, we didn't need lunch but had thought to go to the restaurant for dinner. It was not to be though as they were fully booked. Contented ourselves with champagne and foie gras by the side of a roaring fire.
Weather:
13° Cloudy in Spain but home to sunshine which turned to steady rain during the afternoon.
Of Note:
Mortal "terrorist"shooting in Copenhagen at a conference on the freedom of the press.


13.2.15:

We were late getting off for our overnight down on the Costa Brava, finally getting to have lunch at "La Taverne dels Cargols" at 3pm. Even though there was a menu del día, we weren't offered it and you know how I feel about this way of treating customers. Still, we had a deliciously tender shoulder of lamb in an exposed stone traditional dining room. http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1237068-d3673214-Reviews-La_Taverna_del_Cargol-Pont_de_Molins_Province_of_Girona_Catalonia.html
The hotel we'd chosen at Empúries (where there are Greek and Roman ruins) and while we'd had lunch there we'd never stayed. The older part is in an Art Deco style but more recently they've adde some enviromentally friendly ground floor appartments. we stuck to tradition and a balcony overlooking the sea.
Arrived there at 5pm and once checked in, Christian went for a sleep which was interrupted by workmen banging and I went for a walk along to Sant Martí and took a few photos. Click the link to see them https://picasaweb.google.com/114284735716067114333/OvernightEmpuries?authkey=Gv1sRgCP3ysI7t5Jn8Hw
As you'll see, the view is just splendid but the room was a bit jaded and took ages to warm up to our idea of an acceptable temperature. We had champagne both before and after dinner which was something a bit different. Christian had octopus and I had stuffed cabbage (which came at the same time as Christian's starter as I wasn't having one) but it was the desserts that were the most interesting. I had crumbled chocolate brownie scattered with curry biscuit crumbs and homemade vanilla ice cream. Christian had apple ice cream, diced blue cheese, fresh apple sticks scatterd with biscuits crumbs. It's a good job that we'd had a reasonable lunch as the portions were not designed for hungry souls! http://www.hostalempuries.com/en/environmentally-friendly-hostel-in-costa-brava/villa-teresita-restaurant
Weather:
18° (over the border), sunny spells

Goodbye to All That

25.5.97: FRANCE,  HERE WE COME!! (Gleaned from Our Travel Notes)

19.5.97 - 25.5.97: Decamped to the Cotswolds to say our last goodbyes

25th: Up and away from B'ham airport to pastures new

24th: Chez Chris and Rosie

23rd: Chez Jill and John

22nd Dinner and overnight with Dad

18.5.97: Overnight with Mary

17.5.97: Overnight with Jean

12.5.97 - 16.5.97: Back to Mary Kate's 

16th: Last night in Scotland with Mary Kate

15th: Lunch with Marlene at the University Staff Club. Overnight with Colin and Sheila

14th: Lunch with Ann K at 76, St Vincent Street

13th: Dinner with Ann and Ellen at Two Fat Ladies

12th: Lunch with Agnes in Edinburgh. Dinner with Sheila C. at Café Étoile

3.5.97 - 10.5.97: Staying with Jen in Yorkshire

3rd: Lunch at Harvey Nic's

28.4.97: Staying with Mary Kate
2nd: Dinner at Pierre Victoire with two of the train girls
1st: Lunch with Maureen at CCA. Dinner with Karen at Bombay Blues then a drink with Angie at the Pot Still
30th: Lunch with Jill at Jensen's, compliments of "Auntie "
29th: Dinner with suzanne. Mexican meal on Dumbarton Rd

26 - 27.4.97:

Overnights with Ann and Noel

24 - 25.4.97:

Overnights with Colin and Shiela

23.4.97

Last day in the wee"hoose". John, Simon H and Oliver up from the Midlands for all our worldly goods yesterday and then 4 weeks of hoping not to overstay my welcome with various friends and relatives. The next entry in this book will be when Christian and I are in "The Nest" having met up in Paris and travelled from Orly to Perpignan. Looking forward to our new life, different life, together.
Ovenight with Julie and Morgan

13.4.97
17h50 Time to go; wee bit sad but life is in front of us. The future is bright. (Christian)
A night in the Travel Inn picnic style before Christian's early start for Abu Dhabi en route to Burma.

12.4.97

Ruth and Christian are members of  the N mafia. we will miss them very much!! We look forward to visiting them in the very near future and long for their visit to Scotland . (Ann)

We will miss you. We have had very happy times together. We remember Bastille Day and Christmas Pantomimes. We look forward very much to visiting you in France. (Maureen and Angus)

11.4.97

A la nueva casa en Francia. espero que vive en Barcelona y visitara muchos veces. (Mary Kate)

We were late as usual - but we promise we'll be on time when we visit you in France. Can't believe the change that's happening - it's great and shows that life is always beginning, exciting and new. It's reassuring and exhilerating. Great night, great event and reason to meet and I'll talk about it for months and months - who knows where it will lead. (June)

Signed Willie

I love everybody! (Johnny)
 Me too! (Ruth)

Et moi (Mary Kate) 

One more time with all our friends. Maintenant je vais parler français et je vais vous dire combien je vais penser about you; je vais missed you a lot already. I am quite confused! (Christian)

PSHow could anyone not love someone like this?
PPS It's not hard to imagine that a good time was had by all!

10.4.97

Gordon and Ena as usual, provided an evening with lots of laughs, old memories and good food at the Cochrane Inn. http://www.cochraneinn.com/ Joined back at the house by Liz for a night cap and discussions about future visits.

8.4.97

A lovely surprise! Flowers from the research team.

7.4.97

It's already 7 years since we are in our wee house and if the walls were able to talk, they would say how much love and happiness was found here. (Christian)

6.4.97

What will we remember about Ruth and Christian???

Strawberries in Champagne (Morgan)

Generally educating my palate .... and ice cream - raisin from Bryson's Garage (Sheila)

Long lazy afternoons into evenings, sunny patios, saucisson, cheeses, pâtés, lamb with rosemary and flageolets, paella, champagne, wine, kir, liquers, gin etc, etc .... definitely "au revoir" and not "goodbye" .. bon voyage .... Julie xxx and Holly 

Friendship, good food, good wine and laughter. We'll miss you very quickly. Hope to see you sooner rather thn later. (Colin)

France Sept '96

Gleaned from Our Travel Notes

24th:
Shopping in Château Thierry. Crossing from Calais. Stayed over with Doreen before going on to Mum's and a trip to Benson's.

23rd:
Lunch in Sezanne after a late start. Then it was off to Martin-Charlot to buy champagne where we were made very welcome with coffee and then, of course, a tasting. Stocked up, had a siesta in a nearby wood and then onto Coparax to meet up with François.
We were made very welcome by Josette for dinner. (an English teacher). A really lively evening with planters' punch, rum, wine and champagne.
 22nd:
Crossed from Dover with Sea France and then a 3 hour drive to the "Cheval Blanc" (hotel of very fond memories) in Montmort. http://www.hotelrestaurantlechevalblanc.com/restaurant.php
Had an apéro in our room and then, as usual, an excellent meal

• Kir
• Foie Gras Salad
• Duo de salmon and monkfish
• Trou champenois
• Coq au vin for me, steak for Christian
• Passed on the cheese
• Sorbet champenois 

21st:
B and B with Mary in B'ham
19-20.9.96
Bob and Chris stayed with us on their way up to Aberdeen but we had to leave them early to take care of themselves as we were due to head off to France.
 
 

France, May '96

Gleaned from Our Travel Notes: A House Hunting Trip

9.5.96:

Made a late start from work to drive down to Jean's new house in Bourneville.

10th:

Afternoon crossing after a leisurely drive to Portsmouth where we also had lunch. Dinner with Valérie Christophe and new baby Léonie. It's cold.

11th:

Said a quick "bonjour" to Gilbert at his shoe shop. Dinner with Valérie, Christophe, Valérie, Guilhaume, Pierrette and Alain.

12th:

Left at 9h30 and made our way down to Montcuq where we arrived at 18h. Just say it out loud in a French accent and you'll/know why the French laugh about it. Overnight in the "Hôtel du Parc". http://www.hotel- restaurant-du-parc.fr

13th:

Our first visit was to a "dream" house with a gîte but sadly, it was too isolated. Had lunch in Beauville and looked at two other houses in the afternoon being driven from place to place by the estate agent.

Stayed overnight in Montreal du Gers at  "La Gare" with its restaurant/museum that even had railway sound effects in the dining room! We slept in what was the old toilet building!

14th:

Looked at more houses but there wasn't anything that leapt up and said "buy me!" Had lunch in the "Trou Gascogne" and met up with June and the girls in Blagnac where the company is putting them up in a hotel until they find something more permanent. Wouldn't you know it, Bill was back in Scotland. Overnight stay in the Campanile.

15th:

Moved onto St Antoine where we had an appointment with another estate agent. Overnight in Caylus.

16th:

Being Ascension Day, today is a public holiday. Lunched in Villefranche after which we telephoned a former colleague of Christian's on the off chance  but he wasn't there. Went to look around Cordes -sur-Ciel which is a lovely medieval hilltop town with cobbled streets and lots of tourists. Another night in Caylus.

17th:

Spent all day looking at houses though of course there was time for an obligatory break for lunch in St Antoine. Drew another blank and as it was too late to drive to Pilippe and Gisèle's, we overnighted in Monesties .

18th:

Made an earlyish start for the Pyrénees Orientales, arriving at Philippe's for lunch. Dinner with the family and a cousin, Michel (a doctor) and his partner. Funnily enough, he's decided to buy Valérie's house that we looked at last year. Seriously, thinking of buying Philippe and Gisèle's house.

19th:

Drove Philippe to the airport.

20th:

Pizza lunch in town followed by shopping in Spain.

21st:

Had photos developped speedily at the outrageous price of £15! Wine is cheap so I guess you win some and you lose some. Left after lunch to drive to Avignon, stopping for a cuppa with Aimée and the girls in Nîmes. Had a BBQ dinner at Stéphane's, once we'd done the shopping of course.

22nd:

Left at 9h30 and stopped for lunch in Tournus, a very pretty town. Dinner with Frank and Valérie (Laurence working late). Overnight in the Confornew. Very wet.

23rd:

Day spent lazing at Frank and Laurence's. Had paella lunch in a Moroccan restaurant across the road. We were invited to Vincent (colleague) and Maya's for an overnight in Reuill Malmaison  and it took us a long 2 hours to get there. GPS can't come soon enough! Also present were Jean-Marie (another colleague) and Odile.

24th:

The three blokes played golf in the morning and golf in the afternoon with lunch in between. The weather was warm so I contented myself with just sitting and reading. 

Did some last minute shopping for cheese and stayed overnight with Christophe and Valérie.

25th:

8h30 crossing, light lunch on board in an effort to counteract the extra pounds around the waist. Visits to Jill and John, Hilda and Dad. 

26th:

Saw Lena and Kate after church, then Chris and Rosemary. Left about 11am ith the car loaded with furniture and were home by 16h.
27th:
Today is a public holiday and Mary Kate came down to share the booty from our boot.

Tour de France '95

Gleaned from our Travel Notes

4.10.95:
Left after work to drive down to Mum's
5th: 
Visits to Hilda (step grandmother), Jill, Dad and then on to have a look around Moreton.
6th:
Lunch in the White Swan in Stratford. http://white-swan-stratford.co.uk/ Night crossing from Portsmouth.
7th:
Breakfast in Honfleur then lunch with Christian's godmother. (Rabbit) Back to Christophe's for dinner en famille. 
8th:
Met up with Didier, a long time colleague of Christian's for a walk followed by lunch at an Alsacien restaurant.
9th:
Lawyer and bank in the morning; lunch at Christophe's and on to Paris. Dinner of salmon en croute with Frank and Laurence.
10th:
Visit to La Defense. Very hot so just a salad lunch. dinner with Frank and Laurence. Fondue and champagne.
11th:
Lunch stop in Avallon for an indifferent coq au vin. Next stop, an overnight in Bollène in "Le Château de Rocher". Wooden floors, stand up bath, verdant setting and a good restaurant. http://www.lechateauderocher.com/ (They didn't have gîtes when we went all these years ago).

 12th:

Visited Vaison de la Romaine which as its name would indicate has lots of Roman remains. Had lunch in a quiet bistro in the medieval quarter. Arrived chez stéphane in ime to do the shopping for the evening meal which included more champagne.
 13th
Lunch stop chez Aimée but this time no Jean-Louis who was at work. From here, it was onto Philippe and Gisèle's. We're looking to buy a house so gazed in the windows of local estate agents and visited a house in the village that's up for sale. Huge and needing a lot and I do mean a lot of work.
14th:
Lunch in Argelès and we did a Scottish dinner.
15th:
A huge family lunch with both lamb and duck, homemade bread and champagne. Philippe took us for an apéro chez Valérie and then it was home for an early night.
16th:
Looked at some land next to Gaby and Chantal's but the thought of building was a bit daunting. apéro with Josette and Jacky.
17th:
Stayed an extra day to visit estate agents, went up to the "mas", the old farmhouse that Philippe is renovating and went foraging for mushrooms.
18th:
Drove through the Massif Central and stayed over in Massiac in a quiet Logis de France. Champagne again!
19th:

A misty morning to start today's journey ever northward. Stayed overnight (more champagne, of course) in the Moulin de Flagy (Chambre "Millet"). Lots of character in a picturesque village. http://www.aumoulin.fr/index.html

20th:
Had thought to visit Fontainbleu but it was closed! cut our losses and drove on to L'Oise where we met up with Christian's ex-wife's cousins and .... yes, more champagne.
21st:
Travelled through the countryside, stopping in Lyon-la-Fôret for lunch on the way to Christophe and Valérie's. http://www.grandcerf.fr/ 
Pascal, Sandrine and their wee one came for an apéro then it was dinner en famille with yet more champagne.
22nd:
Couscous lunch and strangely enough more champagne. Visit to the Malos' followed by a walk.
23rd:
Still sunny. Called in on Gilbert.
24th:
Arrived home

Mary to Stay

4.9.95

Thank you for a lovely weekend. Very relaxing - good talk, wine and food. Make sure that I can return the compliment soon. Love, Jean x

13.8.95:

Alison, having reached an age to fly up to stay with us came for a week which included days out and a trip to the Moscow State Circus.a real wee honey, she left us a thank you note with £2 in it to treat ourselves to a drink.

3.8.95:

An overnight all very "county" at Ladyburn. Normally, our haunt for Sunday lunch we splashed out for a wee treat.

18.7.95:
Birthday breakfast yesterday al fresco - champagne and strawberries, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, fresh assorted rolls, more champagne and coffee and that's just one meal. Had a really good time as usual, all meals same standard plus plenty to drink! As usual good company, don't want to go home! Hope I'm invited again soon, Mary xxx

21.5.95:
Well worth the wait. Wonderful food, wine, company, conversation and champagne. June

17.4.95:
Good food, excellent wines, wonderful accomodation and brilliant conversation. What more could one want?. Hope to come again soon - if invited. Love, Mary x