EARLY DAYS

Our first months in Le Val aux Moines seem like a dream now.

That first weekend we were without mains water: I know we live near “le sale village” (“the dirty village”) but, was this was taking it a step too far. Well, after many calls to the water company, and the English agent we discovered that the water had simply been turned off at the mains! is that all…It was though, a long “dry” weekend! You know what they say “save water drink wine!!”

Agents: A good tip – chose your agent well, someone you can trust. Ours was lacking somewhat, and, we got the distinct impression that once the agent fees were paid over, she was not particularly interested in our problems. We also suspect that problems we would later experience regarding drainage, were omitted from discussions …….

The start of our life in France was actually tinged with deep sadness, because, David, the husband of our dearest friend Joan died, and, we suddenly found ourselves returning to the UK. It was obviously an emotional trip back, but, as often happens at times like these there was also laughter, as we splashed about through our joint memories. We returned to France after his funeral, and, picked up where we had left off…..and, as it happens with no cooking facilities.

So, our first job on our return was to arrange for a new kitchen to be installed, this happened so quickly and efficiently, that we were spared the job of cooking on a gas camping stove, and, a cheap microwave. Now that would have been a food challenge.

Of course, the weather was perfect everyday! And, as a bonus it seemed like the local farmer had decided to welcome us with colour – the fields were full of the golden laughing heads of sunflowers, and the vibrant purples of flowers being grown for seeds.

Henry and Lucy (our cocker spaniel and old English sheepdog) had settled down pretty well. It is an ideal situation for animals because the road ends in front of our house, and, it just leads to the fields and woodland.

The garden was quite wild – still is really! – and we waited excitedly, for the seasons to pass, to discover what plants we had. At this time we did not own the adjoining land, so no veggie plot to work on.

Sleeping with the bedroom window open we were often “disturbed” by owls, and other creatures of the night. For us this was never a problem. In fact just the opposite we love to lie watching the night sky through the velux window, and listen to the sounds of the night. One particular night we had a nightingale in the walnut tree outside of our bedroom and it sang until the early hours – a wonderful memory.

So we were ready for our first guests……