Just in case you’re thinking there has been a sudden shift in the time-space continuum, there hasn’t. I am writing today’s blog earlier than usual only because we have the second of Denis’ birthday fêtes today. It’s a family one this time with a few close friends added. D had hoped to do the whole barbecue thing over at his house but due to the non-stop pluie, I suggested it would be better to use our courtyard and the shelter of the remis. I only hope that the weather behaves itself for a while as the gazebo D’s brother Thierry has lent him seems to missing the instructions – we gave up after half an hour.
As I said, it’s been raining. Forget cats and dogs, I think the Ark has parked up in the back garden. Conversations at the épicerie no longer contain the phrase “it’s good for the garden”, talk instead revolves around whether or not Macron will lift the ban on filling swimming pools – we are still in drought emergency according to the Government. Frankly, you could replenish one by removing its cover at the moment. However there is a plus to digging out your wellies and anoraks, Denis and I have had a chance to complete the potager population with various different tomato plants purchased from Abraham (at least I hope they are tomatoes as everyone knows Abraham likes to grow something that doesn’t look dissimilar), courgettes, peppers and more lettuce. All our little offsprings are now carefully bedded in under copious amounts of horse manure. Luckily for me, Cyrelle (owner of the épicerie)’s father has a horse in neighbouring Prexian and allowed us to take whatever we needed. It took us longer than usual to retrieve the treasured poop as D got lost on the way there – a habit of his I have amusingly discovered. Having finally found the ‘in the middle of nowhere’ stables, Cyrelle’s dad appeared and asked me if I liked riding. I do. Or at least I used to but it has been over 30 years since I stuck my backside onto a saddle. Before I knew it, I was being bounced around in Dad’s ancient 4×4 truck across fields to meet the equine – up close they are quite big you know. I’m hoping when the time comes, it will be like getting back on a bike and I am assured he is very gentle if a little spirited, ahem.
We managed another visit to Prexian an evening or so later in the week, aperos with some friends of ours. D got lost again and I ended up laughing so much, I had tears running down my face by the time we got to Michel and Hélène’s house. And what a fabulous place it was. Michel built the house himself and the surrounding land was full of vegetable gardens and an amazing infinity pool carved into the hillside so that when you saw the horizon, you saw Carcassonne in the distance. But if the outside was stunning, what lay beneath their home was even more so. As we entered via the garage, I noticed a gleaming Porsche Carrera nestled in between the various work trucks. How anyone could drive it around here, Lord knows, I can’t see that sort of vehicle manoeuvring around potholes and loose gravel but I did have a little sigh of envy. But it was Michel’s ‘cave’ that really stole my heart. From the table to the barstools and the wine racks beyond, the whole room was picture perfect. And so was the evening.
Alice celebrated her 6th birthday on Tuesday. I have to admit I almost forgot, not that she minded. As long as she has Arry and Sherman to torture, she’s a happy mama. And speaking of events that could slip from one’s mind, I can honestly say I will be over the moon once Wednesday arrives. I was still doing last-minute edits up until the deadline last night. Still, I can’t do anything with it now except hope you all enjoy the ride through those first couple of years. Oh, and if anyone wants signed copies by yours truly, I will happily oblige although they will be sent from here so no idea how long the post will take. At least I don’t have to rely on Denis to deliver them…
“If the road is easy, you’re likely going the wrong way” (Terry Goodkind)
Widow plus woofs 