Restaurant Fix

Back in our comfort zone with lunch at the restaurant after the language exchange. Anne and Henry came over and as David and Laura had bought there house it was a good opportuntity to get - together but the best laid plans and all that ... Laura wasn't well so missed out..
In the evening we went with Gaby, Robert, Juste and Joséphine to the wine bar where Michel's group was playing. Quite a few people there that we knew and 12 of us, including most of the group, finished off back at ours for a few drinks ... some we knew, some we didn't.

How to Win Friends and Influence People!

Not much been going on in the village these last few days apart from two evening meetings for Christian (town planning and twinning. Nationally, of course, it's a different story with the race for the Legislative Assembly elections hotting up. The latest news making waves is that Hollane's partener has sent a supportive tweet to Ségolène Royale's rival, a dissident socialist. You may remember that Ségolène is Hollande's ex partner and the mother of their 4 children and he is supporting her. Comments have ranged from finding it positive that the President's new partner has a mind of her own to being disappointed that this new "first lady" should go against party thinking so publically so early on in Hollande's term of office.Have to say with the right gaining ground, the timing wasn't great and if only it wasn't his ex!
On the social side, Nicole came for tea and a chat. We're having restauarant withdrawl symptoms!

Civic Duty

Rain was threatening as we made an 8am start for the Mairie's outpost in the mountains to staff the polling station there. Today, 40% of French voters turned out to choose a new Député(e) for the National Assemblé, ie, their MP. The Socialists are favoutites but the National Front is getting ever stronger, however, as there's no PR, hopefully they won't win any seats when the second round takes place.
The day was long with 69 of the 114 voters on the register coming in. Mostly people were good natured and chatty though we did have one elderly lady who wanted to convince us that there was life after death and a couple of others who moaned about the lack of council services. Par for the course, I suppose though I'm not sure that an omlette and perrier lunch (our choice)and getting to sign the official papers as one of the officials quite made up for the cold feet and long day!
When the final count for the whole of the commune came in, the Socialist candidate had a good lead over the sitting UMP candidate so we'll keep our fingers crossed for next weekend.
After it was all over we went to the bar to have a drink with the Mayor and wind down. It was like the European Union in there with Dutch, German, British, French, Catalan, Irish and Danish customers and oh dear, the football has started and it was on the tv.

Al Fresco

Last year's BBQ up on the frontier was such a success that the Mayor wanted to repeat it so Christian and I got out of bed early, picked up Carmen and Maggie and set off up into the mountains to help prepare a meal for 130 people. There was music, a substantial meal and lots of good humour. Madeline even came to join us as there was no other time possible to catch up before she heads back to Scotland; not that we had much time together as there was always something to do. Thank goodness we were spared standing over the BBQ, a job which fell to a couple of council workers.
In the evening we had free tickets (thanks to Joséphine's daughter)for a concert in Perpignan laid on by Regional Council to promote it's 'Sud de France' branding of local products. Luce (winner of a tv talent show), Renan Luce and Balbino were on the bill, but no doubt you won't have heard of any of them!

The Great and the Good

Yesterday was taken up by meetings for Christian, the association and yes, finally the website for me.
Today was more intresting with Spanish in the morning while Christian was meeting the President of the Department who was in the area to learn all about cork,and having a good lunch. In the evening there was a vernissage where we put our names on a small painting, after which we went to the bar for something to eat. Service was good and the chef even adapted the menu for us .... a bit of healthy competition is working wonders!

Tendance Rouge

The theme (in keeping with our electoral hopes)for our neighbouhood get-together was food and clothing from pink through to burgundy. I did a beetroot and cumin dip and of course there ws plenty of red wine to be had.It was great fun with small kids through to old age pensioners and to top it off, it was a lovely warm evening.The Mayor and his wife put in an appearance and he was wearing a blue tee-shirt though whether it was on purpose or not, it's hard to say; he can certainly be stubborn enough!
Rounded off the evening with Laurent back at ours.

Domestic Stuff

Took the car in yesterday to have the scratches dealt with and shopped for meat, both of which cost less than in France. Nick came down in the afternoon and I've resolved (once again) to give the association's new web site some of my attention.
Today Michel and Daniel came for dinner whch gave me an excuse to leave early from the Congo association's AGM and just look at the yummy tart that Daniel made.

Even Handed

Yesterday we ate in the restaurant, today we had lunch in the bar, seduced by the offer of a glass of Nicolas's gaspacho which I must say was pretty delicious.In the afternoon, as rain was threatening, we stayed in and watched the jubilee flotilla on the tv. The weather in London was worse than here and the Queen and Philip looked pretty fed up; well, you would wouldn't you? Not sure why we watched it but it was certainly more for the boats than the monarchy.
Early evening there was a concert in the village hall given by a local brass band at 5€ a head. Just as well that it wasn't more as they were several false notes floating around. Meanwhile, it was just pouring down with rain so we made it to the bar for a drink to allow the deluge to pass.

Fashion Dropout

Too hot to go to the market, we contented ourselves with a drink in the bar and found Jean-Louis in a grubby tee-shirt, underpants and barefeet. Things apparently are not good in the Garden of Eden and he's sleeping above the bar. Gave him a listening ear, visited his lodgings and persuaded him to put some trousers on: the bunny boy outfit was his idea. All this social working deserved a treat so we went to the restaurant for tapas where Michel joined us for a drink and invited us to his place for ice cream.
Took a walk down to the garden to get rid of a couple of buckets of ashes and to bring up some compost. Yes, I'm still a not-very-proud part owner of what we dreamed of being our garden of eden but as we all know .... wisfful thinking just 'aint enough!

Fund Raising

As soon as Spanish was over I made my way to the bar to help prepare this evening's buffet. Under the supervision of the chef, Joséphine, Linde and I mixed gaspacho, cut up melon and stuffed eggs. This bit of free labour + the desserts made by association members was a means of maximising the Patron's donation from the meals bought. Think I'd better explain ....an evening at the bar with a meal and music provided by Michel's rock group was organised to raise money for the Congo schooling project. What with Jean-Louis' contribution and the raffle, we made 700€.
David and Laura came to use for an apéritif first of all and thank goodness the weather was completely different to the last rain soaked soirée at the bar but that didn't mean that no one got wet!

Better late than Never

Only about six months late but finally made it to Perpignan for my "annual" check up. Still, Joséphine who came with me was 2 years over due for hers. We went on the bus using the Département's great deal of 1€/journey. It was very hot so we didn't bother to trail the shops, opting instead to call in and see Emilie and the new baby.
The biggest decision of the day was where to eat and this ever-faithful bloodhound sniffed out a great wee place in one of the small back streets. The food was great and the owner entertained us with stories of when he was a dancer in Paris and other witicisms.
Only cloud on the horizon was that on the way back, Joséphine realised that she's lost her car keys. Juste came to the rescue so, this little drama didn't turn into a crisis.
The evening was spent quietly enough watching 'Les Femmes du 6ème Etage' about Spanish cleaners who live abouve grand apartments in 1960's Paris. The version we watched on dvd had subtitles so if you should come across it, it's a fun film to watch.

Heading for Paradise!

No don't worry, we're both fit and well; the Paradise here is the largest brothel in Europe and the garage where we take the car to get the dents and scratches magicked away is right behind it. Today it was Martine's business that we put their way and she was well pleased with the estimate. So, good deed done we were able to have the rest of the day to ourselves or so we thought but more of that later.
Went and had a coffee by the river in the shade of a parasol and watched the world go by for quite sometime. After that we sought out a new restaurant that I'd found out about in a place which is called Cinclaus. There are five buildings there, hence the name which means "five keys". There's a tiny little locked-up church dating from the 10th century. The restaurant is in an old farmhouse which once belonged to a Catalan writer and is full of old furntiture and ornaments. The food and service was as good as the reviews on the internet said.... a good wee find to add to our list of recommendable eating places.
Came home with rain threatening and were in the process of knocking back a welcome cuppa when Christian received a call asking him to go to meeting. Fortunately he'd had a good lunch as he didn't get home until midnight and to top it all, apparently it was an acrimonious and frustrating meeting. All in a day's work, I suppose.

Roses Grow on You

Feeling as if there's been too much excess over the last few days, it's hot and I'd the Association newsletter to deliver. Dragged my feet somewhat but perked up as I became aware of the scent from the roses and syringa which was just lovely. Christian had his routine check up at the cardiologist's and I'm pleased to say that all was well.

In the Pink

Caught the sun yesterday so am looking a bit pink today. No restaurant planned, thank goodness but we did wander over to the bar for a glass of wine before a salad lunch. In the afternoon we were invited to the Mayor's for tea (Mum was impressed!)as were Henry and Michelle. In the evening it was our turn to play host to James, Nick and Lizzie who came for an apéritif dinatoire which lasted until after midnight.

Champagne Socialists

Finally got around to using our "Groupon" coupon for a seafood meal in a restaurant in St Cyprien. Don't know if you've come across this internet marketing scheme but it has mixed reviews. Went with Juste and Joséphine and I have to say that none of us was disappointed. The restaurant was right by the sea, the staff were really friendly (we had wondered if there would be a difference as we were on a promotional deal)and the platter was copious.A walk along the front was called for after wading our way through the meal and then it was back to Juste and Joséphine's to finish off the champagne that had been opened for a before lunch apéritif.

Double Rations

The market was really lively this morning with lots of "bandas" playing in the streets. don't know why but we went to the local auberge for lunch and while Christian was happy with his kidneys, I feel that it's not enough that the owners are nice people. We'd have had a better meal at the new place and in nicer surroundings. Still Christian feels that we should spread our custom around ... and we were booked with David and Laura in the new restaurant this evening! Had a good meal and were "treated" which was more than generous of them. By chance Henri and Michelle (the Mayor's friends) were also there with friends of theirs so we invited them back to ours for some champagne which rounded off the day nicely.

Salud!

Apparently while I'm making progress with my Spanish, my accent leaves a lot to be desired. It's the same in French and I've been at that for years. Tried the new restaurants apéritif formula of a glass of wine and a plate of cheese and charcuterie. Then to be even handed we toddled across to the bar and had another glass there. Well, the holiday weekend (Whit) is about to start.

Art, Wine, Food and Friends

The usual language exchange followed by the bar this morning and the local wine bar this evening. James, a New Zealander, married to an American who has a holiday home here was in action at the local wine bar. He uses a knife rather than a brush and it was fascinating to watch him work. What was just as fascinating was watching the young chef on his break watching James. As well as James there was a wine to sample, tapas to eat and discussion with Juste, Joséphine, Gaby and Robert. The young wine maker was passionate about his work and we decided that the association should organise a visit to the vineyard at the time of the grape harvest. Ended the evening with a nightcap at Juste and Joséphine's and another discussion about national and local politics with Christian having to take some stick from Joséphine about the poor upkeep of the grass verges.

Embedded!

Hard to believe that we've been here for 15 years! It's just as warm now as it was then. Just hope that the rain that came in a few days later and continued more on than off for six weeks is not repeated.

Bridging the Gap

While we'd been away, Juste had been busy in the kitchen with a paint brush so today, had to put everything back in place.I know, boring but it's better to read about it than have to do it! Caught up with the last two episodes of "The Bridge" which had a sad ending and left you wondering what would become of Saga and Martin. Still, didn't have time to dwell on it as we were invited to join Juste and Joséphine at the bar for a drink and tapas and then finished off here with chocolate and a nightcap.Oh yes, and we were able to admire Juste's new teeth!

Cheers!

There was no time to catch up with sleep as it was the Association's trip to Capmany for a guided visit and wine tasting at one of the wineries, lunch in Garriguella and a visit to St Quirze to see the monastery and the standing stone. 27 of us and yours truly was the organiser. All went well apart from the heavy rain in the afternoon which I couldn't do anything about!

Good to be Home

Today we had a pretty tight schedule. An early lunch with Valérie and Guillaume before our 2 hour drive back to the airport. This time I managed not to injure myself which is just as well as the knee is still stiff. Arrived back to Béziers to heavy rain and home to next-to-nothing in the fridge. Only option was to go to the restaurant for a wind down, glass or two of wine and something to eat.

70 and Looking Good!

Weather still dull and miserable. Christian went to watch Jean play football and i buried my nose in a book. "Sea of poppies" by Amitav Ghosh.Enjoyed the story, the history and well drawn images of life at the time of the 1st Opium War(how we reap as we sowed!) but I have to say that the mish-mash of pidgin-English which I didn't always understand left me wondering how much of the interactions I missed out on.
The evening was Janine's 70th birthday celebrations and the reason for our visit. The setting in the tennis club gave wonderful views over to the marina and a wide expanse of sea busy with shipping coming and going into the Port.

Travel and Twist

Luckily we didn't have to leave for our trip to Normandy until late afternoon on Wednesday. Flew from Béziers to Beauvais and then hired a car to get us to Christophe's. Pity our luck didn't hold .... I managed to twist my knee getting into Ryanair's confined seating space. Result was that it became swollen and I spent the best part of the next day in bed sleeping. some "bank holiday". Still, it was wet so I was perhaps best off snuggled down. I did manage to get up to join everyone for a cuppa in the afternoon when Valérie's Mum and Dad came around.
today we thought we'd remenice a little with a trip to Honfleur and a nice lunch of seafood. We had neither Honfleur which has sprouted loads of new hotels and was cosequently hyper-busy nor the seafood. Ate instead in this place which was fine. This evening it was our turn to do dinner and we opted for prawns and smoked salmon

Guardez l'eau!

House is quiet but there's been plenty to do ... work for the association, Spanish with Anne, emptying the kitchen ready for Juste to come and paint and catching up with two month's worth of posts for this blog! But as you all know, all work and no play ....
Last night we were invited around to Margaret's even though they'd just come back from Valencia to find that there was a leak coming from the new bathroom. Lots of laughs and several bottles later we eventually left after 1am! I think we must have been making too much noise out in the narrow little cul-de-sac that she lives on as someone threw some water out of the window! Wasn't me, honest! I reckon it was Jean that was the culprit, gov!
PS. If you're wondering about the photo, it was taken from Margaret's back garden. I love poppies and these were just a riot of colour.

From Host to Guest

The run to the airport went without mishap and we were sad to see Ann and Noel go. However, it was a good mixture of a week with some chill out time and new discoveries with day - to- day village life thrown in along the way.As the airport is only 20 minutes from where Piere and Marie-Christine, it was a great opportunity to catch up with them having missed the planned rendez-vous in the Auvergne in February because of my back/leg problem. In fact, we haven't seen them since they started their b&b, this time last year so there was lots to chat about. Rather than eat in, they treated us to lunch in Alet where there was a "vide grenier" going on. We passed on this but enjoyed our lunch in the local hotel which is et in a magnificent park next to the ruined abbey. Came home and caught up with the latest episode of "The Bridge".

Road to Recovery

Noel's feeling better today which is just as well as it was market day and the event that he'd arrange the holiday around. Sun was shining so no problems there. Had a "light" lunch at Juste and Joséphine's where we were joined by the baby and her Mum and Dad. Next on the agenda was a visit to Geneviève's, an artist in the village who was taking part in an "open doors" weekend. Much to my disappointment she was only selling her oil paintings so I didn't buy anything.
In the evening the local music association had a grillade in the village hall with entertainment thrown in. An all round fun time but with an earlyish start to make tomorrow, we didn't stay for too long at the end.

Missing Out

Yesterday was another quiet day with the language exchange for me (no committee meeting as the others were either ill or on holiday)and a glass of wine in the bar at lunch time for us all. Noel is suffering with the start of a cold which either came from Margaret and Jean or the plane. Went along to the museum in the afternoon to have a look at the exhibition and not much else.
Today Noel has kept to his bed while we took advantage of the warm sunshine to go take Ann to Mas Salelles for lunch. A bit of a shame for Noel as it was his treat! A walk at the lake, home through the mountains stopping off to have a cuppa at Coxita's meant that Noel didn't see much of us before we went over to Michel and Sylvie's for apéritifs+.

Day Trippers

The weather gods were with us as although cloudy in the morning, the day turned out warm and sunny in the end. 18 of us from the association went to La Bisbal, a town in Spain where ceramics are made. There was a guided tour of the town but we gave that a miss, prefering to sit in a cafe and watch the world go by. Lunch was good in a stylish restaurant and one and all seemedmore than happy with what they had. The afternoon was spent at the botanic gardens which were just beautiful. The location was divine, lookig down onto a deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Resisted the temptation on the way back to accept Joséphine's invitation for a cuppa as Christian had a committee meeting at the Mairie. Came home to find that our back door had been tided up and repainted; it looked good but Christian was surprised that it had taken 5 hours to do it.

Non Stop

Yesterday was a chill out day for Ann and Noel apart from Noel having forgotten one lot of medication but it was a problem soon sorted.
Today however, has been quite a contrast with lots going on. Two official ceremonies in commemoration of 8th May (end of the 2WW, an apéritif in the village hall, followed by an apéritif in the bar, followed by lunch in the bar. Margaret, David and Jean came around in the evening for cava and tapas and there endeth a full on day!

A New Dawn?

Up and off this morning to the Carcassonne airport to collect Anne and Noel. Lovely to see them and no doubt have a load of laughs over the week that they're here. Had lunch out, just outside the village and thoroughly enjoyed the buffet hors d'oevres which included a lot of fish and seafood.
Next came a short rest for before Christian headed off into the mountains for the 2nd round count. Polls have been less favourable to Hollande so fingers are crossed. We went along for the count in the village which Ann and Noel found interesting.
Yeeeees! A change in view with the election of François Hollande and that needed celebrating so we made for Juste and Joséphine's with a bottle of champagne as did Jean and Marie-Lourdes.

Tapas, Telly and Ironing

Saturday kicked off as usual with the market but we came back to the village fo ra glass of wine in the sun. Met up with Michel, François and Danielle , who's on the council with Christian and then went over to the restaurant for a plate of tapas. In the evening we caught up with Jean-Jacques and Michelle over an apéritif. While still receiving treatment seems to be doing much better. They're away again soon but are planning to move back here and continue treatment locally. Came back and for some crazy reason did two hours of ironing while we watched "The Bridge", yet another gripping Scandinavian crime series.

In need of Sun

Finally got around to seeing my GP with my blood test results. She gave me 19/20! I couldn't believe that the cholesterol and sugar were ok with all the eating and drinking we've been doing of late. The only "thing that needs attention is the Vitamin D which everyone seems to be on about at the moment. I've a capsule to take once a month for 3 months and then we'll see.
Tonight there was a vernissage with improvised dance by way of entertainment. Maria who teaches flamenco, was both model and dancer and here she is waiting to emerge from one of the huge barrels in the museum. We bought one of the pieces and then came back to our place with Juste and Joséphine to eat the pizza that she'd made.

Soirée Vigneronne

It was nearly cancelled due to a lack of bookings but finally the wine tasting and meal to go withthe wines chosen went ahead. Martine, Harry and Sue came around to ours for an apéritif before hand even though there were apéritifs included in the meal. It was all very well done, with tasty food (I had duck, now there's a surprise, as I didn't fancy the beef cheek which was part of the set menu - loyalty pays off), good conversation with the vigneronne and of course plenty to drink. What was nice was there was no hard sell and no price list. Word in the village was that at 49€ it was too expensive but I reckon we had our money's worth with a good all round experience.

Patience is a Virtue

Had an appointment at the bank and had to wait and had an appointment to have our hair cut and had to wait. Still, we have a better deal on house insurance and the haircuts met with approval.

All Aboard!

Bye, bye twins and would you believe, the sun is back! Next year it's our turn to make the long journey up there but we'll just bank on rain. Well, it is Normandy which is known for its lush green pastures. The Mayor and his wife invited us to join Henri and Michelle at the village restaurant for lunch, so before hand we invited them around for an apéritif. Much to our surprise they split the bill only two ways. Not quite sure what we've done to deserve it but there you are. Afterwards we were invited back to André and Jeannine's for coffee and cake in the garden. The evening was spent, needless to say, quietly enough.

Early Birds

They didn't catch any birds, just cold! Would you believe it? Today our guests made an unreasonably early start to take "le Petit Train Jaune" up to Fort Romeu and it rained and even snowed! As it was the last evening, there were speeches, official presents and a fideua which was impressive to say the least. It's like a paella without the rice but uses vermacelli instead.Here's a recipe if you fancy trying it.
http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/24/recipe-of-the-day-spanish-pasta-with-seafood-fideua/

Pomp and Circumstance

Another ceremony, this time down in the village and this time the Normans were on parade too. In fact, among the group there was a Brit from St Helen's who married a French woman and settled in la belle France, much as I've done. The Mairie provided today's lunch of grilled meats so we were invited to stay as normally hosts weren't fed this time round. The evening we were pleased just to snack at home. We'd issued an invitation via Agnes to those who wanted to come for an after dinner drink and despite their 5am start tomorrow 20 folk answered "present and correct". Admittedly people didn't stay much more than an hour but it was good to open up our doors to our visitors as we had done the last time.

Welcome Back!

Our Norman twins arrived this morning, nearly 60 of them and I'm glad to say that the sun was out to greet them. It was lovely meeting people again. We had three generations staying with us. Agnes who stayed with us the last time around, her daughter, Sophie who is profoundly deaf and her granddaughter Chloe who at 5 years old was an absolute honey. Sophie and I managed to communicate with ipods which once again confirms my belief that they're a great wee gadget.
Hosts and visitors all had lunch together and as you can see, it all got off to a good start. In the evening we had a ceremony up in the other village to commemorate those people who were deported during the war, while our guests went out and then had dinner in the village hall. After a long bus journey down, they were off to bed as soon as they came back in. Don't blame them. We were ready for bed too.

Nifty Fifty

Tonight we celebrated Kathy's 50th birthday after a meeting to discuss the schooling project for young women in the RDC. In the best tradition, it was a surprise but unfortunately, the person who organised it trusted to luck (apart from commissioning yours truly to make a carrot cake) that there would be a good spread of goodies. She didn't think booze apart from a bottle that she took so it was just as well that Joséphine and I were ready for all eventaulities with some cava.

Yet Again

This time we went to the village restaurant with the Mayor as his wife was out of town. We ate well and are hoping to be offered a loyalty card! Did I memtion that the young woman who is front of house worked in a country house hotel which in it's seedier days was my local disco when I was still at school. While there she had a flat in the town where my sister lives. Small world, eh and who says that the Catalans don't travel?

Spring in the Step

Before going for my last physio session, Christian and I both went for blood tests. Christian's is routine and mine was because it's been forever since I've had one. There were loads of things to be tested for and as Tony Hancock would have said "the nurse took an armful"! Results tomorrow.
After 20 seesions of physio, it will be strange not going anymore and I can still feel a twinge in my back though the leg is getting stronger all the time.
This evening we were invited around to Lone's for an apéritif and we roared with laughter when she told us about her husband's latest acquisition for his humanist funerals (he had a business hiring outside broadcast units to tv companies before - not sure that that is relevant but it just shows people's versatility. Apparently it took him quite a while to get the Danish authorities to accept it as an appropriate mode of transport but they have and he's the only company in Denmark with one. As the Grateful Dead sang "I may be going to hell in a bucket but I'm enjoying the ride!" Something that old bikers would appreciate.

Did some Spanish with Anne today as yesterday we were both busy and in the afternoon I delivered the association's latest newsletter before stopping off at her house for afternoon tea along with Reine, Christian and Martine. Just look at the lovely wisteria that helped me on my way.

Sant Jordi

Patron saint of both Catalunya and England (and other countries too), here the day is celebrated with books and roses. The association put on a
simple event ... book exchange/sale, roses for the women, sardane, an exhibition of photos of Catalunya North and South rounded off with an apéritif during which Jany read the history of St Jordi and the Dragon. All went extremely well .. even recruited some new members and it didn't rain!

A Change in View

Today is the day we've all been waiting for ... the first round of the Presidential elections. Christian was on duty all day up in his wee fief and I went up for lunch. The count in the commune went for Hollande but sad to say, the FN made a showing too. Stopped off at the bar for an apéritif with the Maire, Carmen, José and Marie-Jo. Much to my satisfaction José said how much he appreciated my help in finding beds through the association to make up the shortfall for our Norman visitors. This is someone who told Maggie that he didn't have time for the English. Patience, a smile and good humour pays off in the end. Skinning cats spring to mind.

Changeable Weather

Woke up to sunshine and enjoyed the views from the hotel over the town and of course, had a good buffet breakfast. The GPS took us out of Girona without too much trouble and we headed for the coast. A stroll around L'Escala first and then lunch in Sant Martí. The sun was quite strong and we all took some colour. Juste and Christian opted for a snooze while Joséphine and I went for a walk along the sea front. Well, there is another meal this evening at the bar to celebrate 14 years of Jean Louis's ownership, so a bit of excercise didn't go amiss.
Sadly by the time we arrived home, the rain was threatening and held off until about 7pm. The meal/concert was due to start at 7.30pm but we lingered with Juste, Joséphine, Jean & Françoise, Lone and Martine over an apéritif before heading over to the bar. All was chaos ... Jean Louis was trying to erect some kind of shelter for the band, Nicolas didn't have enough space to start grilling the food and the rain was dripping onto some of the tables! Still, people were patient and ordered up carafes of wine and the Catalan guitarist got to work cheering up the audience that was feeling pretty cold. Fortunately our table was inside and fortunately Jean came to the rescue. His son has a business renting equipment for concerts and other such events and he went to get what was needed, erected it in the rain and then came back after midnight to take it down. Some 70 year old!

A Taste of Luxury

Spanish first to get into the mood to go over the border to Girona (yes, I know, they speak Catalan but there are more and more South Americans doing the service jobs, so it might come in useful). This trip is to celebrate Joséphine's birthday which was yesterday. Started in style with lunch at Mas Salelles. Weather was a bit mixed but didn't perturb us. After settling in to our very comfortable rooms at the Marriot, we had a bottle of cava before we took a wander through the town, ate tapas and drank wine. The hotel is pretty high up so there was no question of walking back .. a taxi that cost just 5€ was perfecto!

14th: Market of course and this time we met up with Margaret, Kelvin and Irene.
15th: Josette's birthday so we went over to see her and say "Happy 86th". She's getting more and more forgetful but there, aren't we all, We are, aren't we?? Came back to the village and had lunch in the restaurant and got chatting to a very nice young couple from Perpignan. in the afternoon Josépine invited us for tea which became an apéritif which became supper. Jurgan came around for the last leg. Stuffed artichokes among other things and they were delicious but if life is too short to stuff a mushroom, it's way to short to deal with an artichoke.
16th: Wet and windy and yes, cold. Physiotherapy continues and the leg/back is getting easier. Anne is helping me with Spanish so I'm getting a lesson every Monday when possible. This afternoon I went and had tea with Jany to talk about her contribution to the apéritif that the Association is offering for "Sant Jordi" on the 23rd and than this evening there was a meeting to talk about the visit to the village of the Normans that we're twinned with. Home for 9pm, absolutely starving.
19th Christian was at a meeting all day so after apéritif after the language exchange, Martine and I treated ourselves to lunch at the restaurant.

Differences of Opinion

11th: Thankfully, although a bit fresh, the rain has held off for the Association's game of Boules at Mas Salelles. 22 of us headed off in convoy and as usual we were made very welcome and ate well.It's such a relief when no one complains!
12th: Usual association stuff followed by a drink in the bar and a ringside view of the new installations for the refuse collection. There are tanks underground corresponding to a chute for different waste. There are complaints already that they will smell but I'm telling you that they can only be better than the huge bins that we have in the street at the moment. This evening was pretty heated too. Juste, Joséphine and Margaret came around for something to eat and inevitably we got on to village politics. Margaret wondered what hit her!
13th: Instead of a vernissage there was a finissage this evening to close an exhibition of old local photos and postcards. Not a lot of people there, Friday 13th?

Little Brother

It's my little brother's 60th birthday, so all the best to him for the next decade. Apart from that, it's been raining and out of the blue Ghisèle called in before heading north tomorrow. Ghisèle used to own this house with her ex-husband before they sold it to us. She's looking for a house around here for when she retires next year so we'll maybe see a lot more of her .... more than we ever see of Philippe these days, no doubt!

All Hands to the Deck

A lazy day as a bank holiday Monday should be. An apéritif both in the bar and on the terrace at home. In the afternoon we were invited to eat "bunyettes" and drink tea in the Mayor's garden with Henri and Michelle. A little siesta and then up to the village hall to eat the pascal omlette or should I say omlettes, there were 500 eggs to deal with!

6th: Spanish this morning and a vernissage this evening. Sadly there weren't a lot of people there, this being Good Friday.
7th:Went as usual to the market and bumped into the Mayor's friend Henri who invited us around for an apéritif. All very pleasant. In the afternoon we went to hear the "Goigs" or Easter songs being sung in the street and finished up with an apéritif in the bar. (If you want to know more, look at previous posts at Easter time)
8th: More "Goigs" this morning, this time outside the church then scurried home to make a few canapés for Kelvin,Irene and Margaret who were coming to our place before we all went to the restaurant for lunch. Being Easter Sunday, we left the cava in the fridge and broke open a bottle of champage. We're not cheapskates, are we?

Eat, Drink and be Merry

2nd: Went up to Las Illas for Christian's "surgery" and there's no need to tell you that I ate duck.
3rd: We were invited to lunch at Juste and Joséphine's to meet Jurgan, the new tenant and his wife who's flying back to work in Germany in a couple of days.
4th: The rain that started last night has continued and I went to Ethel's for a Reiki session. Not sure that it's doing anything but at least I'm no longer taking the pain killers. Margaret, Kelvin and Irene came around and stayed for apéritifs so we got stuck into the cava.
5th: didn't fancy cooking after the language exchange and time in the bar so we just stopped off at the restaurant for lunch. Passing the door and seeing the menu is just too tempting. This evening Gaby and Robert laid on a blind "fizz" tasting at their place. 8 different bottles (there were 12 of us)and while the Mumm came out top, the others din't necessarily come out in order of price. Lots of fun, needless to say.

Blue Peter Stuff

The Easter theme for our street is "la poule/chicken" and eggs! We've been invited to make mobiles using a play on words. We opted for "poule au vert/pullover ... so out came the felt tip pens to coulour in some sketches of jumpers that I found on the net. As if that wasn't enough, i abandoned the green pens for red and yellow ones to colour the tiny roses that I'd cut out to decorate the title labels that we're using in a photo exhibition. Please, don't say anything! The afternoon, however, brought some grown up fun. We went to see some flamenco with Juste and Joséphine. Came home for an apéritif and then went and ate at the bar. PS. A "nid de poule" is a chicken's nest or pothole.