Cassoulet in 36 degrees !

It's hot, real hot. The sort of heat that leaves you longing for a darkened room with crisp cool linen sheets by midday and wishing you hadn't a care in the world.

Being married to Bionic Man has changed the routine slightly. Whereas before by the time the village clock struck seven I could sit and ponder the day before me that has now changed completely. Never mind I've the pool to tend to, never mind there are sheets to struggle with on the line His Lordship is tapping his stick impatiently and raring to go up hill and down dale. By the first golden rays this morning I was huffing and puffing alongside the now forlorn sunflowers, weary heads hanging dejected towards the close of the summer season. In their stead the vines are flourishing beautifully, grapes hanging heavy after the recent rains which gave us all rather an unseasonal week.

Along the way we met various neighbours also striding out or tending their vegetables in the pleasant heat of early morning.

You would have thought that the fare for this time of year would be seriously salad based but for some reason Castelnaudary holds its annual Cassoulet fest. Now if you've never tried Cassoulet I would urge you to do so. It is the most delicious concoction of duck, lingot beans and sausages. As if this is not enough to knock you flat out it is best accompanied by glasses of the Malpere red.

I guess these 7.30 starts had better continue for a while longer.........