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 ?