La rentrée is the French expression for the end of summer, when everyone returns from their holidays and the kids go back to school. An expression guaranteed to provoke annoyance if not anxiety in childish breasts. As a child in Greece, I remember being enervated by cliché talk of ‘the first rains’ (after months of drought) and ‘every rascal goes back to his desk’. It was the last thing we wanted to hear after running around barefoot and half-naked for three months. Back to ghastly leather shoes and blue overalls with white collars.
Be that as it may, the days are drawing in and there is a chill in the air.
After a very busy but pleasurable summer, with all the family here and meals for up to fifteen people (necessitating endless shopping, cooking and cleaning up!)—al fresco lunches and barbecue dinners—we are back to being à deux. The garden is, somewhat belatedly, providing us with plenty of tomatoes, courgettes, green beans and lettuce, so I am planning some healthy eating after the plethora of ice creams and chocolate eclairs.
I am determined to avoid the horrendous news as much as possible (why are most politicians so hideous?) and cocooning with painting, writing and reading. I have neglected the blog for weeks, due to lack of time and inspiration, but will now do some catching up on summer activities. Also resuming the puppy’s training, since he has become horribly spoiled by everyone.
But he is helping pick the blackberries 🙂
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Letters from Athens 
well it sounds like you have had a wonderful and happy Family and friends Summer. Summer like everything must come to an end! Nothing lasts forever … no doubt you won’t regret the end of the 40 degree heat.
The puppy looks very adept at picking the berries 💜💜💜
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We never had 40 degrees in Normandy. We just need more rain now!
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oh! Sorry my mistake …💜💜💜
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No chill in the air in Norfolk just yet. Still 21C and quite humid, though we had a spectacular thunderstorm yesterday afternoon! When the schools go back, we take our short child-free holiday. Next week we are going to Lincolnshire for five nights, to stay in a small rented cabin in sight of the beach. Your paintings are lovely, Marina.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thank you, Pete. You’re always so encouraging. Have a lovely time on your holiday.
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Your paints are lovely, Marina. It sounds like you had a wonderful summer. I enjoyed this post and your childhood memories.
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Fall has arrived to Denmark, just yesterday … a chill in the air. However, I’m still bathing in the ocean which is around 16 celsius (61 Fahrenheit).
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… and our summer is just beginning ☀
~B
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