Categories: uncategorized
Date: 09 July 2011 08:35:02
I don't seem to have much time for blogging at the moment - or maybe, that's I don't have much inclination... I'm starting work early: an 8.00 am start in Clermont means I get up at about 5.15, giving myself time to get myself sorted when I reach the Language department at about 7.15. So when I get home again (at anything between 4.00 and 6.00) I don't feel like doing much more than zizzing on the sofa in front of the TV.
This last week I've been suffering with a summer cold. Why does it seem more "wrong" to have a cold in summer than winter, I wonder. It has also lead me to having the same conversation with several students.
Me: Hi, Name. How are you? Student: I'm fine. And you?
Me: I'm OK, but I've got a cold.
Pause while student does a mental translation. J'ai froid = I'm cold.
Student: Oh? But it's good weather. You are cold?
Me: No, not I am cold, but I have a cold.
Mime sneezing, coughing, blowing nose (actually for the latter I don't need to mime!) Pause while student computes my acting skills.
Student: Ah. Vous etes enrhumée (my spelling might be out here.)
Me: Yes. I have a cold. Now, have you done your homework?
So I've not felt much like cycling. I'm not out today though as my back has decided to go into spasm, and I've got a wonky tummy. I blame the just-out-of-date marzipan sweets that I had on Thursday. But I may be being unjust. I went out on Wednesday, and did about 28 km. It was quite an easy run, but it felt difficult as I'd not been out for about 10 days before that. My average speed wasn't too bad (19.5 kph) but I know that most of that was tgained on the final 8 km which is a long, slightly downhill road with a few bumps. I can get to 30/35 kph going along that: the Main Men in the Cyclo Club can get to 50 kph or more, breaking the speed limit as they go through La Tuillère!
Last Saturday was a mixture of good and sad though. There was no ride out because the Club all went to the funeral of one of our cyclists. Roger, who rode with my group, died while out on a ride a couple of Mondays back. He had a heart condition, and Monday was very hot, reaching almost 40°. He died at the top of a climb. We're not really sure of details, but of course it was a great shock for us all. He was always encouraging, always giving advice, as he'd ridden in competitions when younger. Sometimes I cursed him, as he wouldn't let me stop on climbs ("500 metres to go. That's all. Keep going...") but he was great. He will be sadly missed.
His Club jersey and cycle helmet were on top of the coffin (we declined the opportunity to view the body) and his children spoke about his life. Odette, the Club Chairman, spoke about his enthusiasm for cycling and his willingness to "nurse" beginners. RIP, Roger.
Then, after getting home from the funeral, we had about 30 minutes before going out to a private reception-and-show for an artist friend of ours. It was very small, and, TBH, I don't think she's really found her "style" as there were about 25 paintings, in about 15 different stles - some vibrant, modern almost abstract poppies, a sad-clown-face, a couple of cat paintings, some still life, some elongated African ladies. Still...I guess she enjoys doing what she does and they were priced reasonably, unlike the truly horrible paintings done by the wife of one of the local doctors. These hang in the dining room of the Hotel de la Poste, and can quite put you off your dinner. Priced at 500€ I really do wonder who would be eating their 30€ Menu Gourmande and be so struck by one of these paintings as to spend such money on one.
Anyway, after the show, we went on with our friends Cathy & Steve for a pizza and salad in the restaurant next door. A pleasant end to quite an emotional day.
Other than that, life has been pootling on uneventfully. With Steve & Cathy here our social life has picked up a bit: we've had a film night up at their house ("Made In Dagenham") with a lot of food, we've been out a couple of times to restaurants, and had a barbecue. And on Thursday we had a visit from someone I used to work with in Milton Keynes, and his wife. Hélène is French, and they were going to her sister's birthday in Grasse, so we were a useful stopping off point. Unfortunately they couldn't stay with us, due to my unsociable get-up time and the fact that the house creaks a lot. It's impossible to move around the house silently! But they were happy to stay at Alison & Gérôme's Chambre d'Hôtes, just up the hill from here (for more information, click on the link to the right...!) We had home-made pork, chicken and pistachio terrine (very nice, but very crumbly. It didn't so much slice as fall apart), chicken basque (VERY nice. I shall be making that again) and a myrtille tart. But I didn't make that. Why bake when the boulangerie can do it much better than me?!
And finally, today I should be at an ILS Staff get together, but yesterday the car decided to stop working. As I was driving along quite happily, on my way to give a lesson, the car engine cut out and refused to restart. We are waiting to hear what the problem is. Steve & Mr D drove down in the Custard Rocket* to pick me up, which was very kind of Steve, as it's a good 75 km each way. We should find out on Monday what the damage is, car-wise, but it was somewhat inconvenient that it happened so far from home. Luckily we should be able to borrow a car for Monday, so I can work.
So, there you are. Up to date on not much news.
*The Custard Rocket: a yellow BMW -Something, which accelerates quite a lot faster than I feel comfortable with, making quite a lot of noise while it does it.