Rain, water butts and a tribute

Due to the computer being hospitalised after a microsoft word crash we have been unable to add to the blog recently. But we're back in action and after some much needed heavy rain the garden is looking wonderful and the vegetables are growing at a fast rate. Yesterday we ate another of our delicious lettuces. As a measure to conserve water we bought some butts and now have the capacity to trap 1400 litres of rain water. They are all full to the brim after recent heavy rain and will come in handy when the next bought of hot weather strikes. Even though it has been less hot I have had a few swims in the pool being a stickler for cold water emersion therapy or 'one hell of a good way to wake up' treatment. The temperature of the water has dropped to below 70 degrees due to the cooler weather but a good cold water swim does wonders for the metabolism and clears a lot of cobwebs. Some mornings the sun has come out and it has been really beautiful with the quietness all around and the greenness of trees and grass and the occaisional swooping swallow.

On a very much sadder note I went to the funeral on saturday of a much loved local member of Antigny's community - Jean Maitre - who died last week aged 64 after a struggle with cancer. Jean and his wife Paulette gave us a warm welcome when we arrived in Antigny and quickly became friends. Jean was in charge of the local walking group called the godillots (walking boots) and devoted much of his time organising walks and events including the yearly randonee which involved the entire community in a walk with either horses, bikes or on foot. He had time for everyone and was good natured, good humoured, kind and intelligent. He was a volunteer chairman of the ADMR - the association I work for which supplies care for the elderly in the community and gave tireless support to that cause. The funeral was held in Antigny's local church which has recently had its medieval frescoes beautifully restored and the entire community paid tribute to Jean even following him to his final resting place at the cemetry and each person throwing a rose into his grave. It was both a sad but very moving experience and this small community will never be the same without his presence. He will be greatly missed.