Cicéron sunset

There was a wine and food truck event at the Domaine de Cicéron this evening, with music. After a boiling hot day it seemed like a good chance to chill in company. Relatively speaking -- it was 33C when we arrived just after seven. Already all the tables under the trees, seating about 100, were taken, so a group of us ended up sitting on the grass. We bought food, and bottles of wine to share, and as our position got more uncomfortable for our old bones, A suggested relocating to another part of the garden, where there was a low wall to sit on. It also featured these statues and a sunset that couldn't be seen by the smart set sitting at the tables. It was definitely a posher event than we are used to.

I'd started the day with a swim -- the heat hit me like a blow when I stepped out of the door, and the water was refreshing despite being 27C. When I got back, we packed up and set off for a picnic, with a detour to Lagrasse to see the marché des potiers. It was much smaller than usual, only half a dozen stalls, so it didn't take us long. Even in the short time we were there, we had to have an ice cream and a cold drink to soothe our steaming bodies. Unusually, I didn't buy anything, but I did really like the jugs in the extra. I just couldn't justify buying yet another jug for 50 euros.

 We took our picnic to the river in Ribaute. The water was rather murky and full of weed. Having already had a swim, I didn't indulge, but S did along with a dozen or so other people. Even in the shade it was outrageously hot, and after lunch and a short siesta we beat a retreat at 3 o'clock. When we got back to the car, the temperature read 50C. S started the engine, shut the doors, and we lurked in the shade for a few minutes waiting until we could sit on the seats and touch the steering wheel. Once home, we skulked indoors until it was time to go out again. More of this predicted for the next few days. But at least we are spared (so far) the horrific fires happening elsewhere.