Swallows in the Sky; Cherries, Strawberries and Aspargus in the Market

May 2025: A Whole Host of Public Holidays 

1.5.25: May Day Public Holiday

"Up the Workers Day!" on which it's traditional to give a sprig of lily-of-the-valley. Nowadays, it's more likely to be a virtual one. There was no trip to the market as the 1st is a holiday all through Europe; well that is except for UK where pragmatism makes it the nearest Monday. 

Still spent the day with Michel though. Coffee in Céret, an apéro at the village bar, a trip down to Banyuls for a walk and cuppa and finally an apéro dinatoire chez JJ.

2.5.25: 

Michel has friends Nicole & Daniel here for the weekend and I was included in all that was going on. Coffee at the market followed by an impromptu apéro at mine. I was on apéros again in the evening this time at Michel's; what's more I managed to come up with something different. Didn't stay for moules/frites; not my thing. 

4.5.25:

Sunday Nicole and Daniel had the pleasure of meeting more of Michel's friends; coffee and croissants at the café in the morning and then in the evening when Michel broke his "only six around the table rule" to seven to accommodate Jacques. A waterproof and wellies came into their own for the walk over. 

In between I had a long standing date to meet up with Ann & Terry and Viv and Pepe at the restaurant. The latter used to have a holiday home in the village but sold up just before covid. The meal was excellent as usual.

Tonight's sunset was a beauty

 5.5.25: 4 Musketeers

Coffee with Mark and his Dad (my late friend Maggie's son and husband), supermarket run with Nick and tea with Michel. He's on the go all the time either entertaining or being entertained to full on meals and it's beginning to show.

A great music night at the café with a real variety of music ending with Las Cuerdas (cords in Spanish), real favourites of mine.  

6.5.25:

An interesting session at the "oldies" group where there was a presentation about the work of "handi-chiens", an association that trains and provides  dogs for assisted living and emotional support in the judicial system. Needless to say, Uffi a beautiful black lab, stole the show. 

8.5.25: 

A public holiday for V.E. Day though Michel and I went to the market rather than going to the wreath laying at the War Memorial.

9.5.25:

 We've had some rain these last few days which has renewed the cap of snow on Canigou. Instead of doing our patriotic duty on V.E.Day yesterday by attending the usual wreath laying ceremony, a group of us dodged the showers in Figueres.

10.5.25:

Heavy rain all day, meant that Pierre's vernissage was very poorly attended. Shame as his pastels are technically well executed and very pleasing on the eye. As he's a neighbour and part of our social circle when he comes from Belgium, I braved the weather in solidarity. Much to my surprise, I didn't even have a glass of wine as compensation!   

10.5.25:

Went to the market with Michel and met up with Patrick for coffee; next an apéro with Michèle & Henri plus the Maire's parents, met a Jimi Hendrix fan on the bus home and went back again in the evening with JJ for an apéritif dinatoire chez Jean & Françoise who had  family staying. 

11.5.25 A Real Sunday Lunch

Roast pork, all the trimmings, a tasty cheese board and strawberry tiramisu with lashings of cream chez Joyce & Keith, from Yorkshire, who are really friends of Nicole's. During the course of the afternoon there was an almighty storm with large hailstones which meant that we stayed on longer until it was safe to drive. 

13.5.25:

Still having rain which provided inspiration for the oldies' group's attempts at Haiku which should include a nature or seasonal theme. Was more pleasing than I would have thought. 

Still on a nature theme, this was tonight's flower full moon

 15.5.25:

The usual Thursday in Figueres routine; coffee at the Centric bar where the waitress is keen to get Michel and I together, fruit and veg market shopping, apéro at the market bar with the staff turning a blind eye to our "picnic".

16.5.25: Yes, it's that time again

JJ came to help with my tax return or should I say returns; there are 3 forms to fill in. We went back and forth until we couldn't face any more and gave up!

 

18.5.25: 

 A relatively quiet couple of days but all changed today. 9 of us for the "Kaffeeklatsch" at the bar and then 14 of us on Jacques' rooftop terrace where there was a bbq to mark his and Pierre's birthdays this last week. There was an abundance of hats to protect from the sun, freshly picked cherries, loads of grilled meat to eat and plenty of wine and cava to drink. "All good pals and jolly good company!!" as they say.

19.5.25:

2nd attempt at the tax on Monday went ok after some advice from the helpline; well, that is until the very last part when a pop up window said there was a "anomaly". As we couldn't get any farther, we called it a day.

 

20.5.25:

 

 

Oldies chair yoga.

 

 

 

Dinner chez Jacques photo by Michel 

21.5.25:

 

3rd attempt at the tax return and as before, the way was tortuous; going round in circles, endless false starts and another call to the helpline. Apparently we'd been given the wrong advice the last time and newly equipped with the right information, we managed to get it done. At last!

Didn't have any lunch, just coffee and cheesecake at Michel's. Couldn't stay too long as there was an apéritif dinatoire to prepare for six of us this evening. 

Managed to be ready dead on the dot of 19h; Pierre arrived five minutes later. Much to my delight he brought me a framed, signed hand painted version of the poster. as usual, I'd done too much but the upside is there'll be a cooking free day tomorrow.

 

22.5.25:

 

Michel and I were joined on our trip to Figueres by JJ and Dali. The apéro was more elaborate than usual as it included a couple of sacher torte. still no word of sanction. Stopped off at Dali's on the way back and weren't able to leave until we'd had a drink and agreed to take away two tupperware boxes each of food. Made it to Nicole's on time for the knitting group which had more chat than knitting going on.

 

23.5.25:

A mammoth shopping trip to Figueres. Nicole and I both filled our bags and then our stomachs at 50 Voltes. Smart surroundings, tasty 3 course meal which included nibbles and a glass wine then surprise, surprise, a glass of cava was offered at the end. More shopping and tired feet later we headed for home well pleased with ourselves.

A call came from Michel just as I walked through the door than Michel phoned with an invitation for an apéro with Jacques & Suzette. Lo and behold, the fatigue disappeared as if by magic!

 

26.5.25:

A Corsican meal chez Florence & Patrick along with Michel last night and dinner at chez Jacques this evening. 

 

27.5.25:

Result of a pottery session at the over 65's group. Came a away with a Ferro Rocher holder. Was actually going to be a starfish . . what is happening to my life?

 

Just look at how pretty the flowers around the house were before I left for three weeks away. It was another story by the time I got back.

 

Weather:

Mainly in the mid 20's but as low as 18°, a day of heavy rain, a bit of thunder and one or two very short lived showers

 

28.5.25:

26 of us made an early start for our twinning trip up to Normandy. We were few and the bus was big so I had a double seat to myself, either to look at the scenery or the series that I'd downloaded on my phone. I my defence, I have done this route many times

 

Had an overnight stop in the Ibis Styles in Saumur on the Loire. Hotel was excellent but the meal in the restaurant next door was awful. The deal was 3 courses with a glass of either red or rosé and they were true to their word; bottles appeared on the table with a full sized bottle half filled. How mean is that?

29.5.25: Public Holiday for the Ascension

 

 

 

 It was a chilly start to the day but the excellent breakfast had set us up well. We chugged along the Loire for an hour giving us a view of the town from the river and then had just enough time to whizz into the Company's gift shop before we set off for another visit. Gave the shop it a miss in favour of  having a quick look around what seems to be a prosperous town.

 

Moved on to Pierre et Lumière at Sainte-Hilaire-Saint-Florian. Fabulous sculptures carved into the rock face from the Tuffeau stone. Monumental.

 Lunch came next at Les Caves de Marson in a nearby village. Large, pretty garden with the drinkng areas in the caves. Ate (without being counted) the speciality "fouées", small pitta-like breads that are wood oven baked and like pitta can be stuffed or otherwise. Ours featured rillettes.

Then it was back in the bus for the drive to Bretteville in time for an apéro. Agnès was fine but as usual juggling a load of balls in the air. Luckily, Bruno & Christine were doing dinner. ( Took them Vincens chocolate bars rum for Bruno, cherry for Christine). They were hosting Antonio and Sylvie, a very lively pair!

30.5.25:

 

Bliss! A free moning to relax and catch up.  Our hosts stayed local with a visit to La Ferme de Billy, dating from.1651, for an excellent brunch and a visit through the orchards to their production centre, a tasting and visit to the shop.

After the official gift giving, the evening Catalan meal was down to us; mostly prepared by José it comprised of sangria, wild boar pâté, black pudding and haricot beans, manchego +, bunyettes and cherries; washed down with wine, fizz all served by us. Not my idea of a "showcase" Catalan meal but who is a foreigner to offer an opinion. Luckily, we didn't have to provide the music as well. Gosh, for once I was in the mood for dancing as the song goes; Agnès, too. The musicians were forced to pack up around us.

31.5.25:

An early start for the "Longest Day" of the trip. Started with Omaha Beach at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, one of the American landing sites along with Utah. Nice and quiet before the crowds arrived. The site, due to its rugged topography, was highly defensible. Inevitably the vast expanse of sea, respectful visitors and all the monuments bring silence and a sense of reverence. 

«Les Braves» was as created by Anilore Banon to serve as a tribute to the "sons, husbands, and fathers" who sacrificed their lives for freedom. It stands 9 meters high, 15 meters wide, weighs 15 tonnes and consists of three elements:
* Wings of Hope: Symbolizes inspiration and the spirit of the soldiers 
* Rise, Freedom!: Represents the fight against tyranny
* Wings of Fraternity: Emphasises brotherhood and responsibility towards others as well as ourselves

"The Signal Monument" inscribed in French and in English reads, reads, “The Allied Forces landing on this shore which they call Omaha Beach liberate Europe – June 6 1944”.

The "Charles Shay Memorial" (no photo) Needs a special mention as he died in Bretteville, where he'd settled in his latter years aged 100. A member of the Penobscot Indian Nation, 19-year old Private Shay (Mohsskwehsosis, "Little Muskrat") was a combat medic from Indian Island, Maine. Soon after dawn, he came ashore near here as a member of an assault platoon. Repeatedly plunging into the treacherous sea, he carried critically wounded comrades to safety under heavy fire. For his unselfish heroism on this beach, he was awarded the Silver Star and he continued to save the wounded until the war ended. About 175 American Indians invaded Omaha Beach. Some were medics, others fought as seamen, scouts, snipers, radio operators, machine-gunners, artillery gunners, combat engineers or forward observers.

From here we moved farther along  the coast to the Pointe Du Hoc overlooking Omaha Beach. Led by Lieutenant Colonel James E. Rudder, the Second Ranger Battalion of Army Rangers was tasked with capturing German artillery at Pointe Du Hoc to ensure the safety of the troops landing on the beaches below. During the American assault of Omaha and Utah Beaches, these U.S. Army Rangers scaled the 100-foot cliffs and seized the German artillery pieces that could have fired on the American landing troops at Omaha and Utah beaches. At a high cost of life, they successfully fought against determined German counterattacks.

And so to lunch . . . before moving on for more history at the Colleville American Cemetery. 

Standing on top of the bluffs overlooking Omaha Beach at Colleville-sur-Mer. it extending to over 170 acres.

§ 9,387 burials and 1,557 names of those missing in action on the Wall of the Missing. There will have been other fallen soldiers whose bodies were repatriated to the U.S.

§ 9,238 crosses and 149 Star of David headstones 

§ There are graves of 304 unknown soldiers - marked with the inscription ’Here rests in honored glory a comrade in arms known but to God’

§ Three Medal of Honor recipients lie here

§ 45 sets of brothers are buried here including two sons of President Roosevelt - Theodore Roosevelt Jr (died July 1944) and Quentin Roosevelt (killed in WW1 and reburied next to his brother in 1955)

§ Brothers Preston and Robert Niland, the inspiration for the movie Saving Private Ryan, are buried next to each other too

§ The 22 foot statue is called the Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves 

§ The chapel ceiling contains 500,000 tiles in its mosaic (photo)
 

The professional guide we had, had given up a days work to escort us and share his wealth of knowledge. As many of his clients are anglophones from time to time a bit of English slipped into his commentaries.

Tonight we were waited upon by our hosts. Norman hospitality means copious meals and drink in abundance so some of us were beginning to flag. though flag we could not as we listened, some of us with more enthusiasm, than others to a piper without a drop of Scot's blood in his veins!

Weather: After a chilly morning in Saumur (16°) it was warmer (24°) at 19h; Next couple of days were in the mid 20's with high, white cloud  

Blooming May

May 2024:

 

Looking forward; in May we've three public holidays, the hosting of  the twinning visit and of course thoughts of long , warm evenings.

Looking back, I had to dig into the depths of time to find memories of visits to this month's destination of Northumberland. Went at least three times with different people, taking in Bamburgh with it's long, unspoiled, sandy beaches and impressive castle ruins, the spooky Kilder forest, and of course, Lindisfarne. Here, a priory was built in the 7th century and is reached by a causeway when the tide is out. Viking incursions, skirmishes with the Scots, power base of the Percy family, wild and windy Northumberland is rich in history and well worth going off the beaten track for a visit.

1.1.24: May Day

In Uk, May Day, with the exception of bygone Miners' Galas, brings Maypole and Morris dancing, sporting events and for me memories of never being elected May Queen in primary school!

Here, it's a public holiday and the only day when newspaper's aren't printed. It's also, the day when Lily of the Valley is given for luck. I had several virtual sprigs to brighten the dull, cloudy day that dawned. Despite damp and uncertain weather, Françoise and I headed down to Collioure for a warm drink at Les Templiers and a walk around. Noted that a café crème and a hot chocolate that costs 5€ in the village café costs 8€ there. Not only is it at the sea, it's in all the guide books as the bar where artists paid their bill with bits of art. The walls are full of paintings but sadly those done back in the days by famous artists are long gone to other homes.

8th - 12th:  May's Main Event the Twinning Visit

 This year it was our turn to host the twinning visit. As usual, Agnes stayed with me and to my relief there were enough beds to go around for the nearly 40 Normans who braved an overnight coach drive down from Calvados, so no need for me to volunteer to take anyone else. With two back to back public holidays followed close on the heels by a weekend, meant that there was heavy traffic and a delayed arrival. After a welcome apéritif down at the recreation ground, Agnès and I went to have lunch at her aunt and uncle's in the next village. Dinner at the foyer was wild boar flavoured with orange which was deliciously lighter than the usual stew in red wine.  The evening ended at midnight but with salsa music and dance still going strong in the square, Agnès and I stopped off to watch for a while before turning in.

Next morning with some free time to fill, we headed off to Le Perthus with Uncle & Aunt to do some shopping and then a coffee back in the bar before lunch at Nicole's. She was glad of a bit of relief from her guest. After lunch Agnès went off on the organised visit and I went on the treadmill. Paella for dinner at the foyer and a late night followed.

A day off for me as the Normans were away all day. Just as well that there was time for a rest as it was another late night. This was the official part of the visit. The Mairie provided the meal, there were speeches, mutual pats on the back and an exchange of presents.

Another free morning and it being Saturday, we went off to the market for a wander and a coffee. A BBQ lunch at the recreation ground went on until 16h so there wasn't much time to recover before dinner at the foyer hosted by our visitors. It was a lively evening with music provided by an excellent guitarist/singer who had everyone going and by that I mean, I actually got myself onto the dance floor. Not that Bretteville needed any encouragement. They partied non-stop!

And so the day dawned at 6h30, which was all too soon, but there was a rendez-vous at the bus to keep with strict instructions to be there for 7h30. The road to Normandy is a long one. All the farewells took half an hour and then the rest of the day was mine! Treadmill, coffee at the bar, some gardening and an impromptu apéro at Jean & Françoise's put pay to any idea of putting my feet up.

There were other apéritifs too, here, there and everywhere including a get together with Jenny who used to live here but a few years ago at the age of 80 moved with her husband to live in New Zealand near to her family.

What a blessing that there were less dinner invites than usual; after all the feasting with the Normans, my stomach needed a rest. Just a couple of meals at Jacques'. Restaurant-wise there were two contasting lunches; one at the village café with Bridget & Hortense, where I only ate a salad and at the newly opened "Jardin de Céret" with Michèle & Henri. Talk about chalk and cheese! It was a splendid meal in modern, comfortable surroundings.

Other things of note: 

On the down side I was disappointed by an exhibition of black & white photos of Glasgow. They were so dismal and gave myself a headache by starting to do my tax return.

On the up side: I had a trip to Argelès with Jean and Françoise to enjoy the sea air, the seaside art and the local producers' market. 

This month's vernissage was unchallenging and easy on the eye . . . .            and now to look forward to June and a trip to visit family and friends in UK.

Weather: Day time temperatures between 16° - 28°; Night time temperatures 6° - 15°. So much for warm evenings! Just a few light rain showers. Water restrictions continue.

Notes of Nature: