One of the joys of living here for us, has been the generosity and kindness we've experienced from our neighbours and the local people. Although we dont actually live in the village,( we are a kilometre over the hill into the forest) they have, right from the start made us feel so very welcome and helped us in everyway possible. We've been made to feel part of the village and they've helped us to integrate, Ive had advice and help with the veggie plot, been given seeds, plants and all kinds of food... Every time we go to the village someone either leaves us parcels in our van, while we are in a different house or just plonks stuff in my arms...
The other day we visited to take a cake I'd made, the lady concerned works very hard on her land all day, and doesnt have an oven, so any cake she has in shop bought, which is a rare treat for her, so I tend to bake , as my way of 'giving back' .
I left the her house with a dozen eggs and a bag of garlic... in the van (we never lock it) on the front seat, was a bag of chillis and some onions and dried beans, another lady dashed out waving a fresh plucked chicken....
Such generous people , who actually have very little money ...
Well all the toms, peppers and aubergines are now in... time for a little breather....
The weather is still warm, if a little damp at times... real good growing weather, the whole forest seems to be coming alive... the gorse is flowering, as is the heather, we can hear woodpeckers, cuckoos and the dawn chorus is getting earlier and louder...