Happy New Year

I would like to wish everyone who has looked at my blog over the last 12 months a
Happy New Year

Seasons Greetings from Carcassonne

Carcassonne has really come up trumps with their decorations and activities in the town this year. From the beginning of December there have been a wide range of activities for all ages.

There are bouncy castles and La Grande Roue in the Place Genéral de Gaulle. The Halle aux Grains has held an exhibition of magnificent crèches, or Nativity scenes, which are traditional in France (crèche meaning manger in French). Some of the little characters were even made out of Champagne corks.

There is an ice skating area in Place Carnot which the younger children enjoyed during the day then when it was dark, came alive with youths.

The revamped Gambetta Square has an amazing array of decorations plus lighting on the surrounding buildings which constantly change colour giving a wonderful effect.

Most of the attractions close on 31^st December.

Snow on Boxing Day

We woke up this morning to a white covering across the pool cover. At first I thought we had had a hard frost but on closer inspection I realized that it was snowing! It gradually began to snow harder and now the garden and countryside looks gorgeous. We had planned to nip into Carcassonne for a few bits and pieces but as we drove to pick up the bread we realized the roads wouldn’t be safe, so we decided to stick the fire on and stay at home. It was amazing how quiet everywhere is. The snow certainly seems to blanket out the noise.

Happy Christmas to everyone!

Winter Warmth

The sun might be out now, but if it does turn cold again at least we have a good pile of logs to keep us warm. We got the wood this week from a chap in the village called Joseph Expert, who by the way lives up to his name and is an expert in the Fléchettes group.

Winter Sunshine

After a long spell of cold, grey, grizzly “British” weather, we woke up today to a much better day. We headed off to the Med for a walk on the Plateau above Leucate and then along the beach. The sky was blue and the temperature was in double figures for the first time in 4 weeks. What the photograph doesn’t show is the Tramontane wind, which was blowing fiercely.

Congratulations!

I don’t usually write about things that have happened to family members but for once I would like to make an exception. I would like to congratulate our daughter Sally and Duncan on their engagement which they announced this weekend!

Wee Furry Beasties - The Follow Up

After about 10 days, our humane trap in the attic wasn’t having much success so unfortunately we decided something more drastic would be needed. We weren’t going to put poison down because if the creature left the loft and then was eaten by a cat, the cat would suffer as well. Plus we didn’t want it rotting in the attic. We bought 2 very strong rat traps, so now we had 3 traps up there. Nothing caught after a week but a couple of days ago we found a dead lérot. Richard checked again today and bingo, the humane trap had something in. When we looked closer, the beast in question was a rat. We took the cage down the road and released him in the ruisseau. I hope that he doesn’t return.

I do wish that the lérot had managed to find this trap!

No Smoking

Yesterday on the way back from Castelnaudary to buy a more efficient rodent catcher, we decided to call in and order some oil for the central heating. As I walked into the office I happened to notice that there was no no-smoking sign on the door. Surely this was an oversight on their part. Probably not, as inside there was an ashtray with some cigarette ends in and the air was heavy with cigarette smoke. I personally don’t like cigarette smoke but if those people who work there are happy about it, then that’s fine by me. The reason I was surprised about allowing smoking is that the office is part of the petrol station.

No comment!

Wee Furry Beasties!

We know that we have little furry creatures around the garden, the cat has brought some in and we have heard them chomping nuts in the hedges. We have even heard nuts rolling in the guttering, but in the last week or so, they have been more obvious. When the house is all quiet and especially at night, we have heard little footsteps scampering above us in the attic. As it was particularly noisy 2 nights ago Richard decided to have a closer look. He thought that he saw little piles of “poo” and what looks like a nest in the insulation so we decided that something drastic had to be done. Not too drastic. Someone suggested putting Tabby up there for a couple of days but I think that she would be more frightened than our little guest. We don’t want to kill them if possible, so we bought a humane trap. We have duly baited it and are now waiting for the results. So far nothing has been tempted. We think that the animal might be a Lérot (a garden dormouse) which are very sweet but we don’t want our wires and pipes eaten.

We will keep you posted.

What a Cracking Game!

What a cracking game!

This was the first match we had been to this season as most of the home games don’t start until 7:30 and we prefer to settle down for dinner at that time. This match began at 5:00 against the local rivals, Limoux. Carcassonne finished the first half just behind 6-8. They had obviously had had a good talking to during the break because they all came out fighting (not literally). There were tries for both teams and with 2 minutes to go Limoux were ahead 32-28. Carcassonne then scored a try to tie the scores 32-32. Could Banquet convert it? It was a hard kick. The spectators stood with bated breath. IT WENT OVER!! The whistle went.

Carcassonne had won 34-32.

Grey Skies

Yesterday it poured with rain for most of the day. It started in the night with a crack of thunder and continued throughout Sunday. I know that we need the rain but it really was a very dull and depressing day. When it the rain finally stopped, we went for a walk around the village to get a bit of fresh air. As Saturday was Toussaint, a jour férié in France when people remember family members who have died, we decided to visit the graveyards. In spite of the grey skies, the brightly coloured pots of chrysanthemums and cyclamen seemed to brighten the cemetery.

Some people think that I have a morbid fascination with graveyards but I find walking around them very interesting and one can learn so much history about the village and the people who live there. Many years ago, whilst we were spending a holiday in St. Tropez, we saw Brigitte Bardot placing flowers on a grave. It was beautiful seeing the colourful flowers around tombs with a backdrop of clear sky and the blue Mediterranean Sea behind.

As our boulangerie is changing hands, we are going to be without it for a week whilst the new proprietors move in. Bonne chance et au revoir to Brigitte and Alain Moles who are moving to Toulouse and welcome to Norbert and Nathalie de Nadaï.

Ronde du Malepère

Every year the Malepère region celebrates the harvest of the wine with a 2 day fête. Each year the location changes and this time it was held in the neighbouring village of Alairac. The forecast for the day hadn’t been good but we woke up to blue skies and a gentle wind, it was beautiful.

Once we got to Alairac we paid €5 for our glass which entitled us to taste wines from all the producers that had come to the festival. We had bought some of the wines at the local caves or Supermarkets but this tasting session means that we can sample some of the more unusual wines of the region (and very nice they were too!) Our cave from the village has produced a very good Primeur this harvest. We tasted (and bought) a very good red wine that is produced by our doctor and his wife.

After speeches and the giving of prizes, they announced that the apéros were available. As usual, there was a rush for the bottles and charcuterie which had been spread on the table. There was no need to hurry as the wine and food kept coming. Whilst we were eating and drinking, we were entertained by bandas. Some people even danced to the music.

As well as les caveaux, there were stalls selling a variety of local fare. There was also a vide grenier all around the streets, vintage cars, bandas were playing around the town and the whole place was bustling. It was great.

A Quick Trip to England

It had been a while since we had seen our children and friends in the UK, so on Tuesday we flew from Carcassonne to Stansted. It is so handy living only 10 minutes from the airport in France though it isn’t quite so convenient at the other end.

After a quick look round the Milton Keynes shopping precinct, (I think it is the only thing that we miss here in France) we drove to Nick and Julia’s who were putting us up for a couple of nights. As usual they were excellent hosts and wined and dined us well.

On Wednesday we were off to London via Tring, where we met Kate our youngest daughter. Following a pleasant lunch of tapas at La Viña, we left Kate sort out all her livestock at home whilst we carried on to London to see Sally our eldest daughter. As we had some time to spare, we decided to drive along our old road. Nothing much had changed. We decided to drop in on our old neighbour, Gaynor. (I mean old, in the sense of time, not age!) We keep in touch by e-mail but it was great to see her again and catch up with the more recent gossip.

When we arrived at the flat in London, Duncan, Sally’s boyfriend, was there. It was good to see him home, safe and sound again after his military assignment in Afghanistan. Sally had booked a table at Princess Victoria. Fortunately, her best friend Cassie was able to join us. We had a lovely dinner there and afterwards ate Sally’s birthday cake back at her and Duncan’s flat.

Another reason to come back to the UK was to see TeamGB parade through London on Thursday. Duncan’s father was able to pop over from Hereford and after a very interesting coffee with Sally, we walked to Trafalgar Square to get ourselves a prime spot to see the floats. We had watched most of the games in the summer and it was amazing to see all the athletes being cheered and applauded as they drove along.

After it was all over, we drove back to Nick and Julia’s again. Boy, I had forgotten how bad London traffic can be!

We had yet another evening of eating, this time at a very good Indian restaurant, The Grange.

On Friday we headed back to Stansted for our flight. We had had a super few days in the UK, but it is always good to get back home.

Something else the cat brought in.

Whist having dinner the other evening, we realised that the cat wanted to come in after her meander around the garden. Not only did she come in, but also the little lérot in her mouth. Once inside, she duly let it go and it shot up the wall and then behind the curtains. We opened the doors hoping that it would make a quick get away, unfortunately, it didn’t take the hint. After a little light persuasion with a brush, it did disappear. We didn’t actually see it go out but there is no evidence of it in the house. We keep expecting to see its little face peep out over the top of the curtains. It was a sweet little creature with a very pretty face.

A Busy Week

We have had a hectic couple of weeks. When we moved to France, we had a long list of things that needed doing so that we conformed to French system. Over the last two and a half years we have been gradually working through it. Two things that needed sorting out were our French wills and tax situation. Because of this, we have had to make a couple of trip to Toulouse to take the paper work to the appropriate offices. We usually have lunch out, making the day much more enjoyable. Last Monday we were sitting outside in the sunshine, the temperature 25°, eating a very pleasant meal – not bad for October.

The weather continued to be lovely for my weekly walk with the Randonneurs. We had a superb route over the Malepère hills. The colours of the vines and hedgerows are amazing.

I have just started helping a young French boy with English. Planning the lessons and getting work sheets for his homework has been bringing back memories. I forgot how much time it took!

In England, Richard was playing golf 2 or 3 times a week. He has finally found a group who play at Carcassonne Golf Club. It is amazing playing golf and being able to see the snow capped Pyrenees.

From one extreme to another, we have also joined Les Fléchettes de la Malepère, our village darts club. Apparently it is the only darts club in Aude. We meet every Friday evening in the bowels of the Foyer. It is very well organised. When you arrive you pay €2 each for the evening and at about 9pm those playing are divided into groups or 4 or 5. We play on an electronic board, so my metal tipped darts that I brought from the UK are useless for club night, as plastic tipped darts are used. The first to 301 wins and fortunately you don’t have to finish with a double. The first week I felt quite chuffed coming 3rd by winning two of the four games. Last week Richard came 1st as he won three of the matches.

Yesterday we watched the semi-marathon that took place in Carcassonne. It started at the gates of the Cité with the fantastic backdrop of the walls behind.

I hope next week is not so busy.

Lunch in the Sun

The sun was shining and the holiday traffic had decreased, so we decided to head to the Med for lunch. The restaurants in Bouzigues, near Sète had been highly recommended on one of the forums we read, so we headed there. Peter was right. There were plenty of good places to eat. We sat down to eat at Chez Julie just after 12:00 and by 12:30 they were turning people away.

There was a good selection on the menu, I am just sorry that I don’t fancy the idea of oysters as they look so dramatic. After a lovely lunch sitting in the warm autumn sunshine, we wandered on to Mèze and walked along the étang.

Snake

This snake appeared in our kitchen this evening! Is this an adder/viper? Is it dangerous? Richard picked it up (with gloves) and threw it over the hedge. Could it have brothers and sisters in the garden?

C'est La Rentrée

As in the UK, most of the shops in France have been selling things ready for return to school this week. In France they don’t concentrate too much on clothing, as most children here do not to wear school uniforms. The shelves are mainly stacked with stationary, pencils cases and a range of satchels. At the end of the term in July, all students were provided with a list if things that they must buy for the next school year. These include varieties of file paper, stationary, mathematical equipment, calculators and even textbooks. During the holiday the aisles have been full of adults and children, lists in hand, buying essentials for the coming term.

Not only is it La Rentrée for the students but for French life generally. The papers are full of adverts to encourage memberships at gyms in order to begin a keep-fit regime or reminding people that it is time to get things serviced such as boilers and central heating ready for the winter. We even had a phone call from our chimney sweep organizing a time to visit.

Another sign (or sound) that the summer is coming to a close is being woken up in the early hours by tractors and wine harvesting machinery going along the road. I believe that the Chardonnay grapes are collected before the sun gets on them so that the quality isn’t spoilt. They are also picking other varieties as I can hear the apparatus which checks each tractor load of grapes for its strength. It won’t be long before the smell of the crushed grapes permeates the village. I am looking forward to sampling this year’s wine next month!

Arzens en Fête

Arzens has just finished its Fête Locale. On Wednesday there was a tour de table des campagnes. The Comité des Fêtes came round the village, knocking on doors, giving the villagers a pot plant and encouraging them to participate in the fun.

The main street has been slightly chaotic for about a week as the fair has been set up - dodgems, rifle shooting (where was Duncan when we needed him), one armed bandits, test-your-strength and other stalls.

On Friday the Orchestra Calysta assembled all their equipment, lights, speakers and sound systems ready for the opening of the Fête. L’Arzenais had organised food for every night of the fête. Tonight it was seiche a la plancha. We decided to pass on that.

Saturday morning began with the dismantling of all the group’s equipment. In the afternoon there were pétanque competitions for doublettes. There were clusters of people all around the village on any dusty area that they could find to play on. The prizes were given out just before the meal, which tonight was Couscous. The music for the evening was provided by Motel, who earlier had assembled their equipment, lights, speakers and sound systems.

Sunday morning began with the dismantling of the group’s equipment. The evening consisted of the obligatory apéros which were provided by the Marie, whilst listening to the Jean Ribull Orchestra, (who earlier had assembled their equipment, lights, speakers and sound equipment). This group was very good, singing a wide range of music though it was rather difficult to talk as the music was rather loud.

Monday was the last day of the Fête, which began with the dismantling of last night’s group’s equipment. There was another pétanque competition in the afternoon. This one was for mixed triplets. Prizes again were given out before the repas which was Friginat. As we had never had this meal, we decided to go. It was a super evening. The entrée was gesiers salade followed by the Friginat. This local specialty is a pork casserole with haricot beans. Cheese and pastry followed all washed down with copious amounts of red wine. The evening was lovely. There was plenty of lively chatting. There was also an accordionist and as the wine flowed the singing got louder. . Some people even got up and danced.

When the meal was over, everyone made their way to the main street to join in the activities or listen to Orchestra Calysta who had assembled all their equipment, lights, speakers and sound equipment during the day.

As we went to get our bread the fair was being dismantled and the village is getting back to normal.

It is amazing how a small village like Arzens can put on such a magnificent event! Congratulation to the Comité des Fêtes.

Something to Amuse

I would like to thank Colin for posting this in the Anglophone-Direct forum. It made me smile.

A teacher was arrested today at John F. Kennedy International Airport as he attempted to board a flight while in Possession of a ruler, a protractor, a set square, a slide rule, and a calculator. At a morning press conference, the Attorney General said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-gebra movement. He did not identify the man, who has been charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction.

'Al-gebra is a problem for us,' the Attorney General said. 'They desire solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in a search of absolute value. They use secret code names like 'x' and 'y' and refer to themselves as 'unknowns,' but we have determined they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country. As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, 'There are 3 sides to every triangle.'

' When asked to comment on the arrest, George Bush said, 'If God had wanted us to have better Weapons of Math Instruction, he would have given us more fingers and toes.' Democratic leaders told reporters they could not recall a more intelligent or profound statement by him.

A New Acquisition for Arzens

I think that Arzens is moving into the 21st century. Today the Marie has installed an illuminated panel that will tell the villagers and visitors what is happening in the community. Until now, the information has been posted on notice boards around the village and quite often is weeks out of date. I hope that le panneau is updated regularly and they don’t have any technical problems

Fête du Melon

As you can see, one of our neighbouring villages, Pezens, was holding its annual melon fête today. It was everything one would expect of a village fête. There were plenty of stalls selling melons of various sizes from all around the region. There were also other stalls selling local wines, fruit and veg, charcuterie and a wide range of bread and pastries.

The event was held on the local pétanque pitch in the welcome shade of the plantane trees. It was really well attended. Strolling around the area, listening to the Banda and soaking up the atmosphere of the event was lovely. The apéros were being prepared but unfortunately we left before they were served. For those who wanted, there was a repas for 10€. The entrée was melon, bien sûr.

Le Tour de France

When we lived in the UK we always followed the fortunes of the Tour de France. Now we live here we are able to see it live. The first two years is was close to home, yesterday we had to travel a little further. We arrived at Thézan-des Corbières, 26 kilometers from the finish in Narbonne, three hours before the caravane and four and a half hours before the cyclists would come through. It wasn’t too early. Spectators had already parked their cars and campervans in strategic spots. We found a great place on the edge of a vineyard. We were armed with books, a newspaper and picnic. Time seemed to fly by. The caravane arrived first and was amazing. There were a whole range of lorries, vans and cars decorated to advertise their products. We collected loads of cadeaux this year, such as key rings, newspapers, hats, sweets and even fabric conditioner, which were thrown by the people from the vehicles. It was great fun.

About an hour later we were told that the cyclists were on their way. The first clue was the hoard of helicopters circling in the sky. Next came the cars and motorbikes ahead of the riders and finally the cyclists. Although it only took about a minute for all the riders to pass us, it was an incredible event. They flashed by so quickly it was difficult to identify anyone.

Arnaud Gérard, Juan-José Oroz, Samuel Dumoulin


The peleton with Cadel Evans in the Yellow Jersey

It amazes me how some people follow the Tour throughout July. Unless you are living in a campervan equipped with a TV, it impossible to know what is going on. There is also a limit to how many key rings etc one wants to collect.
We had recorded the Tour and when we got home watched the race. We just spotted ourselves on TV, waving as the peloton went past.

Well done Mark Cavendish. Can you do as well in Nîmes today?