Happy New Year

Too old, too gaga, too knackered to stay up till midnight. Walked the dog and took these festive snaps of Esperaza's xmas lights instead. 

Happy new year and a healthy 2013 to all

up and running

 Well enough this morning to close the expo in Quillan - here are the indifferent pigeons on the pretty roof. It turns out to have been a successful show:) Many thanks to all involved and especially to the art collectors...

 

 Miserable cold is abating thank heavens and despite the odd coughing spasm went trotting off to Steve and Fiona's last night. First sight of the house since they took it over; Thérèse (who most of us knew as the previous owner) would have loved the changes - art deco but modern,  comfortable and stylish. Here  Fiona is fixing nibbles in the elegant kitchen and here is Roy, having a think...
Swear I could hear Thérèse chortling.

Thanks for a great evening,Steve and Fiona - welcome to your beautiful new home -

 

malingering still

Wretched cold thing has had me laid up for ever, I'm so bored with it; today I got dressed and ate dinner with the Captain. Tomorrow we'll see if this was wise...
Since I can't bring you photos of the glitterati of Autugnac at Elaine's party tonight, here's a nice pic of my bedside table.

Sad, eh.
Even sadder, here's my sofa and laptop which is where the action is in the occasional absence of sleep.

Hope everyone is having fun without me.

Yes, I know this is self-indulgent -

Xmas day 2012

New camera is a real challenge. May have to give up the struggle and read the instructions. So, of yesterdays lovely day, these are pretty much the only useable snaps. Gus caught on film - or the digital equivalent; Kat laughing at the enormous turkey; people blurred around the table; some donkeys we met on the lunchbreak walk. The Captain did all the work except that done by Annie. And the stuffed pumpkin was by Alicia. 

The Bowyers, Randy and Steph, Ryan and Alicia and Ian and I feasted rather excessively.

Ferren's housewarming

 Charming or what :) When Ferren Macintyre throws a party, he goes for it...



...to say I had difficulties with the new camera is an understatement. Sylvie - centre below - is studying photography and simply looked at the thing, which caused it to behave. Now I have no idea how to access the software that will allow the cropping and red-eye change I rather need. She's round later today and I'm hoping she'll glare at the computer for me. She is flanked by the arm of Godly Ole-Bendik and dear Freddie. Welcome back Freddie! Her hair has been turned a magnificent Titian by the Scottish weather.

 And here's Ferren modelling himself on a bridesmaid as is the custom in these parts. Looking well on it.

 Most of our friends were at the party and we were sorry to go but we were booked at Marie-Claudes, seen here saying something like don't you dare photograph me - fine night and a great start to the Xmas season.

bonnes fêtes à tous!!

new camera

New camera - in fact a very old one, new in packet but with ancient technology which meant it was cheap. The way I get through these things make this significant.
Trying to get its measure. Seems ok on distances and close ups but don't do people or flash.
----The tenor of this blog may be altering.

Here is the Pic de Bugarach this afternoon, still there, basking in both moon and sunlight after the end of the world. Bob took me to Montazels for a walk to get some air into my lungs after this orrible cold which hasn't quite left my person.

 At the market there was much gossip about the end of the world. I asked the vendor of Vietnamese food if he enjoyed it and he said Bah, c'est termine - till the next time. Folk from the mountain were laughing that the village sign has been stolen, again - this time under the eyes of 150 gendarmes, army helicopters and the world's press.

and behold!  Barbara's christmas cake, freshly iced and ready for the 25th and sharing with Larry and Barbara's friends.  Wish they were here this year. We will no doubt raise a glass... maybe more.

And to those friends of Ferrens who are here and about tomorrow night; it is Ferrens housewarming! Be there - all welcome. Within and without reason.

The Great Disappointment

The Great Disappointment; the world hasn't ended though its attitudes might have changed-again - and I have such a wretched cough and cold I can't go to Kats vernisage or to Angus and Marys party. Not fair! Been looking forward to both. Bought a new camera for them. Disappointments all round. Celebrated the survival of the planet by staying in bed.

Jim Barty writes,

Here is my pic of Bugarach taken on a misty day, today, at the moment of 
the solstice, the big one with the galactic alignment thrown in. 

The solstice was for us here at 12h12 21-12-2012 

Someone must like their ones and twos.

Oh and it is as good a moment as any to declare the beginning of the Age 

of Aquarius.
 
Unfortunately no spaceship to be seen.

Lovely pic though Jim, thanks.
Some of us oldies remember the last announcement of the age of Aquarius, vividly - danced on stage in the finale of the musical Hair in our little frocks, waving our arms and singing madly.

Various of our friends have made it to national British newspapers today- Ian N. gets a mention on the front page of the Grauniad as does Susie who also made it into the Daily Torygraph. There are probably others, one has heard rumours... but its back to bed for this sick bunny.

Happy solstice everyone.