Two barbecues in one week - it must be summer!

Firstly, the weather has been absolutely delightful all week - even the low-flying jets couldn't keep the sun away and, according to the weather forecast, it is in for at least a fortnight! We have had to resort to watering the veggie patches to keep things happy.

Some time ago I said that we had scattered some wild flower seeds in the rough area, where we also planted a couple of willow whips (one of which is doing fantastically well, the other I can't find at present - I think it is hiding amongst the nettles). Against all the odds, a number did germinate and, during the week, I spotted the first bloom.

I have no idea what it is called - perhaps I should look it up somewhere. All I know for sure is that it is supposed to be native to France.

Another thing that has been in evidence this week is a Grey Heron. It isn't the first time we have seen one in the approximate area, but never this close before. I think it is hanging around Jean-Marc's pond.


On Monday we drove to Montluçon to see if we could get the part we need to put Clare's Astra back on the road. The dealership was open and, after a relatively brief foray into the world of the motor trader, we successfully ordered the housing and cap assemblies for the oil filter, and a filter. At a little over 70 € it was a bit more than I was expecting to pay, but the only alternative was a visit to a car breaker (if there is one in the area) - not something I would relish at the moment. The very nice man in the dealer's parts department said that he would telephone when the parts arrived, which should be Thursday afternoon or Friday.

No telephone call as at Sunday. We shall go and see him tomorrow.

Monday was the eighteenth birthday of Alexandra, Rik and Lieve's eldest. There was to have been a barbecue party in Rik's garden but, as a high probability of rain and even a thunderstorm was forecast, they decided to hold it in Jan's barn. That was good for us as Jan's house is only about five minutes' walk from here.

It was an excellent party with a mix of people from France, UK, Germany, Belgium and Holland. All of Rik's family are musical, and live music was provided by Rik on cello, Rik's sons Mikhael and Rafael on drums and tin whistle respectively, and three of Rik's friends on guitar - Joris (Belgian) on bass, John (a Scot) on lead and a Frenchman whose name I can't recall on rhythm. We left at a little after midnight and walked home in quite bright moonlight.

On Tuesday I had word from Christophe that he could not get hold of the motherboard for at least three weeks and would I like to choose an alternative. I really liked the one I had chosen and found that it was in stock with another supplier. With Christophe's blessing I ordered it from this other place for delivery to him. According to the web site it was despatched on Wednesday. I am hoping he will not have trouble getting hold of the power supply, as I couldn't find one I liked where I looked.

Hobie has been doing well all week, on two steroid tablets each day. We took him to the vet on Friday, and they now want to wean him off the steroids, as they apparently can do quite a bit of damage if taken for too long. He is now on one tablet per day for five days then half a tablet per day for another five days. We are watching him closely and are expecting him to deteriorate as he comes off the tablets. We have been pre-warned that there will be little they can do if he has another crisis. I am thinking when, rather than if.

The glorious weather has continued and, yesterday evening, this was the view from the terrace.


What else could we do?


Have a good week.

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