As I was preparing breakfast for us this morning, I looked out the galley window over the River Tarn, and thought “Not a bad waterfront view!”.

During the morning, Rita went out to MusicZone with Nick Gambier (from Pomme de Mer) and picked up the amps and mikes for the Arts Expo tomorrow. As usual, we got a great deal from them. While they were out, I got started on the final stages of my “sculpture” for the Arts Expo, using materials I had got from around the house (a wooden ladder) and from Weldoms (in the form of sample pots of paint). Later in the morning, the “PeteNicks” (Pete and Nick from Zimbabwe) then set all the gear up on the verandah at la Maison and did some soundchecks. While they were doing this, I watched the AFL game between the Hawks and Port Adelaide. After a relatively even first half, the Hawks pulled away to run out 101-79 winners and retain their place at the top of the ladder.

As soon at the footy finished I jumped in the car to dash down to Toulouse to pick up Stuart and Christine who were flying in on EasyJet from Gatwick (our other Stuart had earlier today left Moissac on the train to go to Toulouse to fly out on EasyJet to Gatwick!). We chatted all the way back to Moissac and I was relieved to hear that Stuart had recovered from his recent health scare, apart from feeling somewhat weaker than usual. The good thing was that his eyes had come through with no permanent damage (which is great, given Stuart’s passion for photography).

Rehearsals continue throughout the afternoon at la Maison, and on the barge. During this time, a delivery van arrived with Kaz’s two canvas prints - only a day late, but better late than never. I just hope that mine is also just a day late and arrives before the Arts Expo opens tomorrow.

In the evening, Stuart and Christine went to dinner with us at La Paris (formerly au Bureau - same food, different brand and menu). It was nice catching up and learning that, after Stuart’s health scare, they are trying to slow down a bit (e.g. closing their business) and enjoy each day as it comes. As we stepped out of the car as we returned to the barge from la Maison, we heard the cry of “GOAL!!” from all around Moissac, and remembered that France were playing Germany in the second semi-final of EuroCup 2016. No guessing which team had scored the goal. So, on Sunday night France meets Portugal in the Final.