Autumn is a coming!

 21.9.20 - 27.9.20: Equinox came and went

Did some entertaining chez moi this week. An apéritif for Jean and Françoise (23rd) and tea for Jeanne, the American who is immersed in the complications of buying a house in the village (25th). Involving rather more work was a farewell dinner for David and Laura. On the menu was Lemon Cinammon Pork served with couscous and toasted almonds followed by a seriously good "Torte Royale"; chocolate laced with strong coffee and Tia Maria. An adult cake that's rich and dark so, if that's your thing you won't be disappointed. Went even farther on the over-indulgence scale by serving it with marscapone pepped up with Tia Maria. If that's a step too far for you, no worries, the torte is very moist and doesn't actually need anything else. https://www.thatslife.com.au/torte-royal  Even though we were joined by Jacques and JJ (Michel couldn't come) I'm not ashamed to say that I was delighted that there was some left for me to have with my afternoon cuppa during the week!

Other coffee breaks were taken at the café with the folk who no

longer go to the Language exchange (24rd), Françoise on 25th and 26th and with Michel and his visitors, Claude and Françoise (27th). It became progressively windier and colder, so by the Sunday we were the only ones to brave the terrace. Sweaters, jackets and shoes have replaced tee shirts and sandals; smiles replaced by gritted teeth and hunched shoulders!

There was an escape from the village on 23rd with a trip down to Argeles with Lynne and though quite breezy, the sun was warm and a walk around the marina and along the sea front was enjoyable. Of course, there was a lunch stop overlooking the sea. We went with "Les Planches" where Lynne had already eaten. Shame the waiter was somewhat offhand. Even with a mask on, the feeling came through. https://www.les-planches-argeles.com/carte-restaurant-les-planches/

 Lunch at the village restaurant the next day with Hortense was so much better and cheaper. She was impressed with the  quality and ceativity of the food, the service and the relaxed atmosphere which lent itself to our long conversations.

The market on Saturday was less jovial than usual due to the strong wind and fewer folk going about their shopping. Still, the weekend was not without its pleasurable moments in the company of others. After - lunch coffee at Michel's and Sunday lunch of roast chicken back there meant that I had a break from organising my photos and watching tv. An added bonus was that there was no need to cook anything. A boiled egg sufficed.

Weather: Temperatures dropped from 25° on Monday to 16° on Sunday; the sky became more and more cloudy bringing some rain showers which even 3 days of very strong winds didn't blow away.

Thank Goodness for the Treadmill

22.4.19 - 25.4.19
The weather this week has been up and down. Warm and sunny as well as a chilly wind with light showers. On the (non) social front I've beeen on the treadmill, spent time on the computer and watching tv. Thanks to Maureen, I also watched the film "Can you ever forgive me?" The title comes from a Dorothy Parker quote and is called "a real life caper" by the Guardian reviewer.
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/feb/03/can-you-ever-forgive-me-review-melissa-mccarthy-richard-e-grant-lee-israel
Of course there was time devoted to the association; a morning at the Language Exchange (25th) andSome of us will be in medieval costume, soliciting donations for the books to go toward the Pipe Band visit, handing out roses and running a small bar along with cakes and savouries to eat.
an afternoon (23rd) sorting books for Sunday's fête de Sant Jordi (St George's Day) when it's traditional to give books and roses.
I did have some real social interaction, too. Tea at Jacques, coffee at the bar with Ann and Lynn and went twice to the restaurant for lunch. On Wednesday (24th) with Kelvin and Irene, here on holiday from the UK and then on Thursday (25th) with Nicole. 
Thursday was a bit of a challenge. Even though lunch left me feeling sleepy, I managed to prepare a main course for the next day's dinner. Then I tidied up and got ready for les anglaises and an at - home apérobio. We'd decided on trying a couscous from the new take away on the Main Street.

All agreed that it was a good alternative to the bar where latterly we’ve left feeling ripped off. And an apéro first on the patio before going in to eat  was just the thing.

Weather:

16-25°, changeable

Widening horizons

Just to prove that I don't always let dear old "Chitchat" slip, here's a post about today's daily doings. Walked with Valerie over to Hannele's for a Finnish/Estonian lunch on the building site that will at some point become her new home. Four others joined us there.
One of the association's activities is "chez nous" where members from other countries or regions of France open up their homes so that people can sample the cuisine and learn about the traditions and customs.
Click the link to see more photos https://photos.app.goo.gl/j9P7p4kbnuaiYLzA6
Isn't the black and white puppy a wee cutie? Just look at the heart shaped patch on his nose. 
Started with dill pickles dunked in crème fraîche and honey, nuts and salted sunflower seeds accompanied by a strawberry liqueur.
Next came generous slices of gravalax, sweet cucumber salad and rice salad with white wine.
Then came a salted fish pie that should have been served with potatoes but they never appeared!
Dessert was a cream and peach cake.
Finished off with coffee, liquorice liquer and fruit liquer chocolates
It was all a bit chaotic as you can imagine but Hannele who is a larger than life character with a load of different projects on the go at any one time was very hospitable.
Don't know whether it was the interrupted sleep I had last night, the heat or the liquers but when I came home I nodded off on the settee for a short time.
As I write, the sky has clouded over and it's feeling cooler and I think I'll take a wander over to the bar at half time to catch up with one or two people who I know will be there to watch the world cup. Certainly couldn't face eating anything tonight but a chilled glass of rosé would go down well.
Weather:
30°

The Glums

15.8.17: Off Duty
The usual Rallye Pedestre didn't happen this year as there were no volunteers forthcoming to organise it. The kids were disappointed but they still booted up and went to explore the Cathar Castles instead, therefore, I had another day left to my own devices with the added bonus that I was to be relieved of cooking duties.
Met Nancy and Nicole P at the café and stayed on to have an omelette lunch.
Spent the afternoon being a couch potato. So what? It is a public holiday after all.
Jean and Françoise stopped by to bring some photos of the hike and stayed for a quick drink.
Dinner was a real treat and everyone contributed.

On the menu:
Guacamole and nachos (Pierre), melon,saucisson
Chilled Cucumber Soup
Stuffed Aubergines
Panna Cotta with Strawberry Coulis
White Chocolate Cookies (Maureen)
You don't need me to tell you that it was a good meal but sadly there was a bit of a hiccup as Maureen went into a strop when the conversation strayed on to her future studies. (Look, you can see from the photo, she isn't always a mardy soul). As there was no lifting the mood around the table, when the meal was finished Valérie and I went to the café in a search of a bit of a wind down and light relief which we found at the bottom of a teapot!
Weather:
29), cloud and a few spots of rain
PS For those of you who are too young to remember, the Glums were a radio family from the 50's - 60's. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSk3of8kZ4c

14.8.17: Yet Another Problem Coming to Light

The family were up and out very early to meet Françoise to go on a hike up in the mountains. The plumber turned up as arranged and fixed the leak under the bath but while sorting this problem, he found another; there's a small gap between the floor and the wall so any surface water finds its way there and drip, drip, drips into the sitting room below. All very depressing; it's just one thing after another. There was only one remedy and that was a cuppa and chill out at the café.
Weather:
28), sun


13.8.17: Salutations and Songs of the Seventies

Valérie and I started the day with a walk up to where Christian rests in the shade to say "bonjour", reminisce and admire the view.
I stopped off at the bar for a cuppa while the family headed off to Spain for the whole day. This suited me fine as I was able to do some cooking and have a bit of settee time.
They came back absolutely exhausted so there was no interest in the least to go to the bar to listen to music; in any case they could hear it from the house. The terrace was packed so I was pleased that Nicole V, Anne and Jacques had saved me a seat. It was fun singing along to songs from the 70's. The accordionist made us laugh with the most fixed dead pan expression we'd ever seen. It didn't crack once!
Weather:
31°, sun

Eating in, Eating out

26.5.17: Still on the Wagon

Oh, - - - - - ! The GP wants me to continue the antibiotics for another 3 months. what's more, I'm no cut out gluten and sugar. Sorry, not humanly possible. The gluten I think I'll manage but I'll no doubt cheat a little on the sugar. Luckily fruit is ok but it's all a bit drastic.
Am still putting off the tax return; this time with doing some tidying in the cave. There's just the pub to do but this heat isn't really conducive to a big clean up.
Went to have my fringe trimmed, walked to the museum to buy a bag made from cork as a present (it's a cork museum) but it was closed, toed and froed to the Mairie trying to arrange replacement rooms for the Spanish workshops. All this and it wasn't even 6pm.
Then there was a vernissage in Christian's room. The exhibition was of some lovely watercolours of seascapes.
There was of course, an apéritif but sadly, not so many people there to enjoy it.
Dropped into the bar when I came out where the village aging rock singer was to perform but I didn't stay long.
Weather:
23°, sun

25.5.17: Cooking for Friends
Today's the Ascension and a public holiday. Had coffee at the bar with Nicole P and Maryvonn and we were later (well, actually just as I was about to leave) joined by Ann and Terry. Stayed a bit longer and then went home to prepare for dinner with Viv and Pepe, Terry and Ann. Jean-Jacques had been coming but had had a better offer and gone off to Bordeaux. Well, who wouldn't?
I prepared some canapés, cooked chicken and chorizo and Ann brought an enormous fruit salad. Was a good evening. Should have taken a photo but didn't!
Weather:
32° sun

24.5.17: 2nd Sitting
Finally decided that it was time to take up the ashes as I don't think that a fire will be on the aganda until next winter. Come to think of it, not even then as I'm planning to put in a pellet burning stove.
Prepared a duck, mango and rice salad to take over to a buffet lunch at Eamon and Liz's. took the bus over but this time, there was no lift.
Weather:
30°, sun

23.5.17: Oops!

Another up and out morning; this time for my monthly blood test to make sure that my liver isn't suffering from the antibiotic I'm taking. Another lift was forthcoming, this time with Patrick. Zoomed around the supermarket, had coffee back in the village with Nicole P and then walked over to Pepe and Viv's for lunch. Oh dear, was my face red and not from the heat. The table was laid for 4 not 5 and there was a couple there whom I didn't know! That's right, I was there on the wrong day. Despite being invited to stay, I left my gift and scuttled home to find what I could in the fridge.
Lazed around this afternoon instead of doing my tax return and did some unimportant sorting out.
In the evening there was one of our regular "apérobio" get - togethers. Barbara was here from UK and wore me out enthusing about absolutely everything that came up in discussion.
Weather:
27°, blue skies

22.5.17: This and That
Association Committee meeting first thing and afterwards I organised replacement rooms for a displaced language workshop. Had coffee with Nicole P; Philippe joined us later and Jean-Jacques later again.
Worked at the computer and chickened out of going to a Council meeting.
Weather:
24° sun and rain in the afternoon

Food and Friends Cure All Frustrations

7.2.17:

Getting dizzy with Sauveur running up and downstairs doing then checking the lights all day and feeling cold with the doors inevitably being left open. And while I'm in moaning mood ... why do workers never switch off lights and why is my computer still cutting out?
An invitation to JJ's for a drink with Yaneth, Jacques and Lisa who have just arrived from Paris was a most welcome pick-me-up but that's not all. There was a wee gift of herbs all the way from Colombia where Yaneth hails from and a place at the table for dinner as well. Nothing to moan about there.
Weather:
16°, sun, cloud, light showers

6.2.17:

Escaped the electrical work by having coffee with Nicole P over at the bar. In the afternoon, tried to do some work on the computer now that I've managed to plug it in but there's a new problem. The blessed thing keeps losing it's internet connection which means that I'm merrily typing away and the cursor goes on walkabout. I'm no touch typist so I don't reaslise that what I'm typing is not appearing on the page. 😒
The plumber coming to mend a leak, Dominic to fill the gaps under the eves to stop the wasps nesting as they did last year and Sauveur to do the electrics was a surprisingly welcome respite from my technology frustrations.
Jean and Françoise popped in for a quick drink with the flowers that Jean had been unable to give me on Saturday as I'd gone from the café by the time he came back.
It was then my turn to be waited on at the bar where I met Ann, Dani and Lynn for our monthly apérobio.
Weather:
12°, sun and very strong winds

5.2.17:

None of my usual friends were in the bar for coffee but there were other women to talk to while I waited for a lift over to Michelle and Henri's for their celebratory birthday lunch. There were 8 of us in total and we started with champagne at their house; then it was up to the restaurant for a very good lunch. I had scallops, followed by vension and we all had a dessert of "Baked Alaska" decorated by giant sparklers. Nany invited us back to their house at 7pm to help eat up one of those lovely dried ham joints that you see hanging up in delis. Tempting as it was, I was just too comfortable on the settee in the warm so I gave it a miss and stayed home to quietly watch tv. Even though I've been here a long time, it's still surprisingly tiring speaking, listening and trying to understand in French.
Weather:
12°, cloud, occasional showers and strong winds

4.2.17:

Went into the market with Michel and Brigitte, a friend he's not seen for 37 years, who's staying with him. Met Hortense and had coffee with Françoise then off to the supermarket before getting the bus back. Spent another afternoon in the kitchen preparing dinner for JJ, Jacques, Brigitte (Michel was playing at a gig) Hans (German) and Marie-Madeleine.
On the menu:
canapés in front of the open fire
fish pie (http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/smokedhaddockfishpie_81401) adapted to use extra white fish and hard boiled eggs as in the Jamie Oliver recipe
cheese, of course
Bavarian apple cake and fromage frais
coffee and armagnac
Weather:
17°, warm and sunny

Computer Mania

3.2.17:

Stirred myself to get out for a bit of a walk in the sun followed by coffee at the bar. Foutered around during the afternoon and then met David and Laura in the bar before the vernissage to talk about the Scottish visit.
Another exhibition of paintings using red and black. Last time the theme was Japan; this time bulls and flamenco. Fortunately, there were a few more of us in attendance. Michel, who is the councillor responsible for culture, cited Christian's room and my presence in his speech. I'm such a sucker for a little bit of reflected glory! What was even better, he came back to check my computers. One hadn't been plugged in properly (felt a real numpty) but in my defence, it's a bit of a struggle to get the new plug in easily. He cleaned up the hard drive on the other one and suggested that it needs a bit more ventilation.
Michel went off for dinner with friends and I joined Patricia at the bar (3rd time in one day!) for a drink which was a pleasant way to round off the day.
Weather:
15°, blue skies

2.2.17:

Thursday has come around again so once more it was a not very exciting morning at the language exchange. Thank goodness for a wee recompense at the bar afterwards.
Into computer overload at the moment; one won't connect, another keeps freezing and I'm still getting to grips with the new tablet. That, however, is more fun; the rest is plain old tedious.
Weather:
15°, sun and strong winds

1.2.17:

The day started with an unwelcome surprise; bread has gone up by 10c. Then it was into the kitchen to prepare dinner (chicken couscous and warm dried fruit compote with vanilla ice cream) for JJ, David and Laura. Not too stressful especially as JJ is always happy to do the drinks.
Weather:
14°, cloudless sky

Almost there!

25.11.16: Stirfry, Salt and Spinsters

Getting towards the end of the blog catch up; thank goodness. Had a good go this morning before preparing lunch for Rowena who was whizzing through the village between appointments. Hadn't seen her since before the summer. Duck stirfry and a replay of Lone's prunes in red wine. More computer this afternoon before going to Linde's for an apéro.
You may remember that Linde started an Association in the village that sponsored young women in the Democratic Republic of Congo to go to secondary school. Some of them have now left and she's settig up a scheme to buy sacks of salt that can be sold by them in smaller quantities. Well, I think that's the idea but to be quite honest, I don't want to get drawn in as I've neither time nor energy to be involved though I'll probably give her the 25€ needed for a sack.
Jean, Françoise, Christine and Kathy were there too and we talked about anarchists, films, the selection of the republican candidate for the presidential election next year, renovations and nonsense.
Called in at the bar on the way home where the quiz that I'd avoided (had been asked to join 3 different teams) was in full swing. The place was full to bursting with over 60 participants. Too busy and noisy to do other than say my hellos.
Just in case you're interested today is St Catherine's day when it was customary in France for unmarried women to pray for husbands. Those unmarried women over 25 would wear elaborate bonnets; wonder if that was the origin of the millinary extravaganza I wore for the fashion parade! It's said that before a girl reaches 25, she prays: "Donnez-moi, Seigneur, un mari de bon lieu! Qu'il soit doux, opulent, libéral et agréable!" (Lord, give me a well-situated husband. Let him be gentle, rich, generous, and pleasant!") After 25, she prays: "Seigneur, un qui soit supportable, ou qui, parmi le monde, au moins puisse passer!" (Lord, one who's bearable, or who can at least pass as bearable in the world!") And when she's pushing 30: "Un tel qu'il te plaira Seigneur, je m'en contente!" ("Send whatever you want, Lord; I'll take it!"). An English version goes, St Catherine, St Catherine, O lend me thine aid, And grant that I never may die an old maid.
Oh, how things have changed!!!
Weather:
14°, sun

24.11.16: No Way Out
I do wish I'd had my camera with me when I went across the square which is being dug up at the moment as pipework is being replaced. Jacques was standing marooned on a tiny patch of ground, obviously ready to go out, surrounded on all sides by wide trenches!
Otherwise, it was the language exchange that was assailed by the smell of over 800 jars of jam being made downstairs, lunch at the bar with Nicole P, the blog and a good dose of telly. I guess you'll be thinking that I watch a fair bit of tv. Well, I do but I do read too, though in all honesty, nothing too earnest.
Weather:
16°, sun

23.11.16: Remembering Christian
Went into town to the lab to have my nail scrapped for analysis, the woman came to complete my file for the grant, helped sort out the jewellery and accessories that the Association is selling for the Téléthon next week and prepared the apéritif for the new members' welcome drink. Once again we were in Christian's room and I was so pleased when Philippe, the Vice-President, (the President is in hospital) made reference to him and to the appropriateness of the venue when he introduced me. Forgot to take my camera so there's no photo of the 20 or so folk who turned up.
Weather:
18°, rain

22.11.16: Market Mooch
Went with Michel to the food market in Figueres. All followed the usual pattern. Split up to do our shopping and met up for lunch in the café right by the market. Even our main course was the same as usual but being cooler we opted for a squash soup rather than gazpacho. Apart from that nothing out of the ordinary.
Weather:
17° rain but sun in Figueres

21.11.16: Entertaining Friends
Spent a lot of time in front of the computer interspersed with preparing dinner for Lone and Jesper, my Danish friends, Jacques and JJ. Michel had been invited too but didn't make it back from Montpellier in time.
On the menu:
Apéritif with Tapas (so no need to do a starter)
Chicken and Chorizo with 3 grain rice and salad https://realfood.tesco.com/recipes/chicken-chorizo-and-potato-stew.html made with red beans rather than potatoes
Cheese
Marmalade Cake with cream augmented by the prunes in red wine brought by Lone
A pleasant evening during which as all was ready to go, I could relax and enjoy the company of my guests.
Weather:
16°, wind and rain all day.

Continuing the Christmas Cheer

27.12.15:

Up before 8am to wave the family on their way back to Normandy then made a leisurely visit to the bar for a Sunday morning coffee. Nicole came by and we ended up staying for lunch and for the 3rd time in a week, I was treated. No soup this time, just a goat's cheese salad. It was late by the time I got back and got started on preparing dinner for Terry, Maggie and Ann. On the menu:

• Foie gras toasts, petits fours, cherry toms, cranberry relish topped boudin blanc (good idea)
• Duck breasts, green beans, sauté potatoes with red berry sauce
• Cheese 
• Chocolate and kirsch soaked cherries Mousse
• Champagne (thanks Maggie), Monter Red (thanks Terry and Ann

Best of Both

25.12.15:

After getting to bed pretty late, we were up relatively early, even Hugo. I think it was because I'd spoken about having brunch and he'd interpreted it as a "full British".  I managed to put together some rashers of bacon that were diverted from barding the turkey, eggs and white pudding (traditional in France at Christmas).  The main thing we'd planned for today was to take a trip up to the cemetery to show Emma, who hadn't been at the funeral, where we'd scattered Papy's ashes. I'd thought it might help to write messages to him on balloons to let go. once all was ready, Maureen pointed out that as they weren't filled with helium, it wouldn't work .... dahhhh! Anyway, we managed as best we

could to attach them to a nearby tree instead.
Christmas dinner was a late affair and even then we weren't very hungry.

• Foie gras and petits fours
• Turkey stuffed with chestnuts, figs and apples, cranberry and orange relish http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/main-ingredient/cranberries/cranberry-and-orange-relish.html
• Roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips and green beans
• Cheese
• Christmas Pud (still in the cupboard)

Weather:
Unseasonally warm

24.12.15:

We've planned a Franco/British Christmas in traditional manner. Valérie is in charge of the Christmas eve meal and my good self will do the honours tomorrow.

• Foie Gras and smoked salmon in front of a blazing log fire
• Filet Mignon en Croûte Italienne (The website has some great recipies on it, if you can deal with the French) http://www.marmiton.org/recettes/recette_filet-mignon-en-croute-a-l-italienne_310084.aspx
• Wild rice and boursin sauce
• Cheese
• Bûche de Noël
• Champagne and Baron de Rothschilde

Wee Emma is become more excited while her older brother and sister remained an adolescent cool but eventually midnight came and we went up to the nest to see the full moon know as "la lune des nuits longues", the like of which hasn't been seen since 1977. Have to say I was somewhat disappointed as it didn't seem anyway different perhaps because I was looking at the wrong time or because of the humidity in the atmosphere..

Well, what do you know? While no one was looking Papa Noël had crept into the house and left presents under the tree!

Happy New Year!

With everyone bringing something for tonight's meal, there was no real cooking for me to do, just the veg. However, I'd not been able to resist some fresh cranberries in the supermarket so I set about making a sauce from Delia's Christmas cookbook hoping that Martine wouldn't think I was interfering with her main course. It was delicious, by the way and complemented the beef very well.  http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/main-ingredient/cranberries/cranberry-and-onion-confit.html 
We kicked the evening off at 20h30 and spent a few very pleasant, though not riotous, few hours together
Menu:
Apéro: Oysters (Armand et Marie-Claude); Iberic ham, still with its foot (Jean-Jacques and Claudie, his sister) which we took in the kitchen
À Table:
Smoked salmon; foie gras (Armand and Marie Claude)
Beef Wellington and gravy (Martine); sautéd potatoes, green beans and cranberry sauce  (Me)
Cheese Board (Henri and Michèle)
Chocolate and Salted Butter  ice cream yule logs (Henri and Michèle). We all had a bit of each!
Red and white wine (from Claudie's vineyard)
Canellets (little cakes, a Bordeaux speciality) each one being presented in it's own little box (J-J)
Champagne (Us)
Coffee and liqueurs (Us)
It was a good evening and we didn't see the hours pass and openned enough fizz to celebrate New Year in France and in UK, an hour later. Thought the London fireworks were spectacular; shame people had to pay to get ringside views. . Christian did very well to last so long but fell into bed as soon as everyone left at 3h30. I washed the glasses, tidied up a bit but abandoned the most part at 4h until after a good sleep.
Weather:
11°, sunshine and blue skies, wind still present but not so strong
Headlines:
A young Belgian tourist aged 25, won over 519, 000€ in a slot machine in the casino in La Rochelle for 60c. What a way to start 2015! An regular "elderly" player who was interviewed bemoaned the fact that he wasn't a regular and another who had just won 120€ moaned that this was derisory. victor Meldrew is a alive and well! Dear Lord, please save us from becoming such old miseries.

Fun, Chores and Duty

4.11.14
Chores, distribution of the association's newsletter and Michel for supper ater the Tuesday night meeting at the Mairie.
Weather:
16° Light rain

3.11.14:

The day wasn't particularly interesting (just a trip to the supermarket) but  the evening was fun. Jacques had 9 of us from the association around for a Mexican evening. These "chez nous" are aimed at widening people's horizons in the intimate setting of someone's home. Someone that they may not already know. It works well; we had a great time. ¡Hasta luego!
Menu:
Margaritas with guacamole and nachos
Pork Mole (ie, with chocolate), rice and refried red beans
Traditional "All Souls' Day" cakes
Coffee and chocolate
Chilled beer to accompany the food
Weather:
17° Sun  with spots of rain in the early evening

2.11.14:

With a lot ofpeople walking around in teeshirts, it's hard to believe that we're at the beginning of November. So much the better, as we spent all day outside at the re-organised "October Fair and Forum des Associations". By we, I mean Maggie and myself who did our bit behind the association's stall. The President and the secretary put in a brief appearance and the Treasurer came for a couple of hours. Christian came down for a lunch of sausage and chips al fresco. The evening was spent slumped on the sofa with an aching back from standing up all day. 
Weather:
24° sunny

1.11.14:
It's Saturday, so once Frank et al had left, it was off to the market; not to fill the obligatorty straw basket with fresh veg and marinated olives but to catch up with Henri over a drink. Having missed our regular Thursday lunch at the restaurant we went today  instead. Sat outside, ate well and watched the world go by
Weather:
22° Sun
Headlines:
Riots after a protester was killed by a gendarme on 26th October at the new barrage over the Tarn project.

Plodding On

7.8.14:

For the first time in many a week, I made it to the language exchange. Nothing has changed and really not worth the effort and sore back from sitting on a backless bench for an hour and a half. Had a reviving drink at the bar before going home to prepare dinner for 7 of us this evening.
My labours were interrupted by an unexpected visit from Manu (Christian's godson) and his family who are in the area on holiday.
It never ceases to amaze me how long it takes to prepare food and how I always over cater!
Apéro:
Cherry tomatoes, melon cubes, radish, tomato and cerrano toasts
Broccoli and Blue Cheese Quiche
Curried Chicken and Rice Salad
Potato, Broad Bean and Chorizo Salad
Green Salad (made by Nancy)
Peach Upside Down Cake
We gave the cheese a miss as we were on a time schedule and in any case didn't have any space left.
While the others went off to the for - one - night - only oudoor cinema, I cleared up and arrived for the interval. Felt far too tired to stay for the second half so went home to collapse into bed.
Weather:
29°, sun with cloud later

6.8.14:
Dominique gave me a lift over to Banyuls and even paid for lunch at Del Patio http://www.delpatio.fr/ I had decided that this week, I would only go over to see Christian once as he was getting home every weekend. Not such a good idea as he obviously felt a bit neglected. Hey ho!
fortunately, by the time that I phoned to say "goodnight" he was cheerier having gone down to the town for a coffee overlooking the sea.
Weather:
31°, sun and blue skies
 Headlines:
The media put Alistair Darling for "The Better Together" campaign slightly ahead after last night's first televised debate.


5.8.14:

Took the bus to have lunch with Michèle and Henri and of course, to catch up with news of their Australia trip. Henri drove me back in time for a seession at the physiotherapist's. Bumped into Nancy on the way back and had a cuppa with her and Lynda.
I feel a bit like these wee swallows do.
Weather:
28°, Cloudy
Headlines:
Baroness Warsi resigned over the Governement's policy towards to the war in Gaza as "morally indefensible" and its continued acceptance of arms sales to Israel.

4.8.14:
Only thing of interest today was a short debriefing about the transfrontier cycle race and apéritif at the Mairie.
Weather:
27°, rain and thunder later in the day

Absent with Leave

27.7.14:

Christian appreciated getting a lie in and I appreciated having my breakfast made for me. We wandered over to the bar for a coffee but Christian wasn't on great form. We think that it's his body readjusting to the new cocktail of medication. He had a good sleep in the afternoon before we watched the end of the Tour de France. Then it was a healthy meal of salad to set him on his way back to Banyuls before curfew time at 22h.
Weather:
29° sunshine at first becoming cloudy later



26.7.14:


After his morning walk, attendance at a lecture on cardiology and queueing up to collect his meds, Christian was finally free to come home with Juste and I. In need of a treat, we went to the restaurant where we sat out to eat on the terrace. There was only one other person there which shows just that there are far fewer holidaymakers in the village. Even coming back from Banyuls, the roads were noticably quiet for a sunny day in July.
You may be thinking that a restaurant meal wasn't the best idea but we were very reasonable taking only a starter (chickpea salad) and main course (slice of lamb with a galette of crushed potatoes) accompanied with a glass of wine. The servings of neither food nor wine are ever copious there so the psychological positives far outweighed the physical negatives. The rest of the day was spent quietly and the evening meal made up for any midday excess.

Weather:
30° sunshine
Headlines:
A British judge has been exposed as having (supposedly) nodded off during a child rape case.

Pheasants for Peasants

A lazy Sunday which started with Dominique coming around with some lovely, hand crafted wooden spatulas for us that he'd made. After an apéritif it was time to dine on the pheasants that Maggie had given us. They were served simly roasted with braised chicory, broad beans and potatoes. Otherwise it has been an uneventful day with only some tv catch up on the menu.

Weather: 15° Blue skies, sun and a little light cloud.

Headlines: French Interior Minister takes a hard line with the comedian, Dieudonne M'bala M'bala for his anti-semetic comments during his show.
Foreign cars go on sale in Cuba or the first time since 1950 but at a huge price

Early Birds

24.12.13: Spent most of the day doing odds and ends before leaving tomorrow. The fridge is empty of fresh food, the washing and ironing done and bags packed. As we couldn’t have a late night, we opted for a quiet dinner tête à tête at the restaurant and an early night. The meal was excellent:

·         Apéritif: Verrine of puréed mussels with a butternut squash foam

·         Opéra of Foie Gras (Layers of spiced bread, foie gras, chopped nuts, foie gras and Banyuls jelly)

·         King Prawns with chorizo crumble, squid stuffed with white pudding and truffles, Scallops on a bed of veau tartare with orange sauce. (They were small portions but filling none the less!)

·         Mont d’Or cheese

·         Chocolate gateau

·         Coffee

And we were in bed and asleep by 9.45pm 

Eat, Eat and Eat Again!

Until today, this week has been fairly quiet apart from some eating and drinking.
Tuesday: Tea at Michel's
Wednesday: Lunch at the resto for Christian (a Mairie thing) while I had a bowl of soup ... let's hear it ..... ahhhhhh! I made up for it in the evening though with the "Apérobio" which included far too much wine while Christian and Jean-Jacques had an omelette at our place.
Thursday: Back to the restaurant for lunch ... well, it is Thursday and old habits die hard.
Now all that was just a warm up for the main event as today was the OAPs' lunch, the highlight of the village social calendar. On the menu:

• Apéritif (and my goodness, you had to be fleet of foot and sharp of elbow to get to the pringles before they disappeared)
• Foie Gras (and it was a substantial slice that you left deep teeth marks in)
• Fillet of Sole Tropical with Scallops à la Normande
• Steak with Madeira Sauce and Vegetables
• Sorbet
• Cheese Platter
• Gâteau with a Sweet Wine Sauce

and yes, even though we danced a bit, we went home full to bursting!

5 Days' Worth

A cold, windy but sunny week so there was no great enthusiasm to leave the house. However,
we did venture into Perpignan to visit Nany in hospital who's recovering well after the operation on her back. Christian of course has been to the Mairie every morning and me to the language exchange
and Spanish. Funwise Jean-Jacques came for supper on Wednesday and we had lunch at the restaurant on Thursday. The meal was excellent and we're well pleased that they are open again after two weeks holiday.
This morning Christian had an official "do" with the inauguration of a new sewage works which serves this village and the neighbouring one. The President of the Département was there as it's contributed a chunk of finance. The weather was cold and the speaches were outside. Christian was able to escape some of them as André, the Maire asked him to pick up his granddaughter as oviously he couldn't get away. Imagine Christian's surprise when he returned to find the officials still droning on! Still, there was an apéritif in the warm afterwards so all was not lost.
At long last we finally managed to sped some time with Juste and Joséphine who came around this evening for something to eat.
Apéro: Gin and tonic, salami, cornichons et cherry tomatoes; quiche squares; beetroot, cumin and dill verrines garnished with toasted pinenuts
Thai prawn curry, chickpea and cauliflower curry, rice, lime pickle and coriander raita
Cheese: Manchego, coulomiers
Rich fruit slice with maple syrup cream
We managed to avoid contentious political subjects and had a pleasant evening beside a roaring fire so here too, all is not lost.

September

6th Sept:
Bucks Fizz and peaches for Christian's first breakfast on his return from his last trip to Abu Dhabi, followed inevitabily by lunch at Fouters.

14th Sept:
Soirée Espagnol. Tapas and sangria, paella. Christian's masterpiece from the kitchen, figs and stilton etc shared with Colin, Sheila, Julie, Morgan and baby Holly.

19th - 22nd Sept:
Bob and Chris stayed with us on their way up to Aberdeen. We had to leave them early to take care of themselves as we were due to head off to France.

Like the river of time which runs on relentlessly through life, may our friendship deepen in the years to come. A great stay, your hospitality was beyond criticism as always. Thank you, love, Bob and Chris

Gleaned from Our Travel Notes

21st:
B ad B with Mary in B'ham.

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

23rd


29th Sept:Sheila et Colin sont venus pour fêter avec nous notre 5ème anniversaire de mariage.

30th Sept:
Day off for Sept weekend. Premature celebration for family status in Burma .... we're still holding our breath.