Mist below Canigou

The sunshine disappeared today.  The mist cleared for a short time but then came down again so the walk was more about exercise than enjoying the scenery. I made a vat of butternut squash soup before hosting a Zoom French conversation group in England. I am still battling with French bureaucracy. The Social Security asked for Mrs TT's divorce certificate which they had neglected to take at her first interview in August. Men do not have to provide one as they have not usually changed their names! Discriminatory I would suggest!  The certificate was provided but caused another long delay. They are now saying there is no date of birth on it even though they have her birth certificate! I have explained that an English divorce certificate does not have a date of birth on it. I have even explained that it is quite urgent as Mrs TT needs medical assessments and complementary insurance cannot be bought without the social security number, all to no avail. Also no claim for residence can be made without proof of health cover. French fonctionaires are notorious for their blocking tactics which keep them in jobs dealing with extra correspondence but are actually denying people their legal rights. Appeal procedures are of course lengthy and cumbersome!