hot, hotter, hottest

Another birthday has floated past, still alive - and here's Peter Dunns image of me and the captain to prove it! 

Had a lovely time and am so touched by the attention I get and do not merit. 

Esperaza continues hot but not as hot as it might be. Further south there are huge and scary fires, fanned by the winds; evacuations being shown on the breakfast TV, harrowing all round. The quality of the air is a problem and of course we are all fretting for the wildlife that can't escape the flames.

Forecast projects that temperatures will continue to rise. Stay safe, y'all. Close windows and shutters, dim lights, give up all pretentions to work.
 

Seize it seize it

 Dear Claudine framed up this photo of us both in a London pub in 2008 - remember many highlights of that trip- this morning was more sedate as we had coffee at the station bar and considered managing age.

Which we both do v well, BTW.

Weds evening, Peter Dunn, Bob and I ate at La Chapaire - as did many other people. Still good, still reliable. Worth noting!

Info: The strange fruit I asked your help to identify is called an Empress or Paulownia tree, native to east Asia/China (Michael and Barbara had an avenue of them near them their home close to Delhi)

And yet more info: The T de Fr goes across the top road, not through the village; so cushions and chairs to the fore if its not too hot.  The roads will be closed, public transport deranged. If you're expecting to take a bus anywhere, check first. 

Lovely warm and windy weather here, the  more pleasurable as it's really not going to last. A huge heatwave awaits us. Seize the day!

Tuesdays lunch

 Lunched some friends yesterday - Margaret, John, Barbara and Jim - photos dreadful except this of Jim.

Was rather pleased with myself in that most of the food was edible though had to enlist Margaret for help with some of it and John to carve the lamb- and credit for the salad is entirely due to Barbara.

Here's a treat in view  when the T de F will go whizzing past the front door or possibly across the top road - not sure where the D118 actually is. Will find out. 

summer season begins

 

The mayor Msr Soula and representatives from the council of the region (sorry, didn't catch their names) gave speeches to kick off the season - and there's Guillame in the background, who put it all together. He runs two of the towns restaurants and still manages to assemble this weekly event with bands and food and drink... hero!!

Father Matthews checks things out - (sorry John, but I love the photo)

Regina and Ziggy - both born in Frankfurt - and another of Reg

We went early, ate Ziads delicious Lebanese food, said a brief hello to a few mates and left before the real crowds arrived and the music started. The smoking is what drives me away but next week, if its not too hot, will mask up and try to stay longer - such a privilege to share tables with an entire village, and their friends :) Yes, after the downpour, I've become sentimental - 

cleanup

 I went walking yesterday in a moment of coolness, under these clouds - and made it home just before the storm broke. Glorious and fierce with large hailstones. 

Which means tonights night market will be perfect!! See y'all there :)

mild market

The market is muggy with a merciful breeze - I was out early but still, few punters! All of whom are praying for a storm.

As I wrote that, the sun came out again. Sigh.
 

heat stops play

Not really equipped to do much except paint - just about made possible by a little aircon unit that grumbles and rattles on, for which I'm very grateful. 

Anyone know what this tree is? It had lovely blossoms and now has these weird things... 

that's it really though I did run into a group of friends this morning, coming and going, hither and yon. Younger than me, for sure!