Lavender fields forever and returning to the UK

Over the weekend I helped my parents move some of their furniture as they are returning back to the UK. They have been here in France for about twelve months now, looking for a place to live, but in the end there were many reasons why they just couldn't stay: language barrier, health concerns, exchange rate, difficulty finding the 'right' place...all of these combined meant that life was in many ways more straightforward for them back in the UK.

I love them being able to pop in and I will miss them hugely. They've been absolutely amazing bringing groceries with them when they come (they, without fail, ring up and ask us what we want and stop off 'en route' to buy it - they're way better than Ocado because they never want the money for it either). They also stay and look after the animals when we've needed to go away together and come up for lunches, dinners and cups of tea. I shall miss their local support so much.

Since I left home they've always been at least a few hours away, so having them around locally has been a great experience. However, I'll happily go without it if it means they can feel settled again and happy in their own place. My mum is a real homebody and not having her own home this last year has been very difficult for her. I just wish she wasn't sad about leaving me, us, here. I keep telling her I'll be fine, unfortunately there isn't really a different resolution.

They're not averse to living in different countries, they were in South Africa when I was born and they brought me back to the UK. My mum just doesn't feel 100% in control here. She can't understand contracts the same way she would in English or how the system works - and not knowing what's being said to her with regards to her and dad's health worries her greatly (even though they're both pretty fit right now). It's a fair point - when I had to go to hospital last year it was pretty scary not being able to understand what people were saying, especially when you're already stressed from having to be in hospital. Also, this is probably the last place they'll ever move to, so it does need to be the right decision.

On the way to their place, which isn't far from Bourg de Visa, we drive past the most beautiful lavender field. I made hub stop the other day so I could get up close to it and take some pictures. It's absolutely stunning. I don't think I have ever seen one like this that stretches out as far as the eye can see. I had read that in Apt (principal town of the Luberon mountains in the Vaucluse department) there were reportedly vipers resting under bushes in lavender fields – fortunately there didn't seem to be any here.

When we left, just up the road there was a little sign advertising lavender essential oils. Lavender is apparently known as the 'mother' of essential oils and can do anything. French lavender is held in high esteem because it's usually grown at high altitudes – where high altitude distillation means lower-temperature boiling – and has a high ester count, meaning it has a stronger tinge to the scent.

We've actually got some lavender growing in our garden. The bees and butterflies go mad for it. I'm not sure how special it is, but for someone who didn't used to like the smell of lavender I've become a massive convert.