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!

Funny old week

My brother Matt is here, looking strict - taking care of things while Bob away in blighty and me in hospital in Carcassonne. I was expecting stents but had a mouth/teeth infection so couldn't be done and I'm back in Esperaza,  have to go back to hospital when well enough. So you can visit then.

Matt and I had dinner at La Chapaire last night (gave him a break from cooking, which he does v well) That was fun; fairly crowded but still well-run. I had a tiny glass of wine, the first in a long time, and this morning I feel like an old stoner.

My time in the hospital acted as an (un)dress rehearsal and I am now competent to address the many issues of Bon pour Transport, lost mutuelle evidence, lost carte de sejour (photo good enough for customs to and from Engerland, not for the hospital-) The handiest hint I can offer anyone going in is to get a Samu - that's the taxi/ambulance lot here - who has a gentle and kindly driver, who will guide you through all the processes and deliver you to the right ward. Mine was called Roman, blessings on him - and indeed to the many friends and contacts who aided and abetted especially Marc Antoine.

Many plusses because of this experience. My French is a lot better and my lovely room mate Huguette (aged 90, button bright) complemented me on it :) The nurses liked my hair, which Id been thinking of cutting and now won't. 

 

not a war zone

 Here is Esperaza's 8 a 8 being gutted, extended, re-powered, re-built - dreadful impact on the village and especially me! No-one to chatter to on the croissant run, except the other lost souls bewailing its absence.

We just have to cope, sigh.

In the meantime Siggy has offered lifts to Intermarche to anyone carless, she visits most days and is happy to run people there. Cheers!

We saw Siggy and her daughter Laura last night when we ate together at La Chapaire; and before that had a visit from Regina who has been released into the wild after her heart attack. Given her youth and fitness, this was a shocking event for us all and no doubt for Regina too. But she's recovering :) Allelujia.

Hols by the sea

 Bob and I had a touch of cabin fever and decided to quell our restlessness with a 2 bus trip to Collioure. Roped in the neighbours to take on parrot care and took off early Monday. The Perpignan bus leaves from Quillan at 8.20am and we were on it - to RDV at the Centre of the World with the Collioure bus and arrive in time for lunch.

In sight of the sea.

I'd booked us into the little hotel of the Templars, the one covered in original and exciting paintings from the turn of the last century to the 1960's, and loved it. 

Of course, it was out of season so all the staff everywhere were cheery and happy to chatter. Recommend avoiding summer, its hell there; just ask the staff!

We ate massively and pottered gently, early nighted -

- and first thing in the morning went back to the  beach, thinking we'd be alone, to find a large and growing reception.

Faces painted in camouflage, some running about with guns (hopefully unreal ones), lots of very fit young persons clearly training for the onerous task of protection.

That and the changing weather made it easier to come home - 10.30 bus after hotel breakfast in their lovely bar (more paintings) which got us to Perpignan with 10 mins to spare for the Quillan bus. These trips incidentally now cost 2 euros each. 

-----Mustn't moan about price increases, its still fabulous value. 

Now back. Parrots sulking.

LIfe goes on...

...in a time of war, we are concerned but helpless. Got ideas though! And shared many of them last night with John and Margaret, Gert and Elsbeth. As ever, enjoyed their company hugely.