Strange days...

 Started off with a luminous mist backlit by the sun, gloriously; thought the day would be beautiful but I was sadly mistaken. By the time my lunch guests arrived it was driving rain and not a bundle of laughs - nevertheless, lunch was a hoot. Thank you, Ladies, for coming. Please lets do it again soon, whatever the weather.
Don't think the donor of the flowers above wants me to credit her since her internet presence is, erm, mysteriously secret. But thanks anyway, you who know-who-you-are. There were many (other) things to toast, chiefly Yvonnes return to Esperaza. She left us a couple of years ago for a pretty mountain retreat and has been much missed. All well and good being in a dinky commune in the middle of nowhere but without a bakers and a cafe and jolly good mates, whats the point? Hope she stays this time, the restless minx.
Much joy also following Kats birthday of yesterday and Lou's impending holiday.
 
Woke to an email cancelling morning coffee with a friend, till another day, followed by a text cancelling Claudines visit this weekend . She will be here in March instead and lets hope the sun will shine on her :)
DON'T FORGET tomorrow night is the vernissage at Cristelles new gallery in the Rue de Republic, just down from Kats. Jean-Noel Cuenots latest film will be showing and of course we are celebrating Cristelles new career.

Below is a photo of the new doorway into Msr Francoises' house. Marvelous thrill, opening spaces that have been built and covered up for 400-odd years. Not that I'm doing the work, mind you. Its hard, hammering and carrying rocks away bucket by bucket. Cheers, Ryan!