We were planning to head south anyway but suddenly Macron announced a lockdown and what could have been a leisurely journey became a little more panicky. Would we have to pass through barriers? Would we be able to get here? Of course we have resident status so we were essentially coming home but it didn’t seem like that and we got up very early to make sure that we were well on our way by 12 noon - the time of lockdown.
It was a definitely an adventure - but a different sort - a bit scary really. We felt bad leaving friends and family in London. There really wasn’t a decision to make - out in the countryside with masses of garden to organise, space to move around in and three cats to look after - that was the place to be.
Peter was calm but intent on getting to our destination. I was twitchy and worried and thought that something might happen - but what? Of course everything was very straightforward and quiet even though one of the team on the Shuttle almost screamed at us for leaving the UK. “How can you go? Things are so much better in the UK.” She didn’t stop to hear our reasons. Once again, I felt concern - were we doing the right thing?
We passed through Paris quickly although we did notice quite a few cars heading out to the north as we travelled in and an increase in traffic on the way south as we drove out of the city - but the roads were quiet. Service stations were open for fuel and packaged goods and revolting coffee from the machines but no restaurants. We are so used to the journey, it seemed strangely different.
As we sped south the weather warmed up and we cheered up.
Coming off the motorway we were stopped by the police. Did we have our papers? Where were we going? We explained that we had been sent the form but could not print it off as we had been travelling all day. They smiled, waved us on our way and reminded us not to go out in the future without a completed and signed form.
As we got nearer along the country roads we relaxed a little more. Our audio book (a Ngaio Marsh - a trifle dated) finished just about 20 minutes before we got to the house - the sun was setting and it was very warm.
The cats were there waiting for us (they recognise the sound of the car as we drives up). They sat with us as we drank a glass of wine on the swing seat - enjoying the delight of an outdoor drink Of course they knew that, as usual, I would have a little ‘treat’ for them on arrival. We both had big feeling of relief to have arrived but also a little bit of trepidation about what life would have in store for us.
There was a special delight - the flowering cherry in the courtyard had not yet come into full bloom. We had expected it to be past its best. It’s extraordinary how much of a boost this gave us - we knew we had at least a week of wonderful flowers outside the back door and blessed the decision to plant it many years ago.
We slept well. The next day our gardener Kate arrived upset because on one of the tiny back roads a gendarme has stopped her and told her to go home. Whe she explained that she was gong to work as a gardener - he told her that is was not ‘essential’ work. Go home. Kate said that she had some keys to drop off and arrived quite sure that we had all misunderstood the concept of going to work. We look it up. If you can get to work, if there is work to do and your employer wants you to do it - you can work. As Kate’s gardening skills - from lawn mowing to strimming, to digging holes for trees - are amazing - we definitely wanted her to come to work rather than have to brush up our use of the sit upon mower, and strimmer at the time of year when everything is growing madly. But we were anxious to stay within the law. Kate sought advice at her local gendarmerie who said that gardening was absolutely fine. She has to fill in a form to come to work and another to go home! The French do like forms.
So we settle into isolation. Shopping can be done and unlike London the shelves are stacked with stuff. Even the local market is in operation (part of the French patrimoinie) and there are good things to buy. Thierry provided Peter with a good looking chicken and the bread man was there with excellent local rustic loaves. The vegetables are just starting - Peter gets some white asparagus to have a tasting with our own green variety.
There a few things growing in the pottage - beetroot, celeriac and leeks. The new season’s crops are starting - asparagus and seakale first. The peas and broad beans will be soon.
The weather is fantastic from the time we arrive. So fantastic in fact that we have to start making sure that our watering systems are working because the sun is drying everthing out. Our systems are set up to make use of the lake water and to minimise having to use watering cans and mains water. And it’s only March.
We have loads to do in the garden - even with all the help from Kate.
There are plenty of nice things to eat and new recipes to explore.
We can keep in touch with people on the computer.
The kittens need cuddling.
So far the decision seems a wise one. There is plenty to keep us busy and the virus does not seem anywhere near. .