Loic, the gardener, arrives at nine and starts blowing leaves into piles. It's a windy morning so this simplest of tasks takes on an added complexity. Bob and Sophie follow Loic round the garden, barking loudly. Whenever a pile of leaves is considered large enough to demolish they dart in , do leaf scattering cartwheels , then dart off again. Loic accepts their destructive involvement with stoic good humour. Bob and Sophie are finally exiled to the kitchen. Their reluctance to leave the leaf piles is all too evident.
The large pot now sits on a tree stump in the courtyard. What a weight ! The potter says it's stoneware and frost proof. How many times have I heard that ? One thing is certain - it's not moving.
Aude the decaratrice talks away happily to herself as she limewashes the winter kitchen walls.Outside her bib overalled friend mixes cement for the garden terrace. From time to time they can be found sitting, chatting, on a garden bench in the orchard enjoying a ' roll your own ' cigarette. ' The font ' is not entirely sure the womens cooperative smoke tobacco.
I'm supposed to write something for ' men in dark suits '. Bob wanders into the office and wonders why I'm not outside in the sunshine.'' You've got twenty minutes and then we'll go and chase squirrels ". He falls asleep, head on my foot .
Time for their worming tablets. Their first adult dose. Sophie doesn't respond at all well to the Drontal. She lies in the kitchen crying. Full time reassurance called for. In future we'll find a different way of worming.
