To say that I am exhausted would be an understatement. Now that we have some glorious mild temperatures and an extended period of dry weather, I am busy sanding and painting les volets (shutters) on the house. Being new, they are taking 3 coats of paint making the process just a little bit too long-winded. However, there is a great sense of achievement to see them gradually completed and hanging once again. Readers of my blog will remember that I recently laid grass seed to a new area in the garden, and true to the information on the seed box, and much to my amazement, germination actually did take place 7-10 days after sowing! Simple things, but I am thrilled, and there is a very definite green hue to the once barren soil. (No pictures this time)!

Needing a break and having the urge to leave the painting for a while, I took Maggie into nearby Chef-Boutonne for a walk. First stop, the Eglise Saint-Chartier, a Romanesque church from about 1150. A staging route on the Roads to Santiago, the church of Saint-Chartier attracted many pilgrims who, hoping to be forgiven for their sins, came to venerate the 115 relics brought back from the Holy Land. There is mention of a fragment from the Christ’s cross, thorns from the crown of thorns, the Virgin Mary’s dress and her belt. Who knows if they really were the genuine article, and the number of pieces of the cross that are reported to be around the world leads me to think that it must have been enormous! Faith is an amazing thing for those that believe.

Having a bad day?

Passing through an arch to the side of the church is the Chateau de Javarzay. This was the site of an early castle, with it being reconstructed in 1514. In the 16th century it was one of the most magnificent buildings in Poitou. Today, all that remains of the chateau is the building which joins the two towers and the chapel.

Maggie really wasn’t interested in churches and castles, and just wanted to be getting on with the walk. There is a small lake and some very pleasant grounds to stroll around, and more to the point, lots of new smells for her to explore!

An almost perfect scene.

Suitably relaxed and refreshed, it’s time to get back to the painting.

A Bientot!