Monday 4 March 2013

The week that just flew by.

We did worry it might snow all week
We are so pleased we made the decision to go to Caunes for a week before my next chemo session. We were worried about the snow forecast, about whether the house would take ages to warm up after 6 months of being locked up, whether my low immunity would cause any problems and whether the journey would just be too much for me.

There were no problems.... even though the flight was rerouted and we had to land in Perpignan instead of Carcassonne due to poor visibility and ferocious winds. The infamous Ryanair came up with the goods yet again, and we stepped off the plane, straight onto a coach which took us back to Carcassonne to our awaiting taxi.

The house was very warm... a friend had put the heating on a couple of days earlier....everything worked, and the freezer was full.....everything was wonderful.
It was cold...but the house was warm....and so is the coat. This is me, sitting on my dad's bench...known as "Mike's bench" grinning away, so pleased to be back.
On Sunday, when we arrived, it was very cold, the wind howled and the snow arrived. On Monday, it snowed most of the day, so we stayed in, did a few “house jobs” ...well Mark did, and I supervised.
 
1st picture shows Mark, drilling ....under my instructions, to hang a new tapestry....not French, bought last week in Hebden Bridge.
On Tuesday, the sun came out. It was still cold, but just seeing those blue skies was very uplifting. We wandered around the garden, checking out the work that has been done since we were last here. Dead trees ( killed in last year’s freeze) have been removed, a pergola and new decking have been built, a new terrace at the back of the house has been started, new wide paths created in various parts of the garden  and some very serious pruning and clearing has been done.
 
 
 
On Wednesday, the weather was glorious. Blue skies, a little warmer, and bright bright sunshine. We headed off for Castelnaudary, via Saissac  and then onto Mirepoix. The Black Mountains were spectacular, and the snow which had mostly melted in Caunes, was beautiful. We stopped to look at castles, churches, war memorials, panoramic views, buzzards, for coffee and for lunch......all the things we love to do when out for a mooch around.
Memorial to war widows and orphans, Castelnaudary


Saissac


Mirepoix


On Thursday we went to the Carcassonne depot du vente and bought a corner cupboard for the living room....partly as somewhere to hide the TV’s set top boxes, but also because we liked it and thought it fitted well with our other furniture.
 We also saw a pretty nouveau style bureau, that I wondered about....but left in the shop. Needless to say, we returned later....and bought that too.

On Friday, the skies were greyer, but the temperature was rising. Mark played golf, and I played with the house... made some marmalade ( no Seville oranges unfortunately...but I managed to make it a little tangy by adding more lemon), arranged various books and ornaments in and on the new pieces of furniture, read...and generally lazed around.
 
In the evening we had arranged to call in on a friend made when I was in Caunes, alone, last summer. I had gone to one of the village concerts, planning to miss the arranged meal, as I was on my own and felt a bit strange, not knowing anyone. However, when I got there, the meal hadn’t even started, and one of the organisers just put me on a table with some other English speakers. Erin was one of them ! Erin has lived in France for many years and in Caunes for the last 5 or 6. We have been in touch since I met her that evening last summer, and she has phoned and e-mailed and been very supportive through my illness. So, it was lovely to see her again, and to meet John, in her beautiful home in Caunes, where her impressive and dramatic art work adorns the walls, and her Irish American French hospitality was delightful.

During the week we ate at our favourite restaurant in the village twice...the only place open at this time of year.....and we wandered through the streets to see if anything had changed since we were last there.... it hasn’t.
Caunes
Then on Saturday, our last day, we went to Limoux, which has to be one of my favourite spots in the whole region. Whenever we go there, something is going on. I have blogged about it a couple of times in the past. This visit was just as fascinating. The Limoux Carneval was still on... it takes place every weekend from January through to the end of March. It is a very odd celebration. Our taxi driver ( we have the same on every time we go to and from the airport... so we know him pretty well by now ) told us that no one really understands it...it is as much a mystery to locals as it is to us. Last year there were priestly castrations observed, this year, nothing quite so dramatic....laughing cows, and sparkling wine drinking children, hippies, soldiers , firemen, farmers and several competing brass bands. This year we sat, in glorious sunshine, and ate lunch in the square, whilst it all went on around us.
 




Then, suddenly, our week was over. It was a huge success, and any worries we had about the trip vanished more or less as soon as we arrived. It has done us both so much good. Now, I can’t wait for my treatment to be over, so we can get back there for a few months, rather than a few days.
 

40 comments:

  1. Dear Janice - so lovely to know that your trip was such a great success and it sounds to have been a real tonic for you both in more ways than one.
    It is so nice that you have made a friend over there too, someone who knows about the situation you have been in and whom you can share things with you. Keep it up Janice, and really well done♥

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    1. Intended to say how lovely the tapestry is.

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    2. Thanks Rosemary. It was a real tonic, and seeing Erin,and a couple of other people we met last year, was great. The irises and mimosa in the photo with the tapestry were given to me by another lovely woman who lives in the village. It was just such a brilliant week.Jx

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  2. This week HAS to have done you good, Janice - it's been a real tonic for me to see your wonderful photos and feel the happiness seeping through the internet. Your house is gorgeous and the Hebden Bridge tapestry looks absolutely at home there. I am delighted for you that it's all gone so well. Not long before you can get back again for longer.

    Axxx

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    1. I wasn't 100% sure about the tapestry...but saw one in Saltaire, and was very tempted.... then saw this one in one of my favourite Hebden Bridge shops, and had to have it. I think it fits in well... strange really, an Indian tapestry along with my French chandelier, and an 18th century Yorkshire long case clock. Really hoping we can get back there at the start of May.Jxxx

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  3. I'm so pleased you had such an enjoyable week Janice. You certainly packed a lot in if your lovely photos are anything to go by.

    Your house and surroundings are just beautiful. I bet you can't wait to get back there again...very soon I hope xxxx

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    1. I am hoping to be back for a couple of months at least, by the start of May...all depends on what happens with the treatment next. Caunes is a great place, and I do know how lucky we are to have such a lovely home there. I just cant wait to take advantage of it. Jx

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  4. Super blog about your week...felt like I was there too. Bibi and Uma arrived last night...in and out until March 24th. Uma's English is unbelievable; she corrects Bibi's now and then! We're headed to Chandler for Darcy's #13 this afternoon....Uma helped me make the cake. Hang in...lots of love, Jane

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    1. Have a wonderful time with Bibi and Uma. We saw them last summer, and couldn't believe Uma's fantastic English...she really is a beautiful little girl. Spending the week in France was so good for both of us....I just hope we can get back soon. Enjoy Darcy's celebration...another teenager, my goodness, how time flies.Jx

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  5. What a lovely report on your week, Janice. The red cows are a hoot - so funny! And your house is gorgeous, especially with that beautiful new tapestry hanging there. The flowers also speak of good times and happiness. I hope all goes well with the next treatment, and you are back there in the sunshine very soon. All the best. Love P. xxx

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    1. Hi Patricia, I loved the cows too. Do you have the brand Laughing Cow cheese ? It is popular here in England...and France.....not particularly pleasant, it is a processed creamy cheese that kids seem to like. Some of the banners held by the cows in the Carneval were asking why the cows laugh ? There may have been some deep meaning behind it.....but who knows ! Jx

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  6. Hi Janice,

    Your delight at being back home in Caunes runs through every word of this post. I'm also delighted that you felt well enough to enjoy your time there and choose new funiture to decorate your home.

    Hope that this has given you the strength to cope with the next round of chemo.

    May isn't too far away.... xx

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    1. Hello Gaynor,
      It felt wonderful to be back...6 months is too long to be away, and even though it was only for a week, it felt so much like home, it did us both an amazing amount of good.
      Thanks for your good wishes.... not long to go now.
      J.x

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  7. I'm so happy and glad that your trip was most enjoyable for you....and that you got a chance to get away and visit with a good friend. The place looks wonderful and loved your photos as you took us through your post. You look gorgeous sitting on your Dad's bench....take care and I'm always thinking about you. XXOO E.

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    1. Thanks Erica, it was so good to see our French house again, and the village, and our friends who live there. It made us anxious to get back ans spend more time there. Just 2 more chemo sessions to go...so it wont be too long before we can go back. Jx

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  8. I've so enjoyed looking at your pictures -- especially those of you looking an absolute picture of health and well-being. I'm so impressed with all you managed to fit in during your short stay, even including a snow day!!! My very best wishes as you go through what we all hope will be the last treatment and here's hoping that you can get back to your beautiful French home in your beloved France...

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    1. I could easily have phoned my consultant and told her I wasn't returning for treatment, and just stayed there ! We had a wonderful time, and cant wait to get back. Thanks for your good wishes. Jx

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  9. What a wonderful trip and what joyful photos. I know that feeling of being daunted by the idea of making such a trip - it's always a good idea to be brave. Inevitably the trip ends with you being excited by the thought of the next adventure - a great feeling!

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    1. You are right. I was completely ok...and will have no such fears next time we head off...apart from anything....there are Drs in France !

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  10. Wow.... that all looks SO gorgeous..... I'm at a loss to know what to comment! If you had to top Hebden Bridge for amazing street carnivals, I think "Priestly castrations" just about does it :)
    Love the tapestry, it fits in perfectly with your decor, will be looking for one in August!
    Best wishes for the week ahead and hopefully an end to your ordeal,
    Jillx

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    1. Last year's castrations are firmly imprinted on my brain...so the tameness, despite being bizarre as ever, was a bit of a let down ! However, last year it snowed during the performances, and this year the sun shone and we could just let it all happen around us.
      Thanks for the good wishes. Jx

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  11. Great uplifting post. I love your new tapestry, it looks as if it was made for your room.

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    1. It was an uplifting trip... just cant wait for the next one now. I'm pleased with the way the tapestry fits in... I wasn't sure when I bought it..but I think it works. J

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  12. What a glorious trip, I am so pleased that everything went well. The photos are delightful, you have certainly chosen a lovely region - your French home looks fabulous, I love how you have put things together from all corners of the world, flowers, tapestry and the beautiful clock. Doing this makes a proper home.

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    1. Thanks....our home does have a mixture of styles...we certainly dont plan a particular look...we just have things we like ! Our trip worked out very well, and we cant wait to get back. J.

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  13. No wonder your week sped by, Janice! You packed an enormous amount in and it obviously did you the world of good. :-) Your house and its situation are glorious and I can quite understand why you always long to get back there. I'm sure the sunshine and wonderful blue skies must have been ab real tonic, as you look fantastic in those lovely photos.

    I now feel homesick for our little cottage, but don't know when we'll manage to get there......

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    1. It was such a good week Perpetua, and today I have just had my latest CT scan result.... No evidence of disease...... So all feels good. I look forward to hearing about a mended septic tank......and plans for a trip to France. Jx

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    2. That is wonderful news, Janice! We need to wait for dry weather to finish the septic tank, but we now know what needs doing. As for France, we can't make plans because of the uncertainty of the timing of my cataract ops, so I'll have to be patient. :-)

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  14. Janice, I can see why you love your home and Caunes so much. You, your home, the vistas and the excitement are beautiful, and I am admiring your newly hung tapestry from afar.

    I see from an above comment that the, er, cows are for Laughing Cow Cheese. We have that here and it always manages to get into gifts for college students. How fun! A carnival that no one understands, yet all seem to enjoy. I think it speaks to the idea that we all love to celebrate something, doesn't it?

    By now you are back at home. I seem to be very slow at my blog reading these days, but, not so slow that I forget to wish you well as you end your chemo treatments.

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    1. Thanks for you comments about our lovely French home.. And yes, the Carneval was great fun. I am back in England now, and have had round 5 chemo today..... And got an all clear result from a CT scan that I had a couple of days ago..... So am feeling excellent today Jx

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  15. Hi Janice,
    You did me the great compliment of looking in on my blog and making some comments. I'm pleased to have come over and read a lot of your blog. Kudos to you for your positive attitude to your illness. I'm sure that must make a huge difference to the outcome. It's really good to know that your CT scan gave an excellent result. That's wonderful.
    We know the Minervois a little, having spent several holidays there about 20 years ago, before moving to France full time. Although we really liked it, we rejected it on the grounds of perhaps being a bit too hot in the summer. More fool us - it can be really cold here in the NE Tarn-et-Garonne in the winter.
    I'm sure your recent visit will have pepped you up no end. That's what France is for!!
    All the best, Vanessa

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  16. Thanks for dropping by Vanessa. We have only had the house in Caunes for 18 months, and my illness has meant we've been away for 6 months...but we love it, and intend to spend a great deal of 2013 there...we are very happy with the spot we chose. Again, thanks for your kind words... and I will certaily be calling into your posts in the future. J.

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  17. It's lovely to read of such a positive visit - so glad you made it, and that the snow didn't put a damper on it at all! I really have to visit Limoux for the carnaval... priestly castrations???? What???? Next January, if you're in the area, I know someone who gets hold of Seville oranges from a market-stall-holder based in the Ariege!

    Thanks for your comments on my recent posts - I've been posting very little, but have enjoyed the time in the holidays to pay blogging a bit more attention!

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    1. Thanks Floss....believe me the priestly castrations were something to behold ! We really enjoyed our stay, and I am getting very excited as the prospect of returning for longer gets closer. J.

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  18. What a lovely post...my smile grew broader all the way through as you described and showed what you had been doing.

    I must show the cow photographs to the neighbours here....it will reinforce their view that all foreigners are, by definition, potty.

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    1. I did really have a wonderful time. It has been a long 6 months, and I am longing to get back to doing things I want to do....and hopefully, that is going to happen. The cows were hilarious, and I have no idea what the children with champagne flutes sticking out of their heads were supposed to be. Jx

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  19. What a wonderful lot of photos showing that little part of France...it certainly looks very exciting and beautiful. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving lovely comments.

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    1. Thanks Maria...I enjoy making new blogging friends, and love finding out about their lives...and sharing a bit of mine. J.

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    2. Hello Janice, I have posted a reply on your Florence Murch Blog from 2012. Hope you can read it, as my cousin's grandfather was Florence's son Francis William Whelen. Would love to correspond, my email address is hjmorse@hotmail.com. I am "doing" her family history at the moment, I am retired and she is still working. Regards Helen. Sorry to hear that you have been sick.

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    3. Hello Helen,
      I am incredibly excited by this news. I will be in touch properly later today. It will be amazing to find Francis and Vera's grandchild. I knew Francis went to Australia, and I tracked down his marriage to Vera May....but failed to find out much more than the names of 3 children. This is great news. Thanks for making contact. J.

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