I feel like I have won the lottery but actually I have just returned to France without family or dog responsibilities. I am here for a week before heading up to see Lily in the U.K. and it feels like utter hedonism. Yesterday, I arrived and was picked up by my brothers-in-France (Matt and Dave). They drove me to their beautiful house and Dave prepared a delicious meal and dessert. After catching up and stuffing myself, I retired to the most comfortable bed and slept for 13 hours.

Today, I awoke really well rested and Dave drove me to Laval to pick up a rental car. After a quick goodbye (they made sure I was able to drive the car and there weren’t any problems), I raced off to Ernée to pick up a few groceries and then back to St. Denis. France is in full spring which means, lilacs, wisteria, green grass everywhere, trees blooming and the pervasive smell of manure. Oh how I’ve missed the cows! My house was clean and welcoming thanks to my friend Ruth. The gardens are filled with bluebells, wisteria, lilacs and primroses. It is simply gorgeous. I am blessed.

My little oasis