Flame of Hope

A public holiday in France to mark the Armistice and another two ceremonies. A "flame of hope" was placed by the school children around the war memorial, one for each villager who died in the 1914-18 war. Thought this photo would be a change from the usual which you've seen lots of times before. If you're wondering what a 'poilu" is, it's the name for the poor sods in the trenches and literally means hairy.
The formalities were terminated with a meal in the hall with the old soldiers. In the evening we ended up at Juste and Joséphine's for soup laced with a lot of chat!

Back around the Table

No sooner home than it was time to pick up the threads of our social life with dinner at Bernard and Françoise's, the Belgian couple who are part timers here. A lovely meal, wine from a very classy celler and with Simone and Francis there as well it meant that we were well entertained. They're off back to Brussels tomorrow so it will be a while before we see them again.

Back in Harness!

Well, what a long time it's been - the usual excuses spring to mind - busy, meals out, visitors and trips away. The last entry was 4th September but fret not, you won't miss out on all that's gone before; I hope to catch up over the next few days - or so!
8.12.09
Well I exagerated! I've just made it this far but I'm in the swing now and hope to catch up before 2009 is finished.

Home Sweet Home

All went well with the flight home. It's good to be back to warmer weather and our own bed.

The Big Do!

The sun was shining and the golf course looked lovely with its autumn colours. The whole family plus Barbara, her usual Sunday lunch pal, assembled for a cavery lunch (Mum's favourite) and as the chef is a relative by marriage we were well catered for!
Then it was back to Jill's for tea, another cake, more bubbly and lots of spoiling.

More Shopping

Back into Stratford and went to M&S for the umpteenth time. Still that was just really a time filler while we waited for Mary's bus to arrive from Brum. Had a long leisurely cuppa in one of "ye olde tea shoppes" and surprisingly for Stratford, didn't get ripped off for the pleasure. Got Mum home in time for her to go to mass where everyone sang "happy birthday" to her! It was lovely to see her just glowing with all the attention.

Let the Festivities Begin!

Mum's 80th birthday; flowers arrived and there were presents to open. Set off up to Leicestershire, again aided by John's telephone, to see Mum's cousin Maureen who is a lively 85 year old. Had lunch in a very nice pub and then chatted and reminiced all afternoon. In the evening Rosie laid on a do complete with a cake bearing Mum's photo and bubbly.

Bosom of the Family

2nd -5th November:

Back from our travels and another pub lunch this time at the White Hart and another visit to the bank, a trip to do some supermarket shopping and lunch at Morrison's (mighty and fallen springs to mind!), a visit to see Joan, a look around our inheritance, and a trip to the doctor's for Mum to have her flu jab. Stopped off at the Black Horse afterwards for a drink but as it was cold inside we didn't linger long. Dinner at Gail and Roger's was more like it and as Rosie did the driving we were able to sit back and enjoy the wine!

Birmingham

Drove down the motorway in heavy traffic to spend the evening with Karen and Andrea. Rather than go out we opted for a Chinese take away which came with free smoke alarms from Andrea who's in the fire service.! Was great to catch up with them and we were oh so lucky that they were back early from their holidays.

Don't loose your Head!

Thought it was too good to be true .. the wet and windy weather came in wih a vengence. We went off to a garden centre and took our time over coffee and the papers before finding a pub for lunch After a few abortive attempts we ended up at the Headless Woman. Apparently the name comes from the myth that a serving "girl" refused to give up her mistress' jewellery to the Roundheads during the Civil War and was beheaded for her trouble. She then walked to Duddon with her head under her arm but the story stops short of saying what she did once she arrived. The food was fine but spoilt by a table of very lah lah people who drove us to distraction and left us wishing there was a sword bearing Roundhead handy!.