I'm back!

I came back to France this time determined to maintain the blog from time to time so here we go.

We started off spending a week with friends visiting us from England. We tried to warn them that the weather wasn't up to the usual South of France standard but I don't think they quite believed us. Fortunately we had clothes to lend them.............

Fredi and Seb suitably attired for the South of France

Of course we still got out and about and had a lovely time in spite of the weather,

Better weather for the cherry festival

 but saperlipopette  was it cold! (that's my latest and favourite French word, from the local newspaper and translates as Zounds or Struth)
Since they went back last Thursday we've been to dinner with Marie-Renee and Michel, our friends from Pennautier, and at the weekend visited two gardens taking part in the national Open Gardens Day. One was in the grounds of an old water-driven forge near Montolieu, the book village (like Hay-on-Wye)

and the other was the restored gardens of the Abbey of Fontfroide. It was actually sunny for the latter, this being Sunday, and not only were the gardens lovely, but there was a quintet playing classical music under the trees.  My customary detailed examination of the local papers (!) meant that we were able to time our visit to include one of their performances.

Quartet Dolmitia +1

Jon was more interested in the design of these chairs with seats and backs made from sprung steel.  When you sit on them they give and are almost bouncy. Amazingly comfortable.

This week we have started to follow up on our constant feeling that the house is over-large and the village not the most lively.  So we have approached two estate agents to request valuations.  We need to know how much we are going to lose by selling, and this is just part of trying to make things easier for the boys if we still own property out here when we die!  Cheerful subject? 

To be continued.................................

Springy seat