Why is it that some chores are quite satisfying when you're in the mood but an absolute pain when you don't feel like doing them?

The three jobs at the top of my list in this category are ironing, polishing the antique dresser and cleaning windows.

Sometimes I'll put off ironing till there's nothing left to wear because I rarely  feel inclined to tackle it and so the resulting satisfaction is due to the fact that I don't have to do it again for at least a week - maybe two.

When I want to polish the 'buffet Henri IV' I really enjoy the pungent smell and rub away with a will, taking great delight in the shine. If it has to be done, my arms feel like lead and it's much more like hard work.

The last time I forced myself to clean the windows they were soon filthy again because Bear decided to get out the power washer and splattered mud all over them. With all the rain we enjoy in this region quite a lot of the dirt washed off but then the birds attacked and, finally, the slugs climbed all over the glass.

It reached the stage when I was embarassed to look out of the conservatory windows because you couldn't avoid seeing bird shit, slug trails and general dirt everywhere. So, today I tackled them.

I wouldn't say I was 'in the mood' but it was kind of fun to swab soapy water all over the place and then hose it down, splashing myself quite liberally in the process.

Now, I keep going into the conservatory and giving myself a virtual pat on the back because at last there's a clear view out of the windows.

It was one of CC's dreams when we first talked about living in France - meals in the garden under a clear blue sky, sitting in the shade of a tree.

Unfortunately our garden has steps leading to the terrace so it's a no-go area for Whale, and our trees are not yet big enough to provide shade. And as for the clear blueskies, there haven't been many of those lately.

But, yesterday, it all came together.

I had invited Yvette and Jean-Claude to lunch while we were having coffee with her and admiring her garden.

"The forecast is good. Why don't you come here?" was her response.

"Because I have loads of mirabelles to use up and it's your turn to come to ours".

So we compromised. We would eat in her garden but bring all the food with us.

CC and I made the 'Tagine de poulet aux mirabelles' and a crumble (with mirabelles - what else?) the day before and we decided to make simple tomato tartlets for starters so on Sunday morning there wasn't much left to do.

We arrived chez Yvette at midday with our box of provisions and she had laid on champagne and canapés. The table was ready, under the trees, decorated with  roses.

As usual, Bear had declined the invitation, so we placed Whale and Jean-Claude at the table in their wheelchairs and sat down for a lovely relaxed meal in a wonderful setting.

Yvette has worked hard over the last twenty years to create an 'English garden' with a curved path, lawns, shrubberies, flower beds and lots of well-established trees. Her grandchildren have made a treehouse and there is even a wild meadow which is cut once a year by a neighbouring farmer.

We enjoyed a leisurely meal and felt relaxed and happy. Even Yvette noticed that everyone felt so muh more at ease without Bear. Whale appreciated the change of scenery and we all basked in the summery weather wafted by a gentle breeze.

This is what living in France is all about.