04 October 2009

The drought, and some sunsets

The Loire Valley is in a drought. There's no other way to look at it. It has been so dry for so long that we've nearly forgotten what rain feels, looks, and smells like. (Don't mention this to Bill in NH, because the three days he spent here in mid-September were drizzly and gray.)

Even the rain we did get in mid-August and mid-September was negligible. Looking at the yard, you'd think we were in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the winters are green and the summers are brown and parched. Saint-Aignan is not supposed to work that way.

Early October 2007...

...early October 2009

The reason I'm thinking about this is that weather reports say it will rain on Monday. We'll see if the reports are reliable. Today we need to go out and rake up some more leaves, as well as throw tarps over the piles we have already raked up. We want to be able to burn those leaves this fall, so we have to keep them dry.

The weather forecast for tomorrow — we're under
that big dark cloud in the center of France.


The other day I said "October — phooey!" Today I will say "October — finally!" Now that the garden is all harvested, and 90% of the hedge-trimming is done, we are ready for changes in the weather. Besides, they say that after the rain on Monday and maybe Tuesday, it will get sunny and warm again.

Sunsets on 30 September and...

...1 October 2009 at La Renaudière, outside Saint-Aignan

This is the time of year when we start having spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Above are a couple of recent sunsets as seen from the back gate. Every evening we have to make it a point to go look out the bedroom window to see what the show is like.

6 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos.
    We're selfishly hoping the fine weather lasts just a little longer for our holiday next week.

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  2. Hello Jean, we are crossing our fingers for good weather next week too. I hope we might drive down to LGP to see you. What do you think? A drink at the Préhisto would be fun.

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  3. I don't remember drizzly, grey weather during my visit...only sunny dispositions, a dash of dry humor, and warm hospitality.

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  4. Bill in NH, sounds like you had a great visit :)

    Every year, I dread the onset of Autumn, because it means being back to work at school every day... but, then I remember how crisp and bright the days are, and the whoosh of the ground leaves flying around, and the colors everywhere (if we're lucky!) around us. I hope it turns out to be a good one for you, too :)

    Judy

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  5. Ken- we have been thinking about that. It would be great meet up. I would be interested to hear what you think of our "new" chateau, too.
    Will be in touch.

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  6. Droughts are sure 'nuff depressing. I hope you get some rain soon. It will lift your spirits.

    I love your sunset photos and remain very jealous that you can see the sun set every day as well as the sun rises. You are lucky that way.

    My truffade was good! Still wish I could find the right sort of cheese for it though.

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