Moods from Southwest France

14/05/2023

24/05/2021

Now it is nearly three years since I've visited my old house "La Forge" in southwest France. First I was ill. Second summer was Covid and this summer I'm stalled by French Covid restrictions. But the roses are blooming and the wisteria nearly broke some limbs due to a heavy bloom. Annie keeps watch on everything and my excellent caretaker Catherine takes care of all maintenance.

This year my hopes for a visit were high. I wanted to deliver the WW1 book I wrote, "FOR SIX IN HONOR OF MILLIONS " to each rural village featured in the book. The inspiration for the book was the war memorial outside my kitchen window in Montpezat. Each morning and evening, as I open and shut my shutters, I toss a thank you kiss to the quiet stoic French soldier gazing forward. I wanted my six grandchildren to comprehend the consequences a war has upon the land, soldiers, animals, civilians, education and economy. Australia lost more soldiers per capita of all the countries who participated in WW1. The French lost civilians, young men, farms and houses. Everyone loses in a war. Nor do the consequences of war end with the signing of a peace treaty. One way or another war's impact trickles down through the generations. more to come.