A Patch Unparalleled

Let me tell you about my summer holidays. They arrived just after Auntie Annie had, and on an exciting Sunday morning, we headed south to a patch of paradise; the lovely Dordogne. I was soooo excited. After driving for about five weeks - Auntie Annie talked about ' a day and a half' but I am sure it was a lot longer than that, we arrived at our destination a farmhouse in a village so small that my Mum reckons it can only lay claim to the name as it has a Mairie open on alternate Wednesdays between 3 and 4:30pm.

Our hosts had ever so kindly provided several chickens for me to chase, and so the minute I was bundled out of the car upon our arrival I was OFF down the country road after those delightfully squawking flapping birds. Mum seemed a bit embarrassed by my efforts to bring some excitement not to mention a good cardio-vascular workout into these birds' dull lives, and scooped me up under her arm on several occasions, apologising red-faced to our hosts, who were quite affable about it, understanding no doubt my efforts in the chickens' favour.
Well I can't continue further without mentioning the excellent dining to be had in this most truly civilised corner of the earth. One evening, as you see, I graciously invited my rather presumptious neighbour to dinner and we dined in style in our private courtyard by the farmhouse. He'd been hinting for an invite since early morning when he first climbed in our kitchen window; honestly, where was his manners; he could have at least used the door but what can you expect from such a youngster. Service was a bit slow as you can see- they only have two legs bless ' em!