As recommended

 So many friends have told us that the newly tarted Cafe de Fa is wonderful that we were emboldened to give it a whirl- and it is indeed a marvel.

We booked ( obligatory, nowadays) for 12.00 which was cunning because half the known world poured in at half past and the place became respectably full. Mysteriously, in some space-bending way, the place is bigger. More relaxed table space and a bigger terrace. Plus a little shop of local products, which we used - prices not outrageous.

We ate the set menu for the day... so, a really good little salad, mine dotted with Pyrenean cheese and the Captains with bits of ham (he doesn't do cheese): a boeuf bourguinon  (cows from Limoux, so happy cows, so that's alright, hmm): then Captain had his absolute fave dish, apple crumble with vanilla ice cream and I had a ball of crunchy coffee ice cream which is my new best flavour. That was 17.00 something euros per person which we bumped up with the drinks to a still respectably acceptable sum considering the excellent quality. Good service too.

Half of Esperaza turned up during our meal and sat on the terrace where they could smoke. A  beautiful dog wasn't allowed in but was encouraged to sit with his owners at one of the small tables in the front garden space.

And Raj Gopal was exhibiting! Another plus.

Kats not-birthday party

For some reason, Kat prefers to ignore her birthday so an end-of winter-spring party was held on the day instead. Very timely and a very happy evening for us all! 

Here are some carefully edited photos...

Michael Bosworth,  artist and writer of these parts -
 

Yvonne, fit and well - 

Louise and Stephan -

and below, Charlie Brown

It's so hard to snap friends with their eyes open and their mouths shut :) 

So finally, here's Stephan  (of  the famous Montazel wall) chatting with Roland who did a sterling job of watering and feeding us all . Great non-party, thanks darlings!

Happy Tibetan New Yer

 

wander lust

 Seized by the romance of travel, I gathered my walking stick and took the bus to Carcassonne, where I stayed in a dispiriting and uncomfortable room for a few days. And it rained, most of the time. At the tourist office I was looked on with pity; its February, there are no open galleries or theatre-  except for a hip hop festival.

When it didn't rain and and when I wasn't knackered, it was fun. Though its very clear my travelling days are over. Unless chauffeured and carried about of course - always a possibility :)

sunny day

 our beautiful frog is out of hibernation - or having a break. Thrilled to see her/him.

Went to Quillan this morning for various domestic reasons and spotted this critter:

- a cat looking like an owl posing next to a virgin and child.

all the news..

 ...thats fit to publish. Top of the list is that DogShit alley is closed while the school gutters are fixed, so no sort cut to the market tomorrow.

Other than that;  just had tea with Saveria, brill, and a trot above le Caderonne, to the old Spanish border (in the 15th century) Love it there, clear air views to take your breath away. Ancient soil.

When the current project is finished I'm off there to paint.

Valentines day news

 This being the day when birds traditionally start nesting, I've been paying attention... here's a fine shot of the heron escaping the camera. 

Also escaped; a pair of slightly bedraggled long tailed tits, new to our bird table. Gorgeous! And gone, by the time I got the camera out. Sigh

Here's a good shot from a couple of days ago, when the tribe gathered in Tout-la

and that's it really. Except to mention that today is Hilary Aberson's birthday and also Jill Coopers. Both partying in heaven, no doubt.

Bobs apero

Bob turned - miraculously - 76 years old yesterday so a small apero was in order. 

Photos random and apologies all round. Good evening though!

 

Claudine, Bieke, Robin...

Janet, Bieke, Robin, John

Roland and Janet

and Aileens book! Bob is the privileged recipient of the first signed copy... 

I've started it and had trouble tearing myself away, can't wait to get back.

Kat took this of O-B on the way out... well lit-up hoho

mysteriously xmas

Ruston and Clare decided to give me and Bob and Eric and Alison another christmas feast, since only Eric could make the 25th December. And Eric was well up for the re-run - seen below, with his adorable and engaging dog whose name I forget.

marvellous way to pass a Friday afternoon :) Thanks to the Rushtons for their everything xxx
 

Healthyish

Mike out of hospital, seen here with Robin - much celebrating at tout la last night. Ferren is also out and back home. Roy damaged in a fall, it seems (though not snow boarding). Lala we'll need a guest annex at the hospital soon if people don't stop all this... on the plus side the weather is beautiful and I spotted a couple of sand martins out, so spring is pretty well here. Bonne courage, mes amis!!
 

February already...

 ... where does the time go?

Been in Perpignan with Siggy, for the ballet Romeo and Juliette at the Palais de Congress there - excellent time, appartement in the St Jacques quarter and bus from Quillan. 

Saw an Osprey outside Aileen's, sitting on the telegraph lines!

And yesterday, spotted this beauty:

Louise in the market with her brother Harry, who has become a father...

Love the child's healthy suspicion

Bob made it home yesterday. Realised en route to Stanstead that his passport was elsewhere. Managed to volte face, grab it and take a taxi to the airport  (cost more than the flight) where he did that skin-of-the-teeth thing. Stress followed by great joy.

Here's a bit of Perpignan. Life is good. Candles lit for Gillie and Alain, getting better - and Mike, in safe hands and hopefully home soon.