Nérac Château Blues: Tuesday, October 1st

Ultimately, the only power to which man should aspire is that which he exercises over himself. -Elie Wiesel, writer, Nobel laureate (b. 1928) 

Petard:

MEANING:

noun:
1. A small bomb used to blast down a gate or wall.
2. A loud firecracker.

ETYMOLOGY:

From French péter (to break wind), from Latin peditum (a breaking wind), from pedere (to break wind). Ultimately from the Indo-European root pezd- (to break wind) which also gave us feisty, fart, and French pet (fart). Earliest documented use: 1566.

Illustration from the book Military Antiquities Respecting a History of The English Army from Conquest to the Present Time by Francis Grose Esquire, 1812

 
Hi Chloë and Maggster!

Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well, Chloë! However, glad you have a furry hot water bottle to comfort you! Thanks for depositing money in both accounts. Nana is very pleased as she and rest of Damazan, (name of our penichette/canal barge), Damsels are scheming, as I scribe, about a full day of Power Shopping, at our next port of call, Condom! Yes, indeed! Should be the twin city to Dildo, Newfoundland, as Flamin' tells all the other English-speaking tourists we meet!
 

 Our Flying Bridge penichette is most comfortable and accommodates the four couples very nicely. The four cabins each have two single, narrow beds and a toilette/shower/sink so it is a tight squeeze but fine. For our part, we have to store our two wheeled bags just outside our cabin door as they are too large to fit under bunk beds. They would, in fact, go under, but the openings, (meant, I suppose, to keep things from sliding back out), are too small to allow our baggage to be placed out of the way. Still, not too inconvenient as there is enough room on landing to have them in companionway. 

The large oval table in the main cabin seats all eight of us, [With the addition of two deck chairs, from the patio/deck of the so-callled flying bridge at the stern of the boat. There is a steering wheel and controls here, as well as one in main cabin, so The Two Waynes, co-captains, usually bark orders from here, to the rest of the incompetent, malnourished and terrified crew, whenever we enter a lock or they need more rum! Copious amounts of the latter rather than the former, sad to report!!!], for dinner. However, since weather has been gorgeous we usually eat top-side, around two reasonably large, moveable picnic tables, sitting on a molded bench and aforementioned deck chairs. I have never been aboard when lunch has been served as both Flamin' and I have been riding, each day, since we left Agen on Sunday, September 29th. We usually have a fairly large breakfast and that seems to sustain us until appetizers around 5:00 pm. Yesterday, I took along a small bagged lunch: olives and carrot sticks and pieces of sliced, dried sausage. Will probably do the same for rest of rides as I'm hoping to do longer distances over next few outings.

Meals have been remarkable. Galley is very efficiently designed and Flamin' turned out a fabulous pork roast on Sunday evening while Cora Lee and Sheila did a fabulous slow cooked chicken dish, (Coriandre had to cut off the two heads and feet! Am surprised she didn't lop off her own fingers as she said she had to avert her eyes during the gruesome dismembering!), last night.  Peggster pitches in whenever anything needs doing and the Lads usually do the washing up, taking turns from one meal to the next. We do our grocery shopping at the local markets when our visits coincide with day they are held in towns we visit or else at local stores. If all else fails, we have plenty of wine, (although it seems to be dwindliing at an alarming rate), as we brought three cases from Languedoc and gang had picked up another few bottles before they arrived in Agen. [To give you an example of their thirst, they consumed 13 bottles on the Friday, staying with friends Rosemary/Andre, in Chabeuil, near Valence/Lyon, before we rendezvoused in Agen on Saturday! And two of the crew didn't drink but a glass or two!] But I digress.

 All in all, we are very, very comfortable and have loads of fun, everyone basically doing that which is of interest to them, as time and location allow. Looks like we might run into a few patches of unsettled weather over next few days so not quite sure how that will affect riding possibilities. Still, it is more than fun just to sit aboard and watch lovely countryside slide past. We can play bridge or read or snooze or drink or log! I picked up a dongle in Montpellier which gives me prepaid USIM WiFi access, via the French cell provider, Orange. Cora Lee and Flamin' have similar cards for their respective iPads but in most spote where we tie up for the night, WiFi is usually included in docking fee. Here in Nérac we paid €10 for the night and this includes electrical hook-up, potable water for our holding tanks, and free toilettes and showers, as well as WiFi, so not a bad deal, split eight ways! Of course we can use showers and toilettes aboard but it is often more convenient to use facilities available, especially when they have been as clean and well appointed as most we have encountered. However, night before we were in Buzet-sur-Baïse, docked at a small, private marina, (one not part of Locaboat franchise), and I went to take a shower. I didn't realize that one needed a token and there was only a trickle of water, and I mean a trickle, (although it was hot enough), coming out of the shower head. I had to use a tiny bottle that had once contained conditioner to take my shower! I'd fill it up and then pour it over my head, shoulders, etc., to wet my hair/skin and then shampoo/soap everything. Must have taken me about a thousand, one ounce refills, before I was semi-rinsed off! I was away for so long that Sarge came to see if I was alright. He couldn't stop laughing when he saw my predicament but took pity on me and came back with the necessary token! Then I was in pure shower heaven and luxuriated under the glorious stream for the full six minutes which the token buys!
 

Such is life aboard a penichette, cruising the canals and rivers of Sud-Ouest France. Yesterday, per esempio, I was up at 6:50 am to search for the matches to light stove to boil kettle to make java but couldn't find them. Never left in same place by slovenly, uncaring scullions! Uncaffeinated, worked away at cleaning up my desktop, filing pitturas, until Flamin' surfaced and she made first pot of java!

Off to Nérac after breakfast, (fabulous scrambled eggs with diced Prosciutto and red oniones, by Mr Fixit, fried bread, (no toaster), courtesy of Peggster, with raspberry jam, so was all set and looking forward to another ride along the canal. Flamin' and I set off just before 10:00 am but had to ride on the road as there isn't a tow-path along the river, either the Blaise or the Garonne, only the canal. First town was Vianne, a lovely walled place, seemingly speciallizing in blown glass from the number of galleries and studios we noticed as we rode through centre and outskirts. On to Lavardac but didn't stop as we had been issued orders, by dipsomaniacal co-captains, to find a berth in Nérac. Crusing time there, with locks to negotiate, is about five hours, although only 20 km or so, by road. Busiest road between Lavardac and Nérac so wasn't really enjoyable cycling, considering how wonderful it had been along tow paths and on earlier quiet country lanes.

Nevertheless, we plugged along, I keeping behind Flamin'. She hadn't ridden at all, this past summer, so is not yet up to speed and I didn't want to lose her if I was in front. As well, her bike is meant for the level tow-path and so whenever we encountered any hills, of even a moderate grade, she had to struggle with her three gears, as opposed to my 28! Reached Nérac about 11:30 am and after stopping to buy some lip balm and asking directions for the "fleuve", (I subsequently discovered that this is a river that flows into an ocean or sea, while a river that flows into another river is called a rivière, Dear Reader!), we dipsy doodled around town for a bit, looking for access. Finally got our bearings and ended up exactly where we wanted to be. Given that it was Monday and most shops and businesses are closed, here in France, nobody was in office, although there was a number to call. We weren't too, too worried as we knew, from experience, that even our be-drunken helmsmen would be able to locate anchorage as really only one in town.

While we were munching on our peasant fare a young couple happened by and I asked, "Pardon, Monsieur," to which he replied: "Do you speak English?" Turned out that Andrew is from Liverpool, (a mathematician), and Kathryn, (a librarian, of all things!), is from Strasbourg, living, (Just across the bridge from us, opposite the
"Château de Nérac, a castle in the Lot-et-Garonne département, an edifice of the French 'renaissance' style, built during the reign of Jeanne d'Albret, daughter of Marguerite d'Angoulème also Marguerite de Navarre by his marriage, the sister of king Francis I of France. The castle has been classified as a Monument historique since 1862 by the French Ministry of Culture."), and working here. They very kindly offered to call the number listed on the office door and the three of us visited while Andrew left a message on the answering machine. We thanked them for their kindness and invited them for a drink that evening. They were delighted to accept so we looked forward to getting to know them a bit better.

Flamin' and I then cycled back into le centre de la ville. It was only shortly after 12:15 pm by this time and I wanted to continue riding until our companions arrived, at or about 3:00 pm. We had bumped into a gang of Canadians, from Ottawa, earlier,and one of the women had mentioned a very pretty town called Fourcès so I decided I'd make for there. Flamin' was happy to stay in Nérac so we waved goodbye and I set off. I'd talked to a friendly German man just before I headed out of town and he directed me to follow signs for Mézin. I did this and once up the very, very long hill out of town, (One tends to forget about hills when one rides along the tow path but my month in Languedoc held me in good stead so I was pleased with my performance, although it was a good huff and puff nonetheless.), I sailed along.

Countryside is more mixed farming, fields of grain, corn mostly, at least to my eyes, and endless sunflowers, mainly drooping, dark heads, obviously end of season, and rolling hills, greener than much of the sere in Languedoc. A light shower as I approached Mézin but light breeze dried me almost immediately. Was really pleased that it wasn't the downpour that we'd witnessed day before when in Buzet. Wasn't overly worried about my person but was quite concerned about my camera. Anyway, I didn't have to worry and enjoyed circling through this steep hillside town.

At the bottom of the hill, followed the sign to Fourcès along a quiet, level road and even hailed a number of other lone cyclists, coming from the other direction. About 5 km along reached Fourcès, a tiny, walled village, with a moat. The square is actually a lovely treed circle here with the two-storied houses around the circumference in wedges, the space between the spokes of various small lanes, leading away from centre. Extremely pretty and picturesque, with many small galleries, shops and a number of busy restaurants, their outdoor patios filled with lunch-time crowd, so I was pleased I'd made the effort to ride there.

On to Condom, following a sign, just outside entrance to Fourcès, telling me I had 21 km to go. Headed in the direction I was going I discovered that I was entering two other Appellation d'origine contrôlée, the Côtes de Gascogne and Armagnac regions. I soon encountered more vineyards than on earlier part of ride and keep seeing signs for "Floc de Gascogne, a regional apéritif, a vin de liqueur fortified with armagnac, the local brandy. It has had Appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1990." A number of long, long steady climbs and then the rush of sailing down, repeated about three roller-coaster times before I saw the spire of some church or cathedral in Condom. Stopped to take a snap of the sign announcing the place's name but decided not to go into town itself. Thought I'd explore the following day when we docked for night. 

No difficulty finding route back to Nérac and I was soon speeding along a very well-surfaced highway, wind at my back, for the most part, so it was a most enjoyable ride. Traffic was heavier than on other sections but it wasn't a concern. More dismayed by dark clouds ahead and about 12 km from Nérac it did start to rain steadily, although lightly. I'd put my camera under my vest and it was well protected there, that part of my chest not even wet all. Rain became more of a drizzle as I entered town and since I had about 78 km on the clock as I went over the bridge, (I saw Cora Lee in her pink rain jacket on deck of Damazan, on river below), to take me dockside I decided I'd take a dipsy-doodle out the other side of town just to see what I could see. Took a side road and ended up in what one might call a new subdivision and then shortly thereafter, farm land. Turned around near a large agricultural complex and made for the boat. Very pleased with the new countryside and the distance even if I'd touched the "Burning Ground"  a number of times over the the course of the outing!

Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/383705560#.UkmI2BhEfxE.email 

Fondestos, Much Love and Cheers, Dad!

Pics: Flamin' outside Vianne; Fourcès and infamous Condom!

Hi Chloe,

 Quote # 2 arrived last night..see my response below. Not sure if these guys think that I'm open to gouging because they know I'm a film guy. Don't be totally discouraged as I will still get a couple more and see how it goes. I'll keep you posted. fondestos, Al

Hi Morgan,

Yes I got your email saying that you would be sending me a quote but don't 

remember another one, anyway I had a look and sorry to say but that price seems very very high. I hadn't wanted it powder coated by you guys and would look after it myself but even then I can't see that it would be an acceptable price. Just FYI I had another shop quote me just to bend up the metal and it came in at 995.00 w/o powder coating which at the time seemed pricey but obviously now seems like a major bargain!

I appreciate the work on the quote but definitely not doable sorry. Thanks, Al

Hey Al,

Thanks for keeping at this, yes lets hope the more quotes the cheaper it gets!!

Thanks, Chloe

desk is getting expensive!!

Hello Patrick

Glad to see yr having fun on the canals bet there aren't as many pubs as in England! -
As I will be at work on 17th Oct I wondered what time yr getting back  in case I need to leave out keys. 

Had Spray tan last night so look like a schwartzer!  Off to paphos 5am tom am so packing today - always traumatic for me. Love to all Penny and madcap xx 

Hi Duhlink!

Good luck with packing! Hope you and Madcap have a fab time in Paphos! Drink some ouzo for me!

We leave Paris around 10:00 am on the 17th so imagine we will be at Halr Grove around 2:00 pm, more or less, so a key in recycle bin would be lovely! Fondestos from Cora Lee to you and Madcap. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

This morning, around 10:00 am, Flamin', Des and I left the able crew of the Damazan to cycle to Condom. We arrived around 12:30 pm as it was slow going for Des, his first ride in years. I didpsy-doodled ahead, taking off down side roads as they presented themselves. On the road leading to Mézin, (If I'd been by myself I would have ridden there as I wanted to see what the route, cross country, was like, having ridden to the village from Nérac the day before.), I encountered three tractors, all with different mowing attachments, keeping the roadside trimmed. The smell of fresh mint wafted across the road as I passed one, I suppose some rogue plants had rooted in the ditch nearbye. Further up the long, long, gradual incline, I came upon a number of farmers tending their vegetable fields and noticed the crop was cucumbers. Turned around at the top of the hill and swooped back down to D930 to rejoin my two companions.

This is a fairly busy road and there were quite a few large trucks roaring past. However, the drivers always gave us a wide berth, something which car drivers sometimes do not. Closer to Condom we came upon a roundabout and I followed one of the spokes, looking for the Château whose sign advertised Floc de Gascogne, wondering about whether a degustation there was a possibility. When I encountered a warehouseman, a few minutes of dipsy-doodling later, I posed the question: "Degustation, est possible?" in my perfect French. First thing he did was look at his watch and knowing exactly what he was thinking, I quickly added: "Non, maintenant, mais un autre temps, peut-être." "Mais, oui, bien sûr, Monsieur!" Of course, like all French people, he as worried that I wanted to interrupt his sacrosanct lunch break! Chuckling to myself I waved, thanked him and rejoined the peloton.

At the next roundabout, I took another dipsy-doodle around a small industrial park, (by now were near the outskirts of Condom), and noticed a very large field completely filled with solar panels. It is the second or third one of this size that I've encountered, the first ones in Languedoc. As well, I'd noticed there that many of the wineries had solar panels on the roofs of the larger buildings. Back to rejoin the other two and was glad approach to Condom was downhill as poor Des's legs were really starting to cramp up. I'd mentioned, earlier, that since I didn't actually know where the docking facility was located we would make for the centre of town and take things from there. As it turned out, as soon as we went through the first roundabout directing us to le centre de la ville it bacame obvious where we needed to go. A couple of dipsy-doodles later, (We'd not seen the Capitaniere as it was back from the water's edge and we ended up on the opposite bank.), we chained our bikes to fence post and walked half a block to join Desmond who'd made his way to the first bistro he could find!

After we scoped out moorage we enjoyed a delicious lunch, Salad Gersoise, Des's treat, at the Café du théâtre, just across the street from the Capitanerie where we would dock. Flamin' and Des had had enough riding for the day and they wanted to reconnoitre Condom and I wanted to try to log my first 100 km ride of the canal trip.

Stats of Tuesday's ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/384331954#.UksxPr46T1U.email

Grand, grand ride, with plenty of challenging hills but feel that I can now handle just about anything that this region can throw at me. Very pleased with overall distance even though it came at the expense of my becoming a member of the Lunch/Latte Riding Society. Fortunately, once one pays one's dues, a complimentary pair of asbestos soled riding shoes is included, so that the pain of The Burning Ground is partially ameliorated, Dear Reader!

Domaine de Gensac, Vin de Pays du Gers, Terre-A-Terre 2007, 14.5%, 100% Tannat 

Buzet-sur-Baïse Blues: Monday, September 30th

Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak; and that it is doing God's service when it is violating all his laws. -John Adams, 2nd US president (1735-1826)

Languages, like our bodies, are in a perpetual flux, and stand in need of recruits to supply those words that are continually falling through disuse. -Cornelius Conway Felton, educator (1807-1862) 

Up at 6:50 am to search for the matches to light stove to boil kettle to make java but couldn't find them. Never left in same place but slovenly scullions! Worked away at cleaning up my desktop, filing pitturas until Flamin' surfaced and she made first pot of java!

Off to Nérac after breakfast, (fabulous scrambled eggs with diced Prosciutto and red oniones, by Mr Fixit, fried bread, (no toaster), courtesy of Peggster, with raspberry jam, so was all set and looking forward to another ride along the canal. Flamin' and I set off just before 10:00 am but had to ride on the road as there isn't a tow-path along the river, either the Blaise or the Garonne, only the canal, Will probably do another loop back along road, depending on how things pan out. 

Thanks Chloe Hope your feeling better Did you ever discuss the gluten thing with dr. Clark. Love Mom

Today's ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/383705560#.UkmI2BhEfxE.email 

Michele Darrow-Sutherland

Patrick and I biking through Vivienne and Nerac !! Beautiful country side !

• 

  Patrick James Dunn A dipsy-doodle opportunity for a photo shoot! Vianne, above, and Nérac, where we docked, in case you are wondering Vivacious Viv!

 
Countryside is more mixed farming, grain and sunflowers, rolling hills, greener than in Languedoc, Floc de Gasgoyne signs everywhere I encountered vineyards:

The Floc de Gascogne is a regional apéritif from the Côtes de Gascogne and Armagnac regions of Sud-Ouest wine region of France. It is a vin de liqueur fortified with armagnac, the local brandy. It has had Appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1990. 

 Www.HKballet.com/dream

Check the above in the section of Sneak Peaks.  The company is using Janice's blog on their own site!  Isn't that something!
They list Janice as being 51 whereas she just turned 60. Her husband jokes that is because they only have insurance for those under 52!

Hi Pat and Corinne,   Once again, we are looking forward to your return to our fine continent. We'd love to hear your stories about the last few months abroad and, of course, play bridge and perhapseven drink some fine wine. We were wondering if you'd be able to come up to the lake for such a visit on October 25th to October 27th or the following weekend of November 1st to 3rd. We usually go up on the Thursday night and returnon the Sunday. It seems to be just the right amount of time, but can alter things depending on your schedule. Anyways, something to think about as you enjoy the end of your holiday. Wishing you well and happy adventures! Ruth

rent in Dad's account car money in Mom's

not feeling well, Mags is happy, she just lays on me and purrs, its very rainy here.

Derrick and Gayle gone, they took Krissy,Mark and myself to Heirloom last week to say good bye!!

Hung out at Sutherlands for Marvin's B day Saturday night, Avery is so cute and tiny like a little pixy!! Looks like you are having a fun time with everyone, don't computer to much D!! love you both, see you in a couple weeks!! be safe xxxxx

Patrick, Well the party is over and life has returned to quiet dull days.  Everything went just as Stacee planned and we had a great time.  The evening at the Aquarium whizzed by and is just a blur in my memory.  Stacee did so many neat things.  She had a candy table done in white and turquoise (her colours) with cupcakes and homemade cookies (made by her cousin who does this as a business) with S&S on them neatly packaged in cellophane bags with a ribbon, tables with white cloths and turquoise centre pieces with a small square vase with white hydrangias, Jay Swing as DJ, Jeff as MC, a photo booth that was great fun and very popular and tons of super food done by the Aquarium catering staff.  

It was loud, boisterous, fun and went by way too fast.  Oh yes, Gerry and I spoke, Sean's parents spoke and so did Stacee and Sean.  What was really nice for Gerry and I was that all our friends that we invited from Terrace flew down to be there and all our siblings and families came too.  The young people sure made it fun though as they have such energy. 

On Sunday we took all the family members to La Cigale for brunch (34 of us) and the lady there did an excellent job of the meal.  It was done 'a familia' with 8 dishes one being calamari that wasn't fried or coated but in a salad sort of and it was delicious, pate, crepes, frittata etc. and prosecco (they drank the whole works and would have had more if there was any).  Following that we had our friends from Terrace (those that hadn't gone home yet)  and Calgary for afternoon 'libations' and dinner.  Great fun and many laughs.  And then it was over.  We stayed for a week after the wedding and then came home on the 28th. 
 

We are heading back to Vancouver for a couple of days as Gerry is attending a forum at SFU that he thinks will be very interesting and then we have to get home to get ready to go to Italy for 2 weeks and London for a week.  We can't keep up with the Dunn/Durston travels but we are trying!  Patrick your stay in France sounds just perfect and I think that getting to know the neighbourhood so well is so much better than hitting 14 countries in 14 days.  We sure liked staying in Buenos Aires in the apartment for a month and would do that type of holiday again.  Is Corinne with you now and I sure hope her back pain has subsided? I can't figure out how to send a group of photos.  I guess I don't have the patience to figure it out and Gerry isn't here to do it so we will have to try later to send some photos. When are you back home? Cheers, Dawn

PS  Fall has arrived everywhere but after such a spectacular summer and September we had best not complain of the rain and cold.

 

Agen Penichette Blues: Sunday, September 29th

The less justified a man is in claiming excellence for his own self, the more ready he is to claim all excellence for his nation, his religion, his race or his holy cause. A man is likely to mind his own business when it is worth minding. When it is not, he takes his mind off his own meaningless affairs by minding other people's business. -Eric Hoffer, philosopher and author (1902-1983)

 

Michele Darrow-Sutherland

First day on canal... Nobody died !!

• Ayn P Oh look at Poppa the deckhand!
• 

  Patrick James Dunn Not a stinkin' deckhand, but a Tour de Francer! I spit on canal barges! Yesterday evening in Agen!
  

  Ayn P Not just a deckhand, but an obviously French influenced deckhand!

  

  Patrick James Dunn No, I beg to differ, a Pastis influenced deckhand! Agen, our port of departure!
  

  

Ayn P Beautiful!!

Patrick James Dunn I hope that at some point, in the not too, too distant future, you too will be able to enjoy this remarkable countryside and culture! Soap at market in Pézenas a number of Saturdays ago!

Today's ride: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/383093350#.UkhJXzLSXMY.email

Left Agen at around 10:00 am, Flamin' and I taking off after the first lock to make our way towards Buzet. Simply wonderful to ride along the canal, loads of other cyclists and families, lovers, walking , all very friendly, "Bonjours" exchanged, most civilly, on both sides. Flamin' needed, as is the natural state of affairs, with The Sisterhood, to go to the bathroom, after a mere 25 km, so my first latte stop, ever since arriving in France! All right, really a Capuccino stop, but nonetheless, a stop far earlier than I would have liked. BUT, I'm a very good friend, so I stopped and touched The Burning Ground, to allow Falmin' to relieve her bursting bladder, blow her nose, (She was sniffling all the way from Agen, recounting the more than traumatic details of her dear mother's death in Dartmouth. Sheila died on July 24th and while i knew some of the facts surrounding her last days, I hadn't realized how truly, horrendously difficult Linda, her sister, had made this already agonizing siutation even more of a trial.

Dinner: fabulous pork roast by Flamin', roasted kartofellage, roasted zuchinni and red pepper, mixed green saladin, all washed down qith a magnesium of Paul Mas 2012 "Vignes de Nicole", 14%, Cabbage/Syrah and a 2009 Baron d'Ardeuil, Vielles Vignes, 14%, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabbage

Bridge after dinner with plenty of Caol Ila Moch, 43%, wonderfully fresh and clean, smooth mouthful of peat, to help endure Mr Fixit's constant criticism of our bidding!

Dear friend,
Thank you very much for supporting me with your generous donation! Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

My wife Linda, daughter Courtney and I completed the Walk today in Stanley Park and avoided the rain! Barely. It was an awesome event and with your help I raised over $4,500.00 for Autism Speaks Canada. Thank you so much. I hope to raise a bit more before the end of the year with a squash event at the Vancouver Racquets Club.

On behalf of everyone who is affected by autism in some way, thank you for your support!

All the best, Brian 

Hi nrbc,

Sorry for the late notice but I won't make it to today's meeting because of my volunteering at the film festival. My shift is running later than expected and by the time I finish it'll be past 9p

Looking forward to the next meeting

Patrick,
Thank you for confirming your Vancouver Writers Fest Gala volunteer shift!
Please join us for the 2013 Volunteer Orientation for Gala volunteers on Wednesday evening Oct 16, at Studio 1398, Festival House, 1398 Cartwright St., on Granville Island.
Doors open for volunteer package pick-up at 6:30 pm.
The package will contain your volunteer badge, finalized schedule, job description(s), invitation to our Volunteer Appreciation Party, freebies and pertinent general information about the Festival.
If you are eligible for, and have submitted to the Volunteer Ticket Lottery, your volunteer package will also contain your complimentary winning ticket. (If an invitation to submit to our 2013 Volunteer Ticket Lottery hasn't already arrived, please let me know!)
Introductions begin at 7 pm, with an outline of some general information essential to 2013 Festival volunteering.
Break-out training sessions for the different volunteer activities/jobs begin no later than 7:20 and we hope to be all done no later than 8:15 pm.
It is essential that all first-time volunteers attend, but it's also highly recommended that returning volunteers attend.
Things change every year and we want everyone to have as much current information as possible before the Festival begins. With only six days of events, there's no time to get familiar and comfortable with changes on the job.
Don't miss out on our light refreshments and fantastic door prizes!
We look forward to seeing you there!

Kathryn Fowler, Volunteer Manager 

Hello! Just wanted to send you a link to pix of my 2013 Artful Bra
entry. This is my third year of participating in this cancer
fundraiser.

If you are in the area and are free, the opening reception is on
Wednesday, October 2 at the North Campus of the University at Buffalo,
in the Center for the Arts.

http://DeborahSawyerArt.blogspot.com

It is also possible to place bids online for any of the bras, to help
raise money for cancer research. Or, purchase a copy of the calendar
the organizers usually print. Deborah 

Hi nrbc,

Sorry for the late notice but I won't make it to today's meeting because of my volunteering at the film festival. My shift is running later than expected and by the time I finish it'll be past 9p

Looking forward to the next meeting Take care

 

Beau Soleil Blues: Saturday, September 28th, Adieu Mont Neffiès, Bonjour Agen!

Bed is the poor man's opera. -Italian proverb 

Hello Darling Kathryn!

Trust you remain well. As you will know, if Cora Lee's message has sped across the ether, we will be in holding each other's hands and gazing lovingly into each other's eyes, on the Left Bank in Paris, sipping Champagne and nibbling on fresh strawberries, while you orient VWF volunteers!

Must away as off to Agen shortly, to rendezvous with friends for start of two week canal barge, along Canal du Midi, sipping above mentioned Champagne! Fondestos to one and all at VWF from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Niall and Simon!

Trust you are both well. Just a brief note to let you know that we are leaving shortly for Agen to continue our holiday on a canal barge.

The double bed downstairs has been stripped, bed linen and one towel left on table. Same for upstairs double bed. However, given the glorious weather we experienced all month, the duvet upstairs was never used.

I missed the cardboard recycling day so I apologize for that. I gather that plastic bottles go in same bin. Sorry, if this is not the case. There is a small amount of household garbage, some of which had stuck to the bottom of bin when last emptied.

I have left €150, (3 people over the month), on the counter, along with a water bill and an envelope that came in the mail.

Thank you again, Niall, for your help with my friend Jamie. Very much appreciated.

Thank you, Simon, for the more. than wonderful stay in your most comfortable house here in Neffiès. My wife, (to the extent that she has been here), and I had one of the most enjoyable holidays of our lives: the countryside, the people, the wine, the markets, etc., on and on and on. Plan, as circumstances allow, to return to Languedoc, in the not too, too distant future, I hope, as we feel we've just scratched the surface of this beautiful, historic, peaceful, endlessly fascinating part of France.

Will leave key in lock box. All the best to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick
So glad you enjoyed yourselves.  Please visit us again.
May your journey continue with such wonderful stories.
Niall and Trudi
As always, a big thank you - and yes, let's put on a new front door.
Simon and Dina

In around 3 45.Wayne

Hi Everybody,

Have any of you seen this video taken in the BC Gulf Islands back in August?



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfyVMWuUQnw

Ellie was on the ferry when this same Orca (Killer Whale) pod came out of Active Pass. She saw a similar spectacle from the westbound boat. The press later reported that the group numbered around 80. These lucky people were on Galiano Island, in Active Pass to witness the parade. bob

 

Beau Soleil Blues: Friday, September 27th, Penultimate Day in Neffiès!

The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with. -Bruce Springsteen, musician (b. 1949) 

Hello Badminton Social/Cultural Butterfly!

No wonder you didn't have time to come and relax in the south of France! Is the "Lloyds" you mention the maritime insurance firm? I think I might have walked by the building when I was looking for the Gherkin myself, back in 2010, day I also attended a service at St Paul's. I gather this is The City! Don't know the Brecht play but am envious as I do like his work. Macheath, later to become Mack the Knife, is one of my favourite dramatic characters, not to mention Bobby Darin's version of the song. For my part, I've just had to console myself by drinking copious amounts of fabulous wines in the cultural arts desert of our tiny village!

Before I forget, would it be possible for you to book us a cab for Saturday, October 19th. Our Air Transat flight, #677, leaves Gatwick at 9:20 am so I guess we'll need to leave Mill Hill at 5:00 am or earlier. Not sure of time it takes to drive there at that time of morning so will let you decide best departure time. We need to be at airport about three hours ahead of flight departure, to be on safe side. Thanks.

On Tuesday, we drove to Montpellier, only about an hour away, just a zip along the toll-free highway. Found, by simple chance, a parking spot on the street which was right next to the huge, walled plaza, (Didn't know it at the time!), which is located in front of the Arc de Triomphe-like structure leading to the historic centre of Montpellier. We spent about three hours wandering the streets. Since it is a university town is was bustling with students, much like Berkeley, so it has a wonderful feel. Seemingly quite a wealthy city as street after narrow street of very high end shops, filled with extremely well-dressed people. Cora Lee was in shopping heaven so she sent me off on an errand, (I needed a dongle to enable cell Wifi capability when aboard the canal barge.), so she could window-shop, (Ha!), unencumbered by a peevish male!

We rendezvoused back at the car at around 5:00 pm and I was looking forward to going for a ride once home, assuming we'd be home just after 6:00 pm. Unfortunately, it wasn't as easy getting back onto route we had taken into town and it was also rush hour by then, which didn't help matters, as you can imagine. By the time we had missed the right freeway turn and doubled back and extricated ourselves from a massive roundabout jam it was after 6:00 pm, time we were supposed to have been back at Beau Soleil! No matter as it was a glorious late afternoon and countryside was lovely as we made our way back to Neffiès.

Wednesday we drove to Carcassonne. Took the toll highway out of Béziers as wanted to see what it was like and how much. We left at just after 8:15 am and were in Carcassonne befoer 10:00 am so a very efficeint way to go. Cost €6.50 but one can fly along at 130 km/h so bit exciting from that point of view. Anyway, I knew exactly where I was going, having been there with Jamie, week or so ago. First took a spin through new part of city to give Cora Lee a bit of an overview of place. We would have parked to wander commercial centre here but having done that in Montpellier she wasn't all that keen, (or at least her credit cards weren't!), so after the circuit we made for a parking spot I'd happened upon with Jamie. More free, on street parking, but a block or two from battlements.

As you approach one sees the impressive walls, turrets, towers, etc., of the castle looming above you. Cora Lee and I used a set of stairs to reach entrance way which is almost exactly opposite, across village, to main entrance, where Tourist Info, (picked up a free map), is located, near railway station, washrooms, (no toilette paper or soap, but otherwise clean enough), and paid parking area. Jaimie and I followed a narrow, cobbled path to top. On way down, Cora Lee and I took the ramp like roadway, obviously for horses and carts, etc., originally. Easier on her tailbone, rather than stairs. [She is still sore but nothing like first few weeks in Italy!]

We spent a couple of hours wandering around and give Coriandre a very good idea of walled city. Access to site is free, except to the Château, but you don't really need to go inside this complex anyway, given time and what you see there. Interesting but not essential, other than walking along battlement walls. By chance, rather than with malice of forethought, Jamie and I took a steep staircase which allowed us access to the walkways which run atop the outer walls. So doing we didn't have to pay €8.50 fee! Here we enjoyed fantastic views of both surrounding landscape/countryside and interior of walled city.

Once we'd meandered a bit I took her to staircase in question but this time there was a chap "guarding" the entranceway and he directed us back towards the Château. Since Cora Lee is not happy with heights she wasn't fussed about not having to climb some pretty steep stairways, at times, [She found approach to Tintagel nerve-wracking!], so made for the Basilique des Saints Nazare er Celse. Most impressive stained glass and we were fortunate enough to be there when three young men sang a number of Russian Orthodox hymns. Their voices and the acoustics were phenomenal.

Outside, I was dispatched to do whatever I wished to do so The Power Shopper could be free to browse at will. We met an hour or so later and made our way back to the car. This time we took the slower route home through the pretty villages of Olonzac and Capestang, waiting at times for the tractors hauling grapes to be crushed. These secondary roads are excellent and it is a much more interesting drive.

Yesterday we drove to Montagnac, about half an hour away and enjoyed one of the most remarkable tastings we've ever experienced. By chance, I knew about Château Paul Mas from an on-line newsletter put out by Marquis Wines, a shop we frequent in Vancouver. In one of the recent issues, (I read it shortly after I arrived in Neffiès, actually), a 2011 Paul Mas 'Vignes de Nicole' Chardonnay Viognier was mentioned and I thought it might be fun to see what sort of winery, (size, etc.), it was and simply because it was so close by.

Lovely building and very tasteful and attractive tasting room. Only a few other people there and for most of our stay it was just Cora Lee and myself. What "shocked" me was that one literally chooses which wines one wishes to taste from the bottles arrayed on display racks around the room. It is almost like being a kid in a candy store. Where does one start when given so much choice? ANd believe me there was plenty to choose from! I think we probably could have tasted, had we the capacity, all afternoon. We ended up choosing two whites and six reds and for each selection the very friendly young woman, Anna, conducting the tasting, would go into the storeroom to select bottle in question, open it and pour the wine. Part of the time we spent chatting with a German couple, on holiday, like ourselves. Their English was very good so we had lots to talk about.

Charge for tasting is €5 for eight wines but waived if one purchases three bottles. I knew this was a laugh and we ended up buying a case of twelve! Prices, once again, were absolutely ridiculous, given magnificent quality of wine. Most of bottles we selected were between €7-€10 and I "splurged" on one for €15/£12.58/$20.90! Almost glad I'd not done any other tasting at other domaines while here as I'd never leave, or be able to leave!

Back home to have quick showers and change of clothes as we had dinner reservations at Les Gouteilles, a tiny restaurant just up our street. We had a wonderful meal, two types of lamb for Cora Lee and Peter Rabbit's French cousin for me! Both were superb and we made a reservation for tonight, our last evening here!

Hope Madcap has taken to badminton. Must away on my last ride here in Neffiès. Have a severe time constraint as we have luncheon reservations at 1:00 pm at L'Auberge du Presbytère in Vailhan. Fondestos to you both from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!Pics: Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder! Paul Mas; dinner at Les Gouteilles and new watch I bought for Cora Lee in Carcassonne, after a couple of bottles of aforementioned Absinthe!

Up at 7:15 am to have a java and scribe until 10:30 am then for a ride, last ride of time here in Neffiès:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/382143062#.UkYALytNxfY.email

Sir Terence and Company after L'Auberge, fabulous luncheon, amuse bouche anchovie in something sublime; two lambs, Patrizzio, porc Coriandre, cheese platter, wild black rice/risotto appi, CL, quail eggs and meat for me

T en C Verm/Rouss, three malts and then dinner at Les Gout 2011 Mas des Ma, Terrasses de Larzac, Syrah 40%, Mouvèdre 35%, Carignan 20%, Grenache 5%, fabulo! Beef cheeks, pulled, Cora Lee, veal for me with rabbit pate, Cl, salmon courgette pour moi, five cheeses and creme caramel for dessert. House wine, 1/2 carafe to make everything blend in

Home to finish packing!

Hello Travelling Road Show People!

Trust you are safely ensconced with Rosemary and Andre by now! Please pass along best wishes. Let's try to wait until we hook up before going  shopping for groceries as we have quite a few staples. Fondestos to one and all from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!

We should be at Andre's in two hours. Took 2 hours to get out of Paris this morning. After we get to Agen we can go shopping for grocery's. Wayne

For those of you not in the south of France -- see you Sunday. G

from Misha --  in case my tel number (cell) 

 

Dear Patrick
Cab booked for 5am 19th Oct to Gatwick £65 with mhb station cabs 02089594444 . Just off for girls night out so will catch up later x

 

I would love to meet him VL 

 

I'd be interested too. Presumably [plug your eyes, Pat] we could invite various members of the Sisterhood? Also, presumably there would be an honorarium of some sort - estimated costs? 8^) cheers, Mark

 

Mark,

There is no charge. And I think it would be a good opportunity for the sisterhood to join us - an armistice of sorts - AND of course they would provide us with the food and drink? G 

 

George - the man with the great ideas : ) VL