The day was spent trying to get warmer, lighting fires with WD40 (must get some diesel), having showers at Brians and trying to get my sinks to empty because all the pipes are frozen. Grr. Not fun but quite rustic and interesting, in a masochistic kind of way.

Christophe rang in the afternoon and we went to Traxx. He's back in Limoges because he's been ill (poor poppet) so was thrilled to see me - although not as much as I was him. He is a tough cookie to break - but I'm working on it. I took him his Christmas present (an official UK firefighters calendar) which went down well with him and his mother! Coincidentally enough, just as I was lighting my fires earlier in the day with the aid of various flammable substances, the St Mathieu pompiers called round collecting money for their Christmas calendar thing, although it really isn't the same. As a bonus, though, they'd clearly figured I was faggoty and sent two of the youngest ones in tight-fitting Sapeurs Pompier teeshirts, so I still felt wanted. I'm reassured that they now know where I live, just in case I have a fire. I gave them 100F as well so if I do have to call Urgence they can look in their little book and see I'm generous and come quickly.

Traxx wasn't really very busy. It seems to have fallen apart since I've been away (the two occurences not being related, unfortunately) as Laurent has been on holiday and grumpy William holding the fort and driving away the customers. Oh well. Tophe was wearing arse-hugging jeans and no pants, and I had a good ferret around inside when I got bored and frisky. Still no snogging though, but he does have glandular fever so I should count my blessings. I have yet to discover what he thinks of me.