This time, it's sticking...
28 February 2018
27 February 2018
Our Cold Wave
Our cold wave (no it's not an unfriendly gesture; it just feels that way) is at the top of all our news this week.
Today is the coldest day of Winter (so far?), the likes of which haven't been seen since 2005!
At least today is sunny! Tomorrow is a different story - while slightly warmer, the forecast is for snow and sleet :-(
A quick look in the pantry, and a short discussion later, we decided that grocery shopping could definitely wait!
~~~
UPDATE: The official low temperature recorded in Sète Tuesday morning was -5.6°C (22°F)!
(So, still not as cold as Iowa, but there, I had the coat for it!)
Today is the coldest day of Winter (so far?), the likes of which haven't been seen since 2005!
 |
| Fahrenheit - below freezing |
 |
| Celsius - below freezing |
At least today is sunny! Tomorrow is a different story - while slightly warmer, the forecast is for snow and sleet :-(
A quick look in the pantry, and a short discussion later, we decided that grocery shopping could definitely wait!
~~~
UPDATE: The official low temperature recorded in Sète Tuesday morning was -5.6°C (22°F)!
(So, still not as cold as Iowa, but there, I had the coat for it!)
25 February 2018
Chicken Pesto Pizza
Chicken Pesto Pizza! Tonight's dinner...
Remove rack from oven, preheat to 210°C
Unroll 1 Herta pizza dough (fine, rectangulaire, maxi format) onto an oven rack, keeping the paper attached underneath.
Spread toppings:
pesto sauce
cheese sauce
cooked lardons/allumettes
cooked onion
garlic powder
cooked chicken
chopped mushrooms
chopped fresh spinach
grated compte cheese
chopped fresh mozzarella
Cook ~20 minutes, perhaps rotating mid-way through for even browning. Make sure a pan is below for drips.
Makes 16 pieces, 3-4 pieces per serving - 4+ servings.
--- alternatives
tomato sauce
curry, tikka masala sauce
green/red chile powder
chipotle, ginger
pineapple
broccoli
olives
tapenade
shrimp
sausage (merguez)
ham (blanc)
ground beef
Remove rack from oven, preheat to 210°C
Unroll 1 Herta pizza dough (fine, rectangulaire, maxi format) onto an oven rack, keeping the paper attached underneath.
Spread toppings:
pesto sauce
cheese sauce
cooked lardons/allumettes
cooked onion
garlic powder
cooked chicken
chopped mushrooms
chopped fresh spinach
grated compte cheese
chopped fresh mozzarella
Cook ~20 minutes, perhaps rotating mid-way through for even browning. Make sure a pan is below for drips.
Makes 16 pieces, 3-4 pieces per serving - 4+ servings.
--- alternatives
tomato sauce
curry, tikka masala sauce
green/red chile powder
chipotle, ginger
pineapple
broccoli
olives
tapenade
shrimp
sausage (merguez)
ham (blanc)
ground beef
23 February 2018
Le Commissariat (Police Station)
Le Commissariat (Police Station)
As part of my request for a ten-year residence card, we expected the police to make a surprise visit to our house. Well, sure enough, when I was out hiking yesterday, they dropped by! Fortunately, Rick had decided to skip this hike, so he was there to let them in, and to answer whatever questions they had.
They looked around the living room, bedroom, closets, and bathroom for evidence that we lived here together. They even saw my breakfast dishes in the sink, and laundry drying on the rack (sigh). I guess I was lucky that cleaning day was just a couple of days ago :-\
They gave us an appointment for this morning (yes, the next day!) to come in to the police station, and a list of documents to bring. We had all but one in our permanent, keep-it-up-to-date dossier. This new one was a written statement (and copy of ID) from a friend or neighbor who could attest that we lived as and where we said. Well, it's difficult to actually get to know your neighbors in an apartment building that is approximately half full of vacation homes. But, one neighbor had happily helped us before, and so we asked again - no problem! In fact, she even knew the person we were being interviewed by, and her boss (who she offered to call to help smooth the way for us)!
This morning, we just made the bus, and got to the Commissariat (police station). I checked us in, and the receptionist said "oh, you're early!" I said "yes" (a bit sheepishly, as it was nearly an entire half hour early). Well, no problem - as at the Mayor's office, they didn't wait for the appointment time; we started our interview just a few minutes after we got there.
Our interviewer was very nice. We went through the documents on our list, she clarified with questions, and put a bunch of info in the computer. She asked just a little bit about us - how long had we been here, had we been in France before, what sort of connection did we still have with the US, what was our religion, what was my career and when did I retire, and what associations and activities did I (we) participate in (she even joked a bit about my hiking club, since she knew that's where I had been yesterday). At the end, she said that her part of my application would go to the préfecture next week, and to not worry about it. Usually, people whose request is denied are 1) recently married, 2) have a big age gap, or 3) come from certain countries (we didn't ask which, and she didn't elaborate).
I don't really know what will happen next, and when - this is now in uncharted territory, since I haven't heard stories from any recent sétois...
As part of my request for a ten-year residence card, we expected the police to make a surprise visit to our house. Well, sure enough, when I was out hiking yesterday, they dropped by! Fortunately, Rick had decided to skip this hike, so he was there to let them in, and to answer whatever questions they had.
They looked around the living room, bedroom, closets, and bathroom for evidence that we lived here together. They even saw my breakfast dishes in the sink, and laundry drying on the rack (sigh). I guess I was lucky that cleaning day was just a couple of days ago :-\
They gave us an appointment for this morning (yes, the next day!) to come in to the police station, and a list of documents to bring. We had all but one in our permanent, keep-it-up-to-date dossier. This new one was a written statement (and copy of ID) from a friend or neighbor who could attest that we lived as and where we said. Well, it's difficult to actually get to know your neighbors in an apartment building that is approximately half full of vacation homes. But, one neighbor had happily helped us before, and so we asked again - no problem! In fact, she even knew the person we were being interviewed by, and her boss (who she offered to call to help smooth the way for us)!
This morning, we just made the bus, and got to the Commissariat (police station). I checked us in, and the receptionist said "oh, you're early!" I said "yes" (a bit sheepishly, as it was nearly an entire half hour early). Well, no problem - as at the Mayor's office, they didn't wait for the appointment time; we started our interview just a few minutes after we got there.
Our interviewer was very nice. We went through the documents on our list, she clarified with questions, and put a bunch of info in the computer. She asked just a little bit about us - how long had we been here, had we been in France before, what sort of connection did we still have with the US, what was our religion, what was my career and when did I retire, and what associations and activities did I (we) participate in (she even joked a bit about my hiking club, since she knew that's where I had been yesterday). At the end, she said that her part of my application would go to the préfecture next week, and to not worry about it. Usually, people whose request is denied are 1) recently married, 2) have a big age gap, or 3) come from certain countries (we didn't ask which, and she didn't elaborate).
I don't really know what will happen next, and when - this is now in uncharted territory, since I haven't heard stories from any recent sétois...
22 February 2018
Ensérune Hike
We went inland to hike today, to the Oppidum d'Ensérune. According to our hike leader, it is a hike of "8.5 km – 2-1/2 hours, starting at 24m altitude, rising to 96m, for a total rise in terrain of 137m."
And
"This walk takes us around one of the oldest, most strategic places of the Roman Empire in our region – l’Oppidum d’Enserune."
While we didn't visit the archeological area, we had a nice easy hike around the hilltop surrounded by vines and fields
~~~
Where we were (including the café for hot chocolate after)
Note: inland even just this little bit was significantly colder, windier, and cloudier than our beloved Sète...
And
"This walk takes us around one of the oldest, most strategic places of the Roman Empire in our region – l’Oppidum d’Enserune."
While we didn't visit the archeological area, we had a nice easy hike around the hilltop surrounded by vines and fields
 |
| Fields radiating from Lake Montady |
 |
| Vines and wildflowers |
 |
| Our Route to... |
 |
| More Wildflowers |
 |
| Hilltop View |
 |
| Almond Blossoms |
 |
| Almond Blossoms (and Cactus) |
 |
| Our Lunch Spot (Wind Breaks!) |
 |
| Passon Michel - Our Crossing the Canal du Midi |
~~~
Where we were (including the café for hot chocolate after)
Note: inland even just this little bit was significantly colder, windier, and cloudier than our beloved Sète...
19 February 2018
Planning or Doing
When something keeps you from "doing," what do you do? Plan!
February in Sète has it's ups and downs - it's been colder than normal, and various health issues have kept me from venturing very far. Tucked up at home, I've been plotting out a few events.
The "Escale à Sète" is coming up! Every 2 years, Sète hosts a festival of ships - the focus is on sailing ships from the 1700's, and there are a number of quai-side shows that keep with the theme. This year, it runs from March 27 to April 2.
We arranged it so that on March 27, we'll be out on a boat in The Mediterranean when the big ships parade in to port! I can't wait to be surrounded by all those many-masted ships, all at full sail. The next day, I'll be on the deck of l'Hermione, pretending I'm with Lafayette during the American Revolution. From noon till 2, there will be a re-enactment of a naval battle along the quais. Then Thursday, I'll visit five other ships, also along the quais. Friday morning (9-11), there will be a flotilla of boats parading around the canals. Saturday is for.... (Yep, they're always on) the Joutes! The water jousters parade in centre-ville at 11, and the the tournament goes all afternoon (1-6). Sunday afternoon has another flotilla (3-5:30), and everything wraps up Monday, April 2, when the ships depart (4-7). We'll be out amongst them again, waving goodbye!
More plans? Beyond March/April?
You know it - we're headed to Portugal later; first Lisbon, meeting up with friends to explore, then on to Porto.
And! The big news for us! We'll visit the states (after a year and a half away!), catching up with friends and family - there's a new in-law in the works, and new babies to see! Then! My parents are coming back with us!!!!
We've got most of it already arranged - fly in to Barcelona, sightsee (and recover from jet lag) a few days, spend a few weeks exploring around home, then up to Paris for a taste before seeing them off.
So, yeah, we've been busy, just sacked out at home.
~~~
Websites for more info:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_frigate_Hermione_(1779)
Watch the video here to see the Hermione https://www.hermione.com/voyage/voyage-2018/
February in Sète has it's ups and downs - it's been colder than normal, and various health issues have kept me from venturing very far. Tucked up at home, I've been plotting out a few events.
The "Escale à Sète" is coming up! Every 2 years, Sète hosts a festival of ships - the focus is on sailing ships from the 1700's, and there are a number of quai-side shows that keep with the theme. This year, it runs from March 27 to April 2.
 |
| L'Hermione (https://goo.gl/images/pxLrvh) |
We arranged it so that on March 27, we'll be out on a boat in The Mediterranean when the big ships parade in to port! I can't wait to be surrounded by all those many-masted ships, all at full sail. The next day, I'll be on the deck of l'Hermione, pretending I'm with Lafayette during the American Revolution. From noon till 2, there will be a re-enactment of a naval battle along the quais. Then Thursday, I'll visit five other ships, also along the quais. Friday morning (9-11), there will be a flotilla of boats parading around the canals. Saturday is for.... (Yep, they're always on) the Joutes! The water jousters parade in centre-ville at 11, and the the tournament goes all afternoon (1-6). Sunday afternoon has another flotilla (3-5:30), and everything wraps up Monday, April 2, when the ships depart (4-7). We'll be out amongst them again, waving goodbye!
More plans? Beyond March/April?
You know it - we're headed to Portugal later; first Lisbon, meeting up with friends to explore, then on to Porto.
And! The big news for us! We'll visit the states (after a year and a half away!), catching up with friends and family - there's a new in-law in the works, and new babies to see! Then! My parents are coming back with us!!!!
We've got most of it already arranged - fly in to Barcelona, sightsee (and recover from jet lag) a few days, spend a few weeks exploring around home, then up to Paris for a taste before seeing them off.
So, yeah, we've been busy, just sacked out at home.
~~~
Websites for more info:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_frigate_Hermione_(1779)
Watch the video here to see the Hermione https://www.hermione.com/voyage/voyage-2018/
16 February 2018
11 February 2018
Smoke On the Water
Smoke On the Water? Mist rising? It's certainly an interesting illusion!
 |
| Reflections |
05 February 2018
The Mairie - Residence Appointment
The Mairie - Residence Appointment
This was actually a little surprise addition to my path to long-term residence.
27 January: I received an appointment letter from my mayor's office. My appointment for my 10-year card is in a week; I have to bring (original and copy):
- the appointment letter
- my current residence card (that is my visa and vignette in my passport) and récépissé (receipt showing that I applied for a new one)
- livret de famille
- my last French tax statement (if I had one; I don't)
- passport
And just to be safe, all the documents from my visit to the préfecture, plus 2 years of USA taxes, and my entire file of anything that I had ever been asked for...
5 February: we (yep, made sure we were *both* there) got to the mairie waaaay early, and anticipated waiting a long time. But, they weren't too busy, and so they took us! I gave them the documents they asked for, we both had a little brain fart about the date (year!) that we got here - that worked out ok, and I volunteered my DELF attestation (language test certificate) when she mentioned French competency. She said the commissariat (police) would contact us for a visit, and that the préfecture would contact me about the card - probably late - and I should go for a new récépissé about a week before mine expires. This is important information, since it expires right before a planned trip, and the récépissé allows that :-\
It was extremely quick - we were walking out the door *well before* my appointment time!
This was actually a little surprise addition to my path to long-term residence.
27 January: I received an appointment letter from my mayor's office. My appointment for my 10-year card is in a week; I have to bring (original and copy):
- the appointment letter
- my current residence card (that is my visa and vignette in my passport) and récépissé (receipt showing that I applied for a new one)
- livret de famille
- my last French tax statement (if I had one; I don't)
- passport
And just to be safe, all the documents from my visit to the préfecture, plus 2 years of USA taxes, and my entire file of anything that I had ever been asked for...
5 February: we (yep, made sure we were *both* there) got to the mairie waaaay early, and anticipated waiting a long time. But, they weren't too busy, and so they took us! I gave them the documents they asked for, we both had a little brain fart about the date (year!) that we got here - that worked out ok, and I volunteered my DELF attestation (language test certificate) when she mentioned French competency. She said the commissariat (police) would contact us for a visit, and that the préfecture would contact me about the card - probably late - and I should go for a new récépissé about a week before mine expires. This is important information, since it expires right before a planned trip, and the récépissé allows that :-\
It was extremely quick - we were walking out the door *well before* my appointment time!
02 February 2018
La Chandeleur - Crêpe Day!
Last year at this time, we had just arrived - crêpes were not high on our list of things to do!
That was then; this is now - we had crêpes!
Dinner was a combination of savoury:
- chicken and green beans with cheese sauce
- ham and cheese
- chicken pesto
And... Dessert!
- apple pie filling
- chocolate pecan Grand Marnier
That was then; this is now - we had crêpes!
Dinner was a combination of savoury:
- chicken and green beans with cheese sauce
- ham and cheese
- chicken pesto
And... Dessert!
- apple pie filling
- chocolate pecan Grand Marnier
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