Bin bags & butter

Late last week, we collected our annual allocation of grey [general garbage] and yellow [recycled stuff] bin bags from the Maire. Normally, we don't take the camera along for such mundane errands, but this time we did as we were off to Loches as well; and you never know what you might see.

A little while ago we shared a progress update on Charnizay's new Salle des Spectacles and last week we took a look at the chantier to see what further progress is being made.   

creating the entrance to the Salle des Spectacles

More progress is clearly evident.  The back of the building, where it drops down to the road towards Le Petit Pressigny, has been covered in a fresh layer of lime render. The workmen are now busy with the entrance foyer which will join the two original buildings which sit at right angles to each other. Many of the double glazed wndows have been fitted and they all have burgundy red frames. We are, as yet, unsure as to whether we think the colour might not be too strong.

Meanwhile the weather continues to be extremely changeable and chilly. One minute we have fluffy clouds and sun, the next it's back to rain and stormy winds. All of which means we work outside in short little bursts when we can.

Heures de la Bienheureuse Vierge Marie, April; f.8r, French 16th C

So far, April has certainly been a far cry from the bright spring day in this little miniature; although the dark purple cloud with Taurus the bull in the top left corner is apposite! Like then, so too now the cows at dairy farms around us have been put out to graze the spring grass.

When we lived in The Netherlands "gras kaas" [grass cheese] and "gras boter" [grass butter] used to appear in the shops in May. This is cheese and butter made from milk from cows who had been turned out to graze on the new spring growth. It was always light in colour and tasted delicious!