more mask and hospital news

Saw this mask being worn in the 8 a 8 and was allowed to snap it - it was given to the masked lady by her niece -  

and below is the house of Gert and Elsbeth... missing you guys :(

 Yesterday was salutary. Began with brother-in-law Phil still being poorly and with a list of symptoms worthy of an emergency visit to docs. Got on the phone and learnt that the Centre de Sante was fully booked and wasn't taking new patients and anyway, go away. Very startling as it's just round the corner and has always been helpful. Waited for the pharmacy to open - at 8.30 am - and dived in there. They looked up the number for the Centre de Sante at Couiza, bless 'em. It was the wrong number but easily corrected by the lady at Couiza Town Hall whose number it actually was.

Appointment made with Dr Lemarque for 11.00. 

Bob drove us there and sat in the car while I assumed the translators hat. Turned out the good doctor can speak beautiful English, though he didn't want to; we only found out when he sniggered at some English remark we made. He diagnosed kidney stones plus infection and sent us off to the Clinique Montreal in Carcassonne as an emergency.

At the emergency department they took Phils mobile off him and whisked him away.

Bob sat in the car and I sat in the waiting room. For four hours. The wait was enlivened by two little boys aged four and six, whose mother, carried in on a stretcher, was having an abscess dealt with. They were with their grandmother who had no experience of children and resorted to her rosary - the alternative to pulling their hair, it seemed. All most peculiar. I don't like children per se but found myself identifying with them - we drew and played word games ('Moi j'espionne avec mon petit oeil'; they didn't get it though they laughed a lot) The family lived in Bordeaux and were on holiday in Carcassonne. Due to the mothers excruciating pain had done no sightseeing so far. 

How we all cheered when she walked out of the emergency ward!

When Phil also tottered out later with a doctor in tow, the news was hardly shattering. He's got kidney stones and an infection. Also he got a sizable prescription. And instructions to get it dealt with on his return to Perfidious Albion.

He feels fine today after a good nights sleep. Started the course of antibiotics. More anon, no doubt.

Very hot again today. Not budging.