Weds night out in Esperaza

What are the chances... discovered that Fran had been thown out of a Dublin pub with Seamus Heaney and that Jude had worked with him, helping produce a play he'd written. Famous Seamus lives on in Esperaza 

An extremely jovial night; I had work commitments and couldn't come out to dinner but joined the team for a well-deserved last glass in the creperie (note: pass sanitaire obligatoire) We moved on to Toby and Leos, and gave Jude a proper farewell.

Heres young Leo and below, Mr and Mrs Scottish Dave

The voice of sanity is getting hoarse, (as I'm sure Seamus has written somewhere.)

La Vie...

Here's Katherine, a new artist in our midst, hurrah!! She has bought this pretty and ancient house in a back road in Rouvanac - I inspected it yesterday and look forward to being invited back. Hint hint.

We both lunched with Jamsie at his Chateau at St Ferriol - in the garden, as it was a beautiful, hot and sunny day. He did us proud though conversation often succumbed to the overpowering view :)

After a suitable rest, I joined Max and Andrea and Jude in a quest for an open resturant. No-one eats out on a Tuesday, apparently. Finally we found the eaters packed into the Pierre Lys at Quillan, where the owner and chief waitress are evidently immortal, not having altered in at least 20 years since we first started going there.

Andy greeting the calvados/blanquette and sorbet pud with pleasure; and below, Max and Jude having demolished theirs. Stoically.

Jude is leaving us for Westminsters Palace, poor lamb, and Max and Andy are here a little longer before their trip to Lithuania. 
 

GRAND DAY

Phil and Sigrid drove me to the eye surgeon in Limoux, pausing only for a classic lunch at the Grande Cafe in the square. We had oysters; missed most of the menu du jour on account of arriving rather late, but did ourselves proud anyway. Lively place, reliable and good value. Plan to spend more time there.

 AND after months of neurotic twitching I have been told that my eyes are fine and the cataracts operation has released the pressure in the eyes thereby clearing the glaucoma, allelujia! ('Happens sometime' said laconic surgeon) Phew.

Sunday lunch

 Very jolly lunch yesterday with Gert and Elsbeth and their Norwegian friends - non-stop chatter and laughter and marvellous food :) Big thanks to Elsbeth for her hard work and the pleasure of sharing company...

The market is becoming autumnal, it is thinner than the summer version and less packed with folk. There is time to hang out and talk comfortably without being crushed to death. Met with Jamsie and new-girl-in town (Rouvenac actually) Katherine, plus many other mates out shopping.

Todays news is that The Captain is in London, being missed by his parrot and all the family. While his back is turned, two little love-birds have been re-homed into a larger flock where they will be happier, being social beings. House a lot quieter now.

Esperaza meets Egypt

 Our friends at the 8 a 8 have put up a computer showing pictures of their recent holiday in Egypt. When you are shopping you can check out the Nile and Luxor - what service :)

Our Kat

 Mice stop play, Kat back!!! Alive and well after visiting family at l' Isle de Brexit. No idea what the instrument is...

Only other news is that me 'n' captain ate thanks to Pizza/Snack opposite the newsagents in Rue Gambetta last night. Capt had a burger and I the plat de jour - filet of dorade with rice. They do a terrific home made tiramitsu too. Recommended.

Highly convivial...

...an evening with Gert and Elsbeth, what a treat - back from their Copenhagen home to the real world  of Esperaza. They are with us for nearly a month unless they can be prevailed upon to stay.

A smalll blot on our horizon is that Chez Charlies are going on holiday. I asked to where? And was told, out of Esperaza.