on the road

Yesterday we visited Andree in her Maison de Retrait - who is in top form and sends love to all (she'd been reading about the new arts centre in the ancient presbytery and wanted all the info on that)- after which we had to drive some two hours to a little village in the Ariege, where my translator lives. Beautiful day, autumn at its finest. And the gilets jaunes  out in force to enjoy it...

The longest hold-up was in Limoux, by the Leclerc roundabout. All very good natured - with a visible police presence- though we were asked to sign a petition to get through. We did, natch, so I don't know what happened to anyone brave enough to refuse.
Who doesn't want less tax on petrol? Only those with a neurotic concern for the environment - and what would they be doing in cars?
It was certainly jollier in the Ariege where the G-J danced hand-in-hand round a roundabout and gave out sweeties with the flyers.

The translator was encouraging about our chances of getting a Carte de Sejour, phew - since our interview is on Tuesday - so celebrated that little hurdle with dinner with Mike and Hilary. Hilary still in pain and waiting for a new hip, Mike still strapped up waiting for his collar-bone to knit. They both put on their brave faces :)

-And Leo and Toby have joined the ranks of the friends who have pushed off for the winter, they to Amsterdam where Toby will have to change houses as she can't do stairs yet. Marvelous recovery though, nothing but praise for Limoux hospital.