LAST MINUTE FRANCE



Harvesting is in full swing. Combines rumbling over the fields of huge drooping blackened heads as the sunflowers stare forlornly down at the dried cracked earth before they are beheaded. The Chardonnay and Sauvignon grapes are the first to be shaken from the vines and the fields of rows of onions have been gathered. The tiny one's left behind are pushed into piles, left out for the locals to help themselves and absolutely begging to be made into delicious concoctions. We sat at the weekend laboriously skinning them beside the pool and made scrumptious pots of onion confit simmered slowly on the Aga in red wine and sugar.

I'm not going to divulge yesterdays temperatures, it would be too cruel but there are many many things I would have chosen to do rather than drive into Carcassonne in the heat. 'Is it absolutely necessary' ? I ask The Small Cross One. 'Yes' comes the reply. ' and then the two clinchers are delivered. 'I must have them for college' and 'you promised'. Clutching her cheque from her summer vacation job she trots off to pay it into her bank account. Old enough to work legally, old enough to marry should she choose and old enough to put her hard earnt dosh and swell the coffers of the bank but not able to withdraw her money without her parents beside her. What ? how barmy is that ? Wake up Credit Agricole. Result ? The Small Cross One emerges from the tangle of streets without the 'essential' pair of new jeans. Meanwhile I'm so drowsy in the heat I fall asleep in the car park. 'I'll have to come back' she announces.

I was cruelly dragged away to do the above and achieve precisely nothing right slap bang in the middle of my new little creation, LAST MINUTE FRANCE, a rather natty little page announcing last minute holiday offers here at Le Chateau. Very tempting even though I say so myself. Take a peek.

Guests often ask if I go in and use the main house when I have a such a gap and I always automatically say No. I don't know why I say that when anyone other than a complete fool wouldn't be straight into the pool or sneaking a quick ZZZZ on the sunbeds.

So what am I waiting for ?

Comments

LittleBrownDog said…
Grrrrrrr! Is all I can say to that, Sally. Don't suppose you'd be tempted to swap lives for a bit? (Would even consider rallying back and forth to Carcassonne in the searing hit for the prospect of some chilled Sauvignon and a dip in your pool.
Sally's Chateau said…
Grrrr indeed a missed opportunity, now it's raining, still plumping up those grapes beautifully :)
Exmoorjane said…
Yeah, I'd even take small cross one pretty well anywhere in exchange...especially as I am watching washing sitting in the pouring rain, dismally hanging....
Preseli Mags said…
Came over not to throw rotten eggs, as you suggested, but rotten red onions, of which I have plenty as mine are currently disolving in the rain. What do I see? Real, proper sun ripened red onions. Talk about a poke in the eye. Harrumph.
Exmoorjane said…
Sally, I suspect you and Adrian would get on like a house on fire! The excuse for cassoulet is that we still have a few tins of confit de canards that need using up....but feel free any time to come visit with a Castelnaudary tin... ;)
Un Peu Loufoque said…
See your bankmanager. You need to change her bank account deariie Eldest has one where by she can withdraw cash no worries as long as the money is there. Bliss! Made oinion confit before we went away last and have jsut rediscovered it int he fridge all yummy for supper with steak... wish I could say it was blistering hot here too but its raining alas!! Ah well can't have everything!
Judy said…
Sorry the weather hasn't been good for you. I'd love a dip in the pool!! And pop the cork on a lovely bottle!
Frances said…
Sally, that was wonderful.

Now, I am going to have to get out a cookbook or click something on this laptop to find out what is an onion confit. Please forgive ignorance from across the ocean.

I really think the photo is a beaut.

xo
Edward said…
I can only echo the "grrs" at what sounds like ... what's that word? Three letters, begins with "s", rhymes with "fun"? But your blog is very beautiful, so you are forgiven.
Grouse said…
Well with all those thousands of disappointed holiday makers suddenly in the market for a last minute break I think the timing of this latest venture is perfect. Chateau Lasserre will be snapped up!
Very tempting indeed! Sounds divine to me!
Ian said…
Looks beautiful, lucky you.

You might enjoy checking out www.aplaceintheauvergne.blogspot.com

Kind regards,
Ian

www.ianwalthew.com
www.aplaceintheauvergne.blogspot.com
Clare said…
Un Peu Loufoque is right. Our Small Cross One has her own account with Credit Lyonnais. She can withdraw money and has her own carte bancaire. Only don't tell her as she doesn't know!!!!
farmerjulie said…
what a beautiful life! i want to come and visit!! love the photo..julie

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