Monday 11 of September

Gosh…that is a date that changed our lives. It seems quite innocent when you write it like that. But on my watch, it is written 9/11, and looks and sounds ferocious. Let’s hope today is more benign. The earthquake in Morocco is sad enough.

Our second lot of friends, Ellen and Lesley (another Lesley) left yesterday. We had a lovely weekend of coastal walks, drink, markets, drinks, beaches, drinks and a delicious fish and drinks at the other port restaurant at the bottom of our road. We met Sasha, Ian and Lucette over drinks in our favourite café on Beach Kelenn after a lovely hike and Ellen had extensive Rugby discussions with wine ‘advisor’ in the local Casino supermarket. (I was very pleased about the Irish/Romania match 82/8!) Sasha is the manager of the restaurant at the bottom of our road who  squeezed us in last minute on Saturday night for more lovely fish and drinks. Sadly, after our chat with Ian and Lucette at the next table, (they met thirty years ago when Ian came from England to Paris to do a French speaking course, and now have three shiatzus) went back home to Paris. I hope it wasn’t having to listen to Ellen’s appalling French that made them leave. Anyhow, we had a great weekend full of craic, lots of laughs and we even danced the night away on Friday.

Yesterday, after dropping them off at the Ferry, I watched them sail away from the beach at the tip of the Periharidi point while eating a breakfast slice of the delicious home-made apricot, apple and pecan loaf that Lesley had brought with her. Because it was so early, we let Poppins go mad in the sand dunes chasing whatever creatures she dreams up in her head, and we gazed into the distance…the low tide was far far away and it seemed so still, so blue, so quiet, so peaceful. Then a lone fisherman arrived and a man with three dogs, then a couple came walking, and Sunday in France began. We went in search of a boulangerie for our daily bread and took our picnic to Santec beach where we ate and watched at least 600 people doing a sponsored walk/run for the catholic church. Santec beach is a long wide plage and behind is a lovely small forest, so Poppins and I meandered around, ending up in a beautiful campsite…if anyone enjoys camping…do go here. We ended the day on our own beach back in Carantec, swimming and watching the locals at play and finishing the pot au fer that I had cooked specially for the women which I have to say was absolutely delicious…never mind that Ellen won’t eat anything with carrots or meat. I had thought it was  Poppins and Tomatoes she didn’t like but apparently, she loves them and goats cheese and cider and our fridge is now full of both. I’m not keen on either!

Still having pic issues!