Remember this?Probably not, but this is the couple from Berlin with whom we played boules at Puivert last summer. We were delighted when they got in touch and said they were in the area again and would like to call. We opened a bottle of Blanquette (though Thomas drinks only beer), played pétanque on our gravel patch, and enjoyed a meal on the terrace, pulling the table well in towards the french window to be out of the wind, and they spent the night in their van, parked next to Harry. 

Can’t think why HE’s looking so sceptical – perhaps because HE couldn’t win at pétanque, except when partnered by Thomas, who won every game.

‘After much debate internal’ (a bottle of blanquette for the person who attributes the quote in a comment below), or rather ‘quiet, calm consideration’ (another bottle for saying what that achieves), we have decided to avoid further hassle over insurance, MoT and road tax by importing Harry –

Wie? I’m going to be FRENCH?

Well, you were originally – before you went to Germany.

Anyway, as a first step we had to have the work on the rear lights which we had  done last year in England reversed! Then we needed the ‘Contrôle Technique’, the French equivalent of the MoT (repeated every two years). So we took both vehicles to the Ford dealer in Lavelanet one day last week, and left Harry there for the day. After a bit of a delay at the ‘Orange’ shop – we’re going to have to change my mobile phone number – we went exploring in Sally.

Mais oui, c’était magnifique! First we went up to the col at the foot of Montségur. (Google that – it’s an amazing site, and the scene of one of the worst atrocities of the ‘crusade’ against the Cathars.)

Ensuite, we went up to the ski station at Les Monts d’Holmes. No snow now, and practically deserted, it was all a bit moche. Actually THEY were looking for a  viewpoint shown on the map, where pique-nique might have been possible, but we could not find it. Never mind, we ended up at the village of Roquefixade, with another château on top of a cliff:And at the foot of the cliff, there was a parking area with a magnificent panorama: 

where we picnicked in the company of a very friendly native:

Though maybe her friendliness was due in part to mendacity, and the wisdom gained from past experience; either way, I’m sure she had as good a late lunch as we did, though hers would not have been the first of the day!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the work we’ve put in – or mainly Carol has put in – to beautify the immediate surroundings is beginning to show, with tubs on the terrace:

baskets above the patio, and where the unsafe awning was removed, we’ve invested in a large parasol with a heavy, but moveable base, and a choice of seating, reclining or lounging:

The water feature which was a wedding present from Marjorie and Norman can be seen under the window, looking after the lettuces, and in case you’re wondering why there’s a hosepipe trailing across the terrace, here’s the news we’re most excited about, apart from Rachel’s Baby and Chris’s Children (include Sean and Michelle, of course!) – a new liner has been fitted in the pool and it is being filled! We expect to jump in it one day this week. With the weather as it is (80° in the shade at 10am), it shouldn’t take long to warm up!

O – oh! Showers are forecast for Wednesday! But temperatures over 30°C are likely by Saturday ……