In the shade

Edit: I've backblipped a better photo for yesterday!

This is a bit of a desperate blip, the only surviving photo from the last three days! It should have had a carpenter bee in it, but it flew away just as I was ready to press the button. They have been enjoyable and active days though. When S was in the Pyrenees last summer, he met Gordon, emeritus Open University professor, and fellow author of a book about the Pyrenees, and his partner Angharad. As they're often in our area, he invited them to stay for a couple of days on their way to the Pyrenees. On day 1, a planned barbecue in the garden turned into dinner at home, due to inclement weather. Much talk was had and much wine consumed until far into the night ...

The next morning though, S, G and A all felt fit enough to walk up the mountain to the chapel of St Michel; I stayed at home as I did not expect these serious hikers to tolerate my slowness. They were back for a very late lunch of leftovers, which we did have in the garden in the sunshine. The leftover wine was consumed too, and then everyone except me had a brief siesta.

Next up: an early evening concert for three flutes and organ in the church in Fabrezan -- very enjoyable, especially an oompah organ piece by Louis Lefébure-Wely (no, I hadn't heard of him either) that sounded like something you'd find on a fairground merry-go-round, and a pretty flute-and-organ piece by Rabboni. And after that, off to O Mazette, again. Despite the early hour, all the tables in the garden were already taken, so we had to sit inside, but as it was getting a bit chilly by now this was no hardship. Many tapas, more wine, and much more talk kept us entertained all evening, distracting me from all attempts to take a half-decent photo. Every time we come here we like it more; the staff are delightful, combining professionalism with friendliness, and I was impressed with how six of them, three in the kitchen and three waiting on tables and running the bar, kept probably 50 customers happy without looking in the least ruffled themselves.

We waved Gordon and Angharad off towards the Pyrenees this morning after an extended breakfast due to more talking; it was lovely to meet them and I'm sure it won't be the last time. After that, a quiet day at home only interrupted by a quick visit to the bar associatif for lunchtime aperos, and a quick swim in the pool.