Quillan Market

Wednesday is Quillan market day. When Kat said she was going and offered a lift I didnt think twice about quitting the studio - the weather is lovely and Quillan market is the home of the English Book Exchange, run by the generous and open-hearted Sue and her friend. Many of us ex-pats cluster there.
And Lo! Today there was Mike, who has been laid up for years with firstly a bad back and latterly bad legs. He's been operated on and is out and up and beaming in the sunshine.
Incidentally he and Pauline are anxious to be with their family in England now and their pretty house has had an absurd price drop. Get in touch if you are house hunting.

 And below, Jenny. This is a mixed blessing. It was wonderful to see her - she has gone to ground since selling her house and preparing to return to England and her family there so we were thrilled to catch her; then horrified to discover that this is her last day here. Shes off tomorrow, for good. Sniff.
Instead of a valedictory party, we had a coffee.
Not the same.

 Apropos of houses, Quillan has a new tourist attraction by the church. Four burnt out houses. People were saved, including a pregnant woman, now rehoused for the time being in the campsite. The shocking news is that the landlord is in big trouble as the properities were not insured - houses that are rented out must be covered.
Anyone living here should know also that insurance is rendered invalid in the case of fire if you don't have a certificate from a professional chimney sweep showing that the chimney is sound. I'm waiting for the sweep now (total co-incidence BTW, he was booked weeks ago)
Why are sweeps regarded as lucky in the UK? Are they so regarded in France?
I will ask him.