Never underestimate your problems or your ability to deal with them.

We're up and out early. The cool morning air a delight after last nights clammy heat. Bob is brimming  over with energy . We walk from one end of the village to the other - the span of  his universe . At the petanque court we sit for a while and gaze at the sun just beginning to rise behind the mountains ;  the sky shading from grey to purple to pink to blue.  A large green grasshopper ambles across the grass in front of us. Bob is unsure whether to play with it, eat it or ignore it. He toys with options one and two before deciding on the third.

On our way home we pass a hive of activity round the pottery kiln. The mayor, the farmer with the bulbous nose, a man in smock and beret and the lawnmower repair man all hard at work. '' We've bought new bricks " says the mayor. He  points to a pile of bricks. '' Not as good as the ones from St.Etienne but much cheaper " adds the farmer with the red bulbous nose. There then follows a lengthy discussion about the quality of St.Etienne bricks, the best way of getting to St.Etienne and how much petrol would be used in driving there. We excuse ourselves and leave them discussing the confusing motorway intersections outside Lyons.

The butcher drops off some small rib bones for Sophie. He knows she's convalescing. Sometimes one is surprised by the kindness and care of almost strangers. Sophie is delighted. After breakfast she uses Bob as a pillow and grabs an hours beauty sleep. To the vets this afternoon to have the stitches removed .