An unexpected appearance.

One of those January days that can't make up its mind between sunny and dry and grey and drizzly. Bob sits by the front gate watching the non-existent activity in the village. He deigns to join us for lunch but is soon scratching  at the front door to be let out.  Sophie spends her day trying to remove the head from the demonic bird tweet toy.

In the afternoon we wander over to the village pond. Bob christens the sixteenth century pottery kiln. Sophie hunts for voles. In this she is remarkably unsuccessful, stealth not being a PON trait.

The Old Farmer has once again switched on his array of Christmas lights . Above them the star continues to gleam away. Were it not for the abseiling Father Christmases it could best be described as a rural version of Coney Island. 'The Font' wonders if the temporary shut down in the illuminations was anything to do with the appearance in the village of a van from the electric utility .

For some reason ( mice ? ) the local cats have started to congregate in the barn. This development has a bracing effect on the PON's. On our late evening comfort walk they disappear out of the door, howling, into the darkness. The duo are found at the foot of an acacia tree barking at a small white cat in its upper branches. The cat sensibly remains completely still. After half an hour the PON's come inside but do not immediately settle.

Last night in the Salle des Fetes the English teacher from the Lycee sets up a television. Forty or so students and parents show up to watch the Eichmann Story. Martin Freeman with his unusual ( some would say grating ) American accent and Anthony LaPaglia. Standing room only. In deepest France profonde there are still some who take their families education seriously. The crowds arrive and depart decorously. This interest in education and appreciation for teachers  rather like Scotland fifty years ago.

Of seasonal interest ? http://www.popsci.com/why-do-most-people-usually-sneeze-twos-or-threes-and-fours