We awoke yesterday to particularly unpleasant weather, but we had to get up early and brave the snow being driven into our faces on the icy wind and the slippy conditions underfoot. I emptied the dogs and then we set off for the market as we were down to onions, shrivelled potatoes and half a leek. We knew we’d have to go early or, as Kevin Too said, they’d have packed up and gone home. The market, fortunately, turned out to be indoors and consisted entirely of produce, with fabulous vegetable stalls – amazingly the first decent market we’ve come across (except Metz, but that’s permanent and doesn’t count), all the others, contrary to my expectations, have been pretty manky and rather dismal affairs.

We returned to the boat laden with wonderful veggies, cold meats, pates, fish and meat (although we resisted the oysters – they do love them here).

No messing about, I dumped the perishables in the fridge whilst G cleared the car of snow and we set off to Lidl for dairy, cat food, beer and wine and home again before the witching hour of 12.00! Unheard of. I even had time to muck out and clean the fridge and root out those UMOs (Unidentified Mouldering Objects), whilst G made lunch, and walk the dogs again and still be in time to watch the world bowls semi-finals – a sport we were both passionate about when we were static landlubbers.

Now I have a confession to make. We are moored opposite the station and at the station is a big ‘M’ sign, so we had a McDonald’s for supper. It must be at least 4 years since I’ve had one and the French version is identical to those I remember – the menu board looks a tad different though and, ‘to go’ is replaced by, ‘emporter’. The chips were nice and so was not having to cook or wash-up.

G was making Yorkshire pud to go with the lovely beef tournedos that we bought at the market when a lady knocked to say she was putting the water on for an hour. That was nice and so was the fact that I understood what she said (for once). So we’re full of water and delicious provisions and the weather can do what it likes now, providing we can get through the stoppage and pick up the No Problems at Vitry on the 9th February, but we can always get them by car.

Pack your thermals and winceyette’s Sue and Vic. Can’t wait to see you