I think it’s autumn …

Ok, I know. Nothing for over eight weeks then two posts in one week. All our visitors have gone for the year, the temperature is dropping and we’ve just turned the central heating on – it must be autumn.

It was 6 degrees at 10.00 this morning when I walked into the town, but the sun was shining. It’s midday before the grass dries sufficiently to go into the garden to throw the ball for Lily, her favourite pastime. Otherwise it’s all muddy paws and wet tummy and she really doesn’t like the cold and wet. Must buy her a nice warm coat – something chic ?

The summer evening markets are finished and the vide greniers and brocante fairs are happening less often, so now it’s Poule au Pot evenings ( chicken in a pot) and quine (bingo).

and the entertainment is provided by the world 

junior accordian player !

Sunday night bingo !
Of course the prizes include wine.

There are less stalls at the Saturday morning market and a lot less tourists. Everyone is preparing for the winter hibernation. The supermarkets are holding Foire au Vin ( wine sales) to make room for the next vintage and pumpkins and mushrooms are popping up everywhere.

Foire au Vin at the supermarket

Graham is thinking about what he needs to re-stock the cellar and I’ve pulled out the Le Creuset pot ready for all those slow cooked dishes and soups. I’ve found some new recipes to try out – wild mushroom tart, quiche with spinach and pine nuts, chicken fricassée, parisienne gnocchi with pumpkin and sage butter, and maybe one of our favourites, an apple tarte tatin or two.

squirrels in conversation in a shop window

the pigeons have become such a problem that the council
is planning a cull - could be noisy but the local hunters will enjoy themselves

The leaves are changing colour and dropping and the commune workers have removed the hanging flower baskets from the streets, though we’ve re-planted our window boxes with pansies since they are the only plants at the market now.

don't the changing leaves look lovely

The local animal charity is holding their biannual book sale this month so we’ll be stocking up for those cold dark days. And we’re off to London next month for a few days of culture and shopping (in English – wahoo!). Hoping that the christmas decorations are in the streets as I’d love to see what a London christmas looks like.

 

Lunch anyone ?

Bon weekend mes amis