Hello friends

The Easter Egg Hunt is an annual event at Le Manoir. It is a lovely little spectacle to witness - parents, children and lovers gathering in the lounge before it begins.

But this year, I felt a huge  competitive streak? It felt more like the start of the Grand National than an Easter hunt. Everyone was raring to go, I could see the jaws tense up, the muscles flexing. One couple had been at every Easter hunt for the last 25 years! So, it meant something to them!

I reminded all of them, especialy the adults, that we may be in a French house, and it's alright to be competitive,  but that it was the English who invented the rules of Fair Play (still unknown to the French) and that today, Easter, is the perfect time to celebrate the "Entente cordiale and not kill each other for a handful of ... eggs and chocolate bunnies.

I made new rules:

1. No pushing or shoving, especialy the young, disabled and the elderly.
2. You shall not steal from your competitors' baskets and especially not from your own child! (Mon Dieu, I cannot believe I had to say it!!!)
3. Nor shall you envy your competitors' success.
4. Two adults and two children may form a team. Not a clan of adults with 25 children!! Oh la la, that would be unfair!

They rushed into the cool, open air where a few rays of sun had managed to create a a warmer landscape. It put a smile on my face. Like a little Napoleon, suported by my crutches, I was surveying the battle grounds, my beloved gardens. They ran, across the huge space, lifted stones, climbed trees, dug the rich earth, whilst the live bunnies were having a good laugh!

The hunters gathered and came back, with a big smile - the smile of fun, joy and togetherness

There were four counts. And recounts; I am not very gifted at mathematics! Thank God, Hanna helped me

Look at the triumphant winners:

1 The family who won, with their little one and "l'oeuf géant"

2 Two very competitive young men!

... And two young girls, Tata and Scarlet, got the third prize. They were rewarded for their efforts; they had tried it for the last 5 years!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter..

Best

RB