Xmas is coming

A christmas market at St Laurent sur Gorre. We ran into so many people that we knew, mostly from my conversation group. And we had a hot dog french style (ie with a baguette). Also this week we had a lovely visit from my brother and sister-in-law. The weather hasn’t been too photogenic these past days but we did manage a couple of fine days.  On Thursday, R&L and us went to a restaurant near the hospital immediately following Delia’s midday radiotherapy session. The restaurant (Restaurant La Villa) was set beside the river Vienne and, on hot summer days you could enjoy the shade of the riverside patio. Not in December however, since it was not warm, albeit it was sunny. The food was lovely, I had a terrine en croute (essentially a fancy pork pie) followed by lamb cooked two ways (small chops slightly pink as they should be and a piece of confit shoulder – almost falling apart). Dessert was a nut macarron with citrus sorbet. We all ate very well and scarcely felt hungry again that day.

Afterwards we went into Limoges to show R&L some of the sights of this lovely city. The Christmas market was on too, and not being spread out in the main square due to building works, was charmingly spread out through the side streets.  We enjoyed our wandering about.

Here’s a taste of what it was like from a couple of years ago at the same time.

The next day we were able to take Siena for a sunny but cold walk around Lake St Mathieu.

On Saturday, R&L were due to fly back but, due to the general strike that included the Air Traffic Controllers, their flight was cancelled. Notwithstanding the steady drizzle that had set in that morning we drove into Limoges again (following the same route that Delia has to endure everyday, except weekends). We visited the Museum of the Resistance. A first time for R&L, an interesting experience for them showing a different French viewpoint than one usually gets.

Back home that evening for a lovely shepherd’s pie cooked by my sister-in-law as a thank you for the extra day (courtesy of the air traffic controllers). R&L taught us Gin Rummy which made a change from out usual Sevens when guests visit. Lost of sparkling (and otherwise) wine drunk and good company what more can one ask for.