Responsibilities.

 A rather fine horse grazing in the field next to the churchyard. The old couple who owned the house off to the side have died. She was taken ill two weeks ago with a collapsed lung and was rushed to hospital. The operation was not successful. After that he just gave up all interest in life - a literal switching off. This morning the family are clearing the place out. An Emmaus van parked on the lane. That old French farmhouse furniture that used to be so fashionable in the 80's is now too large for small energy efficient homes and has, literally, to be given away. I discover from the van driver that the German billionaires have already  put an offer on the house and had it accepted. Quick work.

As we walk further round the lane we come to the pond and the moorhens. Two young ones scuttle across the water lily leaves while mother heads off  to the safety of the irises. The young ones seem to have doubled in size overnight and grown from tiny to small.

Cafes with outside terraces opened in France yesterday. The first major easing of Covid regulations.

Sophie is delighted to head off in search of the perfect curly croissant end.

This morning we're off to the bakers that makes the really, really good croissants. We find a table at the far end of their terrace. The municipal refuse collectors are at the other end taking their morning break. They interrupt their discussions long enough to say hello to Sophie. It's been a year since we were last here so well done them for remembering her name. After ten minutes it becomes clear that there is no table service. Angus goes inside to order. The owners wife, who is usually chatty, serves me in stony silence. A cynic might think she's not happy that her responsibilities have once again expanded.

The croissants are delicious. Light with a flaky crust. Sophie gives them a 25/10.  We'll score them a 9.5/10 , which is still pretty good.

Another new hotel opening :https://thenewtinsomerset.com/hotel

Shopping for food Harvard style :https://www.formaggiokitchen.com/

Shopping for food New York style - the custom cakes are jaw dropping :https://www.butterfieldnyc.com/

On the radio this morning. V. French :https://youtu.be/ckczIG0rLhQ