Sunday 4th January

I am almost tempted to say “Au Reservoir” a la Mapp and Lucia; I read the books by E. F. Benson many years ago and am always delighted when a new production comes on the TV.  And so we say goodbye once more to this lovely petite Bastide town in Aquitaine.  We have been here for three years now and it still continues to delight and surprise us.  Very little was open at this time of year, the Wine Shop and the Charcuterie were closed.  One of the Boulangeries has a new owner who is re-decorating and it will open en Fevrier.  Mama Chow, the “Chinese” restaurant is relocating and the Creperie is closed while a new kitchen is installed.  Even Poppy’s, the very amateur “Indian” in town was shut except for New Year’s Eve, and we went there in 2013, so did something different this year.  Last night (Friday) in a mood of desperation we went out to “Floc and Tea” another English run place in Lauzun, we had a disaster two years ago but they were advertising an Accoustic Folk Music evening with dinner so we booked.  Not a bad meal at all for 14 euro’s though the place was bloody freezing and the music a tad boring.  It is apparently a regular monthly venue for folk music purists and there are only so many acapella Hey-Nonny-Noes one can stand.  But it made a difference and in a way was fun.

Today (Saturday) was cleaning the house and packing, although we had a nice drive out and I discovered some old ruins near Auriac which might be worth a closer look in the Summer.  So, all in all a lovely break; some painting done, a few parties, lots of people dropping round for coffees, and despite the bitter cold (though it has rained and warmed up today) a lovely time.

Sad to leave, but then it won’t be long before we are out here again; I will probably fly down in early February to join my partner who should be here for a few weeks then.  I will be posting this blog very early on Sunday morning, and we will already be somewhere between Brive and Paris by the time you read this. Bon Journee