fishy -

 Strange old world. For some time now Le Capt et moi have been wondering how to get fish into our pond, our pond being Annie and Petes old triangular bath - now stuffed with rocks, a little fountain, some plants. I figured a bucket in the river and hope for the best, Le Capt wanted to go to the shop in Limoux where we'd bought some water plants. The debate raged.

Trotting down the trottoir just now I spotted our neighbour Vincent, who is a big cheese in the angling club here, and I asked him. He beamed at me; he'd been on his way to see if I knew anyone who wanted goldfish. Didn't know he bred them... he came round with 5 in a tub, born in Esperaza. He also gave us a tub of fish food. 

Here they are, just before I released them into the wild. 

----------This seems to me to be nothing short of miraculous :)

On which subject, Robin made it to the UK safely, he and four other passengers in one aeroplane with a pilot and three staff. Pete and Claire are also safe; other friends are leaving for family reasons this week. Shuff has made it here from Amsterdam with his friend - regret I forgot photos. Looking good though.

Take no chances out there everyone, coming and/or going.

Mature feast

 What is the antithesis of a first communion breakfast?? Whatever - we had it last night, as 36-odd foreigners from all over Europe had a bulk 70th birthday party. Very cool idea; beautifully organised by Rose and Toby and probably many other friends.

Of course it was held at the creperie, outside the dinosaur museum - and hats off to Kevin and Nightingale and their tireless tribe for getting it all sorted. We'd ordered in advance and every table had a list of names with their chosen menus, clever eh - Mathieu of the bar sent over a glass of blanquette for everyone and Kevin gave each table a bottle of wine. Alcohol was indeed taken. Le Capt and I were on a table with Gert and Elsbeth and Jim Hankinson so lively debate was the order of the evening. 

Here is Steve. He  was successfully hexing my camera. 

laughter and forgetting

 Last nights apero with Regina and Dougie was full of laughter, a reaction to the rigours they are facing. They are visiting their son in Glasgow, before he changes countries (going to Berlin). A long and complex drive awaits them. Will miss them and wish them luck with the mountain of documentation required.

I forgot to photograph Gracie and Robin who lunched with us. Robin left this morning - documentation permitting - for a 6 week absence in the UK. 

And in the meantime - Max has made it! He has safely returned to Esperaza. Hoping to see him tonight.

Nosh at the Pont

I know, more food - but the Pont is soooo good! Had lunch there yesterday with Gert and Elsbeth and regret nothing :)

You all remember Liane Lang? Of course you do, though she has not visited for some time... she is giving a talk about her new exhibition in London on 20th July and the tickets are free. Join up here:

https://lianelang.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6d8c4d24e62cd28d7119dab51&id=75332155d8&e=851f3b4e86
 

Bastille day in Esperaza

In case we forget that France was unified in 1789 at the storming of the Bastille prison, our friends at the 8a8 wore revolutionary garb yesterday and very fetching they looked too:) 

The mayor led a group to the war memorial to lay a wreath - not sure of the symbolism here as no-one seemed to have been hurt in the actual storming - will try and and find out. Here they are about to leave the town hall. 

I didn't go too because I chose to sit in a cafe with Gert and Elsbeth; its nearly two years since they've been able to get here and we had catching up to do. They did not expect it to be as cold here as it is....

 Lovely to see them :) The weather must surely get better. 

change in the weather

 Storm and wind last night - I doubt anyone in Esperaza slept much through the banging shutters and raging furies. A gecko took shelter in my bedroom. Gert and Elsbeth were delayed in Munich on their way here and missed all the fun....

it was Katrine's birthday and she did a last-minute round-up of party people for apero:) Took forty-odd photos and nearly all are out of focus or otherwise dreadful. The camera is automatic; how did this happen??

Here's a random sample -

 Table came out well. Potato waffles and salmon; roast beef , ham, raw vedg.; cheese, fresh fruit and chocolate cake with chilli powder. Amazing. Katrine tried to help us pronounce Smorgasbord and much hilarity ensued.

Here is the birthday girl with Louise and Norbert, pointing at food. There was a lot and we ate most of it. Big thanks to Katrine for all her generosity and hard work and congratulations on staying alive with grace and style :)

7 years on...

It's seven years since Etienne greeted the world from my bath in Esperaza - what a great day that was, unforgettable in every way. We talked with the family in the USA and caught up with their news - Ryan is working flat out doing the Viking-themed food for a micro-brewery which is developing successfully, Alecia is working for a wholefood group and focusing on cheeses internationally. Young Etienne is in a French school and the plan is to get back here asap. Can't wait.

They have been in a major heatwave in the course of which over 20 chefs actually died. There are now rules in place about rest breaks and hydration.

It's a scary world out there.

Here, yesterdays vide grenier was  rather a cut above normal, not so much junk and more tasteful stuff. Needless to say, that was not to my taste; too hot anyway, l only lasted 20 mins. 

There was a brilliant storm in the night which has cleared the air somewhat. Apropos, the night markets are off the agenda for me. Too much cigarette smoke, alas. Asthmatics can't do it without accepting the consequences; a couple of days immobilised, doing nothing but resting. Sigh.