Yesterday the loft insulation was carried out.  A damp beam betrays the broken tiles which need replacing on the roof.  The back hall was prepared for specialised papering.

Maggie and Mike collected me in the evening and drove me to their home at Eymet where we enjoyed a meal focussing on a Russian fish pie, followed by cheese and melon; with some red wine and an evening’s convivial conversation.

Once the morning mist had cleared, a fine autumn day revealed the poet’s ‘mellow fruitfulness’.  I walked the loop centring on the Thenac road, up along the main route through Sigoules and down the narrow winding track to the Cuneges road.  Although it dulled over before I had returned the day began bright and sunny, and continued to be so after I had returned.

High on the vine-covered slopes a proliferation of butterflies flitted here and there.  Bright yellow ones in particular chased each other around, reminding me of yesterday night’s courting couple.  Up and down, round and round they yo-yoed, never settling for the camera.

Some grapes seem to be allowed to fester on the stems.  I gather this is a necessary process of viniculture.

The sunflowers also looked rather past their best, until one remembers that it is their oil that is harvested.

What must have been a seasonal bonfire sent up spirals of smoke in the far distance.

Max’s lunchtime offerings in Le Code Bar began with noodles and a variety of vegetables soup; then a soft, dressed, avocado at its peak, served with salami, coarse pate, a green salad and a cornichon; next the usual daunting, perfectly cooked succulent steak plentifully garnished with garlic, pepper and onions, accompanied by crisp, glistening, freshly fried chips; and finally a pear tart with chocolate sauce.  And it bears repeating that all this comes at a price of 13 euros.