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Good morning, Rusty!
I am just home from the park
It is a lovely fresh morning here, with the temperature so far only 17C, although it is supposed to reach 26C later on.
I have just looked in on Lassie and the chicks.. all seem to be flourishing!
The chicks are now stretching their wings...I do not think it will not be long before they start trying to fly?
We have someone arriving shortly to give an estimate for repairing part of the fence that became very "wobbly" after the last thunderstorm, and also to raise the height of another part of the fence that is nearer to our house, before the adjoining house next door is sold.
If that makes any sense to you?
How are things at your end?
What are you up to today?




Hello, Pigale!
I'm sorry.... I only read your message this morning.
I had gone to bed when you posted last night!
The heat and accumulative lack of sleep had finally got to me!
I do hope you will get a lift back from the village...... carrying a lot of shopping will not be good for your back....could you not get a cab if your friends are not around?
At any rate, be careful.
I'd better go....I think the van is pulling up outside with our workman arriving.......

Good morning, Elle!
The loch family appear to be doing very well.
The chicks are gradually strengthening their wings, though I think it will be a wee while yet, before they fledge.
Wonder when they will be tagged?
It is much cooler here today, so far.
Suits me fine!
Yes, I understand your fence situation.
Hope the lads have a good solution to help you have the fence the way you want it.
I bought cream cakes earlier and it is time for one with a coffee!

Hi, Rusty!
Well, a potentially successful morning!
We discovered purely by chance (a meeting up in the Crematorium and ensuing friendly discussion) that the building firm who have done jobs for us many years, also do fencing, and various other sidelines that our (presently sick) landscape gardener has always done for us.
It is a family firm; four brothers and now their sons all working together.
A very nice family whom we have known for a very long time.
So one of the brothers came along this morning to assess the various jobs that need doing, and he will send us a breakdown of estimates.
The building firm covers all that is on our list, so I think we shall be able to get everything done at some stage over the Summer.
I am well pleased!
Cream cakes sound good......I'm not really a cake person...but I can be persuaded to eat a chocolate eclair...or a meringue.....
Enjoy!

Hello Elle and Rusty!

Thank you for the link Rusty - very strong wording (in French anyway)
from Bernard Hinault, and like you, I fully agree with him -
As he so rightly says, why did they ban Alberto Contador if they are now allowing Froome free to cheat freely!

Elle, I can understand being exhausted because of the heat, particularly if you do not sleep well at night - after a while, it takes
its toll.
We are very lucky here in that we had a constant N.E. breeze, which
has developed into proper wind today, with gusts at 26 odd miles
an hour (40 - 45 Kms in gusts)
Yet we have a warning issued for extremely hot conditions for
Saturday, Sunday and Monday, before some rain and perhaps
storms break the hot spell - only to start again a few days later!

I was loaded indeed when I reached the Tavern, carrying 5 melons (!)
1kg of white flesh peaches and another of the flat ones, also white
flesh - similar to what we call 'vine peach' ( trees usually planted
in between rows of vines, originally at least) They have a very
delicate and beautiful taste, quite different from normal ones
and I love them!
I also bought apricots and grapes, as well as tomatoes......

I tend to live on salads and consume tons of fruit every Summer!

But do not worry, I did have a lift - three of my friends all offered
me a lift! isn't that nice? My back was already aching by the
time I reached the tavern!

What are you up to this week-end? Any plans?

Good afternoon, Elle!
Your builder firm sounds the sensible way to go, Elle!
If you know and trust them, go for it!
Are they any good with red buttons?
No blue sky today, here.
Cloudy and cool!
Cream cakes are good for you, Elle.
You should treat yourself and your husband!
Finished my puzzle.
23a, is a new word to me, but the clue is "4d" enough.

Hello, Pigale!
Bernard Hinault is a much respected figure and should be listened to!
Froome should be nowhere near the Tour de France after his drug test.
And I cannot stand Team Sky.
They talk the talk but don't walk the walk, if that makes sense!

Your shopping expedition sounds delicious!
And well done to your friends at the tavern for giving you a lift home!

I have just told Elle it is cloudy and cool here, but the sky has turned blue in the last few minutes, and it is now a lovely afternoon!

Update, Pigale!
I found a little video of Le Tour route for 2018.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ile4NRMLDQ

Thanks again Rusty - Very nice and clear video
I think it'll be a great, difficult Tour, particularly under the heat!

Hello, Pigale!
The first week in the crosswinds will be tough, but ideal for breakaways.
Looks a great route, but as ever, it's a long, long, way to Paris!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, the builders are great guys, and we shall definitely ask them to do all our various tasks.
We have no intention of getting competitive estimates in these circumstances, as we trust the brothers ( and their sons!) to do a good job for us.
You sound to be getting pleasantly excited at the prospect of Le Tour!
When does it start?
I have a feeling it usually clashes with Wimbledon?
I have been watching the Eastbourne Women's Semis this afternoon.
Riveting stuff! Excellent matches!
Caroline Wozniacki versus Angelique Kerber ; and Arya Sabalenka v Aggie Radswanka.
It is Caroline and Arya Sabalenka who will meet in the Final tomorrow.
I may have to do some juggling and recording to fit in tennis and Athletics!
I haven't even looked at the crossword yet!