Just a couple of weeks ago we were basking in temperatures of 28 degrees C, and it looked as if the worst of winter had passed. Two days ago we woke to 6 degrees C; then we suffered strong winds, drizzly rain, and in the afternoon even some thin snow.
Here in France we now look forward to the arrival of 'The Ice Saints' (Les Saints de Glace). This is a period of three days in mid-May, after which there will be no more risk of frost. They consist of St Mamert on May 11th, St Pancrace on May 12th, and St Servais on May 13th.
However, in their great wisdom, the hierarchy of the Roman church saw our 'Ice Saints' as stinking of Paganism, so back in 1960 they cast Mamert, Pancrace, and Servais into the dustbin of un-saintly-ness, and replaced them with the much more respectable St Estelle, St Achille, and St Rolande.
Of course country people (like myself) take no notice of Rome, and we continue in our nasty Pagan ways. Who the hell do they think they are, anyway? So, roll on you 'Ice Saints'. I've had enough of cold weather, and I don't want to light another fire until November.
You probably know that Britain had very warm springs for the last 2 years, followed by awful summers. Now that the weather is horrible here in May, I'm hoping for a decent summer - especially after all the human sacrifices I have made.
ReplyDeleteDid Haddocks survive the cold spell? Our cucumbers went "brrr" and keeled over and died. Let's hope the Ice Saints get it right now.
ReplyDeleteEverything's fine so far, but I never rush anything. There are warnings of hail again; so beware. Keep checking your local Meteo!!!
ReplyDeleteCan't control Mother Nature. But at least you have a gorgeous room with fireplace to make the best of it!
ReplyDeleteWe have sun! And I plan on basking in it! I'll send some your way Cro...
ReplyDeleteThe notion of Ice Saints is so lovely. I think the drop dead date for no more frost is May 5th in Central Ohio.
ReplyDeleteWe had our first fire of the season in our cast iron stove yesterday. We have just got back from a fortnight in Australia and the temp is down to 17 degrees but the main aim was to heat our hot water. Does your stove have a wetback as well?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately not. But it does have a good hot-plate on top (see kettle).
ReplyDeleteLooks very cosy Cro.
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