I hate the end of vacations because in my mind I am already starting to turn my brain back into ‘reality’ mode.  So with two days left…. I’m already making the switch.

This morning, the rain finally let up.  I was able to hike up to the Chateau de Fressac – a 13th century stone chateau that is in ruins on a high overlook.  The views over the valley from up there are incredible.  And, the workout isn’t too bad either.  Because it’s the end of May, all of the flowers are in bloom, so my path was adorned with tiny corn flowers, pyramid orchids, white and yellow meadow flowers and brambles of briar rose.  The smell of the recent rains has brought up all the woodsy smells, and while wet leaves always smell a little musty, the smells of fresh wild thyme and evergreens is wonderful.

Also because of the rain, the path was incredibly muddy at the bottom.  As a French acquaintance described, “It is too moisty.”

After coffee this morning, we headed down to a meadow to pull up the electric fencing and poles to allow a local farmer to bale up the hay.  I was given a plastic spool and wound round and round the wire string as I walked around the entire meadow.  There is something very mesmerizing as you methodically wind a cord around the spool and carefully walk through yards and yards of meadow flowers.    It’s also a  little tedious.

We have just fed the animals lunch, and now are considering bacon and egg sandwiches for ourselves.  Then Estelle and I will head into town to do some touristy gift shopping.  Finally, I have a preliminary meeting with a lawyer regarding the house at 5pm.

The sun has come out, and though the wind has picked up, I am hoping it will blow all the dreary weather away.

As ever,

K. Quinn