I decided to break up the routine a little and went for a picnic for lunch. I took some cheese, jamon, a baguette, cherry tomatoes, a small avocado, clementine, cookies and wine and walked over to the Jardin Raymond VI to have lunch. I took a nice, small towel that Phil Le had given me from On to sit on. It was a beautiful day and a perfect place to have a quiet lunch, read and watch people.

When walking back, I passed by the La Grave which is an old hospital but also a health clinic now and saw they were growing vegetables, herbs and grapes in the garden. Not sure what they do with them but there are growing.

In the evening I did my standard Friday activities with going to La Reserve for my Aperol Spritzes and Le Panache for dinner.

When I got to La Reserve, the friendly manager, saw me and asked how I was. She knows I like the Spritizes so placed my order and brought it over. She gave it to me on the house. It really surprised me but I was grateful for the gesture. The Spritzes at happy hour are smaller and I usually order two. I ordered the second one and they gave that one to me for free as well. The other server I see usually brought it and shook my hand and welcomed me. It is nice to be known by the servers and treated so nicely. It is part of what makes my stay in Toulouse so nice.

I am always surprised that I have these experiences. I am not sure why I am treated this way but it is certainly pleasant and welcomed. I am always very grateful.

Dinner at Le Panache was good as usual. My first course again brought out to me without ordering it was ceviche with pineapple and peppers. The blend of flavors was terrific. The fish was prepared perfectly.

For my main course, I had the octopus which I really like. It is one of my standard orders there. It was served with petit pois (pea) purée this time.

After dinner, Ervim gave me a shot of new rum that they have at the restaurant. Ervim like rum and lets me try different one. This was Peruvian which I had never had before. It was sweeter and less harsh than some I have had.

There was a couple from New York in the restaurant and Ervim introduced me to them. We had a nice chat. I was pleased to learn that they were in their 80s and still traveling by themselves. I hope that I am able to be as active as they looked when I am their age. They were meeting friends who had flown over for London when they finished dinner. They had met the couple on another trip. I told them Enzo had been in New York during the snow storm and we commiserated on how bad the winter was.

All in all another fun day in Toulouse.