Summer expectations

The sun has finally returned today after a week of constant rain. Although the deluge was very much needed, it did dampen the spirits somewhat – there is only so much one can do indoors. The main house is still under the care of Pauline ‘wonder walls’ artisan so sanding beams has been out of the question. I have stolen one of the floorboards though, a bar for the balcony in the making. I have no idea if it’s going to look like what it’s supposed to look like but I’ll give it a go. I’ve cut and sanded all the parts, now I have to figure out how easiest to put them all together.

Evee is still much missed especially at night as I got so used to her sleeping on my pillow but a visit to the vet on Thursday bought a bit of joy back into the pack. Alice is expecting! Yes, my secret trips to Montpelier bore fruit. Through a mutual friend, I found a wonderful Border Terrier breeder who was happy to provide the stud. Naturally Aude (stud mum) fell in love with Alice and over a couple of days, the deed was done. I have to admit it was somewhat overwhelming seeing the scan for the first time, four tiny pockets with pups tucked in. Tony had always wanted Alice to have a litter so I made a promise to myself that I would do just that. Now we just have to let her get on with her pregnancy and try not to keep blowing raspberries and cooing on her belly.

As the weather was so awful, shopping seemed the only escape from boredom so Mumo and I went off to the garden centre to buy various plants and tomatoes. I say this because Mumo bought at least 5 different types of tomato plants and would have kept going back for more if I hadn’t distracted her by moving her gaze towards the herb section. She likes tomatoes. I did manage to find a nice little rose for Evee called a fairy rose which seemed fitting. Planting it was a bit of a nervous experience, I really didn’t want to suddenly dig in the wrong place if you get my drift. Most of the shopping cart is now embedded in the Rouffiac soil except for those to go along the verge. For some reason, I feel Denis wouldn’t be happy if I messed with his landscaping there so they can wait for his expertise. It might be our garden but he is definitely the boss.

With the Mayor’s almost thumbs up for the pool (just a form to sign), the carport is now full of pumps and other bits of necessary construction. Thankfully I took Roy, our project manager with me, my maths in any language being beyond help, although we both knew how to say ‘there’s no way that’s going to fit in the car’. The lovely but somewhat dim salesperson assumed that a 5 foot square filtration system would go in the back of Roy’s already stuffed hatchback. We promised to return on Monday for it, still no idea about how to get it home. Thank God we didn’t go for a prefabricated piscine!

Finally just a note to say thank you for all the messages and virtual hugs for our Evee’s passing. She was such a huge character in that little fat body and there is a big hole left back here in our hearts. But I’m sure we will have our hands and paws full come early June …..

“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello” (Paulo Coelho)