Sunshine and Showers

1:6.20 - 18.6.20
Only a couple of days into June and the weather changed. Rain, cooler followed by sunshine, cloud and showers. This meant that our walks were a bit hit and miss and the shorts were put away in favour of carrying a black plastic poncho reminiscent of a bin bag.
Had a creased brow and sleepless nights trying to get my tax sorted but with the support and patience of JJ, it finally went off on the 9th, 2 days before the deadline. Could then go back to a more carefree, relaxing time; photos to transfer, French to get to grips with and crosswords to build into the daily routine to shake up the little grey cells.
Luckily, having the Guardian to read online has been great. Covid, Government inefficiencies, Dominic Cummings's antics and "Black Lives Matter" demos have filled my mornings before getting up.
TV wise, we've been getting engrossed in the reruns of Foyle's War and a couple of European crime series.
One break from the routine came along on Sunday, 14th. The care home organised a cupcake sale.

Sold in batches of 4, we were first there to offer our support. Bought a couple of quids worth of raffle tickets and lo and behold, we won the huge gooey chocolate that was the prize. There was enough to divide between five households!

Weather continued with sunshine and cloud until yesterday when thunderstorms and heavy rain arrived. Luckily we timed our morning walk perfectly to get home before the heavens opened. More expected today so our walk could be compromised.

In commemoration of de Gaulle's call to the French to resist the Nazis, broadcast from London, Mr Macron is being received by Chas and Camilla  and then going on for talks with Boris today. A reciprocal lifting of the 14 day quarantine is on Manu's agenda. Brexit will be avoided by both! What an unlikely pair. Hey ho!

28.6.20

Another Sunday visit from Mel and Paul to eat goodies and have a drink in the garden.

1.7.20 - 6.7.20: Countdown

So, the last week in exile and life ticked over much as usual. Walking, reading, tv, another visit from Mel and Paul still in the garden; the shielding continues. Pubs and cafés were allowed to open on the 4th but we had no interest in rushing out to participate. A bottle of cava spread over a 4 day weekend suited me just fine.

A real change to our routine was a picnic lunch in the garden with, Mel, Alison and the girls who put on an impromptu show and brought me a card and gift that they'd made. Such are the delights of family that are missing from life, good as it is here.

Still, tomorrow I'm off to brave a Ryanair flight so as to get back home and pick up life à la française.