"This is what we came for, Phillip"

Sat 10 Jun

I finished a wonderful book today as we continue to 'veg-out' after what has been 50 or so days on the go. The book, 'Signs of the Heart...Love and Death in Languedoc', was written by Christopher Hope, our landlady's partner. Christopher hails from South Africa and his no nonsense approach to politics there saw him have his citizenship revoked, no passport, and an exit visa. Some 30 years ago then, he made his way to France eventually settling in Caunes-Minervois. His book barely disguises C-M as the village of Kissac and ,in an extremely entertaining way, he describes the country and people; their idiosyncracies and foibles; their French uniqueness; and the overall effect the region and its people has on any who venture into it. The book was broadcast in part on the BBC and extracts were printed in the British Daily Telegraph. I envy his ability to draw vivid, magnificent pictures in so few words.

Christopher has written nine novels and three shorter fiction as well as two non-fiction books. His work also includes poetry and books for children. He has won several awards for his writing and was short-listed for the Booker Prize in 1992. We have recently read a major article by him published in The Guardian relating to politics in South Africa and in particular the case of the Presidential hopeful involved in a rape case.

This evening Donna prepared one of her marvelous tossed salads seasoned with her latest dressing potion. I barbecued two luscious hunks of Atlantic salmon and with a bottle of Domaine Maillot Sauvignon Blanc, and bread of course, we sat in the courtyard and enjoyed a perfect meal, in perfect company, in perfect weather. After a quiet minute of reflection Donna said "This is what we came for, Phillip".

Sun 11 Jun

There is really no rest for the wicked as housekeeping and the like must go on. The linen and clothes are washed and ironed however we still find time to sit again in the courtyard under a warm blue sky with just a gentle breeze. I have never done so before, but I finished a Sidney Sheldon novel in one day!

Our dear friend Dee, gave us a book on French cheeses before we left Australia. This has been an inspired gift as we tend to give it a work-out on a daily basis. The number of cheeses in the supermarkets is staggering and some sort of background is necessary if one is to get the best out of the array. Of interest at present are cheeses from the Auvergne mountains near central France. Both Cantal and Salers are made from cows milk with Salers from cows that have grazed on Summer pastures while Cantal is made from the milk of the other seasons. Cantal feels heavy and moist. The salt that is added to it brings out thy full flavour. A well-ripened Cantal has a strong taste, while a young cheese has the sweet taste of raw milk. Both cheeses are pressed into blocks of 35-45 kilos!

On the subject of milk. The only cold milk you can buy from supermarkets is full-cream. Fat reduced or 'demi-ecreme' milk comes off the shelf as UHT or long-life product. Takes a bit of getting used to.