Roaming free

The Thursday market... charming as ever. Was surprised en route by how many of our labyrinthine streets are closed off; when I went to photograph the latter snap a big SAUR worker charged up to shout at me that photos are forbidden. I showed him the picture and asked, why?  He just repeated that it was prohibited.

If you enlarge the picture and zoom in you can see him, should you want to. Can't imagine what SAUR have against random pix. 

In the meantime, at the maison de retrait, noisy sheep roam wild.

Life is weird innit.

Much beauty in Esperaza

This mornings beautiful sunrise over Rennes le Chateau... 

and yesterdays beautiful visitor.

 Our Kells dropped in with the excellent news that grandmahood is looming - 

 

Lou, the son-and-heir, Andy

Look who's in town!! Gave them a really poor dinner last night but hoping they'll come back anyway, if I promise not to feed them. Their time restricted by school hols., - and I thought parrots were a chain...

 

Madame Simonne Llena RIP

 Sad news on this beautiful day. Madame Llena has left us. Admittedly she was 97 but as bright as a button always... if you hold your phone to the pattern below you reach an electronic condolence book and leave a message for the family.

Snapped on the town hall wall. Science is amazing, eh.

This was taken 2 years ago after Madame took a tumble - that didn't slow her down much :)

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The big storm has past us by leaving no apparent damage though I believe neighbouring villages have lost a tree or two. The Mighty Aude is looking cheerful anyway.

Here's a random view behind the church.

Here's the church.

Eats in Esperaza

 Lunch at the packed Pont....

...very good, very noisy, very young and lively. That's why we all look stunned. Bob anyway (Yes he's back) Di still a girl as is Siggi -- they can cope.

Weather still lovely if a bit  colder than of recent days... saw 4 shags heading up river yesterday. 

MoMos in Quillan

Momos at the Tibetan's, a perfect lunch...
 

Claudine (below, telling me not to take photos haha) invited me for shopping in Quillan and we made a fine fist of it - at least I did, I'd forgotten retail therapy.

Started at Terre Mere (by the abattoir on the cemetery road) for much needed organic bits and bobs thence to a new brocante place in aid a worthy charity on the road into the centre  ( I got a large glass cheese dish cover which is actually useful)  

Found my winter shoes. The shoe shop has been taken over by the son of the previous guy and he is as insightful and agreeable as his father. The previous winter shoes lasted three years after the last seasons slight repair and I expect this pair to outlive me.

We had coffee at the van which does the best coffee ever, though you must wait - I shall be waiting by it in Esperaza market shortly :)

Really enjoyed the market - where many stalls are the ones that can be seen weekly in Esperaza- friends and usual suspects were floating about.  

Totally failed to get Bobs christmas present

Anyone going to Esperaza today might like to know that there is a vide grenier at 4 Rue d'arc, a real one where the old grange has been opened and all its stuff left to browse, cheap. The enormous house and attached shop is for sale too, a sweet project for someone ...

Enough chat. Off to market.

beautiful thursday

 The little market was in full swing this morning, great for the fruit and vedg., key-cutting and boot mending, pizzas, cakes, clothes, jewellery and - oh la - antiques. 

And great for gossip too, many mates out and about.

Bob joined me for breakfast on a video call. Here are the coffee and croissant from the Argentinian café. 

Yum.

Great Weds night at Tout-la last night, many absences  but also many not.