Sleeping is no mean art: for its sake one must stay awake all day.
Frederick Nietzsche
We passed the afternoon reading and snoozing and I could definitely hear a rousing game of boules going on in the far distance. Finally it was time for supper and we all filed expectantly into the dining room after we heard the loud gong.
A huge antique mirror decorated the far wall and then reflected the candelabra and the fragrant lilac sweet peas sitting in a white jug. The table was enormous and matched the stunning armoire that dominated the room.
Supper was a delight for all the senses. Hors d’oeuvres including cold cuts, devilled eggs and paté decorated the table. There was a velvety leek and potato soup to follow. The star of the show was a huge Cassoulet filled with duck, goose and pork sausage in a delicious sauce and made in a deep, round earthenware pot. There was a salad and lots of crisp French bread bought fresh that evening as is the French tradition. Flagons of the local Bordeaux wine were enjoyed by all.
We all moved onto the terrace to congratulate our hosts for the day that had made such a fine start to our elegant  gustatory plan. Petit fours and coffee were passed around and we enjoyed a game of lively scrabble until bed time.
The next morning I woke early and watched the swallows swooping at the eaves of the house just above my head. I looked out of the window to see my children laughing as they whizzed up and down the swimming pool. They are all excellent and able swimmers, it seemed the years of taking them to swimming lessons had really paid off.
A thought occurred to me. It seems a mother is only truly content in her heart when all her children are safe and well under herroof and the sound of them laughing and enjoying each other’s company rings through the air. It does not happen very often but when it does a sublime feeling pierces your heart…………