Diary date

Barbara has sent this poster - rather poorly treated by me and my dreadful tech skills -  and writes that all Michael's friends and many admirers are welcome to a little vernissage at 3.00 pm on the 21st.

See y'all there, health permitting...

 

RIP Gillie Loft 30 May 1949 - 12 December 2025

 

Gillies cancer first made itself known during covid which presented a range of challenges in itself - because she was a nurse she knew what was going on and was heroic in her fight. Not for herself but for Alain her husband, to whom she was devoted. Her many friends watched in awe as she went round  after round of treatment - with a wicked good humour and many flashes of naughtiness.

Her funeral yesterday was marred by the road blockages of the French agricultural workers. Not everyone was able to get to the crematorium, some sitting in traffic as the ceremony commenced without them. Many complaints sent heavenward where Gillie could (allegedly)  be heard to snigger...

Afterwards Alain, James and Fiona hosted a wake at Tout-la, where Norbert, Roy and Clare performed for us. An amazing tribute. 

Alain will be living in the Maison de Retreat where I'm sure he'll be visited regularly - FYI its open for visitors after 11.00am .

Much love and bonne courage to the family - Gillies memory will linger in Esperaza.

absent

 No prizes for guessing - I'm in London. Sigh. Horribly wet. Back ASAP

galloping rhume

 Snivelly cold is now full blown so no kissing again today - a great market anyway though depleted by rain and chilly weather. Lovely for the determined locals. Spent most of the morning sitting in the plastic bag that the Argentinians have put over their outside tables, bless'em, with les Rushtons. 

Bumped into Will of Rennes les Bains who tells me that his restaurant(s) are open Thurs., Fri. and Sat until April. Good to know...

Captain and I got taken to Ax les thermes by Jo, aided by Charlotte, on Friday for 'the treatment' . Simply wonderful. Long mountain drive featuring snow, then two hours of hot soaking in various pools. We ended up outside looking at the view whilst toasting in steaming clear water. Surely hot mineral water can only be good for you - and along with everyone else we had the sort of idiot smiles that children draw with wax crayons on pictures of their families- but afterwards we were knackered. Slept well, for sure. Can't wait to do it all again.

Taken from the car  -

Historic day today as Msr and Mdm Linares close up their shutters after 28 years of toil. They're off to play with their grandchildren. 

The gap in the market will be absorbed by Erika in the 8a8 - no idea what, if anything, will happen to the store in Rue Gambetta.

Caught and caged...

...the towns' christmas tree safely installed.

 

The lights are up too, much as ever though pretty nonetheless. 

Lunched with Siggy at le Pont today - she pointed out how creative the chef is there nowadays. Plat du Jour; ducks hearts, salsify, salad. 

Strong sun caused interesting shadows -

Here's the captain sternly confronting his chocolate pudding.

A man has to do what a man has to do, bien sur.

Paucity of market...

 ...and none of the promised snow. Only us locals about; nice. I'm developing a streaming cold so forbore to kiss my friends.

Here's the big event. Msr and Madame Linares really are retiring - thought they may have changed their minds, but no - and their business will move to the 8a8. They'll miss us.

 

metropolis Esperaza

 Here are Lizzie Jackson and Barbara Darling, both eating at the Chapaire for the first time - imagine! It was a success, grilled salmon followed by a lemon coupe. Despite the fullness of the place we were able to sit and chatter quietly - 

It's cold; despite the gloom of the neighbours, no snow. Yet.