Useful info from George Reverte about the post

Posted on facebook, 27th March  by our mayor...

- News from La Poste for Espéraza

From next week (week 14, March 30), mail delivery will be from Wednesday to Friday. Each household can now expect 2 deliveries a week.

La Poste is being reorganized to successfully serve everyone,  after a significant drop in usage.

Mail pick-up from yellow street mailboxes will be limited to Wednesdays and Fridays.

WARNING ! Only the most used mailboxes will be cleared! [Only guessing that this means main offices, see next para. - but maybe others. Will try and find out]

Post offices open: Carcassonne Main office, Coursan, Ginestas, Limoux, Narbonne Gambetta, Port La Nouvelle, Tuchan, Rieux Minervois and Trèbes. Hours 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. including Saturday.

Useful Hotline numbers:
- 36 31: for any information on operation, complaints, etc.
- 36 39: for the Postal Bank
 And  laposte.fr for all online operations.

Nada zilch rien nil

Absolutely no market! Never seen a Sunday like it. Georges our mayor-in-waiting was avuncularly out and about and so were the local police; many couple wandering around looking for the action; Serranos the bakers open as was the consistent 8a8. Apropos, here is Erika, who with her husband Nicolas is bravely carrying on managing the 8a8 and saving the town from starvation and desolation.
(their fb page is 8 a huit, Esperaza)

Impossible to tell if she is smiling (she was )... she says she will paint a smile on the mask.

The little store has a pattern for the queue stuck on the floor at 5 mtr intervals but most people don't notice it.

At Verdier et Fils, a bit further up the road, you have to queue outside to get in. 

All taking is shouting across roads now and wherever I tottered voices would shout Boris est fou

Barbara has written from Rouvenac, she and Micheal are well. She offers the following...

Two bees are flying alongside each other. One says to his friend: 

Funny, you don't see many humans around nowadays.

Good tidings of great joy

Allelujia!! This was outside the creperie last night - Susan tipped me off - available Friday to Sunday evenings, Weds to Sunday lunchtimes.

We had a great treat last night with an Indian takeaway- thanks to Louise for telling me about that. I can't find their website (indianspices.fr but it ain't coming up on my machine) however their phone is 06 32 83 27 54.  You have to order on Weds for the delivery to Esperaza on Friday nights but they don't know how much longer that'll be allowed... enjoy while you can.

Whilst loitering by the church yesterday evening, waiting for the curry, met Susan who was on her permitted walk and looks good and still wants a companion animal,  and Norbert who was collecting too. We stood in a big triangle and gabbled at each other. Earlier (on my permitted walk) saw Diana and Candy and had a shouted conversation from separate pavements.

Its life, Captain, but not as we know it.

Far and near

Heard from Toby - tried to copy her lovely letter but fouled the whole post somehow so will have to paraphrase.... she is on her balcony in Amsterdam, plotting; expects us all to be in good health when they get back.
She has a supermarket open for the over-70's from 6 - 7 am, before the public get there. Leo is never up in time and she is too young :)

News from Annie and Pete; they are in Ireland. Had planned to sit it out in Morocco but missed their kids (as do we all BTW) Got the last flight out to London and made their way home - kids not there but nearby.

Back here in Esperaza - it is raining, grey and damp. We are allowed an hour out according to the new forms so I took the full hour despite it all - met Mike, who is fine, with news of Hilary who is missing the people that used to drop in - and Roy, below. His son Daniel is with him and Jo, having got out of Vietnam just before the closures. Phew!

No more market :(

The ravaged river - a new landscape, as Roy pointed out.

Last nights thrills

Thanks to Rose for the jig saw - loving it xxx

says it all really...

... this is on the new creperie. An unhappy crepe, perhaps.

Other than that we are in isolation and nothing is happening, all is well. Had to drop off a letter at the health centre just now and as I left the gendarmes pulled up next to me - not our local police, the big heavy boys with guns. Most aggressive in their manner. They asked why I was out and I said Id been to the doctors and pulled out my pass. Before I could flourish it they were off! Didn't like to yell after them that I wasn't ill.

The sun is shining, Bob is out gardening, I've sent some photos of commissions to the client - erm, that's all. Be well and happy out there and stay away from one another.

The market in full

 Not overcrowded; only food and not much of that - but enough and many mates out and about.

Voila, Georges our Mayor Manque - the shocking election results have left the town un-leadered. We await the second round of the vote which is looking as if it'll happen at the end of June. Georges says the work is just piling up - hes worried, of course.

The election results were shaped by more than 50% absenteeism due to fears of the beastly virus - and the absence of the 30-odd Brits who can no longer vote. (Pause here to ponder if Dave and Nige, when they plotted Brexit over claret in the club, ever thought about the knock-on to a small French town...)

Here's Ann, radiant - her mama is out of hospital and home safely in her maison de retrait. So good to see her smiling again!!

 And Rose, always glam and (hopefully) plotting the party she'll have when we are allowed to meet again in clutches

 Peter G., doing the shopping while Nel (rather sensibly, given her health) waits in the car.  Everybody must take care - though it's so hard not to hug -

here below is Msr Linares who set up outside his tabac to sell the papers so people didn't have to go into a crowded shop -

 There were many other friends about but I was slow on the draw. Though I should report that Susan needs a pet, if anyone has an excess. And Kat is looking very good.

Here is my favorite pet, the adorable Tango, helping me cook lunch. Roast duck, vedg., steamed cabbage, asparagus, artichoke hearts -perfect.

Its the weekend; apero!

For want of any other image, here's a tree that came down in the floods - by the new bridge.

As you may imagine in this time, not a lot is happening. Nevertheless; in my early evening stroll I happened across a french man on a chair outside his front door, having a glass of wine,  whilst opposite him another man lay stretched on his window sill above the road also with a glass of wine. I walked between them in the middle of the road -  Rue de la Gare, no trafffic - and said what a good idea. One of them said, well, its the weekend! Cheers!

The youff hereabouts know no bounds though. Happened across many in groups, no masks, loitering and laughing. Bah alright for some.

8a8 continues to serve, they show no fear of contagion though they are aware of the possibility. Apart from a lack of toilet paper -!- they have fresh vedg and now easter chocolate stuff.

I'm beginning to hallucinate the doorbell ringing... though one time yesterday it was real, sweet Regina with essential supplies (thanks to her and Douggie - who are well -) Also spotted Peter Gregory out shopping - he and Nel are well - and Ian of course, who continues to blossom. Jane and Zara and  I are swapping books by the bagful and discovering lots of hitherto unsuspected writers.

Hope you and yours are in sterling health, wherever you are xxx

Busy days

 All this isolation carries its own agenda.

  Cleaning the parrot cages was an effort, they have to be emptied of parrot and then high-pressure hosed. Parrots stroppy. Picnic lunch in the garden was fun though - and the captain is busily planting our summer/winter food, a sign of hope that there will be a future :)

 These spring days are fabulous. Lets all hope the crisis will pass soon.

In an excess of creative kitcheniness I made far too much trifle last night. If anyone local would like some let me know and I'II deliver a pot on the evening walk. Have tasted. Thought the balance of Muscat and Cointreau might work out and I do believe that it has.

...on

Beautiful weather yesterday so filled out the required form saying I was walking for exercise and did just that. Our police waved at me so I yelled that the paper was in my bag ; 'superbe! was the (yelled) response. Sunshine strong so will be doing the same today...
here is a little pansy, one of several growing about a plane tree in the square. The very spot where a lady sells potted pansies at the market. An escapee, self-seeded.

So, whats new? Well, Marcel - who used to keep goats on our field, about 100 years ago - now lives in Guangdong in China with his new family. He reports that no-one is sick but as the schools are closed he has no work - he teaches English there.

Dear Holly, my god daughter, whom many people of Esperaza will remember when she stayed a month or two a while back (vague mists descend) - anyway, dear Holly is back in Bristol where she is cooking vast amounts of food to distribute to people who are self-isolating and need nourishment. She delivers packets to anyone who asks.
I've tried. Still waiting.


The TV breakfast show says that Paris food markets are continuing, since they are food. Lets hope this bodes well for our Sunday market though in view of the info re:the virus it would be a bit mad. But people have to eat and perishable foods have to be distributed -

Here's the view from the studio, Tobys hazelnut tree obscuring the view of Rennes le Chateau.

Feel rather shamefaced to admit it, but life is wonderful. Been stockpiling paint for ever and have a garage full of paintings that can be painted over. I'm stuck in a palace, loaded with books, with a charming and attentive man. Radio Ballade continues to broadcast.
 http://www.radioballade.net/grille-radio and press the Direct button on bottom bar.

...on and on

 Shamrock from the emerald isle for Patricks day, yesterday, to bring us all good fortune in the next year. Thanks to Fran and Clare, all the way from Ireland. Lovely to see you. Virtually, of course.

Had a call from Andy (didn't seize a frame and photograph him, silly me) he and Louise (in England) are self-isolating and have taken James out of school to home educate. They are prepared for whatever may happen in the UK.

I'm finding the days very long, anyone else feel that? You can't do anything spontaneously... so miss popping out for a coffee.

I filled out the paperwork and went prowling last night, hoping to be challenged by authority - but no-one about except the nightingales by the river. That river is really loud when its not being drowned out by traffic and voices... but there are many nightingales about and what a pleasure they are.

Since all of France is in isolation in their several homes, l suggested to Bob we could go naked. He says its too cold.

Journal of the plague year

Took this rather grey snap  after knocking on Mike and Hilarys door yesterday- not a social visit, honest, just had to return essential things to them, ahem.

Now we are told not to leave our homes at all - except for food (8a8 stuffed full of stuff, unlike Carrefour which Bob saw yesterday and reports that the shelves were stripped) We can go for solitary walks and to the pharmacy.
I've just been to the pharmacy and laughed at Miriam in her mask - and was soundly told off. Its not funny. Told her she looked so mignon and that mollified her crossness.

And there are forms on line we have to fill out to say why we are leaving home, lordy, more paperwork!

This is day 2 of our self- isolation and for us its fairly normal. I work alone, Bob gardens. We watch Netflix and fail to agree on what is watchable; no blood spilled yet.

Had an enjoyable shout across the road with Jutta - shes well - I miss our friends ...
be well, everyone.

Its a new world innit

Voting, according to the TV this morning, is down over 54% - it was fairly frisky here though not seen the stats yet. Above is one of three masks I saw yesterday, the others on Sheila and on Dr Coue... Sheila sensibly saying that she was protecting people from her possible germs, though the French backed away from her. All the masks here have been requisitioned for  medical use only -

Below, closed cafes. How sad is that. Everything but essentials are to close from today. 

The market was about half size with about a third of the usual number of visitors. 

Today the TV carried pictures of young families leaving Paris in droves, to go back to the family homes - no doubt this means an influx of viruses into the countryside and the elderly relies. 

In the meantime my nephew Paddy and his friend Louis are leaving Amsterdam early because everything is closed - 

NOTE

NO BUSES to and from Quillan and Limoux and only 3 trains per day from Limoux to Carcassonne. For the time being, anyway.

virus'r'us

Le Captain and I squandered yesterday on a trip to Castelnaudary where we bought the latest addition to out menagerie, Gabriel - currently laying down the law to Rosie, Tina and Gerald.
Rico and Tango nonplussed. 
It might be that there will be no freedoms of movement tomorrow... the voting for the mayor has started and after that our prime minister has announced that all unnecessary stores will be closed, ditto all restaurants and cafes, in an attempt to stem the progress of the invisible demon.

There is a market today though small - I was out very early and it was freezing cold but the sun is up now and I'II brave it again later. People who don't normally speak to me were asking if I was alright; slightly alarming, though most kind -

We ate last night in La Casa (burger and chips) and passed the meal outlining our wills. Bob will be self-isolating - hes very vulnerable - and I will be hand-maidening as I'm slightly more robust.

Good luck everyone :)

yo ho ho me hearties

 The creperie - now the marin de l'eau douce - has a pirate ship built into it. It is sensational and many grandchildren of many friends - you know who you are - will be fated to eat there all holidays.  Above are Claudine and Bob and below, the Mighty Olle-Bendik - many other friends ventured out and my photos are inappropriate.

 The space is very big and the presence of much of our community didn't fill it. The mayor and his team were there- none of the others, obviously :) The eco party were having their meeting at the MJC at the same time... lots of local and family politics involved as is normal for local elections. They happen on Sunday, the elections - on Monday the schools close for at least 10 days. 

The virus was much in the air - hoho - but the people I spoke with are not perturbed. Its a waiting game now.

Le marin d' eau douce commence

 Tonight, the re-opening of the Creperie with an apero at the new gaff, ex- Plan B - next to Le Musee des Dinosaures. Virus permitting. Macron is closing the schools from Monday so here's hoping we are safe till them :) Unaware of any cases in Esperaza, which doesn't mean they ain't there - merely un-diagnosed, unreported.

Also unreported; yesterdays dawn, which I post here for want of anything else - taken while seeing Paddy and Louis off. They are safely in Amsterdam BTW.

The Grand Tour

All esoteric tours - the short one, anyway -  start at Rennes-Le-Chateau. Yesterday it was closed, not virus closed but repairs after floods and the rebuilding of streets closed. Looked at the view.

Thence to Rennes-les-Bains - despite the roads in and out being closed (flood again). We were told it would be alright to drive if we were slow and careful and so it was...

 Here is my nephew Paddy and his friend Louis in the graveyard at Rennes-les- Bains, standing under the monument to those killed in the last big floods.

Off to Alet-les-Bains next, where the church was closed and shock horror - no sprouting spring water

So shoes and sox off and a bit of a paddle.... much to the hilarity of a French lady who was loitering. She had never seen such white feet. She pointed and nearly wept with laughter.

As we wandered down to Couiza to la Perception for a VERY good lunch Louis had a call to say he'd been unconditionally accepted at Bristol University, so we were celebrating.

(Paddy had been accepted at Glasgow University last year and deffered to have a year of hedonism). What japes these young have, how unlike our day. 

After an evening of Snooker with Mike and Dave, they left us this morning on the 6.30 a.m. bus, which arrived exactly at 6.30. That gets them to Carcassonne where they take the train to Toulouse where they pick up the Paris bus where they connect to the bus to Amsterdam . What can possibly go wrong?

La Casa

While the rest of Europe shuts down to stop the virus in its tracks, here in Esperaza a new restro has opened.  Sarah and Sonia - a mother and daughter team - are hosting at La Casa ( ex- Frites Normande and ex- numerous others) 41 Rue Victor Hugo. When we found it open last night, the opening night, we had already eaten so just tested the wine.

They sell burgers and Panini and Kebabs - basic fodder, plus two types of veggie panini and fish and chips for the non-carnivore.

My company was good; Richard and Eva had been working late in their studio at the ex-grand hotel opposite so we dragged them out and my nephew Paddy is here with his friend Louis. Most convivial :)

La Casa will close on Tuesdays (though not today, still setting up-) and close at siesta time but otherwise its there.
Bout time too.

STOP PRESS Just heard that there are NO buses to Quillan; there have been 8 new cases of the virus and they've closed the school and stopped public transport.

Louis, Rico and Paddy

Diminished market

Really not sure whats happening below; just a random snap from the table by the van where you can buy hot ginger and lemon, yummy. Delighted that Lesley and Raj Gopal were there. Nice to catch up.

The market in general was  under- attended, the virus having landed in Quillan maybe scared folk off.

 But the sun shone and the air was balmy and still and not having crowds around made a nice change!
This flyer was thrust upon the table and might be fun, live music - never heard of the band so who knows. See you there perhaps.

Attention: wine festival change

 Many friends who come here for the Toques et Clochers should know that the dates have changed, presumably to clear the decks from the virus - its now on the 27th and 28th June. Change flights immediately!!
Apropos; three cases reported in Quillan, where an elderly couple (i.e. older than us) have come back from Egypt  and infected a friend. They are in isolation at home.
And look, hale and hearty... New Kelly xxxx

All the news fit to print

 These ashtrays have been appearing all over town, outside places where people congregate to smoke - this is outside the MJC, the Centre Culturel. They are mostly ignored, but charming - the french for cigarette sub is megot. Rather worried, occasionally, about who empties the things and where.
And here ... the top of Tobys wall! Isn't it lovely. Stopped raining.