Among the regional specialities of the Ardennes one can normally count on rain. Last year we had interminable wetness all through what was supposed to be Spring and everyone complained that it ruined crops. Most vegetables were late and those who had planted their potatoes at the normal time found that they had a very bad year. When it rains here it usually chucks it down for several days at a time but, at least, the well isn't likely to run dry.

However, this year we have not had a drop fall in our garden since 26th May -  until today, when there were a couple of showers which just wetted the surface and then dried up in a matter of hours. The well is still working, but for how much longer?

The rest of France seems to be getting all our rain and I even heard that some people in the south have had to put their heating back on or light their fire in the evening.

I can't believe that every day I look at the weather forecast actually hoping for a good downpour.