Welcome back...it's been a while!

Hi! If you are reading my blog for the first time, welcome . Since I last blogged on the twelfth of April life has taken a Kafkaesque turn. I must apologise if you have tried to log on , only to find a security warning or 'Lost in Space ' notice. For some unfathomable reason my blog was considered a security risk and taken off line. We have spoken daily to a large number of helpful and charming people and received innumerable apologies and reassurances , all to no avail. Until today. As you will see I have finally managed to retrieve my blog , but am now blogging at Joansjottings.net. I very much hope you will stay with us . Here is a taste of what may be in store. But then, who knows what unexpected events and surprises may lie around the corner.

A Forest Update

Since you've been gone the forest has filled with colour. Nature's palette has taken on so many different shades of green, as the oaks and other deciduous trees have come into leaf. The dark green of the pines is now offset with tones of lime and emerald , whilst the genista blazes golden yellow from the forest floor, wafting its perfume everywhere we go. If you should drive this way, be sure to keep your car window open . You will not only catch its scent, but maybe you will hear the first calls of the nightingale, for he has just returned. What's more, should you wish to gather thyme for the kitchen it's too late, for it is blooming everywhere.

Sadly one visitor has failed to arrive.

We are still anxiously awaiting the return of the toad to our garden pond. Whilst we have never seen frogs, the toad has been a regular visitor every year. They have cavorted noisily for a while , leaving behind long strands of spawn wound around the leaves of the flag irises. When the tadpoles emerge, their parents have long since disappeared. But this year they are late, and we fear that their absence is ominous. A few goldfish, spared from the heron's beak, still dart beneath the water while the surface is dimpled with pond skaters .

I shall have more pond tales to tell as the summer progresses.

Meanwhile, down on the coast...

We have got to know our new boat, and are ready for summer adventures afloat. The port is becoming busier now. The large tourist boat has begun its daily outings, and we can hear its commentary as they transport passengers to view life 'sous marine.' Passing through the channel larger yachts head out to sea too, hoping to catch the wind in their sails, while the capitainerie is busily allotting moorings and arranging passes for the new season.

... publication day, on 25th April, draws near, and I grow anxious that my story will be kindly received.

While at home...

Please stay tuned for more news from this corner of Southern France.