Optimism

First barbecue of the year this lunch time, and the gas-fired contraption (unlike the lawn mower) fired up on the first push.  Fortnums' Nürnbergs, with home made bread and garlicky haricots.  So I've invented a new dish: aggravated beans on toast.

Noises off while I was at the barbie: I might have mentioned the time-expired fence between Forges-l'Evêque and the electricity sub station next door.  A month after I reported it, a chap was there just now to shore it up pro tem, and called me over to tell me he was putting in for a new fence.  Strictly speaking, we are responsible, I think, for all our boundary fences.  I think I might resist any application for payment though, given that the power companies responsible are largely owned by the free, equal and brotherly republic across the ditch, and by the People's Republic of China.  Stand by for a diplomatic incident, and vittle up the gunboat.

Other Frühlingsrauschen much in evidence.  Chainsaws and shredders, and building noises two doors down, where a skip was delivered this morning.  Mustn't grumble, given all the work we've had done here over the past almost nine years, during much of which we buggered off to Another Place, leaving the neighbours to put up with the noise and dust.

I'm almost ashamed of the miserly satisfaction I get from drying laundry without benefit of electricity.  Secondary benefits include some fresh air and a spot of vitamin D.  But putting out the first lot clad only in my dressing gown was a somewhat breezy experience, and the elderly mitts are protesting at being called upon to manipulate wet washing and clothes pegs in single-digit temperatures.  Drying nicely now, however, in the stiff easterly wind and bright sunshine.