Whirling socially

 Turn up the volume

Yesterday all was calm on the social front if somewhat blustery weatherwise. A bearable temperature, even slightly chill in the wind. So what better than to take ourselves up the slopes behind Beaumes into the hidden valley between Durban and Lafare. As we drove up, a huge hare leapt from the verge and careered in front us before disappearing into the vines. The usual kites spiralled above, swifts dive bombed, cicadas vuvuzelad.

It was really lovely, views terrific, nobody else there. 

“when we grow up we are going to be Muscat de Beaumes de Venise”

We descended to Vacqueyras for a drink at the usual café under the planes then came home for an afternoon at the Tour. Too windy to eat on the terrace.

Then…tah dah, the weekend socialising began. 5 o’clock we were expected at the Danes for apéro with Kaisers and (hopefully) Roberts. The latter were en route on a marathon road trip from Calais to Sablet in a single stretch! I doubted we’d see them but, oh me of little faith, bless them they turned up before 7! Chapeau🤗.

Today we were planning a lazy day prior to going to our next door neighbours for another apéro. But as we were coming home from a key cutting excursion in Vaison we were hailed by the new neighbour across the road bearing a jar of apricot and lavender jam! We invited her in for a chat and this just went on and on followed by a visit across the road to look at her artwork. Very interesting, but exhausting for me having to translate arty terminology between her and Adrian. I needed a cup of tea!

Then tomorrow it’s the Book Fair…

It is day three of a fierce mistral that has been keeping the heat at bay but that makes sitting out to eat virtually impossible. We were driven indoors at Dorte and Søren last night and didn’t risk lunch on our terrace today. Nice tucked in behind the chimney for a few minutes however. I don’t mind being inside because it’s so bright up top anyway with the windows open.

Le Tour today once more took us along familiar roads dead straight up through the Landes via the Garonne to Libourne. Many a famous ruined château that we’ve passed by and stayed near and even a distant shot of Château Yquem.