Out with Sophie for an early walk from one end of the village to the other. It's been windy overnight and the lane is covered with squashed apples and damsons. Sophie is delighted with the apples, less so the damsons which she spits out with disgust . When we get home Bob is furious to discover his sister has been eating and he hasn't.
Another chimney sweep arrives. He's supposed to clean the exhaust flue from the boiler. Without an annual certificate saying that it's been done your house insurance is invalid. He rather stroppily says that he's got a license to sweep chimneys not flues. '' You'll need a specialist for that mate ". We get him to clean the chimney in return for his €92 call out charge. The chimney has now been swept twice.
The restoration of the village church nearly completed. It looks very grand. The roof repaired , the frescoes as bright as if they'd just been painted. The mayor pops by at seven for a reviving glass of champagne ; " only the one " he says settling down comfortably on the sofa. It seems there is to be a service on October 22nd to celebrate the completion of the works and the unveiling of a memorial to the Franco-Algerian war. The 97 year old abbot in the local old folks home will be officiating. The depressive accordion playing physiotherapist will be providing the musical accompaniment. '' I'm sure it will be a day to remember " says ' the font ' perhaps a tad too truthfully.
