Sunday notes

Another dreich day, with wind, rain and low clouds. The tops of the Arnish hills, which are only 60 metres / 200 ft high , were shrouded in mist. Now the rain has come in, and it's even worse. Oh well, at least it's not freezing cold. Noticed the bright sunny day down in London, perfect for the Marathon - although they did say it was a tad warm for the athletes. Hope all who participate manage to finish.

France is going to the polls today to elect a new president. The country has been in the doldrums since the introduction of the Euro as currency in 2002, and has suffered a degree of civil unrest in deprived areas of cities like Paris. The presidency of Chirac, which is coming to a close, has been referred to as a period of stagnation. We shall see what the new incumbent will bring. If an outright winner does not emerge from today's poll, a run-off between the two leading candidates on May 6th will produce the next president to the 5th Republic.