Turning around

So we've been having a more mellow time lately. I've been indexing the book, Mac and Sidney have been homeschooling but we've also been spending weekends with local folks. These include Veronique an FLS (ESL) teacher in Perpignan who is an activist that spends the weekend at a farmhouse near the village - with her partner, their son, 7 horses, 2 dogs and 14 cats. Superbon fun. Last weekend we went to an Occupy meeting in Perpignan, then to a dinner at a squatted school where 4 families are living, and then the next day to a protest around Palestinian human rights. Then we drove up to the village and hung out for the next couple of days at the farmhouse, with Vero and her crew, a young Palestinian visitor and Alex and Marina. Alex is Veronique's nephew - an artist and he is here with his love, a Spanish woman Marina - also an artist who has two kids in the village. It was Marina who cut Mac's hair really short.

We had an amazing visit with Meredith and Jamie, old friends from NYC. We took full advantage of their car, went to Elne and played on the beach, drove to Spain for dinner and hiked to the top of nearby mountains. They also helped host a party for neighbours, where Meredith brought out her cool,  plastic trombone - much to the delight of all! 
Anyhoo.. here are some photos.

Sid riding le cheval de Frank et Veronique

Meredith with cheese nose

Nearby Canigou is covered in snow. glorious in the mornings!

Robin Hood practice

Veros kitchen

The boys (with Jamie from NYC) in Elne