I find myself wanting to go back and stay in their world. Not that the work is over by any means. And what is my verdict on my creation? As previously stated, I never set out to write the great Australian novel. Now I just have to convince a publisher to feel the same way. There is now only one more week until I fly for home. At this moment of completion, I feel compelled to record my heartfelt gratitude to HWB. A while back we made a pact that when I sign my publishing deal we will take a trip on the Orient Express.
Your belief in my endeavour and your regular supply of kind and encouraging words has lifted me up throughout. Tonight the good city of Carcassonne is putting on a fireworks show for me. I have my 80, words, but the novel is not quite finished. That said, 80, words has been the primary objective over the past two months, and I deemed that hitting this target was sufficient cause for significant celebration.
Wednesday was another day of sweltering heat in France β there is no sign of la canicule letting up any time soon β but we were off to an oasis. These people really know how to look after their guests, and clearly deem that an anniversaire de mariage is something worthy of maximum honour. His food is so gorgeous that you fear to disturb it with your fork. So dazzling is the beauty and artistry of his work, that I sat gazing in mute awe for a full five minutes when our waitress, Mathilde, reverently placed this salad in front of me.
HWB and I revelled in this once-in-a-lifetime meal, knowing how extremely fortunate we were to be able to have this experience. Our day of delight was made more special because we had also received happy news from Narooma. Bentley has been released from veterinary care and is back home and doing well.
Our dear friends Terence and Di who are now house-sitting for us sent us this lovely pic of him snoozing in one his favourite sunny spots. This week brought one more lovely surprise, in the form of a visit from my fabulous friend Stephanie. This wonderful woman and excellent artist has recently emigrated to the UK and took advantage of our proximity to hop across the channel.
