More Jam.

I've not made Greengage Jam before; I've only bottled them.

We have a huge crop this year, so yesterday I decided to have a go. I quartered the (not too ripe) Greengages, cooked them down with the juice of one Lemon, then added the Jam Sugar and boiled for 5 mins. I didn't follow any specific recipe, but presumed that all Plum recipes would be similar. I used 700 gms of prepared Greengages to 450 gms Jam Sugar.

I only wanted to make two jars, as we already have a lot of jam in stock (Plum, Apricot, and Strawberry). And I still have some Fig, and Blackberry, to make. 

The resulting jam has set perfectly, and tastes very good. We won't need to buy any jam for a couple of years.

We had quite a big Fruit and Veg' garden when I was small, and Mother would always make as many different jams as she could. My favourite was Quince Jelly, which had the most beautiful colour and a haunting aroma; it was kept for special occasions. We have a very productive Quince tree here, but the process is too long and complicated, so I don't bother.

However, I am really hoping to find enough Blackberries to make a couple of jars of Bramble Jelly. It all depends on how tidy my farming neighbours will be this year. Usually just as the Blackberries are almost ready, someone comes along and 'tidies' them.

A First!

When I opened the fridge door and saw this; I was shocked.

Not in the long and distinguished history of the Magnon family has anyone ever left a bottle of Champagne half consumed.

Worse even, is the fact that a special stopper had been purchased, and employed, in order to attempt to save its freshness.

I did ask if anyone knew who had committed this appalling act, but no-one was prepared to own-up. I almost considered calling in The Champagne Police to have fingerprints taken, so that the culprit could be caught and punished (Guillotined?).

                                                         

Our guests have now gone, and it's all very quiet. However, we are expecting more early next month (or even before). 

Most disasters have been avoided. The bathroom hand-basin 'plug hole' suddenly started leaking, but we were able to find a replacement, and all was fixed. My self-inflicted food poisoning has almost gone. And a slight problem back in Brighton meant that Suzie had to suddenly fly back ONE DAY early.

Having family here is always fun. We're now looking forward to seeing Wills and Boo Boo; two more of our favourite people.

They'll be enjoying the sights of Switzerland for another week before coming to see the 'old folks'.

 

Count Arthur Strong: Flying Lesson

Count Arthur Strong (hat and red bow-tie) isn't to everyone's taste, but I particularly like this sketch.

CAS being his usual bumbling self.

Mon ami.

If you don't have a driving licence, then this could be for you!

These funny little 'cars' are appearing all over France. They are the latest version of France's very sensible policy of having cars for people who don't have driving licences; in other words for people 'who can't drive'.

The Citroen Ami is a two seater electric car that has a driving time of about four hours and can achieve around 45 Km/h; giving a round-trip distance of around 180 Kms.

In France you can drive one of these from the age of 14. Years ago all young people whizzed around on Mobylettes, making a horrible noise. The spotty youths gathered in large groups in town or village centers, and revved their machines en masse until they almost melted. Of course, making them sound as loud and as sporty as possible was de riguer, and 'go-fast' kits were available everywhere.

The 'Ami' will not have the same appeal to the spotty 14 year old as a moped, but at least it will give him an option. They cost about 8,000 Euros. Cheap!

I suspect they will mostly be used by the elderly who live on isolated farms; just as the previous versions of 'sans permit' cars had been.

 

Sick as a Parrot.

 

I'm not very well at the moment. There are five of us here at present, and it's only me who is unwell, so I'm not sure what I did to myself.

I was vomiting through last night, and still feel very rough this morning. I'm sure you have no desire to hear the grizzly details, but I'm going to tell you anyway.

I cannot remember the last time I was sick; it must be well over ten years ago, twenty even. The human body has two MAJOR faults. Firstly teeth made of a material that rots; and secondly vomiting.

We keep an old enameled 'gazunda' upstairs in case of such rare occasions. I MUST add that it is NOT there for its intended use.

On hearing ghastly noises from above, the lovely Nurse Kimbo came to my rescue (as he always does), and heroically emptied the receptacle; TWICE! How many sons would do that??? It really is beyond the call of filial duty.

To add to my woes, my internet connection is almost at zero. It's like going back to the bad old days of Dial-up. I spend my time waiting and waiting. I think there are simply too many people using the miserable service. We are looking into a different type of connection.

Pomegranates.

I'm always rather surprised and amused that I am able to grow Pomegranates here at the cottage.

They have never managed to become edible, but I live in hope. I don't think our climate is quite right for them to ripen fully.

Still, they look nice, and maybe one day I'll even be able to eat one; although I'm not holding my breath.

Pomegranates were always regarded as a very exotic fruit when I was young; Mother might possibly buy just one or two a year at Christmas. The seeds were like jewels, we loved them.

This bush/tree is outside The Tower and offers just that little bit of fun to friends and family who stay there.

The name 'Pomegranate' probably comes from the Latin Pomun (Apple) and Granatum (seeded), or even from the French Pomme (Apple) and Graine (seed); or it could even describe an Apple coming from Granada. Whatever it's origin, it's a fascinating fruit.

 

 

You thought it was all over; well it isn't yet!

No-one seems to have mentioned the 'Rubbish Mountains' of Birmingham recently. Well, they're still there, getting ever bigger; Rats-n-all. It's now been 4 months since the strike began.

The continuing problem is between the hard-left Birmingham Labour Council, and the hard-left bin-men's 'Unite' Trade Union.

In the UK, it's the Trades Unions who established, and fund, the Labour Party, and they always want something in return. That 'something' is usually higher wages (as with the Train Drivers).

So the rubbish piles up, the locals don't really seem to mind, and the Rats are getting bigger and bigger.

I'm sure The Army have lorries and bulldozers that could deal with the problem in no time. Perhaps they could also dump all the sh*t on the steps of the very grand Birmingham Town Hall. That might get them off their arses; unless, of course, they're all at their second-homes in Tuscany for the Summer!

You really couldn't make it up, but the hard-left 'Unite' Union, who represent the bin-men, have now suspended hard-left deputy Prime Minister; the fragrant Angela Rayner. Things are getting heated in Rubbish-Land; no more so than at Unite's annual conference in BRIGHTON. They don't 'slum-it', do they?

 

Cro's Quail Soup © 2025

Method: To make Quail Soup, take some freshly made Chicken stock (made from the carcass of a very expensive organic, maize-fed, free range, chicken), add some vermicelli, then add a quail.

Et voila! 

 

Klaus Nomi - Lightning Strikes

I'm sure I've posted this wonderful video before, but it's worth posting again.

Klaus Nomi at his very best.

It's July 14th; Bastille Day. France's National Holiday. So, have a good one!

Lost and found

It's amazing the things that I worry about. I mean REALLY worry about!

Last September I returned to England with an antique glass Mustard pot. I've had it for years and use it often. It's a lovely thing, with a little glass top (below). I thought it would more useful in Blighty than sitting unused in France.

However, I couldn't find the little old hand-carved bone mustard spoon that goes with it (I presume it's bone and not ivory). I looked everywhere, but no sign. In fact as you might see I had even started to use a small silver spoon instead; not at all the right thing. I had begun to think the bone one was lost, and finding another would be nigh impossible.

Anyway, Lady M has just found it. It had been put away 'safely', but no-one could remember where. It should never have been separated from the antique pot.

I'm not sure if you can tell by the photo, but the missing spoon is about 3 inches long, very fine, and with just a small carved detail on the back, it's beautifully made (the photo doesn't do it justice). It is as all mustard spoons should be; a little classic.

When I return to Blighty this September it will be reunited with its rightful partner, and hopefully never leave its side again.

I cannot tell you how happy I am to have it back. Mislaying it had really preyed on my mind.

 

Three OAP's sing The Beatles.

It doesn't really matter how old you are; if it's a good song, you can sing in tune, and play the right notes, then there's nothing to stop you.

This little trio do a great job. They are called 'Folkadelic' and the song 'This Boy' was written by John Lennon.

As an ex-Bass player myself (very briefly), I would loved to have played this; that bass-line is superb!

I'm very happy

Yesterday was a GOOD day.

The weather was perfect, the pool water was at an ideal temperature, Kimbo and Susie are arriving later today (Friday), and Suave Harve arrives on Saturday. Things couldn't be better.

I also did a little DIY on our stairs that went quite well; albeit in a rather amateurish fashion. Our stairs are rather like a very chunky wooden ladder, with no railings, so I've made them a bit more OAP friendly. Hopefully my falling down them last year will not be repeated.

The Sunflowers are almost in flower. It'll be exactly one month since we've been back, and they've grown from about 4 ins tall when we came, to fully grown and having flower-heads today.

I planted some Mint roots recently and I noticed yesterday that they're growing well. I also sowed some Salad seeds, and they are all now about half an inch high. We'll be eating home-grown lettuce before long.

And possibly most importantly; my new bank card has arrived. I had no idea that the old one was expiring (who looks at such things?), so it came as a shock. Luckily the new one arrived yesterday, so Kimbo will bring it with him. Phew!!!

All in all, everything suddenly seems to be going rather well. 

 

Give us this day our daily Salad.

I mentioned some while back that I'd had a long conversation with a lady at my supermarket, all about Anchovies; neither of us could find any, and we spent a while discussing as much.

Well I did eventually find some a week later, and they now feature in most of my lunchtime salads; as they should.

In fact we have now settled down to our standard lunchtime salads; they are a cross between a Greek and a French Summer salad. They contain all the usual suspects. What more could you want?

Living in an area that is heavily influenced by N African cuisine, we do occasionally add just one bit of exoticism; Salade Mechouia (in jar above).

Mechouia is a Tunisian grilled red and green pepper salad in olive oil, which is produced as either very spicy, or mild. The one above is mild. The spicy one is almost TOO spicy. I've never seen it sold in the UK.

Note, there is a lump of Feta in the above salad, under the anchovies. Very international here!

Our antique French plates are more fun than suitable, but at least they get used!
 

Bee keeping autrefois, and other matters.

About 40 years ago I was helping a couple of ex-Parisians leave their beautiful old farmhouse next door to us, and move down to the mountainous area of the Cevennes in the South. It all proved a bit disastrous, but it was their choice, and I was happy to assist them.

We unloaded all their beautiful antique furniture and belongings into a mountainside crumbling stone barn, and very reluctantly said Au revoir, knowing that it was probably Adieu.

I'll never forget watching those two vulnerable ladies standing and waving at us as we left. It's hard to imagine what happened after we'd gone. As much as we'd tried to persuade them to find a hotel, their Zen leanings over-ruled all. I pictured them sitting cross-legged, chanting 'oooom', and wearing saffron robes, as they looked out over the stunning mountainous landscape. We really felt as if we had 'abandoned' them; but they were reasonably wealthy, and they did own a car.  

On the way down, not long before we'd reached their new 'home', I kept noticing short bits of hollowed-out tree trunks on stone walls, these were invariably covered with a large slab of stone. I was informed that they were an ancient form of Bee Hive. They looked so beautiful, and natural, in those bleak mountainous surroundings that I was in awe of the ingenuity.

Just recently an advert appeared in my MSN news-feed page advertising brand new versions of these hives.

Carved in a slightly more chic decorative 21st C style than their older cousins, and having a more modern interior, they are bound to be popular again. I can see people taking-up Bee Keeping just to have a few of these in their orchard. They cost about 550 Euros each.

A propos my two ex-neighbours, I later learned that they had 'divorced'. Jeannine had headed further south to the Riviera, and Odette had died in a Parisian Hospital.

Before heading off on their Zen adventure, these two lovely ladies had given me all sorts of 'treasures' as part of their 'downsizing'. Amongst which were a lovely Biot Olive pot, a Trunk (below, complete with Odette's father's original address in Paris), and all sorts of exotic wooden spoons from their world travels; all of which I still have.

I have no idea what prompted their bizarre move to a ruined mountainside stone barn, but it really wasn't advisable. I missed them after they'd gone, and I quite expect they regretted their move as well.

 

Hard boiled eggs

 

I'm beginning to get really frustrated. I've been having a real problem with hard boiled eggs for our lunch salads recently. I find that the shells refuse to come-away from the eggs cleanly, leaving a rather pitted and bedraggled looking egg, that is most un-appealing (unna-peel-ing, geddit?).

I've been told that the eggs shouldn't be too fresh, or that one should plunge them into ice-cold water when cooked, or even to put baking soda in the water. Whatever method I use there are always one or more of the little bast*rds that refuses to peel properly.

Actually I've just cooked a couple and they were fine, but generally this isn't the case.

If anyone has a foolproof method, I would love to hear it. Maybe I should ask someone who works in a pickled egg factory; theirs always seem to be perfect.

I usually serve ours cut in half, with a squirt of Mayo and a tiny sprinkling of curry powder (as above).  Looking nice is as important as tasting nice, and some of mine recently have looked almost scrambled. A dreadful mess.

Flower gardening

I am NOT a flower gardener; this extract from my 2008 book 'Je t'adore 24' proves as much. And I don't like orange flowers, orange cars, orange clothes, etc. Deep blood red is my preferred colour, but I leave it to others to plant them.

However, the garden at this time of year is quite florid; below are just a few examples. There is also a second rush of Wisteria flowers, and plenty of others with forgettable names.

I do know of Hibiscus and Oleander, but I'm not good with flower names.

The most important element (for me) of a flower garden is that things just appear year after year without my intervention. I do a bit of pruning just to make things look tidy, but that's it.

So far, it's working quite well.

Reform UK, the manifesto.

 

When I read that Nigel Farage's new political party, Reform UK, were doing so well in the polls, I genuinely wondered why and how!

At present they are allegedly more popular than both Labour and The Tories. The reason for this must be their proposed manifesto; it can't be for any other reason. They are a brand-new party, they only have 5 MP's, and no track record.

I don't have time, or interest, in showing you their complete manifesto, but here are just a few of the more 'catchy' proposals.

No-one will begin to pay Income Tax on a salary/wage below £20,000.

They wish to scrap Stamp Duty on house purchases below £750,000.

They will abolish Inheritance Tax on all legacies under £2 Million.

They will reduce Fuel Tax by 20p per Litre.

They wish to cut Foreign Aid by 50%

They will ditch all attempts at Net Zero.

And, of course, they will stop illegal immigrants, and deport all foreign criminals.

Well, I wouldn't be surprised if people voted for them if all this was achievable. But somehow it all seems too good to be true. Where is the money coming from to pay for essentials such as Defence, Education, and Health? I failed to see any policies that would raise enough money to pay for all the promises.

However, voters don't really care about practicalities. Just a year ago the country voted for a party that promised 'change'; now they've seen what that 'change' actually looks like, they're all jumping ship and looking for someone else to vote for next time. That person seems to be Nigel Farage.

So, who is Farage? He was educated at Dulwich, after which he worked in The City for various firms of Commodity Traders. He later became an EU-sceptic MEP, often making controversial speeches in Brussels. He led the UK Independence Party from 2006 to 2016, and was elected MP for Clacton in 2024, when he founded his Reform UK party. He's also a friend of Tr*mp.

Now he wants to become the British Prime Minister. It might well happen! PMQ's would certainly be more entertaining.

p.s. I now see that Reform UK are being predicted to win 290 seats at the next election. THAT remains to be seen.

Single Mom DEMANDS Disabled Spot

We've all come across people like this, or have heard about their existence, but this one has to win FIRST PRIZE. I actually think she was being serious.

Isn't she lovely! She should be preserved in Formaldehyde.

Do watch the whole video; it's worth it.

One year already; how's he doing?

Well Starmer couldn't have been clearer in what he said (above), and all the nodding sheep behind him were obviously convinced. Of course as we all know, everyone's Council Tax will rise by 5% this year. Is anyone surprised?

One really has to wonder who Labour aim to represent, or even to 'please'. Their faithful voting 'working people' must be getting thinner and thinner on the ground. Even Nigel Farage's untested political party (Reform UK) is way ahead of them in the polls; and they only have FIVE MP's.

The only people who I imagine are happy, are the Union member Train Drivers, who were given a huge pay-rise as soon as Starmer entered No 10. I wonder what that was all about???

It is generally understood that Labour always 'rob Peter to pay Paul', but now those Peters are quitting the UK in their droves, and taking their £Billions with them. The wealth creators are leaving the sinking ship; and who could blame them. Shipping tycoon John Fredriksen being the latest to make his intentions known

Starmer recently tried to take-away certain benefits from the disabled, as he had with the OAP's. His aim was to deprive scroungers of welfare money, saving around £4.25Billion. His backbenchers saw things differently and he was forced to back-down (these people are their constituents). Now those £Billions will need to be found elsewhere by Rachel (from Accounts) Reeves. Their answer....Yet another Wealth Tax, which means more wealth-creators leaving for more tax-friendly climes.

In fact, the abuse of the 'disabled benefits' system is infamous, and Starmer was right to try to filter out the crooks. Scroungers are everywhere, and the bill is HUGE. Almost anybody seems to be able to claim incapacity or disability benefits without any questions being asked. After his U-Turn, we can now expect that number of claimants to rise even more.

In yet another U-Turn, even the OAP's are to have their 'Winter Fuel Payment' reinstated this year. It should NEVER have been taken away.

And while I think of it, we've seen a record 20,000 new illegal immigrants crossing the channel already this year. Worthy of The Guinness Book of Records methinks!

You can't keep-on bashing the elderly and vulnerable, raising taxes, filling the country with illegal immigrants, closing down schools and businesses, and making the rich leave the country, if you want the economy to thrive.

The Office of National Statistics tells us that unemployment in Britain is the highest it's been for four years; since the Covid crisis. Those figures will only rise further with this group of amateurs in charge. Student style economics are all well and good in a College Common Room, but not in Downing Street.

Historically, unemployment has ALWAYS increased after a period of Labour government. It's what they do best!

A recent LBC poll says 30% regret voting Labour, and 61% think Starmer should go, leaving Angela Rayner to occupy No 10. She could even bring back Corbyn. What an absolutely HORRENDOUS thought. 

I put 50p on Starmer having been ousted by the end of last year; I lost my 50p. However, I'll place another 50p on his being ousted by the end of this one! He's simply not up to the job.

Labour needs another (more honest) Tony Blair; but I don't see one anywhere!

White skies.

We've been back in France for just over two weeks, and today (yesterday) is/was our first cloudy day. We didn't see the sun all day. However, it was still very warm and the pool water had remained over 27 C, so we did have a few un-sunny swims.

It is so quiet here. Normally we see no-one all day. This morning a Dutch neighbour came by with his dog which made Billy happy. He doesn't see many other dogs here, unlike in Brighton. We have two Dutch neighbours, both of whom are charming, and both of whom have lovely dogs.

It's been so hot here recently that having a slightly cooler day is very refreshing. Without the burning sun on my back I was able to get-on with some gardening. Lady M made Apricot, and Plum, Jam, whilst I pruned Roses, and cut back Wisteria.

The grass isn't growing, so no need for mowing.

I began to red H E Bates' 'Fair stood the wind for France'. It wasn't what I was expecting, nor what I'd hoped for from Bates. I'm only half way through it, and already I'm thinking of abandoning it. We'll see. Instead I began re-reading Elizabeth David's wonderful 'An Omelette and a Glass of Wine'. She is such an intelligent writer, whether she's writing about food, travel, or anything else.

In many ways our trips to the supermarket are the days I look forward to most. I love driving through the countryside, being amongst people I don't know, occasionally chatting to people who possibly haven't spoken to anyone for a whole week. And, of course, treating ourselves to many of the delights on offer. 

Country life can be very lonely for some people; especially the old. Many farms are isolated, and those who live by themselves can really welcome company or conversation. I must have a certain type of face, as I seem to be singled out by some as a 'listener'. I rather enjoy chatting away about any old subject; last week it was about Anchovies. A woman couldn't find Anchovies, and nor could I; we had quite a conversation about it. We never did find our Anchovies, so they're back on the list for my next visit later this week.

Nature often surprises me. This 'Lords and Ladies' (Arum Maculatum) plant just popped-up by the old fountain. I've noticed several around the garden this year. They are stunning.

The Sunflowers are almost in flower, the Bees have all gone (perhaps the hives have been taken away), and our fruit trees are all showing their future generous bounty. Life is pretty good, and VERY quiet.

I know that I mention it quite often, but I have lived here for over two-thirds of my life. I adore the area, I speak the language, and I like 99% of the people. What more could one ask for!

 

Typical!

This charming, smiling, gentleman is German resident Abdel Hamid.

Amongst his other worthy attributes, his great concern for the people of Gaza led him to raise money to help with their day to day needs.

Unfortunately, like his Hamas heroes, he spent all the money he raised on himself; about 500,000 Euros.

He bought himself luxury cars, Rolex watches, and designer bags, amongst other things. The money was rolling-in, and it was spend spend spend! I believe all his ill-gained assets have now been seized by the German Police.

Hamid, who was also claiming benefits in Germany, has now appeared in court in Dusseldorf, and will no doubt receive a severe slap on the wrist.

Meanwhile over in his beloved Gaza, we hear that different terrorist factions are fighting, and killing, each other over donated aid. Hamas are no longer having all the spoils to themselves; other gangs have joined the pillage, and they all want a cut of the huge profits to be made by selling the donated food, medical supplies, etc, to the Gazan public. It used to be just the Hamas officials who filled their Swiss bank accounts, and lived in luxury accommodation, but now they're all at it.

No wonder all those Hamas supporters at Glastonbury (Bob Villain, Kneecap, and the gullible ticket-buying attendees) are cheering them on. Robbing the poor to pay the rich is the continuing way of life in Gaza, and they all think it's sooper-dooper! 

Hey ho!

 

A Grand Day.

It's Monday morning. We were short of a few things after the weekend, and we have people coming for a swim later today (Tuesday). We needed to go shopping for a few bits and pieces.

The 20 K trip is a total delight. It's mostly through the woods via small winding roads, where you really don't want to meet a big logger's truck. In fact, I rarely meet another car until I join the main road after about 10 Ks.

En route I encounter a friend/neighbour, and stop to chat for a while. He lost part of a barn roof during the recent storm. He also told me that his Tomatoes are just beginning to ripen, so that's good news. My friend is one of the nicest people one could ever hope to know. We are very lucky. I've known him ever since we first moved here 53 years ago. We are truly blessed with his friendship. 

It's already stinking hot as I park Debi at my big Leclerc Supermarket. It's about 9.15 am. Inside it's cool and not over-crowded, and everything on my list is available. Lady M is dropping things into my trolly as I do my tour, and I'm surprised to find that my final bill is over 110 Euros. I crack a few jokes with the nice lady at the checkout, and she even practices her English on me with a cheery 'Goodbye'.

We need petrol and a bottle of Gas; so that's the next job. Another nice lady at the pay-kiosk complains about the heat; it's already 31 C. With Ice Creams and other frozen stuff in the car, we hot-foot it back to the house. Billy is pleased to see us. I put everything away, and strip to a minimum of clothing.

It's going to be hot, so we do whatever needs doing outdoors before we start to 'melt'. Then into the pool for a less than refreshing swim before lunch; the water is 28 C.

As you can imagine, lunch is a light affair. Crispy Lettuce, sliced Tomatoes, red Onions, Jambon de Bayonne, Jamboneau, Cantal cheese, Apricots, and lots of ice-cold water. Of course, this is all consumed under the shade of our covered terrace (Auvent). We take our time, admire the view, and make amusing comments about how stinking hot it is.

By this time of day, it's getting to its hottest, and we retire to favourite spots for a siesta. I go to the 'Tower', where I throw open the door and pull the thin curtain across to repel the Horseflies and other creatures that wish to eat me. I sleep for maybe an hour, then back to the kitchen to prepare some Tabouleh for a light supper.

The afternoon is spent between the pool and the cooling shade of our sitting room. I do a couple of crosswords, Lady M reads a novel, and Billy sleeps on the cool terracotta tiles.

At Wine-o-Clock we sit under the shade of our Quince tree with a bowl of Anchovy stuffed Olives to accompany our glass or two of Piquette. Then later we eat wonderful spicy fried Chorizo Sausages with the Tabouleh. Yum! (below)

It's still hot, so one more swim before more relaxation; then BED. 

All in all, it's been a grand day.