It’s been a mixed week. On the plus side, Yogi Bear seems much brighter in himself – I’m not sure whether it’s the steroids or not since I still haven’t got the biopsy results back but I’m keeping everything crossed. On the minus side, having looked forward to spending time with her, I’ve somehow managed to upset my sister who is now not talking to me. Family can be very confusing along with Bear prognosis’. To add to it all, I haven’t had time to do anything book-wise which has left me with itchy fingers.
Frustrations aside, the past seven days have for the most been pluses and for me, an afternoon out with darling Denis. With Monday being a holiday here, I took him up to my younger brother Moth’s place up in the forest of Cenne-Monestiés, a forty minute drive from us. Denis had been wanting to visit the property for ages especially as it is, apparently, a prime mushroom picking area. It was also a chance for him to have a day off enjoying the stunning views and chatting all things building-wise with Moth. The commune is stunning with views across the mountainous landscape, waterfalls running into a clear river below and neighbours tucked away in hidden corners. I naturally, wore completely inadequate footwear for walking trails and jumping across riverbanks – flip flops aren’t exactly made for such activities. Still, Denis and I had a fabulous day out and left with the promise that Denis could go fungi-hunting any time he wanted. Without me I think.
After months of barely any rain, we had a decent downpour mid-week. Not exactly the storm that was promised but the garden was happy with almost an entire night of gentle pluie. Alas too late for the poor vineyards who have had to start their harvest early to save what produce they can but it was enough that I didn’t have to drag the hose out for a few days – a blessing in itself. The mornings are noticeably cooler now and that makes the woofers happy although it does mean that the pool temperature has dropped a few degrees. Not quite teeth-chattering but one gets used to the soupy bliss of 30+ to swim in.
There was cause for a celebration yesterday too as Katie, my niece, finally finished her own tap tapping for her Phd thesis on the subject of ‘RNA Nanotechnology’. No, I don’t understand it either but I do know it involves fiddling around with DNA, computer software and a few hazardous chemicals dotted around her lab. To say our Kate is a genius is an understatement, I’m just hoping her Nobel Peace Prize doesn’t clash with me publishing The Book – mind you neither of us like the limelight so will both probably seek refuge in Rouffiac. The woofers and I will miss her dreadfully as she heads off today, Yogi in particular. I’m sure she’ll miss sleeping in a bed with a Bear and several other hairy beasts, at least I’ve been able to sleep soundly without the snuffles and snores of my less than loyal flatmates.
With the last week of August approaching and family going back to their respective homes across the seas, our busy summer is slowly coming to an end. As much as I look forward to having my siblings and their tribes descend on us, I do tend to be forgotten about when it comes to get-togethers. Perhaps my new found life in this quiet little village isn’t exactly riveting conversation, just a widow and her woofers with a mild obsession for pools and plantings. I may live a simpler life but here, it’s one amongst friends and my Mum’s just next door……
“the monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind” (Albert Einstein)
Widow plus woofs 