Blue skies and sunshine, what a wonderful sight! Windows open and the air is fresh and clean with a lovely breeze to dry the ground and blow through the house. Will there be a sting in the tale with a cold snap before the real warm weather comes? We are wary but optimistic. The garden is really coming to life with leaves coming out on the shrubs and trees almost as we watch. Birds are darting in and out of conifers, the bird box and all of their favourite nesting places. The star of the moment is daphne. Planted just outside the front door it is covered in flowers that have the most heavenly scent along the lines of lilac, hyacinth and jasmine all put together creating a waft of fragrance every time you go past. I would love somebody to create a luxurious bubble bath with this perfume!
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| A spray of daphne next to a hyacinth |
The annual Fete de Laboureurs took place last week-end in our village. We have been several times and endured snow, freezing cold and rain whilst watching the parade, but this year it was dry and warm(ish) so we went down in the car and then walked back after the very extended lunch, which went on until about 6pm!
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| The Batterie de Fanfare leads the parade |
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| Followed by a carriage with the president and maids of honour - out of shot! |
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| Alain showing off his computerised tractor! |
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| The parade goes round the village and stops at the memorial |
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| Where there is a salute |
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| Then everybody in the village is invited for the Vin d'honneur before lunch at the Salle de Fete |
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| And a couple more pics of the floats! |
So that was all very exciting! Pretty soon the excitement is going to focus on the elections for the position of Mayor. Added to this the two ladies who work in the Mairie, and who have no political affiliation so carry on regardless of new Mayors, are both retiring, one in April and the other in July. They know everything about everything and are our first port of call with questions relating to stray dogs to planning applications so we are hoping that their replacements will keep the clockwork of the village ticking.
Just backtracking a bit to 14th Feb - Mark disappeared for an hour or so and came home with these yummy delights!!
Jobs to do before the England v Wales rugby later on today, so
a bientot from Caroline and Mark at Chenevaux.
