Back from Aquitaine

Thursday

Brexit seems to me to be the choice, by and large, of the stupid or the political self-seeking.  I'm finding waiting for the referendum result almost more than I can bear.  At least we're doing so in pleasant and welcoming surroundings, at Annie's in the Gironde.  We motored up this morning in a record three hours and five minutes from door to door.  

The reason for the trip was to bring Annie our TV set, since the Sky satellite footprint no longer covers us with enough strength to be read in Lagrasse by our smallish dish.  (We actually find that we don't miss it since we can get French TV on the iPad if need be, as well, of course, as Radio 4.)  Annie was also a bit short of comfortable chairs, so we have re-homed a couple of Cintique chairs, bought second-hand by the parents back in the 1950s or 60s, and reupholstered in bomb-proof uncut moquette.   We still have another four more recent Cintiques, but the oldest ones are the best of the bunch since they have a bit of upholstery on the arms.  

Friday

I'm not too proud to say that I spent much of the day close to, and sometimes in, tears.  The crushing stupidity of so many 'leave' voters and of their complete inability to divorce their bigotry from real EU issues is one of the perils of democracy,  I suppose, and I have been finding it almost unbearably frustrating.  I grant you, there are 'leave' voters who have come to the decision for reasons that satisfy their logic, and I guess that's a reason to value democracy.  What I cannot forgive is the band of demagogic, opportunist politicians who are dragging us back to 1933 Germany.

An evening with lovely and hospitable friends of Annie's helped to restore the equilibrium, even if the hospitality somewhat ruled out a good night's sleep!  

Saturday

Doubtful weather forecast, but we headed out from Annie's on minor roads this morning, taking a look on the way at the much fortified Lectoure, then Fleurance and the fine market hall in Cologne [sic].  We hadn't visited the Gers much, if at all, and were impressed by the huge horizons and rich architecture, agriculture and the efforts that the Communes make to add elegant floral colour to the roadside.  Lagrasse: please note. 
We paused to buy sandwiches at a Lidl close to the spot near Toulouse airport where we sometimes pause for an alfresco lunch.  Well, the Lidl clientèle ahead of of us was seriously drugged, the sandwiches were mediocre and indigestible, and the crisps over-salted. 

That said, we made it safely home, and have since patrolled the village, gathering up a poster to stick in the window, not to mention a couple of millefeuilles for pudding.
So I suppose a degree of civilisation persists.  But I'm still glad I'm old.