06/09/2024
Tales from Nouvelle-Aquitaine #102
“Une feuille tombée au sol n'est rien d'autre que la vague d'adieu de l'été.”
Many leaves had fallen these past days here at Le Logis.
Shades of gold, russet and a league of browns and ambers covered the cream gravel of the car park and alleyway. The gentle warm breeze having gathered them into a random patchwork of colour had changed direction to cause mischief elsewhere.
The trusty rake having finished its work leant against the sack which was fit to burst. These leaves would be stored before being used to protect the potager in the months that would follow.
An orange sunset lit the front of the house; of long shadows and quiet reflection. Its rays shimmered from the pool and up under the zinc guttering like tiny diamonds where two collared doves sat quietly together.
The day before we had said goodbye to Lynn, Pav, Debbie and Lee - old friends sharing our stories of years gone by.
I always say with great sincerity that we find it hard to say goodbye to our guests, this time particularly so. We had spent a wonderful week in their company catching up. It was at that moment that we realised how quickly this season has passed us by.
From the first défilé of the year marking the 8 May - and the impromptu garden tea party in the garden. Our fêtes des voisins was a great opportunity to catch up with neighbours we hadn’t seen for a while. The village celebrating the 14 July - Fête Nationale and such an impressive firework display. The Chasse lunch brought people together once again in the village.
These past mornings out on our walks with Archie we had noticed the mist on the distant hills reminding us of the folklore ‘Les brumes de Montalembert’. By mid morning the sun offered enough warmth to the pink and white cyclamen flowers at the far end of the garden still covered in droplets of morning dew.
Late afternoon we made our way to the potager armed with our Sussex hand made basket called a “Trugg” - a wedding present a decade before.
We collected the last of the Summer tomatoes pausing to taste one straight from the vine. A freshness and sweetness like no other. There really isn’t anything finer. Krysia had planned to use them to make a passata sauce which will be frozen, ready for when needed.
Krysia and I would like to thank all of our Summer guests who have chosen to stay with us this year. From those of you who have returned to those discovering us for the very first time. It really has been our pleasure to share our quiet corner of France with you. You have all made it one of our most memorable yet and it is very much appreciated.
With our Autumn guests due during the next few days and our village Brocante this Sunday we look forward to a busy time ahead.
As I type I notice a fresh covering of leaves on the driveway. It seems my trusty rake hasn’t quite finished its work just yet.
The last word this time surely must go to Ronald and Suzy from Holland who came to stay with us for the second time. One evening at sunset we shared a bottle of champagne that they had kindly bought us to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We discovered it would be their wedding anniversary a few days later.
Ronald insisted on opening the first bottle. As he poured the first glass he said that there really is something special in the air about this village.
I asked him what he thought it was.
“I don’t know” he said.
“Something magical”…
À votre santé! ❤️🍷🍷🇫🇷🇪🇺❤️
Paul & Krysia x
Le Logis De Limalonges
©2024