hunkering down

 Winter is here and will probably get worse. We busy ourselves with insulation and the like. Our leader President Macron has warned us not to use unnecessary power or there will be black-outs; we stock up on candles, logs, firelighters and suchlike. And cut the heating of course.

Here are Bieke and Willem, suitably wrapped up on the garden.

the little cabin where the tools are stored (- hoping the photo may entice Ryan and Alecia back to us -)

and the work of Laughing Anna, who pops up at this time of year to enliven the town. Behold, Santa and a snowman share a burger...

I've been hanging out amassing gossip; the following is a selection -

*The closure of the MJC (=Maison des Jeunes et Culture, opened after the last European war to ensure the survival of the French cultural activities that were fought for -) was occasioned by the failure of a fire alarm and some cardboard boxes in a corridor. Rather than tidy up and buy a battery, the mayor has closed the building down totally for the foreseeable. Well known for not being a fan of culture, this does nonetheless seem a little pointed - its remit is 'open to all', haha. 'Closed to everyone' now.

* The mayor has installed 26 - twenty six- CTTV cameras about town, including three up the Mont Marot path. This is to prevent fly-tipping. The reason there is fly-tipping is because the cessation of rubbish removal services are making it necessary for some.... they have so far caught five transgressors and they have been soundly reprimanded. 

* Toby and Leo have left us until next year, heading for the warmth and cultural joys of Amsterdam -

* Sunday 4th, tomorrow, at St Hilaire will be the first of the Christmas carol concerts by Vox Vallis, the choir organised by our very own James and Alexander and featuring many friends - the event will be repeated in the church at Esperaza on the 8th. Take a cushion and thermal underwear, but do go, it'll be beautiful -