Rosco's Visit

It’s been 10 days since I last dropped in for some chat, and in that time, I’ve been to Hannchen’s birthday party; Rosco has been and gone; Lee & Conrad have been and gone; and Karen & Paddy have been and gone. It was a bit of a crazy weekend with everyone all seemingly back in Pau for one last hurrah. My idyllic life here feels too good to be true and I just know that something is going to (needs to) come along and tip my whole world upside down again. As the weather heats up, I cannot help but feel nostalgic for my five years here. And I’ve not even left yet. Bloody hell, the uncertainty of life on the road can be hard sometimes.

Hannchen had a birthday morning tea at Beanz and it felt like the entire foreigner rugby gang was there. Add to that Lee and Conrad randomly showing up, and Karen and Paddy also rocking up, and it just felt like all roads lead to this beautiful wee town in SW France. My glamorous morning was short-lived, however, as I needed to get home and prep for Ross’ arrival. I even tried my hand at a new version of my cheesecake: salted caramel butter! Perhaps needs a bit more flavouring through the cheese layer but it was a real break from the norm and deffo something I’d make again. Especially as I managed to knock it together in about 20mins.

So, Ross’ visit. It was just bloody awesome to see him. Iain collected him from Toulouse on Friday afternoon and we did dinner at home with plenty of beers and wine on the side. They headed out for a wander around town and rolled in the door at about 11pm. They’re not 20somethings anymore!

On Saturday morning, I took William to tennis, then on a mega hunt for new trainers and summer walking shoes. It was a mission, but we got there. Not without some tears, but we got there. And to celebrate, we had a sushi lunch.

Meanwhile, the two men-children had surfaced and managed to get themselves, by bike, to Nay! By all accounts, they had a really amazing day out, truly immersed in rural France and doing it by bike just added to the authenticity of the whole experience. In the evening, we had a few of the old crew around for apero and it was just great to catch up with good friends: Lee & Conrad, Karen & Paddy, Sophie & Andy, and of course Rosco. A much tamer affair than the Friday for the boys.

On Sunday, we indulged Ross in that french of French pursuits: the long Sunday lunch. And of course it was carried out at Brasserie Royale, in the shade of the trees whilst the temps soared to 31*C. I love Pau. Cue the Aperol Sprtiz and Irish coffees! It's still weird doing that without Fish tbh. Post lunch, William and I had a bit of a wander and a play whilst the two big boys went to the Galway for more drinks. I clearly didn’t realise the pace at which they were knocking them back as, when they arrived home at 7.45pm, Ross unable to speak, I couldn’t believe the nick they’d ended up in! What a riot - they absolutely kicked the arse out of their weekend together.

We all took William to school on Monday morning and headed out for a huge walk to help square the pair of them up. The heatwave continues this week but thankfully, the mornings are still cool with it only about 22*C by the time we’re home at around 10am.

Then, this has been an unusual week with Iain away to Ireland for a couple of days and me back to holding the fort on my own again. I drove him to Biarritz yesterday and need to go and collect him again tomorrow which is a bit annoying but it’s likely cheaper than paying for parking for three days. In his absence, and just in general this week, I’ve been working hard at sorting lots of home admin. Finally, I feel on top of the Health Insurance stuff and my to-do list is (dare I say it?) shortening. Getting the heating system done is still niggly and it’s testing my patience. I’ll get there.

Finally, I’m writing this from outside the swimming pool. William’ is really coming on and spent a large part of last week working on his breast stroke. He’s so much better on his back now too. He's just loving going each week. God, he’s getting so grown up.

Right, I’m offski. Need some shade from this crazy heat!

Lorna.