Artic Espe

I've been away in Carcassonne, getting two nice stents fitted in my poor old arteries... works a treat, love science and all the scientists involved in the process. And the staff and medicals at the hospital.

 Hugs all round.

Return home to artic conditions, the wind, rain and coldness awful though by the weekend it'll allegedly be gone and spring will reappear. The above view is a taster, a secret corner of Esperaza which is about to be transformed. Don't know when, nor do I know if its safe to write about it - watch this space! I'm terribly excited :)
 

on a day like today...

 ...we push off to the Mediterranean sea! Peter Dunn, blessings on him, drove me, Bob and Clare to St Pierre by Narbonne for lunch and thence to the beach at Gruissan, by the vintage chalets.

In season its unreasonable but at this time, cor - what luck!

monday... and diary dates

voila! Bruno, texting his sister whom we expect on Wednesday - hurrah -

I'm having another go at being stented on Weds but she's going to stay, if I'm spared we'll have the rest of the week to catch up.

And now: Robin is singing in all the events below and since he's no slouch we know they'll be good. Aiming for Limoux since its the nearest. Anyone else going with a car??

 

survivors lunch

A scratch lunch, consisting of  gifts (Reuben, thank you! Siggy, amazing!) and street food, all delicious and easy. Friends back from their travels, and Peter G awaiting the return of his lovely wife.

- we blessed the chemists and physicists and all doctors and surgeons and carers who have got us this far.

Market was sunny and like a grand garden party without the hats.

8a8 now express

First in line this morning... its bigger with lots of fridges, same stock with more of it. Regulars wandering about asking where things were, all highly entertaining.

It's a small village, these things matter!

The Captain is back just now, off to La Chapaire to eat. 

 

poulet au parking

Anyone who has been to Carrefour lately can't have failed to notice a cock and two hens, in fine fettle, pottering fearlessly around the car park. Long may they prosper.

Dear Bev kindly gave me a lift yesterday and we had a happy few hours in the sun, admiring all there was to see -

Today its the dentist for me. If you want to see Dr Botella you must sit outside his office and waylay him since his number is disconnected. His appointments book is packed so I guess many already know this trick... can't honestly say I'm looking forward to my rendezvous but it'll be nice to get it done. And to chat philosophy with him.

 

Morning shadows : yesterdays vote

 This mornings' curiosity... as the roof next door gets removed for repairs. Which means the weather will stay fine for a few days.

My brother Matt has gone home. Sniff.

Here is the chicken roaster in the market - lovely market on Sunday though terribly cold. Many mates dropped in; thanks, y'all!

You will know, of course, that yesterday was the day we voted for the mayor. (I say 'we' but we foreigner's aren't allowed; pay taxes, yes, vote no.) 

Tiny bit decorative though as there was no opposition, just the last mayor's team. I know several people who wanted to stand but couldn't because you have to have a team around you, ten men, ten women. Hard to arrange in a small and largely indifferent community.

Of the 1,375 citizens who were allowed to vote, 746 actually did and of them 25 posted white papers and 40 papers were annulled. We are not told why. It would be nice to see them displayed so we can be sure they are spoiled; make an interesting exhibition!