It's hot and dry

Ed's favorite evening activity of late has been shelling walnuts that he collected last fall. These will go into the freezer to be used as needed.

French taxes being due at the end of May, we've now done both our French and US taxes for last year to the best of our ability. The French tax people have a nice system for filing online, very easy to use. The US tax people don't, so those papers went off to the post office.

Last Monday we had our fosse septique (septic tank) emptied for the first time since we've owned the house. It was very full. The person taking the appointment said they would come in the morning, but not too early. At 8.15, the driver called to ask for directions. That's early to us! We jumped into our clothes and went out to show him the way. We still find it amazing how these people with big trucks can manage to back into the space between the buildings.

Ed uncovered the entrance to the tank and a hose was threaded in to suck it empty.

Ed supervised under the half moon.

Out looking for Sophie last night, Ed found a glowworm, the European equivalent of the firefly, and brought her home. She's in our backyard now, upside down and clutching a bit of grass, showing off her glow. No flashing light like we're used to, but a steady greenish glow. Although they're supposed to be common, this is the first one we've seen.

Our weather continues much too dry and grass is not growing. "Dryness is poverty" (for the farmers) was one recent newpaper headline. They're considering shutting down some nuclear plants because there's not enough water to cool them. So far there are no restrictions of water for personal, but that could come. In our area, farmers are not supposed to be irritagating. Forecast rain never seems to appear.