There was a storm last night rattling round the house and when we woke up this morning it was to the sight of another fallen tree in the garden.

This one had been blown down by the wind but the slight problem was we were flying to London for Christmas in a couple of hours.

As Cath pointed out, if it had come down a few weeks earlier we could have dragged it inside and draped it with lights and tinsel.

I didn’t want to leave it as it was so dashed out with my trusty saw and cut in into a few smaller pieces to deal with on our return.

Comment va notre blé de la Ste Barbe par rapport à l’année dernière?

Je dirais beaucoup mieux de l’année dernière.

As I’ve said before, Aix-en-Provence is even more beautiful at Christmas time.

This year is no exception.

We’ll be in the UK for Nöel this year but seeing the new year in in Aix.

Another Christmas tradition is making les biscuits des sables – shortbread biscuits. So when we visited Hanna and her two girls we – well Cath at least – helped out.

First it was rolling out the dough, then cutting it into shapes.

And we got a little bag to take home.

It is the time of year for Christmas markets so this weekend we went to two.

On Saturday it was our local one at Puyricard.

It wasn’t the best to be honest so it was with a bit of trepidation that we headed to Vaugines – former home of Peter Mayle.

This one had a bit more pizazz.

We bought some Christmas baubles and a Christmas present.

The sun may be shining but it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas en Provence.

No, not from the actual office dealing with my request to change my visa – 14 months and counting without a reply.

This was rather from Le Palais Bourbon where a vote by MPs was passed to say that long-term visas should be automatically renewed.

You can read more about it here.

Although the vote was overwhelmingly in favour it still has to pass through the Senate so I’m not holding my breath.

Cath’s niece Hanna suggested meeting up in Parc Bagatelle in the 8th arrondissement in Marseille.

She said there was a Christmas lights display that Alma and Iris wanted to see.

There were plenty of things to look at.

It wasn’t quite Lyon but les petites filles enjoyed it.

Although Alma wanted to see les champignons and l’horloge that she had seen online.

But we think they must have been from last year. So I did my best mushroom and clock impressions and we went in search of food.

The 4 December is a day of tradition en Provence – le jour de Ste Barbe – a day when you start to grow wheat at your house.

Why? Well here’s a detailed explanation from La Provence.

Last year it was explained to us at the supermarket – who provided the blé – that you grow three pots and if they grow well you will have a successful year – both health and wealth-wise.

Ours were a bit disappointing so this time we have gone all in to try and ensure good fortune next year.