Sabbatical 2010 – Bulletin No. 2 13th June 2010

A week of jobs. The mornings have been hot and clear so we have tried to get on with things early (that is, finish by midday). Thyme, sage and chives have been planted in spare places to complement the rosemary and Sarah has lightened up the bottom of the steps to the front door with bizzy lizzies. We have got the irrigation going – pump and sprayers all (eventually) working well and we have bought a new lawn mower.

(Three cuts and it will have paid for itself when compared to M. Lo Porto’s charges.) We also now have very clear water in the pool and this morning I could see from one end to the other underwater – always the acid test.

I have been cooking and Sarah has been giving me refresher bridge lessons (she may not see it like that). I have ridden to the colonne romaine – well actually on a bit to Verignon - once. It’s a real joy on the bike again – my Leggero is incredibly responsive; you turn the pedals and the bike goes forward (yes I know that’s what all bikes do but there’s very little lateral flex in the frame so very little energy is lost).  The other extraordinary thing about riding from Verignon back to the column is that although the road has a definite upward gradient, it feels as though it's going downhill - any explanations, esp from those like Stuart who have ridden it, and no the surface isn't particularly good.

Friday saw me make a lightning visit home to see my Mother – nothing wrong, a planned visit to make sure she’s ok – which she is. I was short on time to get across London and take her to the doctor so Richard’s friend Josh very kindly jumped in to help by meeting me at Paddington with the tickets (Richard was meeting me at Audley End with the car.)  Many thanks Josh and Richard.

Today we have celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary. Well actually we began yesterday as we went to church again at Lorgues today. So I cooked dinner, washed down with champagne Billecart-Salmon and a local red with an appropriate name.

Church today was very friendly – Peter was very open about his plans for the future of l’Oasis, or rather that he is thinking them through and wanted to know what people thought.

Tonight we have our first serious rain as we prepare to go to Vicenza and Siena next week.