RETURN TO MARIE:

I returned to my house in Marie in July. As last year, travelling to our beautiful house in the French mountains fills me with sadness and trepidation. After nearly a year the garden had become a jungle, and every mini beast in the South of France had taken up residence. I returned with my friends who helped me to tame the jungle and escort the unwanted mini guests from the premises that they no doubt consider is theirs. Once again I swapped my English home for my French one.

I still hate to be alone in the house, it holds so many memories of the happiest of summers spent with David. However I want to allow the house to continue to live and breathe. I have many true friends in the village, some from when I was a young student. My French life is a part of me, despite the sadness it holds.