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.

 

Jam Campaign 2025.

 

With the excessive heat we're experiencing, there isn't much we can do outdoors, so I started this year's Jam Making with a couple of pots of Plum Jam.

A huge branch had broken off one of our wild 'Bird Plum' trees in the recent storm, the weight of all the fruit was too much for it. So, I collected about a kilo in a bucket, and made some pip-less jam. I had enough to fill two pots, with about half a pot remaining to be consumed whilst we're here. Not much, but it's a start.

I shall, of course, be making more later; or Lady M will. We also intend to make Blackberry Jam, Greengage Jam, Fig Jam, and most importantly Apricot Jam. The tasks will be equally divided.

As I write, Lady M is making some Strawberry Jam. The urge is all invasive. (I've just tasted her Strawberry Jam for my breakfast this morning; superb. Her best ever)

Lady M often makes her infamous Plum Pip Jam with these wild plums. It gives the children, and me, the chance to play Eeny Meeny Miny Moe, or Rich man, Poor man, Beggar man, Thief. However, these days, like me, she prefers to take the pips out.

In case you're interested, I used 600 gms of cooked Plum 'pulp', 400 gms of Jam Sugar, and the juice of about half a Lemon.

Verdict: Superb flavour, but a little runny.

Chavissimo Central.

I suppose I have to admit that I am partly responsible for one of the most tacky and excessive weddings ever.

As a regular client of Amazon, I have unwittingly contributed to the sickening cost of Jeff Bezos's nuptials.

I have nothing against Bezos or his new fragrant wife, his success has been well earned; but to flaunt his wealth in this sickening fashion is in extremely poor taste. I think there were as many photographers there as there were Z List celebs.

How much better it would have been to have held the ceremony in London's Chelsea Town Hall (very chic) for less than £1,000, then donate all the left-over money to build and equip a new Hospital Wing somewhere, and fund its upkeep for a decade or two.

Had he done that, or something similar, he would have gained huge respect around the world instead of which he is now seen as just another exhibitionist billionaire with far too much money to waste. He and his guests have also managed to infuriate the good people of Venice.

However, I wish them well; but I do recommend that they stay out of the limelight for a while so that we can all try to forget that offensive estimated waste of $46 Millions.

This (below) is my own parent's wedding photo. Let's face it; when the big day is all over, all you have left is a photo on the mantlepiece. One is as good as another, regardless of cost.

Phew, what a scorcher!

I'm hoping that our tomorrow's forecast was just a typing error, otherwise I shall be moving into the freezer!

 

Little known cheese and sausage

We all know, and enjoy, Camembert and Brie, but there is another member of that family of French cheeses that is far less known, especially back in the UK. 

Like its siblings, Chaource has a white rind, and is very similar to Camembert in its interior. As you can see from the photo, it is more barrel shaped than Camembert. It has a creamy texture, and if left out in the open for a day or two will begin to melt into a deliciously flowing, silky, 'gloop'.

It was my son Kimbo who first introduced me to Chaource, and we now buy it in preference to either Camembert or Brie; although we do buy Somerset Brie occasionally which is excellent.

If you haven't tried it, and can find some, I recommend that you give it a go.

I recently mentioned 'Figatelli'. Well, it's not sold as Figatelli here (trades description act no doubt, as it's not made in Corsica) but as Saucisse seche de Foie. The maker is the respected house of Milhau, and if your taste runs to the 'adventurous', then this could be for you (if you happen to be in France this Summer).

Personally I can't get enough of it. It has a really haunting taste of dried Liver. I love it.

A-Ha - Take On Me. 1984

This is not only a very nice song from those Norwegian A-Ha boys (regardless of the incomprehensible lyrics), but Steve Barron's video was also one of the best of the era.

Sadly, I hear that the singer, Morten Harket, has Parkinson's. 

In his day, posters of Harket were on every teenage girl's bedroom wall, and his obvious good looks made him into a universal heartthrob.

Enjoy both the song and the video! I send him my best wishes.

Heaven then Hell.

There we were enjoying our evening glass of piquette on those two chairs below, when the sky began to darken from the West.

At about 6 pm the first drops of rain began to fall, so we headed for our covered terrace and settled-down anew. But not for long; suddenly all hell let loose, and hailstones the size of golfballs began to bounce around us, it started to thunder, and the first vicious flash of lightning cut our power supply. It always does!

It was a very violent, but short-lived, storm. The wind raged at over 100 kms/hr, and when we ventured out this morning there was mess everywhere, and still no power.

The pool was full of leaves (below). Lady M courageously cleaned as much as she could, and it was presentable again by midday.

It was about lunchtime when I began to worry about the contents of our freezer. I have only just stocked-up with essentials, and it was looking as if I could lose it all. Then at 1.30 pm the power came back on again.  

This isn't a rare occasion. When we have storms here, they are usually quite impressive. Power invariably goes off, and trees are felled all around. They do make a terrible mess.

So, we are back to normal again. Life continues. And the contents of the freezer are safe. In a few hours time we shall be back on those chairs, sipping our piquette, and discussing the inefficiencies of the EDF (Those French electricity folk).  

C'est la vie!

 

The view from the terrace.

Once again we have Sunflowers a short distance from our front door. I suppose that if there's going to be any crop there (other than grass) then the most attractive must be Sunflowers.

The photo below was taken a few years ago. The present crop, which is in the same position, is still very small, so no flowers as yet.

Agriculture has pretty much come to a standstill here. Farmers live on payments from Brussels that represent their surface of cultivatable land ownership. One no longer has to do anything with it to make a living.

In the case of the Sunflowers, they are grown in partnership with share-croppers who organise all the work, and split the profits.  

I have one neighbour who has about 6 Cows, otherwise they cut grass and make hay, and in Autumn they gather Chestnuts. Very different to when I arrived in the area over 50 years ago. Farming down here has rather lost its way!

Still, who am I to complain. In a few weeks time I shall be looking out onto a field of Sunflowers, and what could be more Southern French than that!!!

 

The Death of two Apple Trees.

 

I don't like to see productive Apple trees die.

In recent years we have lost TWO remarkable trees; possibly even RARE trees.

The first to go was plain and simple vandalism. I had gone to take a cutting in order to preserve the variety, and, lo, it had gone! The owner, who suddenly developed a hatred for trees, had cut it down. Sadly I have no photo.

So, why, you might ask was this tree so special? It wasn't a particularly wonderful tasting Apple, but its exceptional attributes lay elsewhere. You could hold it in the palm of your hand and squeeze all the juice from it without hardly exerting any pressure. I have never come across another Apple like it, and no reference to such an Apple could be found online. It could well have been the last of its type.

The second tree (above) has just died. It lived in a hedge just down at the bottom of the field in front of our house. Sadly it became smothered with Ivy, and could no longer breathe!

It was exceptional in as much as it could cope with extremely low temperatures. The fruit would fall in Autumn, just like any other tree, but would remain edible on the ground almost into Spring. The photo below was taken around March after a particularly bitter Winter, and the majority of the fruits were still perfectly OK.

As you can see, it was a yellow Apple with small red spots, and a lovely flavour. I shall miss the tree, even though I'm no longer here during the Winter months. I think I was the only person to gather them. The Deer ate most of them.

The World's Silliest Vegetable.

My 2025 crop of Artichokes amounted to just FOUR.

I almost didn't bother with them, but being of a frugal mind, I decided that I must.

They really are the most ridiculous vegetable. The end product may be pleasant enough, but the work (and pain) involved in their preparation is hardly worth all the effort.

The ones I grow are particularly SPIKEY. They are unpleasant to handle, and to prepare they are even worse. I always end-up with blood on my hands.

I much prefer the small bundles of young fresh purple non-spikey Artichokes that one buys at market. They are easier to prepare, taste even better, and don't leave my hands in tatters!

The ones above were prepared, cooked, and eaten; they were pleasant enough, but I could have done without all the hassle.

Tinned ones are so much easier!!!

 

Heatwave

Most of us look forward to Summer weather; hot sunshine, cloudless skies, and some refreshing foreign Sea or Pool to plunge into.

Generally it does tend to be a bit like that, but occasionally things get out of hand, and the temperature rises to 'uncomfortable'.

Yesterday our 'in the shade' temperature rose to 36 C, and all we wanted to do was avoid it. For most of Summer I wear just a pair of shorts; no shoes, no T shirt, and only occasionally a hat. Perfect for 25 C, but not for 36 C.

The pool water has risen to 28 C, our open concrete terrace burns my feet, and poor Billy (in his fur coat) is feeling lethargic. Our sitting room is traditionally dark and cool, so that's where we spend most of our afternoons. The weather we've been anticipating through Winter, is now being avoided.

We drink litres of cold water, eat plenty of Magnums, and dine on Salads. Any outdoor work, pool cleaning etc, is done as early as possible; at the latest before about 10 am.

I have only just opened-up our outdoor covered terrace. It had been used as storage space over Winter, and needed some re-organisation. The outdoor Fridge is working, and is filled with Beers Tonics and Fizz. The table and chairs have all been cleaned, and comfy cushions distributed. And the big 'fire pit' BBQ has been removed and taken to its Summer location.

The heat also brings out 'bugs'. We have an excess of Bees, Wasps, Flying Ants, Horseflies, Hornets, and other general buzzing and stinging nasties. And our army of small Wall Lizards are holding their annual Olympics.

Yes Folks; it's our wonderful SUMMER.

Pesci Friday.

I do try to keep to tradition, and eat fish on Fridays. If I didn't I probably wouldn't eat fish at all.

For lunch it was Moules Mariniere (borrowed picture above). I bought a 1.4 Kilo vacuum pack of live Dutch Mussels which were very good. 

And in the evening a very simple salad with some absolutely delicious Prawns (my picture). 

My supermarket has PILES of fresh Prawns every day; especially on Fridays. They are cheap, delicious, and popular. I cannot understand why they aren't sold like this in the UK. The Prawns quite possibly come from UK waters anyway!!!

We do 'FISH' very badly in the UK. Our consumption is almost limited to Fish-n-Chips, or Fish Fingers. I live by the sea in England, yet where can I buy a really good selection of fresh fish?

Where's Mr MacFisheries when you need him?

Bananarama - Cruel Summer

I always loved the carefree, relaxed, attitude of The Bananas. They were three attractive girls who looked as if they'd just met in an Art College bar, and decided that they might do a bit of singing together as a lark.

They ruffled their hair, wore torn jeans, and used lots of very red lipstick. How could they fail!

Here they are with one of their 'hits' from 1983.

Spot the Difference

I was 'Karchering' around the pool yesterday; cleaning away all the Winter muck and growth on the flagstones (the beach).

I also had a go at our poolside bench under the Fig tree.

It is now once again 'Wood Colour', and looks sittable-on. Even Lady Magnon approves.

Slowly but surely; we're getting there.

In fact we ARE now 'there'. The pool water is sparkling, and inviting. The flagstones are all as clean as they'll ever be. And the Lutyens bench is demonstrably made of WOOD. 

In celebration of which I opened a bottle of Champagne (Saumur) last night. All our efforts were worthy of a few bubbles methought!

Even my 'mechanic' brought-back Rory yesterday evening (Rory is my ride-on mower). Rory had a 'starting problem' which is now FIXED. 

Things are going well.

 

Things I've missed.

Having made my own Bacon in the past, I know how easy it it to create a really delicious product that doesn't seep 'gunge' when cooking.

This Bacon (below) is sliced from a slab and is totally delicious. Why can't all Bacon be made like this? Back in the UK I've almost given-up buying ready-sliced packs of Bacon; instead I now only buy Sainsbury's Bacon 'steaks', that come as two 'rounds' of Bacon in a pack, and are very good.

If I had an easy supply of good quality UK Belly Pork, I would still make my own bacon; but alas.....

Another favourite product that I can't buy back in the UK is Figatelli. This is a Corsican dried sausage that contains Liver. The Liver gives it a haunting flavour that is unlike any other.

It's a very dark and brooding sausage (possibly not to everyone's taste) but for aficionados it's addictive; I have to stop myself heading for the fridge for just 'one more slice'.

The other thing I've probably missed most are my cookery books. All my Rick Stein books, and Elizabeth David, and others. I love re-reading them and trying out different nuances in my dishes. These books (some of which are below) are in the 'Tower', and on really hot afternoons that's where you'll find me, flicking through the pages of some Italian or Mediterranean recipe book.

The pool is now perfectly clean, and at about 24 C is swimmable. In this heat I cannot tell you what a pleasure that is.

This afternoon (yesterday) it's 30 C in the shade, so perfect weather for swimming. The flagstones haven't yet been 'Karchered', but we didn't care; they can wait. Here is Lady M enjoying a few lengths, with Billy admiring her bravery. It was BRACING. The pool looks very narrow in the photo; it's actually 4 metres wide. It looks about 3 metres wide; cameras do lie!

Bloody Nutters.

 

The world's population is estimated to be around 8.2 Billion, out of which just a small handful of men cannot behave themselves. They are a bunch of total idiots and warmongers.

Putin, general secretary Xi, some Ayatollah or other, and Kim ' baby face' Jong Un (plus a few irrational terrorist group leaders), seem to think they have the right to involve the rest of us in their (mostly Communist) expansionist policies by killing people they don't like. 

Well, I for one don't want any part in it, so if they really insist on letting off big bombs, would they please do it on their own soil, and kill their own people. Don't exercise your hang-ups on the rest of us peace-loving folk.

I hear that those charming mullahs in Iran, are now threatening the USA, the UK, and France (I can't escape). Don't those Iranian Shia Muslims believe in peace, sanctity of life, or even the freedom of thought? Obviously not!

One of the most bizarre revelations of the current Iran/Israel conflict is that many Iranians are actually supporting Netanyahu. They want their repressive regime to fall, and they don't wish to see their country destroyed. Perhaps one massive collective assault on Tehran would bring Khomeini to his senses, and he'd raise his white flag. I hear that Iranians have even been spotted shouting "Death to Ayatollah".

As I learned on Day 1 of my Officer Training course; 'know your enemy, go in hard, go in strong'! That's the only way to get this conflict over and done with quickly.

But, please, LEAVE ME OUT OF IT!

Sandy Powell

This act probably seems rather 'old hat' these days, but in his day (Yorkshireman) Sandy Powell was one of the biggest stars of Music Hall. Some might remember his famous catch-phrase "Can you hear me Mother?".

I worked with him in a variety show. I was a student at the time, and had taken a holiday job as ASM (Assistant Stage Manager). Powell wasn't an easy man to work with, he was a cantankerous old codger, often sozzled, and didn't like being told what to do. I often had difficulty getting him on stage. 

On one occasion he was watching some Football match on TV in his dressing room, and refused to go on. I had to hurriedly reorganise the whole evening's running order to cope with his absence. He went on later (reluctantly).

Here he is performing what was probably his most well-known, and well-loved, sketch, as a ventriloquist. The long-suffering assistant was his lovely wife Kaye. How she put-up with him, I shall never know!

The shocking reality

Once all the leaves and water on the pool's winter cover were removed, and the cover itself taken away, this is what we were left with (below). YUK!

It's the same every year. The water level was low, the water itself a nasty green colour, and the flagstones in desperate need of the Karcher.

We need the water level to rise before we can turn on the pump, and start treating and cleaning the water. With just a garden hose (by Billy's feet) it takes a long time to reach the desired level.

Once the water is circulating, and the chemicals added, we can think about cleaning the flags. It'll be at least another couple of days until we can actually swim.

As it happens, we're having a short spell of cooler weather with some rain, then on Monday the heat returns, and we are to have 30-35 C for a couple of weeks; so it has worked out quite well.

I can hardly wait to get those flagstones clean. It always looks so grubby when we open up. The Karcher does a great job. I will clean the Lutyens chair at the same time, it's covered in lichens.

By Tuesday or Wednesday, it should all look like this (below). 

In fact, by late afternoon yesterday it was already a nice blue colour. All the muck has now gathered on the bottom; ready for me to vacuum tomorrow (today). 

Happy times ahead!

 

Back to the old routine.

First things first, so it was off to the woods at first-light (7 am). Amazingly, no-one seems to have visited my mushrooming spot.

This (below) is part of the view from the front of our house, and, in the distance, is where my mushrooms grow. As you can see, it is all very tranquil. The pale treetops are Chestnuts, which are all in flower; the aroma is all-invading.

As I said above, it seems as if no-one had been to my mushroom patch for a while; there were Girolles everywhere. In fact I picked far too many. Omelet tonight.

We had a good shopping trip to Leclerc, but for some odd reason there were already crowds of people there waiting for the 9 am opening time (My Sainsbury's in England opens at 7 am). I don't enjoy being jostled by crowds in a supermarket.

However, we did manage to buy a few essentials, including a magnum of Pétrus 1971 (ask no questions, and I shall tell no lies), and a couple of bottles of our favourite fizzy Saumur. I shall buy more Saumur on Tuesday; it's always good to have a ready supply. This stuff is as good as Champagne any day!!!

But, not everything goes smoothly. At midnight last night we had a small storm. Thunder, lightning, and rain. I suddenly remembered that I'd left the car windows open, so up I got, torch in hand, and walked through the rain to the car (about 50 yards), and closed them. Rain seems to be a thing of the past in Brighton, so I wasn't expecting any here either!

This morning, whilst it's still reasonably cool, we shall clean the pool cover of all its dead leaves, etc, and hopefully pump off all the water.

Lady M is becoming restless. SHE NEEDS TO SWIM.

Journey completed.

French roads are a real pleasure to drive on. They are comparatively quiet, without potholes, and extremely well sign-posted. Our two day drive south was without incident, and (amazingly) without getting lost. Our new little gadget for getting through the 'T' gates on the Péage roads worked perfectly, and unlike the old one, the new one 'pings' when you go through.

It was hot on leg 1 of our trip, and very hot on leg 2. Billy slept for most of the way, and was really excited when we reached home. Our gardener popped-in to see us with his Black Lab', and the two of them had a wonderful time playing together. I suspect, like us, Billy's very pleased to be back.

I gave the lawn a quick trim, looked at all the growth everywhere else, and decided to leave it for another day.

By early evening we were both EXHAUSTED, so, after a nice bottle of Pécharmant, and a slice of Lady M's Quiche, we sat outside enjoying the warm evening air, watching the Buzzards flying, and listening to the Crickets 'chirping'.

Tomorrow we might attack the pool. It's certainly swimming weather.

But before we do anything else, we'll go SHOPPING to Leclerc. I have a long list of delights to bring home!

 

Preparations

I've made a list of things to take to France; and also of a few things to bring back.

On the 'take' list are just a few food items. Essential Indian curry pastes, spices, and pickles have become harder to find since Brexit, so it's safer for me to take my own 'just in case'. Most other European foods are readily available, but it's the Indian ones I would miss.

On the 'bring back' list there are also a few food items. My favourite Spaghetti (Panzani) is top of the list and I shall return with at least 3 kilos. Otherwise a few favourite 'small' antiques, photos, books, and a few tins of Paté, Squid, and Octopus that I can't buy here. I shall also return with some DIY things; drill bits, a glue gun, and my soldering iron, that occasionally I need.

We try to travel as light as possible, but somehow it never happens. It always becomes a matter of reducing the excess weight to the minimum. That 'minimum' invariably remains too much.

At least we don't go, and return, with suitcases filled with clothes; we both run two sets of wardrobes; one for the UK and another for France, which makes life easier. 

The Compact Royce (Debi) has now had her Service and MOT, so she's all ready to go. My service garage also cleaned her inside and out, so she is spotless. The ferry and our 'half-way' hotel are both booked; we can hardly wait!!!

I probably won't be around for a day or two, but I'll be back. Toodle pip!

Audrey Hepburn Sings Moon River - BEST QUALITY

John (Going Gently) recently posted a beautiful video of a man playing 'Moon River' on the piano, for an Elephant (who was listening attentively).

I love that song, but for me it has to be sung by my boyhood crush, Audrey Hepburn.

Who sang your favourite version?