February March in Roanne

After a wonderful trip back to Australia it was good to be back to our home in Roanne and catch up with all our old chums!

A few days after our return Anton had organised a trip to a small specialist chocolate factory in  a suburb of Roanne.!  It was a small artisan set up but they bought and used chocolate from all over the world...and their products never actually get to the retail shops....it is all sold to locals, and trust me they are not getting it cheap....these are hand made with the best ingredients and the locals are prepared to pay the premium prices Yum!!

After the very hot weather we had experienced in Oz, it proved to be a bit chilly back in Roanne.  The snow reappeared for a few days making everything very pretty, but fortunately it did not last long.

We think this barge is called Affleur'D'O, but who can tell under the snow.

A look down the Port turns into a winter wonderland....shame it only lasted a few days.

Doug and Sutzan thinks that this is their car, but were wondering if they really did need to go to the shops!

 Life is pretty busy in port.  Apart from the usual rounds of games nights, diners and drinks some organisation was added to this winters social calendar. Debbie on Alouette organised a Stitch and Bitch session for the ladies on Wednesday afternoons. This segued into Card Making  as well.  Check the Nautical Knitters site for some pics of the many items created by this lively group.

 On Thursday afternoons Frank ran some fantastic French lessons (don't I wish I had paid more attention in school!)...those who persevered have really noticed the improvement in their ability to not only read but also speak French.

 And of course every Thursday night all the port residents meet at the Authentique restaurant for drinks and a general catch up. Some nights included music supplied by David and John with the help of some French friends.

Jeremy and Katia, our hosts at the Authentique, gave birth to a lovely daughter Louise.  The Stitch and Bitch group had been working creating for some gifts for the new arrival....culminating in the presentation of a lined basket laden with some amazing little garments.

 We had a great celebration night to welcome the new arrival.

Then  of course there were the ad hoc lunches! This was just a small one at a favourite pizza parlour.

 To be followed by the annual BBQ at Artaix. Although the weather was not great the rain held off for the day and we had a great time,

 Jim and David discussing the best way to shuck oysters!

 As you can see there was plenty of food and drinks for all to share.

 Lynne, Dickie and Mary heeding Gills call to look at her beaver shots!

 How big Mary? Bob, Lynne, Caroline and Laurel listen in amazement.

 Robin and Stephen discuss world affairs as John and Carol realize that a bottle of Pastis solves everything!

 Gill and David, how odd to find them with empty glasses...most unusual!


As the cruising season begins many of our friends start leaving port.

 Lorna and Aidy ready to go...bon voyage !

 Brian and Mary approaching the lock at their usual speed....fast!

 Carpe Diem with Doug and Sutzan just meandering out quietly!

And then it came time for us to think about heading off!