Village life...

The sun was shining this morning so, after the usual chores...feed and pet Camille the cat, sweep and mop the floor, wipe the bugs off the window which seems to be a summer 'thing', I decided that I would tricycle into Les Cabannes for a haircut. My nephew's wedding looms large on the horizon. I took the camera with me as I had been thinking that I had rather neglected life here. I have added to the Aulos photo album, now renamed 'Aulos & Les Cabannes' for it is difficult to separate the two but not mentioned anything in my posts unless they were from a specific topic. For example, I went down to Les Cabannes last Wednesday evening intending to watch and photograph the weekly petanque competition hosted by Le Mioure. Having sat down to a b-b-q steak whilst contestants warmed up, we all watched the dark clouds roll in over the mountains. Desert storm blew across the village square and all hopes of a match were abandoned. I mounted my tricycle to get home as fast as I could to secure the property. Normally freewheeling part of the way back I had to pedal hard against the wind. I arrived back, secured the windows and then noticed the devastation on the back patio. I took this photograph the following morning before struggling to lift the planters and repair the damage.

I decided to forgo a croissant and coffee at the pub and went straight to the hairdressers. There are two in the village, I first went to JD Coiffure on Rue Principale. Appropriately named, it leads down from the village square in the direction of Axe-Les-Thermes and was the main road before route N20 bypassed the village. Incidentally I discovered the other day that the village would not now exist if this stretch of the planned motorway linking Paris to Barcelona had gone ahead. I digress. Into the hairdressers, male and female, it says on the window. They don't speak English but are always very accommodating and usually manage to fit me in to the amusement of other patrons, normally village ladies. This is a traditional shop, first I am seated, head back, to have my hair washed then transferred to the cutting desk. The staff are jolly and friendly and other patrons laugh along. A pleasant experience of ordinary local life.

Next I cycle back to the post office complex which also contains the all important 'boulangerie et pâtisserie' - bakery and cake shop. They also do artisan chocolates which are heavenly! These shops are much more interesting than buying bread in the UK. We used to have a selection of local recipes too. Incidentally the same thing applied to mince pies, Christmas and rice cakes but most of all hot cross buns. In the 60's my dad used to bring home a selection from the various bakers in the Wear and Tyne valleys after his rounds. Here in the village I can pop in for a fresh croissant to take to the pub for morning coffee. I can choose fresh bread or baguettes every day. I can treat myself to pastries or cakes knowing that they are fresh and only a cycle ride away.  I have my own angel there who speaks English but I still manage to survive when she is not there. The French staff are very patient and helpful. They even delivered for me one day. Village life as it should be.

Next stop, you've guessed, Le Mioure for lunch. I forego the glass of wine today along with the chips. Can I get my weight down to 70 kilos? Perhaps, perhaps not. Fish and chips loom in England in August. Ann-Marie prepares my meal, I appear to be the only diner today. The staff are engaged in setting up the outside bar but it is only Tuesday? Ah, France are playing Belgium tonight in the World Cup. I must attend, all part of village life. I cannot speak the lingo very well at all but I try to mix in just as I have throughout my travels. Outside a quiet beer and the paper in the sunshine. That's the way to live. After I had captioned the photograph 'a quiet moment' I thought to myself that monochrome would express this better. I have included both in the album. What do you think? Back inside another quiet moment this time the bar staff, a catch up with friends.

I depart for home stopping to take a photograph of the deserted square. 'La Masion' always seems to have a full house. Coach parties and tourists flock there for the produce of the Ariage. It is owned by a farmer, the meat and fish are fresh from the local area as are the vegetables. I have eaten there myself but the pub is more friendly when you are on your own.  Passing the cart in bloom just beyond I enjoy a leisurely ride home in the sunshine. The swimming pool now contains water but I hear that they have no lifeguard. A problem which will soon be rectified I hope.

I finish the afternoon by adding a couple more photographs of the garden here at No. 14 RD 522, Aulos. I cleared all of the weeds from the drive again last week and spent some time removing the dead poppy stems. The gnomes can now bask in the sunshine once more. The hues change and the rhododendron (I think) bushes are now starting to bloom with a vivid selection of colours. Alas the rain the other night encouraged a fresh growth of weeds on and around the drive once more. Oh to be a young fit farmer Giles once more lol!

My expanding 'Aulos and Les Cabannes' photo album is here for your viewing pleasure. As always download whichever photos you like. If you would like them without captions email me by clicking on my profile. Next we will have to investigate the local SPAR,the essential TABAC and the chateau itself.