Measuring the Universe.

This evening we took a phone call from our friends Rod and Gilla Heath in the south of France. We are flying down to see them next weekend and they called to ask if we could bring an electric blanket with us (King size). They have looked all over the place down there and the French either do not have electric blankets, or they are not available that far south.

The weather there sounds lovely: clear frosty nights and warm days so that you can eat out of doors at lunchtime.

On Saturday night they have arranged for us to spend an evening at the local observatory learning how to measure the universe. The Observatory looks terrific and you can learn about it at http://www.centre-astro.fr/ The evening will be entirely in French which will be an interesting test for Catherine and me.

On Sunday, they have invited six of their new French friends round for lunch. This includes a judge and his wife and the local builder and his wife. None of these people speak English, either.

We are really looking forward to the trip. It will be interesting to hear how ordinary French citizens view the world today. I wonder if the slight national disagreement over Iraq will come up?