It's been an interesting week here in rural France. Holiday makers and second home owners are starting to arrive, as is Covid-19, although Anjou is not as badly affected as Brittany or PACA, we have moved from green to amber on RAG ratings. The tourism season meant that there was an added attraction at the market last Saturday, as local authors did a book signing session - mostly wearing masks.
While the start and end of the week were hot and sunny, the middle was less impressive, with cloud, some light rain and cool temperatures for July - it's not unknown. The conditions were clearly right for stag beetles to get it on, and I found a pair at it in the aubergine and pepper bed. I wouldn't normally comment on beetle sex, but these are seriously big beetles and they made a bit of noise, plus I have chums who are that way about stag beetles.
The photo was after the event...
As the weather improved, so the long evenings were more appealing for late walks after I have watered the potted plants. This photo shows a pretty novel light on the church spire (yes, it is twisted, just like Chesterfield, well not exactly like Chesterfield, but...), as it is really only at about 9:45pm or later that the sun hits that bit of the tower.
Apologies for the revolting bungalow in the foreground.
The vegetable plot is starting to get into its swing - here is Fergus guarding our swag (hard earned swag). We have also robbed a couple more potatoes, and the beefsteak tomatoes are ripening.
Finally, it is a good year for my favourite flower. We have three pots of agapanthus and all are out, but this one is the most dramatic.
Have a nice weekend and wear a face mask in enclosed spaces!
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