Friday, March 18, 2016

Medals will shine.


An overcast start to the day. It threatens to rain. Sophie appraises the weather before heading out of the front door. Her impatient brother waits in the shadows.


A busy morning for the mayor. Workmen arrive to install a new sign on the tarmac outside the church. A list of 'must see' things in the village and a map showing the whereabouts of the Holy Well, the 16th century pottery kiln and the roman road. Passing pilgrims will find it invaluable.


The mayor hangs out the three little flags on the war memorial. It's the anniversary of the end of the Algerian War in 1953. All the local farmers, or those of a certain age, served in Algiers as teenagers so for them it is a big day. 

The Old Farmer loads his stainless steel tea urn into a wheel barrow and rolls it across to the village hall. Tomorrow, he and twenty or so of his old comrades will line up in front of the war memorial in their blazers, berets and grey trousers for a commemoration. Medals will shine. The mayor will say some inaudible words and the Marseillaise will be sung. After wards they will all retire to the village hall for a glass or two or three of home made wine. Madame Bay and the ladies of the Beautiful Bye ways Committee will serve cassoulet.


We buy more Gariguette. Not quite as sweet as they should be but not bad considering they're being harvested a full month early.


Tarocco oranges from Italy. Another seasonal delight. The morning juice literally tasting of sunshine.


We've reached that stage of the year when summer is fast approaching.


5 comments:

Coppa's girl said...

If the mayor has his way, your village will become a major tourist attraction, especially if the map includes those two PONs at The Rickety Old Farmhouse !

WFT Nobby said...

Presumably Bob and Sophie (Bob sat on the stump seat, Sophie providing vocal entertainment) are featured on the village's 'must see' map. They would be top of my list.
Cheers, Gail.
PS Is there such a thing as a Young Farmer in the village?

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

We, too think the PONs should feature on the map, though they will certainly announce their presence.

Kari said...

Sophie looks especially lovely today.
The thoughts of such heavenly fresh fruits are killing me. I'm so very envious.

Anonymous said...

Hello Angus! In between patients this morning, I've enjoyed catching up on what I've missed, maybe I need a sign too! :-) Summer is fast approaching, but I'd like Spring to stay, snow expected on Sunday!

(Kim - Life at Golden Pines)