Mothering Sunday/Fete des Grands-Meres

A busy day with much planned.  First I opened my card and chocolate medal from #3 son and read the messages from #1 d in l.  Then N and I went out to Duisans to visit the graves and put flowers on her grandmother's grave, my cousin Maria.  Today is Fete des Grands-Meres, (Mother's Day here is not until 29 May.  International Mother's Day is 8 May).  We had a drive round the village to see the former home where Maria grew up with her Scottish father and French mother.

Then we went shopping.  Quite a novelty in France as most shops are closed and the new Auchan shopping centre on the outskirts of Arras was deserted, apart from an open Babou.  After spending some money it was on to the pool, for a swim and a relax in the Hammam, spa area. Fantastic.

Home for lunch and then time was running out so no visit to Carriere Wellington but a bike ride along the Scarpe into the town.  Now I haven't been on a bike since late 2010.  Currently mine resides in the garage but we had a good (and easy) ride along the riverbank.  A bit muddy though and when the hailstones started we had to shelter under a bridge.

A tour of the Cathedral outside which my grandfather was probably photographed in 1917 during the 2nd Battle of Arras.  Synergy.  And then back of the bikes to the Salles des Expositions for the Wine Tasting festival, white, red and fizz, but not much.  Which is just as well as the hailstones came back with a vengeance and we were cold and wet by the time we got home. 

More photos, mine this time and a visit from yet another cousin, M, dad of Tom and Lilou. Then more drink and more food and more chips, and bed.  Another great day, especially the biking.