Pics from this morning's walk

It was chilly this morning, but the sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly. Here are a few pictures from my walk with the dog today.

Callie on our morning walk in the woods, 11 April 2010

Yesterday we spent the afternoon with Jean and Nick down in Le Grand-Pressigny. As always, it was a good time, with good food and drink. And beautiful weather. Nick said that yesterday was as warm and pleasant as a good summer day in the English Midlands, where they are from. It was pretty much as warm as a good summer day in Saint-Aignan, from my point of view. Their patio is sheltered and the south-facing walls of their cottage really capture and reflect the heat of the sun, which is still fairly low in the sky.

Fruit trees in flower around the neighborhood

We sat outside on J. and N.'s patio for five or six hours. That's how long lunch lasted. We also looked at some of the renovation work they've been doing in the house: new pine floors in a bedroom, refinished beams, and more. Theirs is a beautiful old cottage in the middle of the village.

Their work has inspired us to rethink our plans for the flooring we'll put in our converted attic space. More about that later.

A neighbor's driveway

Bertie the tomcat was fine when we got home — Callie the collie had made the trip to Le Grand-Pressigny with us, even though she hates riding in the car. The cat stayed home, of course. When we got back at nightfall, Bertie was happy to see us. Everything seemed fine. He ate some, and I spent a few minutes petting him and playing. His head sore is definitely better. Janet, who gave Bertie to us, said the wound came from a recent encounter with a weasel. She had told us about that incident before, but I had forgotten.

The Renaudière vineyard in April

At four this morning, I heard Bertie meowing loudly downstairs. Callie was in the living room sleeping, with the doors closed, and she didn't seem to take any notice. I ended up going down to the utility room and bringing the cat into the bedroom before dawn because I didn't know why he was meowing so insistently.

It's spring, but the vines haven't budded out yet.

Once in the bedroom, Bertie curled up and slept peacefully on the bed for three or four hours. He seemed content, and I think he was just lonely after having spent the day all by himself. He really is dying to go outdoors, but for that he'll to wait a few more days.