Life suddenly picking up its pace. Leaving the village seemed like something that was going to happen in the far future but will be happening at the end of the week. The packing of our desktops may happen sooner than that. That's seven weeks since the couturier showed up on our doorstep. Serendipity moves quickly. The notaire says this is the fastest sale he's ever done.
The packers arrive. They've driven down from Dusseldorf. By the time they get here it's nudging 33 degrees. 39 forecast. Not ideal conditions for carting around furniture and loading up boxes. Their truck is enormous. It holds 100 cubic metres of furniture. They were going to sleep in their truck but 'The Font ' says they'll die from heatstroke if they do. Rooms are booked for them in the village gites. This is not entirely altruistic. If they sleep well they'll hopefully be more efficient and get everything crated up more quickly.
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The old mayor comes with his sidekick to pick up some peonies in pots. These will be transplanted to the flower borders in front of the church where the shrubs have succumbed to the heat . The old mayor spots the 2 metre tall artificial Christmas tree in its box. I explain that the Guangzhou Christmas Tree factory produced this one with a light show that is 'sporadic' and a danger to anyone who is epileptic. This doesn't put them off. They both consider an artificial Christmas tree to be the height of sophistication. The boxed up tree and some Christmas ornaments are taken away with them. Later this year the tree will take pride of place in the village hall window . They also take the two grey painted wooden Versailles planters from outside the front door. After refurbishment they will look as good as new. These will go on either side of the church door.
Sophie seems to have finally understood that something is going on. She considers having a nap in the library but a steady streamer of packers moving back and forth puts her off the idea. The family diva gets extra attention, lengthy ear chooks and is soon asleep at my feet, in the office, with the fan full on.
A separate, smaller, croissant for Sophie this morning. I tell the girl in the bakers we are moving. She wonders who she will speak English to. Who indeed ?
Coming back with us a piece of art picked up in New York many years ago. 'Rosie, Queen of the dogs goes to the light house every day'. I see from the price tag on the back it cost us $411.14 in 1989. What an unusual number. Why not $410 or $415? Give it a week or two and Sophie will also be having a daily visit to the lighthouse and a chance to make the acquaintance of the local seal population. In the meantime there will be hotels and restaurants and exotic ' scents ' to enjoy.
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