Birthday Treats

My birthday in December was a marvellous day. We started by going to an exhibition of pretty watercolours, painted by a group of our friends. We snapped up Erszi's fish, which will look great in the kitchen. Pleased as punch, we headed to the coast in convoy. Eleven of us scoffed oysters and other foods of the sea, washed down with deliciously chilled Picpoul de pinet. It was so good to have Margaret along, Lizzie and Freddie's mum. We'd flown in together from the UK the day before. I'm Louise to her Thelma. Her birthday was just a few days prior, so it was a double celebration. Not the sunniest day, but how wonderful to be together!

Back: Ali, Lizzie, Freddie, Josh, J de P, Alex

Front: Poppy, Margaret, me, Henny, Michelle

Back in September, unbeknownst to me, Henny commissioned our friend, the sculptor Teddy Hutton, creator of beautiful things, to make a cutting board for me. In the shape of a pig; I'm rather fond of them. This little trio arrived in ascending size. Three little pigs. I love them.

So long, dear Kate

It was with great sadness that I read of the untimely passing of Kate McGarrigle last week, aged just 63.

When I was living in Toronto in the mid-70's, Kate and Anna McGarrigle burst on the folk scene with their tender, timeless harmonies, fiddles, accordions and bittersweet lyrics. I was smitten. It was love at first note. I never know what to say when people ask my favourite music, except that the McGarrigles have always, always been on my desert island list.

The sisters never courted stardom. Despite their first album being named Melody Maker's album of the year 1975, they eventually pissed off their record company because they preferred to stay home with their kids rather than go on promotional tours. There was once an 8 year gap between albums. In recent years, a new generation came to know Kate as the mother of Rufus and Martha Wainwright, but the McGarrigles have always had a loyal fan base. And from all over the place, because Henny knew and loved their music in the Netherlands.

I know this is off-topic, but in case they passed you by here's a little video: Petite announce amoureuse. At least it's in French. Thanks for everything Kate.

Wintering in Roujan

At TopTop on Boxing Day, Henny woke up and realized, we have a day and a half clear of engagements. We should move into this house for the rest of the holidays. Well, why not? I've been holding out on you...we have a kitchen! It was installed in late November. Not yet completely accessorized, but otherwise fully operational. Enough counterspace for tandem cooking, currently with noses buried deep in instruction manuals.

We packed up several car loads of belongings and groceries, the last featuring a maowing cat. Pou was finally coming to the new house for the first time. He popped out of his travel box, initially ecstatic he wasn't at the vet's. Then it quickly dawned this wasn't Kansas anymore. A lot of exploratory sniffing would be required, best alternated with hiding in the cupboard.


We're all getting used to staying here. Henny and Pou have been in residence ever since, enjoying new mod cons like heaters and a television. TopTop is becoming a home at last!

Happy 2010!

Will you ever forgive the long hiatus? New Year's resolution: I will blog harder. There's so much to tell as well. I'll have to do some retro-blogging to fill you in.

First of all, we hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. I think ours was the best ever! One glorious event after another. Carols at la Maison verte, Christmas eve in the cave at Hans and Christa's, the all-day fest at Lizzie and Ali's on the 25th complete with quick-fire rounds of "Who am I?" Our team kicked some butt. Competitive? Not much! New Year's eve we gathered round Alex's table for a splendid meal. I could go on. Warmest thanks to all our friends and loved ones for a golden fortnight.

There was a highly anticipated event this year. Cendrillon (Cinderella), the first-ever British pantomime in French. Written, conceived and produced by our powerhouse of a pal, Nicola Russell. It ran for 10 glorious performances in Pézenas with not one empty seat! Surely the most successful show the Théatre Illustre has ever presented. (Pou's claws were out when he heard mice were involved).

A star was born. Here he is folks, the Major Dome with the mostest at the ball, none other than Justin Gosling (aka Freddie) in his golden boots.

And signing autographs on the last night!

The French don't have a tradition of sending Christmas cards, but they do send them for the New Year. My French teacher Christiane says you can send them throughout the month of January, but then no more. Squeaking in just under the wire, Henny and I wish everyone nos meilleurs voeux pour le nouvel an. Much happiness and good health to all!