The Social Scene
The social whirl continued through March and April.
Of course a few trips to JB Clair were necessary to replenish supplies which seemed to evaporate!
We introduce Aidy and Lorna to the world of JB Clair...vintners to the Port of Roanne!
Lorna seems happy now that she has her very own box of booze!
We also managed a few outings into the wonderful French countryside and ancient villages
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| Montagne |
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| Montagne with Aide and Lorna |
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| Lapalisse |
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| Lapalisse |
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| Lovely old shops...such a contrast with super modern clothing. |
Then there were the lunches out. We started with a regular Thursday chinese a volante (self serve buffet) and the occasional country restaurant.
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| Peter (Tokoloshe) Pauline (Peppa) |
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| Lorna, Doug, and Peter |
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| Jane and Doug |
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| Only the best wine for us! |
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| Lorna Peter Tom Trish Aide Sutsan Jane Peter Pauline |
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| A quick stop at a winery on the way home! |
Port BBQ's
We had a couple of BBQ's one in the port and the other at the traditional venue of Artaix
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| Port BBQ - Joseph |
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| The BBQ's |
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| Port BBQ - Simon Karen Peter Gordon |
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| Port BBQ - Peter and Gordon (no not that Peter and Gordon!) |
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| Port BBQ - Madeline |
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Port BBQ - Laura Mike Us Madeline and Suitsan
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The Artaix BBQ
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| Artaix BBQ - Jack and Randy |
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| Artaix BBQ - |
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| Artaix BBQ - Nancy |
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| Artaix BBQ - Barry and Trish |
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| Artaix BBQ - A big crowd |
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| Artaix BBQ - John (Pastis) |
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| Artaix BBQ - Some came by boat |
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| Artaix BBQ - |
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| Artaix BBQ - A final farewell to Tom and Trish who have sold their boat |
French Food
This town is not that large yet it has an amazing range of shops, in particular Grand Frais, which always has something new to tempt the customers. Fortunately they provide a series of brochures that explain just what you are looking at...and how to cook them.
The very best baby vegetables...these are all very very tiny....but not the prices!
A selection of root vegetables...only the parsnips are quickly identified.
Like bunches of flowers, these come in 3 colours.
This is a paste from Africa, steamed and wrapped in large leaves. Not quite ready to try it yet!
Tropical fruit that changes week by week. Once again always something new and interesting.
The far East also provides a selection of delights.
And just when you think the French have good food sorted you hit the supermarket...and see shelf after shelf of instant mashed potatoes....rows and rows of the stuff. Matched only by the tinned carrots and peas...go figure!
A little french cooking idea of mine....puff pastry, topped with a circle of Brie cheese, sliced tiny toms and covered and baked in the oven....so delish that it did not last long enough to get a photo!
Friends Depart
As the season commences we are seeing many of our friends set off cruising
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| Ariana - Aide and Lorna head off for the Canal du Midi |
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| Lorna assumes the position...ropes ready to go Captain! |
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| Ariana - Captain (How Much?)Aide |
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| Ariana - Crew Lorna , just a little sorry to go, after all it was a fun winter! |
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| Ariana - Crew Lorna |
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| Carpe Diem - Doug and Sutsan |
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Carpe Diem - Doug and Sutsan
We headed of to Libellule for Drinks with Brad and nancy before they left port.
It is sad to see so many friends depart - but hopefully we will catch up with them along the way. It is our turn soon as my niece Dawn and her husband Mark will be joining us shortly and we will set off with them on board. |
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