sun, swimming and cycling

Today the temperature reached late 20's - and that was in the shade. It was glorious and a real taste of summer. It was a good thing that Stephen vacuumed the pool and gave it a thorough clean as we were all desperate for a swim. After strimmimg I went in at about 7pm and it was simply fantastic. I will be back to my early morning swims tomorrow morning. After eating I took Avalanche out for a run alongside my bike. It was just as the sun was setting so the sky was full of different colours. I saw hares and deer and owls - it was really beautiful. The rape is now seeded but the wheat is at its best. The roadsides have bursts of oxe-eye daisies in patches which are so pretty. The air here is so clean and healthy - it was a real pleasure to get outdoors. When I got near to the house the moon was out and in the distance were some flashes of lightening but as yet there is no sign of much needed rain.

Yesterday we went Poitiers to do some clothes shopping - a quite rare event in this household!! We didn't go to the beautiful centre unfortunately which has some wonderful medieval and renaissance quarters and some elegant cafes and shops but at the children's request hit the huge hypermarket stores on the outskirts. However, everyone got what they wanted and was happy at the end.

Had a visit from our Russian friend Rita and Alicia and their friend Irena. They are here in Antigny for a short weekend visit and came to have some tea and cake with us. They were impressed with all the changes in the property - the new gite and the garden. 'Paradise' they said. It was good to know that people think it is looking good. But it is all looking stunning at the moment and after such a long winter it is such a joy to at last be outdoors.