Measure of the Man

  CHRISTIAN - WHAT A MAN WAS HE!

* Two books of Condolences; one outside the old mairie in the village which needed extra pages after we found people writing any available space and one at the crematorium.  (222 entries)

* Cards and Letters (99)

* Emails in French (11) and in English. Here are the English ones to give you a flavour of how much Christian was loved and appreciated.

Dear Ruth

We are so sorry to hear about Christian – we cannot imagine the pain you are feeling.  Christian had such a big personality – always happy and cheerful – always cheeky with that extra kiss.

 I have told Christian next door and also sent a message to Margaret.  You and Christian have played such a big part in so many peoples’ lives through MsF.  Now it is our turn to help you – we are here for you.

Lots of love, Angela and Paul 

Christian had such a big personality – always happy and cheerful – always cheeky with that extra kiss. Angie

My dear Ruth,
I am so very very sorry to learn of Christian's death . That you and his children were with him at the end will I hope be some consolation as time goes on but at present there will be little light.
We are both thinking about you and of Christian and remembering the happy times we met you both together.
We will think of you on Monday as you say goodbye and we will be thinking of you as you deal with the months ahead .
Please give our condolences to his children,
Much love, Anne and Blair .

Dear Ruth,

Your British contingent did you proud as guests!  They were good company

when we saw them and otherwise extremely discrete to the point of our not

even knowing they were in the house!

Love, Anne G

Dear Ruth

I am so very sorry to learn of Christian’s death.  I had been worried about him for some time and when the blog went quiet I feared things might be serious.  I did not get in touch because I imagined you would be having a lot to cope with but that does not mean that I wasn’t thinking of you.

He was such a huge character and he loved you so much that life will seem very difficult without him, but you have such a wealth of memories that I am sure will help in due course, even if that does not seem the case just now.

I will definitely think of you both on Monday, and in the coming weeks. Bernadette

Oh, dear, Ruth - what sad news! Thank you for letting us know. We are
thinking of you. Lots of Love Bridget and Hortense

Ruth,
All of our positive thoughts are with you. 
Take care because you are and will always be special to us.
Bryan and  Family (USA)

We have just learned of the sad news that Christian is no longer with us. Both Beverly and I had so many wonderful times with him. As I always said he was my favorite Frenchman. I am so pleased I got to paint his portrait. We all will miss him but will remember his great smile and his zest for life. Love James and Beverly (USA)

Hi Ruth

Very sad to hear. I know that the next few days will be recovering from the stress and shock and the rawness of Christian not being there.

You will be very tired.

I hope that the families are rallying and that you have good company.

Will write again later when you will have more time to think.

I have had several glasses and will cook mussels the Christian way.

With much love, Jan (N.Z.)

I was very sad to learn from the MsF newsletter of Christian's death. He was a lovely man and very much part of the Maureillas scene.
I shall be thinking if you all today at the crematorium.
Look after yourself.
With kindest regards - Janet (Maman de Penny)

Hello Ruth

Just picked up your e-mail.

John and I are so so sorry to hear about Christian. We just wanted to let

you know that we are thinking of you and to send you all our love.

We will definitely raise a glass to Christian tomorrow to celebrate his life

and to remember him as a lovely friend who was always a delight to spend

time with.

Lots of love to you from both of us. I'll get in touch later in the week.

Jean xx

Dear Ruth,

I am so sorry to hear about Christian's passing.  Please accept my sincere condolences.  You and he were very generous to me when I stayed in Maureillas to work on Linde's house.  I will keep fond memories of his great spirit and good humor.  You and he are both in my thoughts.  I am also wishing you strength with your cancer treatments.  I hope to see you in June, when I will be visiting with my family.

Sincerely, Jeff (USA)

Christian was such a character and lovely person who has left us all with so many happy memories of times spent at McIntyre Road when we first got to know him, our visit to your home, Lynn's wedding and so on. June and I, Lynn and Laura have shed some tears this morning at the news of his passing and more tears laughing at some of the fun times we had with him. Five or six kisses was his welcome to June and she loved it. He enjoyed his food, wine and whisky and I always thought good on you Christian what better way to live life than to share these with the one you love and friends and family and I try to do the same myself.
Monday is June's birthday and we will be celebrating this and raising more than one glass of the best wine and the finest malt in remembrance of Christian. June and Bill

Ken and I are so saddened to hear of your loss of (everyones) beloved Christian. No amount of inevitably quite prepares us for the end.

We have such fond memories of your visit to NZ and more so of our wonderful time spent with you both at your home. Such hospitality and generosity of spirit.♥

Please also pass our condolences to Christians family.

We will indeed raise a glass in Christians honour and we will light a candle.

But first, today is our market day and to acknowledge Christians life the best way we can here in Mangawhai is head to the market and then enjoy a coffee and croissant at the local french cafe. Oh the memories, they are very closely etched in our hearts. Kathy and Ken (N.Z.)

we have Christian's picture in our kitchen - that one that James did of him.

I can feel your pain Ruth and yes life will be very empty for a long while. No amount of knowing the inevitable day would arrive prepares us for that cut of the spirit cord. This will change and his energy will feel tangible for you. He will always be by your side Ruth xxx

I might have to let ken live his dream of canal boating and we'll whisk you away for a bit. We''d have to bring our dog though - he's half poodle . Ken calls him a french poofter, and we have a laugh.

with all our love, Kathy and ken (N.Z.)

thinking of you very strongly today. When I was on my bush walk with Jak I got so tired and just couldnt carry on and needed to sit down on a bank ( most unlike me! ). Was sitting and breathing and then Christian was very strong in my thoughts with those words I CAN GO NO FURTHER". He said this on the bush walk in NZ which Ken often uses. And I suppose Christian is saying it again with his heart not being able to carry on. So I'm sitting there and a NZ song came strongly to my mind - NOW IS THE HOUR when we must say goodbye. It has Maori verses and always brings a tear. I sang a verse me and Jak. AND THEN, Christian told us to look after you. ( look after Ruth for me )

I have surrounded you in an energetic field of rainbow light and love

Its nearly 5pm here and soon we will raise our glass of red. Bon voyage Christian, it has been a joy and a pleasure to have known you

♥♥♥

kathy and Jak (Jacques) and Ken (N.Z.)

Morning Ruth

I have spoken to Margaret, it's so sad news Christian was so full of life! Everything seems so soon. at Easter he didn't look or seem that poorly just wanted to go home, 

Please let us know if we can do anything?

We are thinking of you 

Love Kelvin & Irene 

Dear Ruth
We were so sad to hear the news of Christian's death.  Somehow we had imagined that he would surmount all the obstacles and rally.  We spent a while talking and reminiscing about you both last night when we got your email and we raised a glass in his honour. - Pouilly Fume.  Hope he would approve.
You will both be in our thoughts needless to say on Monday.  I am sure that he will be greatly missed by so many people.  Thank goodness for all your friends who hopefully will keep you going and support you over the long haul ahead.
Bon courage and much love
Liz and Eamon

Dearest Ruth,

Just to say that our thoughts and love goes to you in these sorrowful times.
Lone and Jesper (Denmark)

Ruth,
Christian and you are part of us, part of our life in Glasgow when we all met and got married. This is so sad.
Please receive all my love, from the other side of the planet.
Louis (Australia)

Ruth, thank you for teling me of the sad news of Christian's death. I was

travelling home form my son in Belin when I received your mail.

I send you my love and sympathy with a big hug at this difficult time and

will be thinking especially of you and Christain and the happy times we have

shared tomorrow during his cremation

with love, Madeline

Myself and the family have wonderful memories of so many happy times he was a very caring  thoughtful friend he will be missed by so many in the village. He devoted so much of his energy to the Mairie sincere in his desire to improve village life for all
Please accept my sincere condolences all my love Margaret

we truly do care about you & our great regret is that we thought there was plenty of time to get to know Christian too. He must have been a wonderful person to have given you that glow you always carried with you: we so hope that your memories of him your time together will mean you always keep it
xx (Mgt and Ken)

Dear Ruth,
We were both very shocked and very saddened to have the news of Christian’s death. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time and we will make Monday a special day to remember him.
I will be in touch again soon but in the meantime try to look after yourself and let others take care of you too  - at least for a while.
With love, Marlene.

Ruth, your mom has just rang me tell me about Christian. I am so sorry you must be devastated.  It seems so sudden. I am sorry I can't get over for funeral on Monday, but, will  be thinking about you. I did try to telephone you, but, got what I assume was the answer machine. I did leave a message.   Ruth, I will go and see your mom over the week-end, and give her the opportunity to talk things over. If there is anything I can do please don't hesitate to ask.   Take care, lots of love & very best wishes, Mary xxxxx

Do hope  all went well to-day Ruth. It must be very comforting to know how well liked and respected Christian was. He was a nice guy, I always liked him, and appreciated how he always made me feel very welcome and at home, when I came to stay, never minded the journeys to airport, & forever generous with the hospitality!.

I am so pleased you are surrounded by so much kindness &  moral support, Ruth.  Its lovely to know you won't be alone. Mary

I have just come out to make myself a cup of tea as I found myself, not unusually, not being able to sleep and I have just read your very sad news.
Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you and we will especially think of you both on Monday and raise a glass to Christian.
We are so very sorry for your loss, words seem so inadequate at such a time.  I do remember you writing to me about meeting Christian and we could plainly see how happy you both were when we met him for the first time at our then house in Weymouth.
We will visit you mother some time during next week and we will be in contact with you soon. In the meantime please take care of yourself.
Love, Mary and Andy xx

Dear Sweet Ruth,

I am so very, very sorry to learn of Cristian's passing.  He lived a very full life....and you were always at the center of it.  I'm sure you are very occupied now with family and arrangements.  I will phone soon after Monday.....but if you would like to talk by phone before then, please do call....and I will call you right back.

In Deepest Sympathy and a World Full of Love, Nancy (USA)

Dear Ruth,

I'm sorry and so sad to hear that Christian had to leave you and us this morning. I hope he didn't have to suffer to much until the end. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. In spite of distance I'm thinking at you with your sorrow and the lot of work you're are standing before. I hope you will get very much support, warm sensibility from the family and no problems. I regret not to be with you in Maureillas.

Take care of YOU! Nicole V (Germany)

Hi Ruth.

We are so sorry to hear about Christian.

Cannot even imagine losing the one I love.

Guessing you have a good support network of friends, take full advantage.

We wish you the very best.

All our love, Oli Tash and Matilda. X

Dearest Ruth

We're so so sorry to hear this, shocked and devastated in fact.

We'll be coming to say goodbye to Christian, that goes without saying. And we're really glad you've got family with you.

 Meanwhile we send you tons of love. Pauline and Adrian x x x x

Christian was a man who seemed larger than life, and who had enormous charisma and 'joie de vivre', and his passing is far too soon and very sad. He was a hugely important part of Maureillas, and he will be missed by many of us.

With love and sympathy

Penny and Dominic xxx

My very dear Ruth,
There aren't suitable words to say, we can only hope that you find some strength from knowing that we are here. 
I have spoken to Pauline, we both find it hard to believe, goodness knows how you are coping.  Thank heavens Christian's children are with you to help with the burden of the "formalities".  We talked of Christian and his birthday party last year, he was in such sparkling form that day, we are blessed in having such wonderful memories.
We'll all be with you on Monday.
With love from us both, Penny P xx

I did not know him well but he always seemed to me "one of the good guys".
Words don't mean much but my thoughts are with you.
Xx Roger

Hi Ruth,
So sorry to hear of your sad loss this morning. We understand that you have plenty of family support at the moment. If there is anything we can do please  don't hesitate to let us know.

Love  - Roger and Jenny   xxx

Dear Ruth

It was with great sadness that Maurice and I learnt of Christian's death during the night. We hope that he slipped away peacefully. We shall miss him.

It's hard to imagine what you must be going through: it's been such a difficult time for you for a long time now, but supporting Christian in his health problems must be better than losing him. I know it comes to all couples that one or other partner goes first, but it feels too soon for you and Christian to be separated. I'm so very sorry and send you much love and courage. I hope that you and Christian's children can support each other when preparing for the funeral and all that follows. 

With regard to the funeral, Maurice and I would very much like to come, if that's alright with you. Penny P says you hope it will be on Monday at the Perpignan crem, but please don't feel you have to reply separately to me; Penny P, Margaret and others will keep us in the loop. You have quite enough to deal with for now.

Thinking of you, much love, Rosie xxx

Dear Steve & Sarah

I don't think you'll have heard this news about Christian. He'd been getting worse for months and had spent the last few weeks in and out of hospital, finally ending up on permanent dialysis. 

There'll no doubt be a huge turnout for the funeral despite the early hour; even Mole will get up early to go and support Ruth!

love Rosie xx

Oh Ruth I am ever so sorry. I feared for him but wondered if he would rally. Pleased that you and his family were with him in the end. I do hope that the funeral on Monday will be a memorable but also cathartic occasion. I will be thinking of you. You do sound well supported which helps but as you say it is the end of a way of life. I do feel for you and will get in touch soon. Take care and thank you for taking the time at this difficult time to get in touch. Love Suzanne

All the times we spend with Christian are fun times and full of laughter, and his humour is always infectious.  Even as I type this it’s bitter sweet as he has and still does have a huge influence on our family, starting all that time ago in  the harsh conditions of Peterhead.  Then our first amazing holidays to France – what an influence on Julie and I and our directions in studies.  When I was studying for my A’levels, Christian said to me (while I was studying at my desk, no doubt having a whinge) the harder I worked at this age, then the easier life would be when I was older, and that still resonates with me now. Suzie (Australia)

Hi Ruth -
Anyway - I was trying to say that my heart goes out to you and I wish you strength and courage to get through this terrible time.  Anyway - Keith and I send you our deepest condolences - I know you will be surrounded by good friends in the village and you will need their support in the days to come.  Wish I was there to join them to help you but I am in there in spirit.
It's such a difficult time for you with all the other stuff going on in your life so try and be kind to yourself and take great care of yourself as Christian would have wanted.
Lots of love and see you in August when we are back. Vanessa xxxxx

In a Bit of a Daze with it All

31.5.15:

Philippe and Paula called with some fresh fish straight from the quai and joined us at the bar for an apéro.
Even though there is no religous ceremony, the church warden agreed to sound the death bell at midday today at at 9am tomorrow, the time of the cremation in Perpignan. He also gave me a date for a mass to be said on 19th July. Although he wasn't religious, Christian would love the idea of lots of villagers all thinking of him at the same time.
People started to arrive from the Normandy, Paris, Provence, Marseille, Picardy,  Denmark, England and Scotland during the afternoon. Anne and Ian were putting up Chris and Jill, my brother and sister along with Ann and Noel, friends from Scotland. I took them up and Ian ended up giving us a late afternoon drink which became an apéro when Anne came home from a voice workshop.
We managed to find accomodation for everyone ; 4 with Philippe and Françoise, 5 in Nancy's house, 2 with Jacques, one with Jean-Jacques, six in Margaret's house. In the end I had more offers than takers. Nono and Evelyn were there in their camping car and there 6 adults and 5 children chez moi.
Was I glad to have my own space in the nest!
There were 34 of us for dinner at the bar, Jean-Louis having done us a good meal fixed price meal.

30.5.15:
We decided to make the most of a few hours of relative calm before family and friends arrive so we went to the market which was even more animated than usual due to the cherry festival. Had lunch at the bar back in the village and a siesta afterwards. In the evening. Thérèse and Jean called and stayed for a long apéritif.


29.5.15:

A busy day starting with a visit to the Undertakers in Perpignan to organise the cremation for Monday. Yes, things happen fast here. All went well and we came back to the village for lunch in the restaurant. The rest of the day was filled with visits from people (Nany and André, Carmen and José, Laurent and Samia, Dominique and Marilyse, anne G), emails, phone calls, offers of help and strategic planning for the ceremony. These lovely flowers arived from Nancy in the States.
Jean-Jacques joined us for dinner and there was a raid on the wine cave for some good bottles of Collioure. I could just hear Christian making one or two choice comments which I won't mention here!
Weather:
26° Sun, rain showers

Just until the End

28.5.15:
Went into he hospital for 10h30 with Carmen who stayed until the kids arrived at 2pm. We stayed with Christian and were able to make the most of one or two moments of lucidity. One very precious one was when I said to him "donne-moi tes microbes" and he turned his face towards me and puckered up his lips for a kiss. As the time wore on, the adreneline was reduced and the morphine increased; Christian slipped gently from us at 12.45am.

27.5.15:
The worse day so far and it's clear that there's worse to come. The specialist phoned and said Christian wasn't able to cope without the dialysis and I could  come in early to be with him. Went in with Carmen who was a great support. Saw the doctor who is the most caring, patient person and we telephoned to Christian to alert him to the need to come and see P.apa. Christian in and out consciousness. Came home feeling exhausted but some how managed to water the plants, prepare three bedrooms and a meal in readiness for Valérie, Christophe and Frank who are driving down tomorrow.
Weather:
23° Sun, clound some wind

26.5.15:
Woke early with cramp in both legs which thankfully soon passed and I was able to get back to sleep. Into the clinic with Thérèse; Christian looking frail. Came back home on the bus to within 3km of the village where Linde was due to pick me up. She'd forgotten!
Thérèse and Françoise called in after their hike in the mountains to make sure that I was taking care of myself. They left reassured and I got ready to meet David, Laura and Martine for a chinese meal. Shame it as too windy  to sit out on the terrace.
Weather:
23° Sun, cloud, wind

25.5.15:
Woke at 5am. Linde called around with some flowers but didn't stay long. It's Whit Monday and therefore a public holiday here and once again Anne took me in to see Christian. Had a late tapas meal chez Michel along with Claude and Françoise, Henri and Chantal. Feeling tired, I left as soon as dessert was over.
Weather:
22° Sun and wind

24.5.15:
Early call from Véro to say that she'd taken Christian's son Stephane to the local hospital and he was to be moved to Toulouse as there was something pretty nasty on a lung and his brain. It never rains ...
Coffee at the bar with Martine after she came out from church to try and take my mind of things.
No buses today, this being Sunday so Anne G took me to the clinic for my hour's visit. Christian didn't wake the whole time. Not easy, knowing in my heart of hearts that he's unlikely to get any better.
Weather:
23° Sun and wind

23.5.15:
Went to the market for a bit of normality. Didn't need to buy peas and beans as Geneviève had given me some fresh that morning from her garden. Met up with Jean then Martine and Carmen for a coffee before going to the clinic with Jean-Jacques. Christian a little better though still confused. He thought the taxi had been ordered and he was going home. Took the bus back and went to Michèle and Henri's for tea but it was soon clear that dinner had also been prepared so it was 9pm by the time I arrived home.
Weather:
21° Sun, cloud, wind and feeling cooler

22.5.15:
Philippe had a meeting in Perpignan so we went together to see Christian. Only one person at a time could go in to see him. He was looking so small in the bed all hooked up with tubes and the dialysis machine pumping away. He was too tired to say anything much, There was nowhere to sit so the alloted hour passed very slowly. Breaks my heart to see him so unlike himself. While Philippe and Jordi attended the meeting, Paula and I had a coffee and wander around the town.
Came home and went up to André and Nany's for an apéritif. Michèle and Henri had phoned to invite me to have dinner with them at the village restaurant but they ended coming for the apéro instead.
Weather:
20° Sun, wind and cloud

Losing Weight and Worrying

21.5.15:
June will soon be upon us and it's time for a mammoth catch-up. You'll have realised from the last post that Christian isn't well and sadly things haven't improved hence the blog has taken a back seat. Anyway, I'll be working my way through events in chronological order when I can find the time and the energy.

21.5.15:
Christian moved to have dialysis. 
Weather:
19° Sun, cloud, strong wind

20.5.15:
A bad news phone call from the clinic to say that Christian was to be moved to a more intensive care unit for dialysis once a space was available and that visiting regulations wouldn't apply until that happened. He was punctured to drain off some of the excess fluid but the specialist, Dr Carbognani, a real gem of a human being, explained that there were increasing amounts of fluid accumulating. Jean-Jacques made himself available and stayed with me until after we'd had lunch in the canteen and it was Françoise who came in to pick me up.
Weather:
18° lighter winds

19.5.15:

Received the news that Christian's son Stéphane had been admitted to hospital with lung and brain problems but this was information that I wasn't ready to share with Christian. Had a lift in with Marie-Loudres who was visiting her husband and came back with Michel.
Weather:
14° rain

18.5.15:
Only able to visit Christian for an hour as per the regulations. Just as well as Christian was tired and slept a lot of the time.
Françoise called in to the house to catch up on the news.

17.5.15:
Went to the clinic with Françoise and just imagine my shock when we arrived to find Christian's room cleaned and empty. He'd been moved to cardio intensive care. The staff there were really good and he looked better than he had been. Still tired and not eating but a better colour.
Weather:
23° lighter winds

16.5.15:
The witlow I've had for a few days is looking pretty yukky so instead of going to the market, I had a lift into the clinic with Geneviève. Won't go into details but it needs dressing by the nurse every couple of days and a course of anti-biotics.
took the bus to see Christian and found him not well at all. He was blue and despite the oxygen had no energy and was very breathless. Of course he's not getting home. Martine kindly came to pick me up. I feel more worried than ever about him.
Later on I popped up to the village hall to support Michel's rock group but only stayed long enough to give people news and have a glass of wine that I left half of.
Weather:
Strong winds

15.5.15:
Ann and Terry kindly drove Christophe to the airport and then later on I took the bus to Perpignan to see Christian. he's still frail and not eating but saying that he can come home tomorrow. Michel came along to pick me up after which we did a supermarket shop.
Weather:
Winds of over 100km/h, cooler with some rain.

14.5.15:

Didn't go to the language exchange, instead taking a trip to the garden where we were surprised by the progress that Alain and Debra have made with it.  Had a drink at the bar with the language exchangers before lunch at home and our visit to the clinic.
Christian was perkier; his meds had been changed and he's on a drip. Thinks he may get home before the weekend though he still isn't eating properly (?).
On coming home we had an apéro chez nous and wandered over to the bar for something to eat. I'd forgotten that it was cards night, so no food on therefore we had a plate of tapas at the restaurant.
Weather:
26° cloud, sun, wind getting stronger

13.5.15:
Went to the ex Mayor's ex wife's funeral which needless to say was a full house. Met Christian and Christophe at the restaurant where we were joined by André and Nany. Philippe called by to say "hello" and have a beer too. In the afternoon, we went with Christian for his appointment with the GP who said we should take him to the clinic in Perpignan through the emergency system as he felt there was no way he could be treated at home with all that was going on. Arrived at  the clinic at 7.15pm and arrived home at 2am after Christian was admitted to the cardiac unit.
Weather:
25°. Overcast morning, sun later, spit of rain

12.5.15:
Christian had blood test. Christophe and I did a run to the recycling centre.Gp phoned to tell us to go to the chemist's to pick up a potassium prescription that he'd faxed after having had an alert from the lab.
Weather:
22° sun, cloudy and cool later

11.5.15:
Christian and Jean-Jacques to the airport to collect Christophe who's with us until Friday. Stayed at home for dinner but Christian had no appetite or motivation to eat.
Weather:
22°, overcast
News:
François Hollande met fidel Castro in Cuba

10.5.15:
Lunch at the restaurant with Michèle and Henri.

9.5.15:
Leaving Christian to rest, I went into the market for a change of scene and then at the end of the afternoon shared a bottle of cava with Dani and Brian at theirs.
Weather:
25° Sunny



 8.5.15:

End of 2WW and the first of a handful of public holidays in May which is the subject of great debate at least on the bosses' side. Mindful of my civic duty and the need to represent Christian, I was on parade for 8am and went up for the ceremony in the mountains rather than the one in the village. The air was clear, the sunlight gentle and the birds were singing. Christian managed to make his way over to the bar for a coffee while we waited for Jean-Jacques to give us a lift to lunch. A Tunisian member of the council prepared a real deal couscous for about 40 of us - the Council and it's supporters. Christian found his appetite from somewhere and enjoyed his meal.
Weather:
23°, rain at the end of the day

7.5.15:
Went to the language exchange but of course, didn't stay for an apéro. Jean took us to the clinic for the ultrasound which showed that Christian has a cardiac liver. Nipped out to help Françoise with "Dropbox" but had to call for backup from Nick.
Weather:
22° Sunny
News:
British General election won by the Conservatives. SNP  won 56 of 59bseats in Scotland

6.5.15:
Christian made a great effort to walk to the restaurant for a coffee in the sun. Linger a fairly long time and stayed for lunch. Jean-Jacques joined us and treated us. He and I went for the menu du jour but Christian tempted himself with the foie gras starter. 2/3 of it came home with us in a tuppaware.
Weather:
22° Sunny

5.5.15:
Michel gave us a lift to see the GP. Was a locum and he didn't seem too worried that Chr was not eating  . He gave me a book title about theraputic fasting and ordered a liver ultrasound for Christian and a blood test for next week. We stayed for a coffee before coming home and bumped into Jean and Françoise. Martine, called in during the afternoon, bearing some caramels from the twinning visit to Normandy.
Weather:
The same as yesterday

4.5.15:
Jean-Jacques called in to see how Christian was but didn't stay for his usual apéro; he could see that Christian was tired.
Weather:
21° low cloud lifted to give sun
News:
Jean-Marie Le Pen suspended from the Front National

Languishing in the Doldrums

This week has not been a lot of fun, especially for Christian. He's been very tired, has no appetite and for the last three days has been migrating between bed and settee. The stairs are unthinkable at the moment.

Friday was May Day and a public holiday. We were booked in at the restaurant with Henri and Michèle for a wine tasting (Domaine Piquemal, http://www.domaine-piquemal.com/index.php/fr/le-domaine ) and tapas meal. Christian didn't feel up to it so, I ran back and forth with each course in the hope that he would be tempted to eat something. Two king prawns was all he managed. That gives those of you who know him an idea of the state of play. There were 18 of us in all; French, Catalan, Norvegians, Danes and yours truly. The wine was good; I particularly liked the rosé. The food was good though too much to finish it all.
Yesterday I begged a lift to the market with Hans and Marie-Madeleine and met up with Rowena and her parents for a long, leisurely coffee in the sun. Couldn't help but spare a thought for 35 folk from the village who are at the moment on a twinning visit to Normandy where it's raining heavily. Of course, we should have been with them but we prudently decided not to sign up. Shame, as the contact is always warm and fun-filled. I came home on the bus and spent the rest of the day in front of the tv.
Apart from a trip to buy bread, a chat stop at the café this morning and a quick whizz around a carboot sale down on the recreation ground this afternoon, today has been another very quiet day. See, life isn't all lazy moments on sun-filled cafés watching the world go by with a glass of wine in hand.
Weather:
Temperatures between 18° - 26°, sunshine, cloud with a couple of rain showers at the end of the afternoon.
In the News:

• Nepal earthquake death toll over 6,200. Thousands more missing, injured and homeless
• Unemployment in metropolitian France now 3.5m
• French women voted for the first time (Municipal elections) in 1945. Interestingly, the radical socialists had voted against their enfranchisement as they were convinced that women would vote for whom the priests directed them to!
• The Guardian revealed that French soldiers accused of sexually exploiting children in the Central African Republic (there as peacekeepers!!!!) in exchange for food. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/30/un-accused-of-reckless-disregard-for-allegations-of-peacekeeper-child-abuse
• Birth of royal baby. Of three British residents living in the Dordogne interviewed by French tv, only one could speak French! After weeks of is it a boy or a girl, the world is on tenderhooks to know her name!