There is a red Acer tree poking through my open French bedroom attic window and the morning sun stipples the colour so that it alternates between scarlet and green. The drone of a hedge cutter or some such tool floats through the branches but the cold nip of a brand new day offsets the irritating buzz. After all, our French neighbours have to keep their gardens perfect for our appreciation!

It is our tenth day of home in St Maudez. Our garden is gorgeous, green and full of young oaks, apple trees, (and therefore apples) and colourful wildflower bushes. There is a lovely terrace outside the kitchen, a veranda dining room with floor to ceiling windows and a comfortable sitting room which is used by Poppins as a bedroom for we are usually out, eating or in bed and she can no longer climb the stairs to be with us.

St Maudez is not far from Dinan, a beautiful city with medieval ramparts, a fine castle, interesting dungeons, lovely jardins, and lanes full of interesting shops. We are going to a jazz festival there this weekend, and market tomorrow. It is also not far St Suliac which is a beautiful French commune on the sea which has interesting walks and a fab restaurant which I want to return to. So, our French home is in the countryside but close to many beaches and seaside towns. Yesterday we went to St Croix de Portrieux where there are lovely beaches, but it is very touristy and after an explore of several beaches, I was glad to come back to our quiet garden.

The first five of our ten days were absorbed by family. We had a brilliant time exploring the region and all the Intermarches and Le Clercs in the region. Thanks to Roisin and Aine (we had to eat when she slept), we had amazing lunches in the nearest restaurants which happened to be fantastic with bottles of crémant, oysters, and fabulous fishes. We ‘cooked’ lovely salads, bread and cheese in the evenings on the Terrace. We swam in the clear blue sea, slept on golden beaches, pushed Aine around in her pram, played with Aine, cuddled Aine, walked with Aine around the garden, put Aine to bed and then enjoyed lots of Cote de Rhone until Aine woke up and found she was missing out! It was absolutely perfect.

Of course, when they packed up their camper van full of Le Clerc and Intermarche produce and set off on the grand Return to Dublin and Limerick, St Maudez returned to the peaceful Brittany village it was before they arrived and I walked around the garden with Poppins instead of Aine, much to Poppins’ joy. I could actually hear her growling under her breath…thank God they’ve gone and taken their pesky Alfie with them. (Alfie is their little, much put apon, Jack Russell). When Aine first appeared on the scene, I discovered that I speak to Aine in the same tone of voice I use with Poppins. Every time I talk to or facetime Aine, Poppins comes joyously bouncing up to me for a lick and a cuddle and is disgusted when eventually, I have to push her away. It’s a dogs life.

Talking of life, its Day Ten and I must get on. I have discovered a perfect local walk for me and Pops around the village, through sunlit spangled woods which I will set off on now and then we’ll have breakfast. It’s a quiet day today. We’re going to potter around Dinan. So, until next time…adieu.