Don't be too timid about your actions. All life is an experience.

After the incident with the paintbrush Sophie has learnt that she's not allowed into the builders van. She turns her attention instead to the plumbers white Renault where a length of electrical cable catches her eye.

They're flight testing the new Airbus A-350. It comes roaring over the ridge at 3000 feet ; landing lights on, undercarriage down, engines on full throttle. If they can get 10 hours of flying time under their belts they'll be able to do a fly past in front of the television cameras at the Paris Airshow. Sophie stands in the lavender beds, head turned skywards, watching it fly over. Bob is too busy ferreting for earthworms to notice. Neither seems the slightest bit perturbed by this basso profundo presence.

Tonight a mid-summer concert at the Russian oligarchs chateau. A kind of Versailles on steroids. Built by a nineteenth century railway baron with an eye for ostentation . We're not sure why we've been invited. Madame Bay has heard a lot about the Russians on the 'grapevine'. Most of what she's heard comes from friends of friends of local tradesmen who've worked there. Facts and the local 'grapevine' often exist in parallel universes. 

Time enough before dinner to shred the afternoon post.