A surprise. In fact two surprises.

It's hot but this doesn't stop an  unexpected gust of piercingly cold mountain wind from creeping up and catching the PONette unawares. This results in our day starting with a brief but pronounced double ear malfunction.  Sophie is not amused.

When we get home there's a little red Suzuki Swift parked outside the near gate with its engine running. Loic gets out. He cheerfully tells me that he's had pains in his chest and that the doctor at the hospital has told him to rest. ' I won't be here to blow leaves for a month or two ' he says. The matron of the home is in the little cars drivers seat. She walks over to the gate and tells me he so wanted to come over and deliver this news in person. 'He's been pestering me for four days solid '. She then goes on to say ' I'll call you later to let you know what's going on'. Loic seems unperturbed. He squats down and gives the PONette a long cuddle which is gratefully received. She gives him a triple lick. He squeals with joy. Loic is one of Gods happy and uncomplicated people.

This is lovely and very Princeton :https://www.quantamagazine.org/june-huh-high-school-dropout-wins-the-fields-medal-20220705