Bending

The poolman packed up his tools and left on Friday. He was supposed to lay the paving but in the absence of materials he's moved onto his next job. This morning, bright and early, the stonemason is at the front gate with the new stone. 100 square metres of Travertine that should have been here a month ago. He tells me that his business has grown five fold during the lockdown.

The stone crates are so heavy that at one point the mechanical arm starts to bend and the safety mechanism shuts of the power. It is at this moment that Sophie emerges to find out what's going on. She is encouraged indoors. One universal law of PON ownership is that you can be 100% sure they will always show up at the worst possible moment.

Clear skies, a fresh breeze and a hint of warmth from the sun. Perfect conditions for out first walk of the day. The wild flowers not so much springing up as surging up. Our little patch of paradise full of bottled up energy. Sophie doesn't know it but she has her annual vat appointment this afternoon. Straight after lunch when we hope the surgery is quiet.

'The Font' has ordered some lanterns for the terrace. Four of them have broken glass. This is annoying as the firm has charged 90 euros for extra packaging and 'careful' delivery. I have some sympathy with delivery men but this one is in a hurry and is content to throw the boxes out of the back of his van. When I point out that 'Fragile' is written across the cartons he informs me that ' It ain't my look out' except he adds a colourful gerundival adjective to his thoughts.