tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69655448175224104562024-03-05T12:20:43.691+01:00Au Bourg - life in the slow lane in SW FranceEnidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-14235231835519085002021-08-07T09:28:00.002+02:002021-08-07T09:41:12.819+02:00Love, Empathy, Friendship<div style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">With restrictions here in France reduced, I have been reflecting on what makes life worthwhile, how we can continue to move towards a normal life agin and how we can work together to support each other post Covid. The usual update on our life here but I hope you will indulge me this month as, in addition, I take a little time to reflect on the way forward for all of us.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"> “Rules for happiness: something to do, someone to love, something to hope for.”― </span><span class="authorOrTitle" style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Immanuel Kant</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="authorOrTitle" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="authorOrTitle" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;">Do</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="authorOrTitle" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;">Well, of course the garden is our main to do focus at this time of year. In the potager the tomatoes seem to have dodged the blight, although were showing signs of distress with all the rain, and are producing their tasty offerings at last. My favourite summer treat , cucumber soup, has made an outing and we have started preserving and squirrelling away the results of our labours. Winter veg are in and protected from the cabbage whites eggs by Kevin's patented net cages. If only the sun would stay around a bit more all looking good.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;">We have also been busy with projects to upgrade the lily pond and swimming pool areas.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQMWdXjN6_5zXPbRHcVr_XXxeEgrRgL4rx8j1oyYfPBwe513agSO-AE0ghMAXo1I1SQp5xGBcgXzDaeh-fZdx2bYcSUvesPa1Wmag6Z75qK4ZufI1BDh4GYTYxdtSoraQV9GwmKuwotY/s960/pond.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="960" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQMWdXjN6_5zXPbRHcVr_XXxeEgrRgL4rx8j1oyYfPBwe513agSO-AE0ghMAXo1I1SQp5xGBcgXzDaeh-fZdx2bYcSUvesPa1Wmag6Z75qK4ZufI1BDh4GYTYxdtSoraQV9GwmKuwotY/s320/pond.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="authorOrTitle" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><h1 class="quoteText" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Love</span></h1></div><div><span class="authorOrTitle" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I haven't seen my daughter since February 2020 but the last week in July she was able to come to see me. There were some controls to comply with but n</span></span><span style="color: #333333;">othing was going to stop her this time and she had her vaccines, purchased all her Covid tests and filled in all the paperwork and we were able to spend a lovely week filled with love and laughter together. </span><span style="color: #333333;">Kevin's son and daughter and one of his grandsons are booked to visit in October half term so we are keeping everything crossed for that as we haven't seen them since July 2019.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHzvh_q8MQdJnhmSeOjV9DerXAFezwzuQPZsr2jmCNA02_59zc2Wi4AWOP17DR8594uVXAdtKWHqmPOL-RaaqXcw5tWCbhWMy9aK8pSrJBaPQ_-GM9YbZrrtAU2ajeBKanhEbpmZd4xY/s4000/548548A1-90C8-448D-95EE-C45A0ABE6DFC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2248" data-original-width="4000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHzvh_q8MQdJnhmSeOjV9DerXAFezwzuQPZsr2jmCNA02_59zc2Wi4AWOP17DR8594uVXAdtKWHqmPOL-RaaqXcw5tWCbhWMy9aK8pSrJBaPQ_-GM9YbZrrtAU2ajeBKanhEbpmZd4xY/s320/548548A1-90C8-448D-95EE-C45A0ABE6DFC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;">The internet helps us to keep in touch with the rest of our family and we are pleased to see them looking happy and healthy and out and about again seeing friends and going on holiday. We have missed them chez nous this year but we don't feel completely isolated from them and accept that for the moment we have to keep in touch virtually. One way to combat the effects of the pandemic is to get out into the countryside My son and his family took to a long boat for a week and I think these photos show how the experience benefitted adults and children alike.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_wLIMOrotiSxFphyphenhyphenyjjo6YwmG8EVLXMejQKTRg0X8lAG-ZD74MYHD4zBLZVAQ41Kwm3IbjQRxmXzPFGezVAQUwhAViS1F6bAw4cK5agSw7PR8i02ArQFZ0xRBxwsiz9Gv5_k4ARu74A/s2048/charlie.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_wLIMOrotiSxFphyphenhyphenyjjo6YwmG8EVLXMejQKTRg0X8lAG-ZD74MYHD4zBLZVAQ41Kwm3IbjQRxmXzPFGezVAQUwhAViS1F6bAw4cK5agSw7PR8i02ArQFZ0xRBxwsiz9Gv5_k4ARu74A/s320/charlie.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s8OBDo6YPh45UxdWdVWYs-qZhfpt8iOjMVeJxcRfJKiWhyphenhyphen-3aMdXwP6_hBSuXlJkEHkoqxMUP7BO_lItTDcMhrAMwFTWAT8PLbzAVwgDLwXGJbZPSdK4yQKaUbvDCxR-nv1-XsdOhHs/s2048/Ellie.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s8OBDo6YPh45UxdWdVWYs-qZhfpt8iOjMVeJxcRfJKiWhyphenhyphen-3aMdXwP6_hBSuXlJkEHkoqxMUP7BO_lItTDcMhrAMwFTWAT8PLbzAVwgDLwXGJbZPSdK4yQKaUbvDCxR-nv1-XsdOhHs/s320/Ellie.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcxX3fwBTvTX8ldv6ve_jLZMIIUdvbk6qc9BRZ7QTNapW8JA1QyXKQ-HC39Fj67FJU7j3WcaWRaRCuyq1U85Ovo3lbkyzCCuZlXfZRTpmMr9Z7VPPx8Osh3kp235QkhaoIEic1UTJFPM/s2048/girls.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcxX3fwBTvTX8ldv6ve_jLZMIIUdvbk6qc9BRZ7QTNapW8JA1QyXKQ-HC39Fj67FJU7j3WcaWRaRCuyq1U85Ovo3lbkyzCCuZlXfZRTpmMr9Z7VPPx8Osh3kp235QkhaoIEic1UTJFPM/s320/girls.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInJuDIUOKGu-gQRlxk5K6dj6kRmwHDj0g6hfIRxuT8SSsISNtpbTzcRvPPQdRC8N1AXENcD3hSXAD06ifkMd2aUUVtUlYg_e4GbtkmZz0fBMWpjS6GqLHZIlm0Z0ji2W6nwMvzrQO82s/s1024/swim.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInJuDIUOKGu-gQRlxk5K6dj6kRmwHDj0g6hfIRxuT8SSsISNtpbTzcRvPPQdRC8N1AXENcD3hSXAD06ifkMd2aUUVtUlYg_e4GbtkmZz0fBMWpjS6GqLHZIlm0Z0ji2W6nwMvzrQO82s/s320/swim.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div>This house usually has several summer visitors bit none were expected this year until our Swiss friends visited us in their motor home bringing their energy and their music to entertain us. What a delightful couple of days we had.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmARYMxkQY9yhDCouLlEp-SyakknRf9M3ZtNAZC_LuEEllbFMlMlhaoilfhOWmmliy0MpE1xYlW87DE11cEZ4oEPr3bdHSz92cI-v11kkjyqGuLFXZGkNIZONHlXv6kZSCM7bhJ4RVy0/s4000/6F18C1B2-11DF-4484-9D6A-1C619B841D20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2248" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmARYMxkQY9yhDCouLlEp-SyakknRf9M3ZtNAZC_LuEEllbFMlMlhaoilfhOWmmliy0MpE1xYlW87DE11cEZ4oEPr3bdHSz92cI-v11kkjyqGuLFXZGkNIZONHlXv6kZSCM7bhJ4RVy0/s320/6F18C1B2-11DF-4484-9D6A-1C619B841D20.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;">We have been lucky that our circle of friends has been able to meet with fewer restrictions and we have enjoyed musical evenings at our local bar and night markets together. The weekly sewing group might be more chat than sew but it has been such a support in these unusual times and every day there is a message or two keeping in touch. All makes me feel very loved.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Hope</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;">We will have our first trip away for almost two years to celebrate my birthday next month. We aren't going far but seeing some bits of France that have been on the to do list for a long time. A break from daily life will be a great morale lifter I'm sure. We are seeing a return to activities for all age groups and are hoping that September will bring in a period without restrictions. I can't wait until I feel ready to visit everyone in the UK again. We are all hoping that life is returning to normal slowly.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Liberté, Egalite, Fraternité</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;">Covid has affected everybody across the generations in different ways. We know we are lucky. We live in a rural location, we aren't losing revenue, we are generally in good health and we have each other. Now we are vaccinated we feel safer but we are still cautious in larger groups, in public places and with our own mental and physical health care.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">It is not cha<span>nce that has me using for my title this month three words with the same initial letters as the French national motto Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité. This stage of the pandemic seems to be proving as divisive as the beginning. Anti vaxxers claim those who are vaccinated aren't thinking for themselves. Those who are vaccinated claim those who are not aren't thinking of others. The need to be vaccinated in order to enter certain places is emotive and here in France with the Pass Sanitaire in place from August 9th, at the heart of the dissatisfaction with this decision the word freedom is often used.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">Liberté </b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">So what do we mean by freedom? Is anybody completely free to do as they will? Does your right to freedom compromise mine or vice versa? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div>President Macron has recently stated <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Chacune et chacun est libre de s’exprimer dans le calme, dans le respect de l’autre”, a-t-il souligné. Mais “la liberté où je ne dois rien à personne n’existe pas'. This dilemma of protecting poeple's individual freedoms whilst protecting society as a whole isn't a new dilemma and certainly not in </span>the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> case of illnesses and vaccinations. Here is a quote from the Lancet in 1823 from an article that I think is worth a read entitled <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/05/freedom-pandemic-19th-century/611800/">'</a></span></span><span style="font-family: AGaramondPro, "Adobe Garamond Pro", garamond, Times, serif;"><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/05/freedom-pandemic-19th-century/611800/">How to Talk About Freedom During a Pandemic'</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">: </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> “We cannot see that there is any undue violation of personal liberty in the sanitary authority acting for the whole community, requiring to be informed of the existence of diseases dangerous to others. A man’s liberty is not to involve risk to others,” the author wrote. “A man with smallpox has the natural liberty to travel in a cab or an omnibus; but society has a right that overrides his natural liberty, and says he shall not.”</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Egalité</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;">So in the current debate those who aren't vaccinated claim they are not being treated equally. Are they right? In both the UK and France the government's restrictions have been compared to the Nazis treatment of the Jews and other minority groups, a comparison I, personally, abhor. It is true that being vaccinated gains access to certain venues and activities but no -one is being forced to be vaccinated, although they may be obliged to show a recent Covid test. Those who aren't vaccinated still have the freedom to shop, exercise and meet with family and friends. The regulations are temporary and are not influenced by race, gender, age, religion or sexual orientation.</span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Fraternité</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;">A latecomer to the party. <span style="font-family: inherit;">' </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">The third term, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">fraternité</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">, was the most problematic to insert in the triad, as it belonged to another sphere, that of moral obligations rather than rights, links rather than statutes, harmony rather than contract</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">, and community rather than individuality.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;">'</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;">It is natural to look first to the safety of ourselves and our nearest and dearest but one of the joys of the Covid pandemic was seeing communities across the world working together to help each other. There are many groups that will need support as we emerge from the pandemic. Whatever our differences surely working together for the common good will help everyone? </span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">So I wish you all the happiness of Kant- Something to do, someone to love and something to hope for.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">A bientôt</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">P.S. After 18 months of missing teeth I finally came to the end of the dental work and got my smile back! </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDxl8JF5bF12cVp5i0k0Hbk_HaBg3pUdw_V2CyLqF26O3jjwDXyunfetk7sSl4-5Eb0g0DrPECSRVKY1cpZ5BOYS66S8s845eHfrbw3vZ9QYGtsHGsUq3JfQ76O6EHbx9BVdEISkGhUc/s854/68AEDCA7-D8A6-4B07-93AB-E03D6AF73BBE_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="754" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDxl8JF5bF12cVp5i0k0Hbk_HaBg3pUdw_V2CyLqF26O3jjwDXyunfetk7sSl4-5Eb0g0DrPECSRVKY1cpZ5BOYS66S8s845eHfrbw3vZ9QYGtsHGsUq3JfQ76O6EHbx9BVdEISkGhUc/w186-h210/68AEDCA7-D8A6-4B07-93AB-E03D6AF73BBE_1_201_a.jpeg" width="186" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-45236902830071445762021-06-18T18:42:00.000+02:002021-06-18T18:42:39.796+02:00Broad beans are sleeping in a blankety bed.<p>This months title is from one of my favourite school harvest songs. It's called Paintbox and it always brings back memories of my teaching days. All the colours of the potager are<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRQEQgyGAGA"> here</a>. Have a listen I am sure it will make you smile.</p><p><b>Potager ponders</b></p><p>It's a bit of a misleading title though as I have already harvested our broad beans. I sow them in the autumn and they are the first crop of the year. They are now shelled and resting in a very cold bed in the freezer ready to be used in many delicious recipes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pRzxpU-J-R39HN_eH5ptr92OnvMkYq6MEFIvlYMd8WYD_SnG4a37QHtwH9rJ8jT1mW-D72KGfnHVsC0FnJlgupP4M9V8Sx1BN39PZHL7dUQBRTIwFbVuiqGCzNIQQX572B2DZgr9S-M/s1334/IMG_4988.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pRzxpU-J-R39HN_eH5ptr92OnvMkYq6MEFIvlYMd8WYD_SnG4a37QHtwH9rJ8jT1mW-D72KGfnHVsC0FnJlgupP4M9V8Sx1BN39PZHL7dUQBRTIwFbVuiqGCzNIQQX572B2DZgr9S-M/w134-h239/IMG_4988.jpeg" width="134" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNyWH55uk5g6TwPNz3bBJkErV_LCE9YgCIeYgJurcRpo02vfURTVdRfZ8JZ_wFAUrMlIG1JDxQnLmb8d4S3-FnmJOa-vy6QVTdx3472jouV1-DcSWWi_faHKtXvLAJVe6h4SU4SZ1XmQ/s2048/IMG_6862.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNyWH55uk5g6TwPNz3bBJkErV_LCE9YgCIeYgJurcRpo02vfURTVdRfZ8JZ_wFAUrMlIG1JDxQnLmb8d4S3-FnmJOa-vy6QVTdx3472jouV1-DcSWWi_faHKtXvLAJVe6h4SU4SZ1XmQ/s320/IMG_6862.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQIufdcU9tEIC5UmgTU8iTE22o6-354bZos2w6rssdm-8pHhbbMIwgnarrn00b9WePzZOx0K_yS95THi2uQusYU-yIua2Q37DcS3UQwVVd1Moy6vn2z24sjby9a2eLI5raW-h__d0sJo/s2048/IMG_6861.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQIufdcU9tEIC5UmgTU8iTE22o6-354bZos2w6rssdm-8pHhbbMIwgnarrn00b9WePzZOx0K_yS95THi2uQusYU-yIua2Q37DcS3UQwVVd1Moy6vn2z24sjby9a2eLI5raW-h__d0sJo/s320/IMG_6861.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEabb7qDx0lyTShDM_UKIzqa-8YE91yKAp7pNreCgyP8SZAP0vw1sO9soVoDK6xFdBeLBlyHGvUIa_Dp29tBkDZBarZy2wH5Xki_avSluUyAfYB_1j78Y7lYBcMN_Lx9RJDVFCyfy4cY/s2048/IMG_6868.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The unpredictable weather has made the start of the vegetable year a bit of a hit and miss affair. Too wet, too cold and too changeable. Young plants struggled to get a good hold and some gave up thghost despite my best efforts. Finally, the soil has warmed up and those plants that made it are now responding eagerly to the sun's rays. Potatoes, onions, tomatoes, sweet corn are all doing well. Courgettes and squash are making an effort and I will be starting to sow carrots, parsnips and fennel this week. Despite the ups and downs the potager is always my happy place and hopefully, the bad start will soon be a distant memory and I will be tussling with my giant tomato plants as usual.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZkckdTYd4TOCBMBSY0JNqsb6IU1uPtDkkVr7oqU6C2WlXy9V7U4REIExlv-HA84IHUSMZqsPKM1tcUUD63pIaqoWmz_YXAhUAzDDTaKj2C2E17IgMISGtwS4nwJEhLcLYnQkxOUutd4/s2048/IMG_6864.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZkckdTYd4TOCBMBSY0JNqsb6IU1uPtDkkVr7oqU6C2WlXy9V7U4REIExlv-HA84IHUSMZqsPKM1tcUUD63pIaqoWmz_YXAhUAzDDTaKj2C2E17IgMISGtwS4nwJEhLcLYnQkxOUutd4/s320/IMG_6864.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hJ2p5_-VEihofsH0GTvIiIG2XzLqSDQ3-feDwXCHc85UydMha3CG7JVjlSwR5AXpnXoeHt2BcVcAWGRmA59Sc6kbR6TlSVfbZezrurxJepiHwgoYHmIyYbQFz0Oo7coFCT1881spNUs/s2048/IMG_6866.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hJ2p5_-VEihofsH0GTvIiIG2XzLqSDQ3-feDwXCHc85UydMha3CG7JVjlSwR5AXpnXoeHt2BcVcAWGRmA59Sc6kbR6TlSVfbZezrurxJepiHwgoYHmIyYbQFz0Oo7coFCT1881spNUs/s320/IMG_6866.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I don't spend all my gardening time in the potager, we do have flowers too!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrGUPfgM_3liEiCj9fvfxKUu9nUp-smNGEWUN5IzQb9HF4YtEqyY_WasXv9_A2iOZzbviNKvjo3JAS4nu0rWWoV069p4gmVTYJiewcK88Yg-D6xmSsU9DAXnMV3ILD9KQtIUE_gSPiKM/s2048/IMG_6873.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrGUPfgM_3liEiCj9fvfxKUu9nUp-smNGEWUN5IzQb9HF4YtEqyY_WasXv9_A2iOZzbviNKvjo3JAS4nu0rWWoV069p4gmVTYJiewcK88Yg-D6xmSsU9DAXnMV3ILD9KQtIUE_gSPiKM/s320/IMG_6873.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Coming out</b></p><p>We have been out out!! We had a fun day in May. One of our friends has qualified as a wedding celebrant and the lovely<a href="http://gite-swfrance.com/en_gb/"> Manoir de Biraud Bas</a> was the venue for a wedding photoshoot. What a beautiful place to get married or renew your vows! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXci4vAV82Nu7Vl8z7466lW1vG7gILImB0wCxm3LXktMCntY3uwhjckrr_U3jepjNyPkI6vQjKyAMd0yA1GDfvIDszKR6EOS0M1J9zreaHb5I7Nmpqu7GX5m5_TV1euaSKk4xGnelNgTQ/s960/IMG_4980.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXci4vAV82Nu7Vl8z7466lW1vG7gILImB0wCxm3LXktMCntY3uwhjckrr_U3jepjNyPkI6vQjKyAMd0yA1GDfvIDszKR6EOS0M1J9zreaHb5I7Nmpqu7GX5m5_TV1euaSKk4xGnelNgTQ/s320/IMG_4980.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflwjFTj3RYpGqJE8X2cBjUI6PdWTbufiSBkWLyEzptJSHIbr3GnofnWJEJVGtKfxog2ySO6ECUjV4qqdbqYzo2_dTP7Vnskx5Ek4FLDb2Bp6EIbZt91wdOFtzt1Vd2MTW9pH-yMMkIiM/s960/IMG_4981.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflwjFTj3RYpGqJE8X2cBjUI6PdWTbufiSBkWLyEzptJSHIbr3GnofnWJEJVGtKfxog2ySO6ECUjV4qqdbqYzo2_dTP7Vnskx5Ek4FLDb2Bp6EIbZt91wdOFtzt1Vd2MTW9pH-yMMkIiM/s320/IMG_4981.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBW-70MRpt5VRsip8LvXpfWc0R4gCl9hkzVz_uRDjlS4150_3mNcMXfp0yB_M6BdB3yBUWIFfe4PQ6-fd_zIWD-P2P_zYwxkzn0fMle7iZnLDggD3ViLzGCqJ83ArTJDL4C1C_cedlNiQ/s1600/Ariel-View-manoir.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBW-70MRpt5VRsip8LvXpfWc0R4gCl9hkzVz_uRDjlS4150_3mNcMXfp0yB_M6BdB3yBUWIFfe4PQ6-fd_zIWD-P2P_zYwxkzn0fMle7iZnLDggD3ViLzGCqJ83ArTJDL4C1C_cedlNiQ/s320/Ariel-View-manoir.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Aperos at our local bar in the sunshine and this week to the cinema whoop, whoop it felt so good. The vaccination programme is rolling out well in France and from June 9th restrictions will be eased even more. </p><p>We have even dared book a trip away for my birthday in early September. I have wanted to visit Les Jardins Suspendus de Marqueyssac -just into the Dordogne so not far but it will feel so liberating to actually leave home for a few days.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s-kHruPOKqYaGGigPTbwY-nAMGrzTXxn2UpyU22MYvdX8JyASbSQfc6Ogp9SoUiRzls50r59pTqhKvA66z8vRDvQ5hYTaXchmEjW9kLLhqS6Xz8syc462p47oXXmn2m7mKDGlwWgkB0/s874/vue-chateau.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s-kHruPOKqYaGGigPTbwY-nAMGrzTXxn2UpyU22MYvdX8JyASbSQfc6Ogp9SoUiRzls50r59pTqhKvA66z8vRDvQ5hYTaXchmEjW9kLLhqS6Xz8syc462p47oXXmn2m7mKDGlwWgkB0/s320/vue-chateau.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>P. S.</b></p><p>The world is still an angry divided place and I am saddened by much of it. Division and hatred being fanned by those who should be uniting us. This image sums up my feelings about accepting others. I wish you all love and friendship. </p><p>A bientôt.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJiX2N3hptW-bbgJxYIdMSWyO3AVDjdbcbpns0p-qtBUe3xcdwubmqqWMfl77E-Uza6ZJsWmMLLU4nt_mbWI9hwlCi3zsTRMctWuYO3q5ppcEEILv6S5ITVUwsbUiALRDz-ntczaV-0c/s789/196945443_864158147529653_5980163979277847366_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="526" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJiX2N3hptW-bbgJxYIdMSWyO3AVDjdbcbpns0p-qtBUe3xcdwubmqqWMfl77E-Uza6ZJsWmMLLU4nt_mbWI9hwlCi3zsTRMctWuYO3q5ppcEEILv6S5ITVUwsbUiALRDz-ntczaV-0c/w304-h457/196945443_864158147529653_5980163979277847366_n.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-43750322680957178402021-04-27T11:58:00.000+02:002021-04-27T11:58:31.232+02:00April, April laugh thy girlish laughter<p><b>Spring has sprung.</b></p><p>Seedlings fill the kitchen window sill, the cold frames and even the guest bedroom. I spend most of my days in the potager, my happy place, preparing the beds and planting out the first vegetables of the year. I check on my baby plants in the cold frame and breathe a sigh of relief when they have survived another night safely. I have to move seedlings on from the house as they get bigger but it is always a hard decision to take them from their warm nursery and get them ready to face the outside world.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6epXYh0OhV_rTgdTinkwaShIpp3HqNhLTdsxE4UL1hsB_UuJvExN4HVhUCo083fAuUP-GhmoctLoDZ-nm5x9k73sDC-ZpgbzElYETEoWmhraZCBSK03G6BGarmv6Fj-_nNOmxafxkTE/s2048/IMG_6764.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6epXYh0OhV_rTgdTinkwaShIpp3HqNhLTdsxE4UL1hsB_UuJvExN4HVhUCo083fAuUP-GhmoctLoDZ-nm5x9k73sDC-ZpgbzElYETEoWmhraZCBSK03G6BGarmv6Fj-_nNOmxafxkTE/s320/IMG_6764.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Frost is the gardener's enemy at this time of year. A surprise hard frost hit the vines and fruit trees of the region this year and it was devastating for the growers. The loss of my first tomato plants is minuscule by comparison and isn't my livelihood but I was devastated and imagined that feeling on a grand scale. Even here in the mild SW France, we aren't free of frost until mid-May. Many gardeners wait until after the Saintes Glaces before planting or sowing in open ground, keeping plants covered and protected until then. The three saints' days that make up the Ice Saints fall on the 11th 12th and 13th of May and it is wise to protect against frost they have passed. Read more about the history of the Saintes Glaces </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2013/may/10/weatherwatch-cold-may-ice-saints" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">here</a> .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The potager does have some hardy guests. Chard still going strong from last year. Garlic and broad beans sown in the autumn. Red and yellow onions and potatoes planted this month and a new experiment with strawberries<span> in pots along the fence. The other plots are all prepared and ready for warmer days.</span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtOsW8w0bnWrsoUKY4kMCGtjlIq6Ay1DiZK8jn9Av5GK2WH_uALWG-wfoJivj38rGRgDpzvqiAUePSXMin1SWxp7u1L7j6DQSJNRMs3oR_MJqNSmfID-__uOtP5p7uiCqdMpqkzbglaY/s2048/IMG_6757.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtOsW8w0bnWrsoUKY4kMCGtjlIq6Ay1DiZK8jn9Av5GK2WH_uALWG-wfoJivj38rGRgDpzvqiAUePSXMin1SWxp7u1L7j6DQSJNRMs3oR_MJqNSmfID-__uOtP5p7uiCqdMpqkzbglaY/s320/IMG_6757.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB8S3Tode-kEG3maXDaHMKYIoIU-5dmfZ-OMjPZzQkGQx347Idie98dPye_Ni_Y-se7oz9XBeU91h_H3c-x1Ck4qCtqKfAuKpFXV6BYsqdIOHJHI49PQ-W2dc5-lv388TqYLa-7D7ngY/s2048/IMG_6758.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB8S3Tode-kEG3maXDaHMKYIoIU-5dmfZ-OMjPZzQkGQx347Idie98dPye_Ni_Y-se7oz9XBeU91h_H3c-x1Ck4qCtqKfAuKpFXV6BYsqdIOHJHI49PQ-W2dc5-lv388TqYLa-7D7ngY/w322-h181/IMG_6758.jpeg" width="322" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUcrl_vh85D_bnQC0ZwfnqyjdgsA0XuwTYn5W73_eR8aG0BggxD-TT_TPMECk9-IE_O2DKPs7OtKWnJM4-A8jwxfInISaKWcF7RERZ5QQ1rCgOAa2GL6gdFMvaQNqW54eudJCpxEynlE/s2048/IMG_6756.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUcrl_vh85D_bnQC0ZwfnqyjdgsA0XuwTYn5W73_eR8aG0BggxD-TT_TPMECk9-IE_O2DKPs7OtKWnJM4-A8jwxfInISaKWcF7RERZ5QQ1rCgOAa2GL6gdFMvaQNqW54eudJCpxEynlE/w320-h180/IMG_6756.jpeg" title="Autimn sown Garlic" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></span><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks2N_waqJrZocbMLZtGAGRlXzdvEZXCW5c0pq6hd0fTFCDvUEsYSS2VyVDfUT8OZ25qgAEsMjA3TbhPz-jKWe58Ty0ysMmJqcKO6UUPK7e8cdsDVFQsZphMBh7Uvf7r1RY8h9DkJkxGk/s2048/IMG_6759.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtOsW8w0bnWrsoUKY4kMCGtjlIq6Ay1DiZK8jn9Av5GK2WH_uALWG-wfoJivj38rGRgDpzvqiAUePSXMin1SWxp7u1L7j6DQSJNRMs3oR_MJqNSmfID-__uOtP5p7uiCqdMpqkzbglaY/s2048/IMG_6757.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks2N_waqJrZocbMLZtGAGRlXzdvEZXCW5c0pq6hd0fTFCDvUEsYSS2VyVDfUT8OZ25qgAEsMjA3TbhPz-jKWe58Ty0ysMmJqcKO6UUPK7e8cdsDVFQsZphMBh7Uvf7r1RY8h9DkJkxGk/s2048/IMG_6759.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks2N_waqJrZocbMLZtGAGRlXzdvEZXCW5c0pq6hd0fTFCDvUEsYSS2VyVDfUT8OZ25qgAEsMjA3TbhPz-jKWe58Ty0ysMmJqcKO6UUPK7e8cdsDVFQsZphMBh7Uvf7r1RY8h9DkJkxGk/s2048/IMG_6759.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks2N_waqJrZocbMLZtGAGRlXzdvEZXCW5c0pq6hd0fTFCDvUEsYSS2VyVDfUT8OZ25qgAEsMjA3TbhPz-jKWe58Ty0ysMmJqcKO6UUPK7e8cdsDVFQsZphMBh7Uvf7r1RY8h9DkJkxGk/s2048/IMG_6759.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b style="text-align: left;">l</b></a></div></b></div></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC9A-STD4IykA1HYZlApVHiY6rNoO14E1tty7IOhoJJKWEGDXMJ_bnzqV62Nv_OPpxQPyoVMyw42QZBY8yde6aZYD6myANCLnZTs8a3UQ0aDJwVb_vyfgtlJWThfEr7OO5Nt8JYxODXA/s2048/IMG_6762.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC9A-STD4IykA1HYZlApVHiY6rNoO14E1tty7IOhoJJKWEGDXMJ_bnzqV62Nv_OPpxQPyoVMyw42QZBY8yde6aZYD6myANCLnZTs8a3UQ0aDJwVb_vyfgtlJWThfEr7OO5Nt8JYxODXA/w214-h380/IMG_6762.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JoN_aNAqjyxinGlFNHYB2RS_ZE0KY8tnZ3_NxKr_VhbStmLfqyB6FsFhUwj6murRx3u5fkBbScI0cwodFI5Lh-42JLUPsTvRpwV2YulFyCiSMEwdSdix1w7QLVZmbz6yezlzxx1R4JM/s2048/IMG_6753.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JoN_aNAqjyxinGlFNHYB2RS_ZE0KY8tnZ3_NxKr_VhbStmLfqyB6FsFhUwj6murRx3u5fkBbScI0cwodFI5Lh-42JLUPsTvRpwV2YulFyCiSMEwdSdix1w7QLVZmbz6yezlzxx1R4JM/w213-h378/IMG_6753.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a-r2d74db8V2Y-RyaKIlQZBAbhUVU4aA85_9gVmVMr0-PE-QpOn2aHo2YCmImaERyelE324i9z2F2W4X9cp0eoUsiDfYifP3HLoCXJ4UYU6CGxOuAbP38Wm30lBYr4W1SHSAyj15s_I/s2048/IMG_6759.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a-r2d74db8V2Y-RyaKIlQZBAbhUVU4aA85_9gVmVMr0-PE-QpOn2aHo2YCmImaERyelE324i9z2F2W4X9cp0eoUsiDfYifP3HLoCXJ4UYU6CGxOuAbP38Wm30lBYr4W1SHSAyj15s_I/s320/IMG_6759.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>A Farewell</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The death of the Duke of Edinburgh if not unexpected was sad. Every death at any age is hard for a family and this mourning had to be done in the public eye and with the media obsessing about their internal strifes and relationships. No one was surprised that the Queen was stoical in public as she has had to suffer public scrutiny for most of her life. There must have been consolation that he died at home. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As you know I am not an idoliser of the Royal family and I found some of the national response mawkish and the blanket TV coverage a bit more reminiscent of a dictatorship than a democracy. So many families have lost loved ones during the pandemic and not been able to be by their side or have a funeral service and my thoughts were with them too. I wondered if the Queen was secretly relieved that the limitations due to Covid meant that the family had a quieter ceremony without the need for her to acknowledge dignitaries from home and abroad. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The family released a reading of The Patriarchs - an Elegy by Simon Armitage to mark the funeral. It is very loving and I am sure many other families who have lost loved ones can identify and share in the sentiment. Do listen to it. Whatever your views on the monarchy I am sure that you, like me, will be very moved. </p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/video/2021/apr/17/prince-philip-royal-family-releases-photo-montage-set-to-elegy-by-simon-armitage-video?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2I-8BoKqeVlsDrM0blkDc002LFk6OZmRsSdw6ct7vc1wAg7-F4ACapyRE#Echobox=1618729499" target="_blank">The Patriarchs</a></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>That taxing time of year</b></p><p>Yes time to declare your revenue for 2020. France now has a pay as you go system but any amendments will be made based on your annual return. I see social media awash with advice and information on which form to fill in. I pretty much have it off pat after so many years doing it but it's always wise to watch out for a sneaky change to the forms. In my department, we have until the end of June to declare online, but it has always been a job for May for me. I have all my information ready and will wait for a rainy May day to send it in.</p><p>Preparing my figures and reading the questions about the process on the internet made me wonder if there are as many people taking time to be honest about their declarations as there are people taking time to dodge their obligations. I bet many low paid workers would be happy to be earning enough to pay tax. Just as the concept of debt has gained respectability by being called credit why not talk about how privileged you are to pay taxes rather than a burden to be avoided.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMVqNWqCa99b0KffFSe_1gm_x3btMnn2uhhrq9zK_45N0Sd3yqldvW65KNO3F_sXZaHyQC6aTHAngdZ902xXJXLyWZvEYZCTAbJbzxwiV9lbWILKKAehyphenhyphenJo2BwRBlPpaq62MMgR8Kde4/s640/Tax-avoidance.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="640" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMVqNWqCa99b0KffFSe_1gm_x3btMnn2uhhrq9zK_45N0Sd3yqldvW65KNO3F_sXZaHyQC6aTHAngdZ902xXJXLyWZvEYZCTAbJbzxwiV9lbWILKKAehyphenhyphenJo2BwRBlPpaq62MMgR8Kde4/w461-h143/Tax-avoidance.png" width="461" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><b>Getting back to normal</b></p><p>Before the end of April, we will both have had both out Pfizer injections. As the vaccine programme picks up speed and the end of lockdown and curfew approach we look forward to being able to go out after 7pm and eat at our favourite restaurants, outdoors of course. We have been able to <span style="font-family: inherit;">meet up in the daytime with friends living within a 10k radius so we are not completely isolated but it will be good to s</span>ee who we want when we want and where we want. Fingers crossed mid-May will see an easing of restrictions. </p><p>Stay well and a bientôt.</p><b><br /></b><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #484848; float: left; line-height: 25.6px; padding: 20px; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 594px; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">April, April, <br />Laugh thy girlish laughter; <br />Then, the moment after, <br />Weep thy girlish tears! <br />April, that mine ears <br />Like a lover greetest, <br />If I tell thee, sweetest, <br />All my hopes and fears, <br />April, April, <br />Laugh thy golden laughter, <br />But, the moment after, <br />Weep thy golden tears!</span></p><div class="phPageBottom" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #484848; font-family: sans-serif, serif; padding: 20px 20px 0px; text-align: start;"><div class="phpdAuthor" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 20px; position: relative; width: 554px;"><a href="https://www.poemhunter.com/william-watson/" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" title="William Watson">William Watson</a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-23406666989486135832021-03-15T09:14:00.000+01:002021-03-15T09:14:21.185+01:00Down in the dumps ...... and up again.<p> </p><p><b>Down.......</b></p><p>At the beginning of 2019 my eldest granddaughter put in a bid for my Spring visit to coincide with her birthday so flights and presents were packed. Then Covid reared its head and flights were cancelled and the birthday celebrations went ahead without Granny after all. Today is her birthday again and I am not there for the second year running, which brought it home to me how long we have been apart from family. Their hopeful e mails about summer visits made me sadder rather than happier as I just don't know if it will happen. Some heavy dental treatment and a silly paperwork error finished me off and I got a real dose of the blues and just kept bursting into tears. I know we are lucky to be living here and I did try to count my blessings. Then my inbred, northern, methodist guilt at being ungrateful kicked in and I shed even more tears.</p><p><b>Up........</b></p><p>A few Facetimes, an impromptu lunch with friends and some sunshine set me back on track. We are all pinning our hopes on the vaccines which are rolling out slowly here in France. Kevin has had his but I am still waiting and not sure how long for, fingers crossed it wont be too long. There is quite an anti vaccine feeling here in France so the powers that be are trying to manage that and to build confidence as well as supplies. I'll let you know when it's my turn.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Down.......</b></p><p>I am increasingly saddened by how quickly people are to condemn often based on very thin information. Where people get their knowledge from interests me. In the run up top Brexit I often entered into discussions with Brexit supporters asking them what evidence they had for many of their claims. They were in the main better at making claims than providing evidence of it. Wha<span>t had fuelled their wrath and their indignation? </span></p><p style="text-align: left;">Then the latest shock news the Harry/Meghan interview. Let me be honest, I don't get overexcited about the Royal Family and I am not interested in the life of this young couple either. Should they have made the televised interview? Probably not but it is the anger it has enflamed and the personal venom aimed particularly at Meghan Markle is unbelievable. The original muck stirrer Nigel Farage states that he knew on the day of the wedding that Merkel was planning to damage the monarchy. Piers Morgan continues his obsessed verbal abuse. Everyone is certain they know exactly who said what and when and that Markle is just evil. Kate wears pink the day after the interview and the Telegraph tells us that she chose the colour because it is <span style="font-family: inherit;">'t<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156;">he hue is thought to be a symbol of sympathy, compassion and friendship'</span></span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> If Markle had worn pink who knows what it would have </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #4d5156;"><span>symbolised. </span></span>T</span>ake a moment to look at this article. If you cant' read it all check out the juxtaposition of the Daily Mail's Kate v Meghan reporting and this is just an example about how information is being manipulated</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/opinion/if-you-hate-meghan-markle-this-is-why-256808/">https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/opinion/if-you-hate-meghan-markle-this-is-why-256808/</a></p><p>In similar fashion to the Brexit campaign the tabloids have carefully prepared the soil of division and sowed their seeds of doubtful fact daily. These facts are the regurgitated as absolute truth on social media and no one cares that they are totally unsupported by evidence. . The Daily Express can't let a day go by with tweeting that the EU is crumbling. A girl is murdered and even when a suspect is under arrest social media is full of claims that the culprit must be an immigrant who arrived in a dinghy. Volunteers helping with food parcels thoughtfully try to include a taste of home for families on their list that are asylum seekers and the response is horrific. </p><p>Meanwhile the prime minister is legally found to have been lying, Matt Hancock's mates seem to be first in line for huge contracts and no one queries how the areas to receive the Town funds announced in the budget were chosen. The virus roll out is successfully rolled out by the NHS while nurses are not to receive their planned pay rise. The trade secretary rolls over existing deals that in no way make up for those that are lost and voted most successful member of the cabinet. We are appalled to see the images of the vigil on Clapham common but don't seem to notice that the home secretary announces a new bill that will limit right to protest. <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: inherit;">She gives herself the power to fundamentally change the meaning of the law at any time without any real parliamentary scrutiny. See how this is reported differently here:</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #232323;"><a href="https://www.politics.co.uk/comment/2021/03/11/silencing-black-lives-matter-priti-patels-anti-protest-law/">https://www.politics.co.uk/comment/2021/03/11/silencing-black-lives-matter-priti-patels-anti-protest-law/</a></span></span></span></p><p>and by the Daily mail</p><p><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9340333/Justice-Priti-Patel-handed-powers-crack-activists-wreaking-havoc.html">https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9340333/Justice-Priti-Patel-handed-powers-crack-activists-wreaking-havoc.html</a></p><p>People wonder why those that chose to benefit from free movement and move to a different country should be interested in or even have the right to comment on the UK. I remain a British national and a british tax payer and I will always care passionately about my birth country. I want to be able to feel proud to be British but at the moment I feel sad and worried.</p><p><a href="https://eand.co/how-britain-became-the-dumbest-society-in-the-world-e90431463924">https://eand.co/how-britain-became-the-dumbest-society-in-the-world-e90431463924</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Up........</b></p><p>Flowers for mother's day arrive on the same day that our new permament residency cards arrive. </p><p>This week's favourite podcast Sophia Loren on Desert Island Discs was a joy.</p><p>Borders start to reopen for travel.</p><p>We share meals with friends from our bubble.</p><p>Kevin gets a new tractor.</p><p>The garden is bursting into life and I start seed sowing.... the cycle goes on</p><p> </p>Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-71188085903867891892021-02-03T08:31:00.004+01:002021-02-03T13:58:02.461+01:00Goodbyes, too much rain and a happy hello. <p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Goodbyes</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">January gave us a sad goodbye, RIP Sam, but for me, there was a welcome farewell. The change of President in the US brought the hope that dignity can return to politics. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My worst memory of Trump among so many bad souvenirs was when he whipped up a crowd by mocking the physical disability of a journalist. The reasons for his appeal to supporters has been much discussed and it is futile to ignore the dissatisfaction that has enabled him and other populists closer to home. I read somewhere ' </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Populists are dividers, not uniters. They split society into “two homogenous and antagonistic groups: the pure people on the one end and the corrupt elite on the other,” and say they’re guided by the “will of the people.” </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope that with the change of President a new way can emerge that will lead to solving problems rather than adding to them.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>Too much rain</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This has been the wettest winter for almost thirty years apparently, It has certainly been the wettest we can remember. November is usually a wet month and we hope for its rain to fill up the lakes, waterways and water table ready for the hot days ahead. Then December usually brings bright, cold days just right for walks with the dog and short forays into the garden. This year it has been wet, wet, wet and then wet again. Our department, the Lot et Garonne, is one of the many in France that has been affected by floods or threat of floods as rivers rise. Many roads are closed and farmland underwater. We long for cold, dry days and can't wait for Spring to turn up and erase the wet memories once and for all. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGGkoYCx-NPPhwCJM4UF5_6ultQQN1yLYO3aAxJWayMGOMPTGlFT-SOWXwJVgl-mJ_RFRX3Eu4-zFXAmAXxYFWN4NPvX_ZWKw0TXkFwJCDGEDdh5Iu3A6oY948mtukUnz0lXejE6iQHM/s2048/floods.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGGkoYCx-NPPhwCJM4UF5_6ultQQN1yLYO3aAxJWayMGOMPTGlFT-SOWXwJVgl-mJ_RFRX3Eu4-zFXAmAXxYFWN4NPvX_ZWKw0TXkFwJCDGEDdh5Iu3A6oY948mtukUnz0lXejE6iQHM/w519-h345/floods.jpg" width="519" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Some jobs can go ahead despite the rain. We have taken delivery of our annual half a pig and been busy butchering and transforming it. The freezer is heaving and we look forward to homemade sausages, home-cured bacon and many delicious pork-based meals. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1PDoSXPfHADFzXDElrO7OMCfzBJ3q_XS2C2ZrJn5Ucs9LN2FMcU2K4R-lb5cVSrSaa85KA-Ca13sIEjI0WtwCFngXziLUE-WGA2dv4wrKoBxRHAPsyidD9HHlt9hLOmwULUOwJ3a3xo/s2048/IMG-4804.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1PDoSXPfHADFzXDElrO7OMCfzBJ3q_XS2C2ZrJn5Ucs9LN2FMcU2K4R-lb5cVSrSaa85KA-Ca13sIEjI0WtwCFngXziLUE-WGA2dv4wrKoBxRHAPsyidD9HHlt9hLOmwULUOwJ3a3xo/s320/IMG-4804.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUiSXaRpiu7KTQXBEmxgl2miChLCIL9i8TL5fwdfNFX6ETJVYobA8_WQ02_80YZ9YHfWVjj34yldlSG-jSTqHZ8mBXDcvbQ6R6N5c_B9P-rINChZRqsKMzh6cC1FP33TnMkxOS8eptEI/s2048/IMG-4805.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUiSXaRpiu7KTQXBEmxgl2miChLCIL9i8TL5fwdfNFX6ETJVYobA8_WQ02_80YZ9YHfWVjj34yldlSG-jSTqHZ8mBXDcvbQ6R6N5c_B9P-rINChZRqsKMzh6cC1FP33TnMkxOS8eptEI/s320/IMG-4805.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Kevin took delivery of 4 kgs of bitter oranges, a Christmas present that he had to wait for. He has transformed them into 38 jars of delicious marmalade and the smell of them cooking cheered a very gloomy couple of days. For me, it ha<span>s been 'sew' far so good as for the first time ever I have met my target of using the winter days to get on with my sewing projects. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Still, we are getting itchy fingers and want to be back in the garden getting everything tidied up and ready for Spring. Our fingers are crossed for goodbye to wet, wet, wet.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">A happy hello</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">February starts with happy memories for us of our first hello when we met on the 3rd February 1996. It was a wet, wet February that year too. Invited to dinner a forty-minute drive away I was reluctant to leave a cosy house and an absorbing book. The invitation had included the rider 'you'll meet my brother ' and the matchmaking agenda wasn't appealing. How wrong I was and that rainy night was the start of an adventure that has amazingly brought us to our 25th year together.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVL04yCO3truBUVR5_WEyf5xV1bXim7XGNBaKUm_ppSaBmhECKwRCaUFu1PKd7AJrlx_Rf72XkuF98OBIcZuiOQICDrC5NYfAV12j4VWck57w6A98Mb1oi3hwQqRU4v14UaQFFndRYqJc/s1919/4023CACB-B6CC-48DF-B325-A2ECD9F23DDA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="1919" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVL04yCO3truBUVR5_WEyf5xV1bXim7XGNBaKUm_ppSaBmhECKwRCaUFu1PKd7AJrlx_Rf72XkuF98OBIcZuiOQICDrC5NYfAV12j4VWck57w6A98Mb1oi3hwQqRU4v14UaQFFndRYqJc/w541-h379/4023CACB-B6CC-48DF-B325-A2ECD9F23DDA.jpeg" width="541" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A bientôt</span></div></blockquote></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p>Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-2109517583361895872021-01-19T07:01:00.001+01:002021-01-19T09:24:58.474+01:00Sam 2006 - 2021<p>' I hear you are looking for a dog' said our French neighbour. We already had a sweet, gentle fox terrier called Sally but were happy to welcome a companion for her. Born on the 6th August 2006, this strange little character came to be part of our family.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4qx_qYt8bjWVH8U0it88qs2kzMNH2Gc-skWq6m1b18SxyLbmtdr6tvBcPbQj7vbJr0ZZ0mWNZty4o_FdOUL954EtYBHd2emNHc_2mcpJHHRoKZfnqFP0yhDngXyfr9IrtsXWgQYskmM/s2000/Sam.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4qx_qYt8bjWVH8U0it88qs2kzMNH2Gc-skWq6m1b18SxyLbmtdr6tvBcPbQj7vbJr0ZZ0mWNZty4o_FdOUL954EtYBHd2emNHc_2mcpJHHRoKZfnqFP0yhDngXyfr9IrtsXWgQYskmM/w561-h450/Sam.png" width="561" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Kevin brought him home and he was so small he fit in his hand. He had a slight underbite and the curliest hair! We called him Sam keeping with the letter S for all our pet names. We later had a grandchild called Samuel but Sam the dog came first.<p></p><p>We found out that he was the product of his mother and her own son so that explained a lot. When you stroked him his tail wagged but he made the most awful growling sound and it was hard to believe that was his happy noise. He didn't like having his bum on the floor and would sit on your feet or prop himself up on the hearth to avoid it. He was always a scavenger, getting underfoot in the kitchen or hovering near the dining table. If he had been bigger I am sure he would have stolen food from the table.</p><p>Sally and Sam rubbed along, him tormenting and her tolerating. Gentle as she was she sometimes showed a fox terrier temper when he had gone one step too far and she rounded on him viciously meaning to put him in his place. He would run away but could never resist coming back to give her one last little playful dig. </p><p>After Sally died he was totally bereft and so when we got a new puppy he seemed delighted but then you never could tell with Sam! They were like little and large but small as he was that boy could run. When we took them around the neighbouring orchards on their walks he was as fast as Schula the Labrador retriever when he got a scent. He never wandered far from home and would sit for hours on the back terrace guarding his property.</p><p>As he got older he became deaf and had very poor sight but he continued to seem content and to take part in the daily walks, and he could still give Schula a run for her money when he felt like it. He had become very thin but was still eating well and didn't show any signs of discomfort so we put it down to his age. Yesterday he came home from the walk and started screaming in obvious pain. A visit to the vet and a blood test showed something was very wrong and an x ray confirmed that cancer was widespread. Our funny little friend had reached the end of the road.</p><p>Time for us to say goodbye.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSKRjBpDs8l-2eF9EqFO9LXDfkxL6pI1F39D5ExtOYvX0LaUn9YD3tveIr-aaa-GPQs4K2fB-y0BpjtundMOWWPAXLJOmaaUIRyscThKOgRrsXZPEf9ScH8dmKSsIVnhmEALSqpsisRA/s2048/6BFA50B1-6592-4158-815F-B676131A7AA5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSKRjBpDs8l-2eF9EqFO9LXDfkxL6pI1F39D5ExtOYvX0LaUn9YD3tveIr-aaa-GPQs4K2fB-y0BpjtundMOWWPAXLJOmaaUIRyscThKOgRrsXZPEf9ScH8dmKSsIVnhmEALSqpsisRA/w464-h348/6BFA50B1-6592-4158-815F-B676131A7AA5.jpeg" width="464" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p>Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-13657955590087683532021-01-03T18:51:00.002+01:002021-01-03T18:51:51.494+01:00Meilleurs voeux<p><b> Au revoir 2020.</b> </p><p>No apology for being pleased to see you go.</p><p>We were so much luckier than many. We stayed healthy, we had our garden and beautiful countryside all around us. We managed to see one of our children and three of our grandchildren for one short week. We were able to see our friends either via Zoom or in smaller groups. We didn't lose any revenue. We are settled in France. We had each other. </p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeboMzaz1qse-HQqkX95Xq0kIPtaolUIGbYOICzvfJcNefxALbYQkYEyxlsKAbpisw8Gbo044d1SSJ2YKqPqffkPdLDZ4rNpKLBGQbXzzGgKiQkMg5dr3URQJzlp4HEaPYeKML70lQ9Y/s1280/EC4F3CBD-4491-49C5-9471-F18E45DE539E.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeboMzaz1qse-HQqkX95Xq0kIPtaolUIGbYOICzvfJcNefxALbYQkYEyxlsKAbpisw8Gbo044d1SSJ2YKqPqffkPdLDZ4rNpKLBGQbXzzGgKiQkMg5dr3URQJzlp4HEaPYeKML70lQ9Y/s320/EC4F3CBD-4491-49C5-9471-F18E45DE539E.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLf-UAGQSqXjW9Gvu-nH5ZUDt5c_04dKdE_xbaTK11z4jhNSpyDVPxxnL0291ZM1E4xzFOKhAuBMvVatF1IBqZ20kR40uLy9X4O4w9AOkHnTOQxdAP7lfK46jY2NIk2ghqBvQk-WFweU/s1024/E2C9B21E-5CF3-4E5A-A390-EE578E4206F5_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLf-UAGQSqXjW9Gvu-nH5ZUDt5c_04dKdE_xbaTK11z4jhNSpyDVPxxnL0291ZM1E4xzFOKhAuBMvVatF1IBqZ20kR40uLy9X4O4w9AOkHnTOQxdAP7lfK46jY2NIk2ghqBvQk-WFweU/s320/E2C9B21E-5CF3-4E5A-A390-EE578E4206F5_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><b>Bienvenue 2021</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVAxXJ3TzhyphenhyphendZRLqIsWtw262FeXzJVbcmD7QcSqCxJDbNLJrCtVZ6CjHdJogK26wVM6_BzTVb9NqoBeVcccD0NDGt4NT41U748eqOIg54WzsnLRBhAZ0w02I2jRcH7Bjo6gha_fH2oGw/s540/343EECD0-A650-4BC9-8D6A-55C70D2668FB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVAxXJ3TzhyphenhyphendZRLqIsWtw262FeXzJVbcmD7QcSqCxJDbNLJrCtVZ6CjHdJogK26wVM6_BzTVb9NqoBeVcccD0NDGt4NT41U748eqOIg54WzsnLRBhAZ0w02I2jRcH7Bjo6gha_fH2oGw/s320/343EECD0-A650-4BC9-8D6A-55C70D2668FB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Getting back to normal? <p></p><p>Slowly, surely things will improve. </p><p><b>I look forward to: </b></p><p>seeing family again</p><p>getting vaccinated</p><p>having hugs,</p><p>the choir, the yoga the sewing group</p><p>working in the garden</p><p>travel</p><p>and all the normal, everyday things we have so taken for granted.</p><p><br /></p><p>We wish you a more positive, more normal 2021, working together to make our world a safe happier place for everyone. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0YbO7MVwxS0dEYFHh57Tql195WK10tIRpBAxfTnJdiMOdp_wvGfK26JDgcRGHTwDOqbdPrtSG3pTZmxur-IB8_hTkVio_xYwGZcH-D7uXQmD-80CM2K2fHSLQuf8kKA3pNF3qUBk-aI/s1919/4023CACB-B6CC-48DF-B325-A2ECD9F23DDA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="1919" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0YbO7MVwxS0dEYFHh57Tql195WK10tIRpBAxfTnJdiMOdp_wvGfK26JDgcRGHTwDOqbdPrtSG3pTZmxur-IB8_hTkVio_xYwGZcH-D7uXQmD-80CM2K2fHSLQuf8kKA3pNF3qUBk-aI/s320/4023CACB-B6CC-48DF-B325-A2ECD9F23DDA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com047350 Labretonie, France44.489029 0.36739619.011417358647925 -34.788854 69.966640641352086 35.523646tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-14940161316811004382019-02-03T12:40:00.000+01:002019-02-03T12:40:16.675+01:00Long time no blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I seem to have let the blog slip in the second half of 2018 and now January has just slipped away- who knew retirement would be so busy! So 'Happy 2019' and I hope to chat with you more often this year.<br />
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We ended 2018 with family and started 2019 with friends - happy days. </div>
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When we were renovating our first house in France, an enormous project that only the mad would have attempted, we came across the HelpX website. This puts in touch people who would be happy to exchange work for board and lodging with people who need a helping hand. We met lots of young people over the years and have kept in touch with many. One year two brothers came our way and brightened our life - great workers, great company. It has been lovely watching their lives move on and at the beginning of 2019, we were over the moon to welcome one of them, Andrew, and his gorgeous new wife from their home in Nashville Tennessee. </div>
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With the weather still not garden friendly and with Brexit casting a cloud over us we were glad to end the month with a few days away with our friends to their house in Genos in the Pyrénées. It really was a winter wonderland. We walked, we ate well (as usual), we played games and we celebrated the three January birthdays. Can you spot our champagne chiller? A very French end to the month.</div>
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Add to all this our usual activities and you can see why retirement is so busy. We love it and hope the rest of 2019 will be as much fun.</div>
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A bientôt.</div>
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<br />Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-55505862532122299132018-04-02T18:42:00.000+02:002018-04-02T18:42:03.736+02:00March brings ......<span style="background-color: #fcf9f9; font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;">............breezes, loud and shrill,</span><br style="background-color: #fcf9f9; font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: #fcf9f9; font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;">To stir the dancing daffodil.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;">The Good</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;">Two birthdays for our family with Bethany turning 9 at the start of the month end Ellie 3 towards the end. They both had new clothes as their presents from us and we can't wait to see them for a week's holiday at the end of May.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;">Rain-dodging became my new sport and I managed to get lots of work done in the potager. The raised bed system comes into its own when it rains a lot as it drains well and doesn't result in sticky clay as open gardening here does. We are redoing the pathways and the ground being wet helps with that. So while lots of people couldn't get going I had beds prepared and, in the greenhouse, started seed sowing. The autumn sown broad beans and garlic are looking great and I transplanted the </span>spring sown broad<span style="font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;"></span><span style="font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;"> beans that had been brought on in the kitchen. Potatoes are chitting and this year I am going to try a new growing method with them - more on that in April.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chard keeps on giving</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring sown beans in front and Autumn sown behind</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garlic and one of the new paths</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71wPjyQOSjYWr2fy2RVI8_RI8gDDAmS7hYAtiU71Mf8N9ZzQa66jkxbbXIcty_yeB1cp6oPAWjpmXR917w_YxzJzmH7ENnV6UMPQNu065Ihx9akGXUwl9J3jOkV1YjF66OpIJgeHdp-A/s1600/IMG_5303.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71wPjyQOSjYWr2fy2RVI8_RI8gDDAmS7hYAtiU71Mf8N9ZzQa66jkxbbXIcty_yeB1cp6oPAWjpmXR917w_YxzJzmH7ENnV6UMPQNu065Ihx9akGXUwl9J3jOkV1YjF66OpIJgeHdp-A/s320/IMG_5303.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A major path overhaul</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_062qhjMXuYyCbbdW3A2W6tl2jVPxlghf7kUZk678_tQSmeGvhP9xLYptmggINL4KOr02w2QAbnVb22GQWHGpsGNKpM4mHfTmw8006E0O7dCU1QdGtOD80taMVQjPVk_x0BhSqgvpdKs/s1600/IMG_5304.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_062qhjMXuYyCbbdW3A2W6tl2jVPxlghf7kUZk678_tQSmeGvhP9xLYptmggINL4KOr02w2QAbnVb22GQWHGpsGNKpM4mHfTmw8006E0O7dCU1QdGtOD80taMVQjPVk_x0BhSqgvpdKs/s320/IMG_5304.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato seedlings</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;">A major event for the club of the third age - our money raising Grand Loto open to the public. Everyone rallied round and a healthy profit made top our funds. We </span>are<span style="font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;"> also busy rehearsing for our variety show which we put on every year at the beginning of May and that is shaping up very well again this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;"><b>The Bad</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcf9f9; font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcf9f9; font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;">The rain, wind and grey skies just wouldn't go away. Luckily Kevin managed a grass cut because soon the ground was squeaking like a full sponge. It also brought more illness for Kevin, this time bronchitis that didn't respond to the first course of antibiotics and meant he had to have a course of daily injections at the house. Very depressing and meant I was the in-house chef. I don't think I did too badly and even made a curry for the first time in my life!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcf9f9; font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcf9f9; font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;"><b>The other.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcf9f9; font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: poets electra web, times new roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcf9f9; font-size: 17px;">I had two orchids in flower. I know nothing about cultivating orchids and am learning as I go along. My friends bought me my second one in September for my birthday and after it had flowered my inclination was to cut off the stems but I just never got round to it and lo and behold two flowers emerged.When they had finished I cut down to the next bud and lo and behold new flower stems are growing - chuffed to bits.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: poets electra web, times new roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcf9f9; font-size: 17px;">A bientôt.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fcf9f9; font-family: "poets electra web", "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span>Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-34901232431610316352018-03-18T18:06:00.000+01:002018-03-18T18:06:24.940+01:00February brings..... the rain, Thaws the frozen lake again.<br />
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<b>The good</b><br />
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My half term visit to see the family. Chilling in Wokingham with Ali and Karen and enjoying half term activities with the Popes in Beckenham.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL4l1KxMUXKAOlnzDuPWktvTCekaefD-tGUUfj5aPUR2TgqiGALWPLhbJi4TASa1ULLGNJe8G0DKFmf85omtLewl16E3wHFlfq8M9Dsa554Snng-lULi-zy-jfozPTgTQ2mZIN1KAQBY/s1600/IMG_6237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL4l1KxMUXKAOlnzDuPWktvTCekaefD-tGUUfj5aPUR2TgqiGALWPLhbJi4TASa1ULLGNJe8G0DKFmf85omtLewl16E3wHFlfq8M9Dsa554Snng-lULi-zy-jfozPTgTQ2mZIN1KAQBY/s320/IMG_6237.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAJD4W_fDJbAdAEqig8ihvBc9wj0h_4PwRflzaUhhM-FoOKGFNpXh8j9rY4sBWyNJwR66dIkDcspW0DvqM2DDf7MYiBrqL2KxLnTgy4CaoHNALA04FEIHagPmD1zHai1nLwboimbmA34/s1600/IMG_6327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="348" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAJD4W_fDJbAdAEqig8ihvBc9wj0h_4PwRflzaUhhM-FoOKGFNpXh8j9rY4sBWyNJwR66dIkDcspW0DvqM2DDf7MYiBrqL2KxLnTgy4CaoHNALA04FEIHagPmD1zHai1nLwboimbmA34/s320/IMG_6327.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdqrJoMYDFhkAtv30YguHXvPDlYGNcNODBeKHQIssh_cd6nCSsl9tzyCpUvZgQnxd2o29LThTDxaPLFK6LEqRFcJj3ADmFEu731PT9bor_Fz969D3XHkL5nM9CQyPPHwcwsYXQ5SKMdo/s1600/IMG_6335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="631" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdqrJoMYDFhkAtv30YguHXvPDlYGNcNODBeKHQIssh_cd6nCSsl9tzyCpUvZgQnxd2o29LThTDxaPLFK6LEqRFcJj3ADmFEu731PT9bor_Fz969D3XHkL5nM9CQyPPHwcwsYXQ5SKMdo/s320/IMG_6335.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The Bad</b></div>
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We said a very tearful goodbye to our friend and neighbour who sadly died after a short battle with cancer. One of the kindest people we have ever met and a big loss to our community.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzs9JwzsNcAjy7Z3lrBgchh4Lh2Ci68N8_YSOLxCa0Bjhyq59SUTZgazjNr4KiBTpJujP6qXrmfDCuBjIMBwcZgxAo0Sf_z9ACVPKxG986sqf651ToIBAVBdaKdaJQEWENnHmS5eyM5_c/s1600/IMG_4795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzs9JwzsNcAjy7Z3lrBgchh4Lh2Ci68N8_YSOLxCa0Bjhyq59SUTZgazjNr4KiBTpJujP6qXrmfDCuBjIMBwcZgxAo0Sf_z9ACVPKxG986sqf651ToIBAVBdaKdaJQEWENnHmS5eyM5_c/s320/IMG_4795.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huguette Large 1950 - 2018</td></tr>
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<b>The Rest.</b></div>
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Still too cold for seed sowing but lots done in the garden making new paths in the potager, and a new enclosure for the chickens. The beds in the potager are all prepared and broad beans germinated on the kitchen window sill. Hats off to our chard crop - the vegetable that shows no sign of stopping producing. </div>
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A bientôt</div>
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<br />Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-10547732093564247332018-02-09T09:17:00.003+01:002018-02-09T09:19:07.730+01:00January brings....'January brings the sow<br />
Makes our feet and fingers glow'<br />
<br />
A new look for the blog for the new year. The good, the bad and the ugly well nearly, the good, the bad and a postcript<br />
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<b>The good</b><br />
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<i>The garden</i><br />
No snow for us but rain, rain, rain - the rain that hadn't come in November fell at last. Though gardeners on my Facebook gardening group bemoaned the wet conditions I was glad to see the lakes around filling up at last. With raised bed gardening the soil drains well and so whenever a sunny day popped up I was able to get out there and work on preparing the potager for the growing season. Feeling the sun on my back really felt good and working in the garden always works its magic.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwO4Wz1FvD7gD8Jh5BuAqjoP4OMMVph3F7i51GneJuc8b5a2myG8PIUaxngQs8nUIL9mBZXnlzmySyYh3B890FIGS7XSQ0uXbK4tqqBoy4Nl-FsTTNz6cQW98S5n4SqN3559DeVA7i1I/s1600/IMG_5277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwO4Wz1FvD7gD8Jh5BuAqjoP4OMMVph3F7i51GneJuc8b5a2myG8PIUaxngQs8nUIL9mBZXnlzmySyYh3B890FIGS7XSQ0uXbK4tqqBoy4Nl-FsTTNz6cQW98S5n4SqN3559DeVA7i1I/s320/IMG_5277.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frost finally breaking the manure down nicely</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSW0Mb6jnEPoAdTGdLBlAfMX3W1hwvs5S15Q2k2ktOOff1sWcbMngFm08FRKoScoUbP4D9pqWQ_ItnIc7I4Aaxv7W1_5JTAfaLKoSr6DCNMxeiEJvnyIFU_CL4I97DzumjZ5pN29epRE/s1600/IMG_5279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSW0Mb6jnEPoAdTGdLBlAfMX3W1hwvs5S15Q2k2ktOOff1sWcbMngFm08FRKoScoUbP4D9pqWQ_ItnIc7I4Aaxv7W1_5JTAfaLKoSr6DCNMxeiEJvnyIFU_CL4I97DzumjZ5pN29epRE/s320/IMG_5279.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn sown broad beans and garlic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BG9TY20ij4P8ya-J0moVUvZTJ9Svx1RBCdYw97HlsZSiQxFaAuRBxvhf0i7ihSw7Bmb_R6KP4hCabJMgVHqL4RZejBWdYPkTckfBvNY2ZIU1UA42SL6yoeYUBwn_hK-450QnNHdC1q4/s1600/IMG_5280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BG9TY20ij4P8ya-J0moVUvZTJ9Svx1RBCdYw97HlsZSiQxFaAuRBxvhf0i7ihSw7Bmb_R6KP4hCabJMgVHqL4RZejBWdYPkTckfBvNY2ZIU1UA42SL6yoeYUBwn_hK-450QnNHdC1q4/s320/IMG_5280.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few winter veg left but all other beds prepared for the new season and we have started redoing the paths.</td></tr>
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<i>Friendship</i><br />
We brought in the year with our French friends. Their friendship over last sixteen years has been so special and a big part of our integration into this community. Always happy to help whenever they can - this month's project the clearing of the last pile of wood from around the property. All cut and neatly stacked thanks to Jean Pierre and his giant tractor operated log splitter. We also had a lovely gift from our friend, the village Maire, Michel. During the renovation works his team took away scrap metal from the site and sold it for us. By mistake, they took an old hand plough we wanted to keep and ever since he has kept his eye out for a replacement. The plough finally found, he dropped it off and yesterday his men called on the way home from sandblasting on a site to sandblast the plough all ready for a coat of anti-rust paint. Friends - always a good thing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB1aiCbec_aDPz-Jmugehwectu5d4zHALSnh5X9EXp66P7z0PhN5RedABsGJXSB-IJ6KKtvdpzlZ5R4AYpyTUIZqpZRj1WD30kmrZgWgDOUMc0-fukJVym-6UIwOGYFOUdzhKSx9nFts/s1600/IMG_5196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB1aiCbec_aDPz-Jmugehwectu5d4zHALSnh5X9EXp66P7z0PhN5RedABsGJXSB-IJ6KKtvdpzlZ5R4AYpyTUIZqpZRj1WD30kmrZgWgDOUMc0-fukJVym-6UIwOGYFOUdzhKSx9nFts/s320/IMG_5196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The group of 10</td></tr>
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<i>Looking ahead</i><br />
Even on the odd sunny days, outdoor activities are limited so time for organising and planning. Felt very noble after having spent an afternoon sorting out files and tidying the office kept company by the French crime series Spiral. Seeds ordered for next season and garden projects planned. The best job of all was planning our holidays. May on the Kent coast with all our children, a long weekend finally visiting Puy de Fou with a group from the village and checking our itinerary for a trip to Thailand in early December. Lots to look forward to.<br />
<br />
<b>The Bad</b><br />
<b><br /></b> <i class="gr-progress">Health</i><br />
Kevin has really missed January as he has had an awful virus, spending many days in bed and the rest of the time doing very little. The only advice from the doctor was to be a patient patient - which he found very hard. He even had to eat meals cooked by me!<br />
<br />
<i>Weather</i><br />
The rain came into the good things category but what has been worrying about the weather is that it has been too warm. My neighbour showed me peach trees already coming into bloom which is much too early. This early blossom can be caught by late frosts. The constant rain also made walking in the orchards more like skating! Just about got around with Schula and Sam running free. When our friend's dog Ellie came for a week and had to be on the lead and she strained to get to the others I was slip sliding away and only just managed to stay upright.<br />
<br />
<i>Brexit</i><br />
Suffice it to say I am more and more disillusioned and disheartened by the inept and dishonest way this is being (mis)managed.<br />
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<b>Postscript</b><br />
My orchids are in flower! I finally overcame my reluctance to get my new gardening gloves dirty, one of my Christmas presents, and I made good use of the ear warming headband too on these cold early morning dog walks. Goodbye January - you've been a wet one!<br />
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A bientôt<br />
<br />Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-126930268791337302018-01-01T10:50:00.000+01:002018-01-01T10:50:44.834+01:00Bonnes Fêtes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Deck the halls......... christmas decorations inside and out.</div>
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A very grown up Christmas for us this year with my daughter and her wife flying in laden with goodies. Our daughter Sophie came up trumps continuing her 2017 theme of dressing her Dad well and Tom didn't forget the chocolate oranges! James and Lizi made sure we had the grandchildren with us by sending us a lovely canvas of the three of them. Kevin got his whiskey so all was well with the christmas world.<br />
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A visit from our lovely friends and their family with the delicious Chloe for us to play with.</div>
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Friends and neighbours enjoying an English Christmas - the crackers were a hit.</div>
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New year's Eve - spent with our lovely group of French friends (also known as 4 couples and us) who we have known and hung out with from our earliest days here. We are so grateful for their friendship and support and look forward to many more happy times together in 2018.</div>
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We hope you had a wonderful festive season and we wish all of you the happiest of years in 2018.</div>
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A bientôt.</div>
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Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-2106794832472849512017-12-21T16:56:00.000+01:002017-12-21T16:56:34.550+01:00A Christmas wish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Too long since I updated my blog - another sign that I am getting too involved in projects and not giving myself enough time to sit and reflect. Must try harder in 2018. A little catch up before the end of the year catches me unawares<br />
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Those warm summer days sharing our home with people we love. Good food, good wine , good company - lots of love, laughter and cuddles. A reunion with a long lost friend in sunny Greece. A very special birthday celebrated with our family in the UK. So many happy moments.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wTlbUIvU_r0b_5GDSNncfS7qhi5qK9mMK1H-OaPNh8D8ls5FMJCybmbYCl6ltuGKd9Wz5kHiE2VTsaPmhNc9J0DFL8nQL04tHiv4p2MDK2JwAifKKNuM2KFCOQ5PbV23CqN0xPb4zaU/s1600/IMG_4887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wTlbUIvU_r0b_5GDSNncfS7qhi5qK9mMK1H-OaPNh8D8ls5FMJCybmbYCl6ltuGKd9Wz5kHiE2VTsaPmhNc9J0DFL8nQL04tHiv4p2MDK2JwAifKKNuM2KFCOQ5PbV23CqN0xPb4zaU/s400/IMG_4887.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Decker children searching for eggs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbnX09b7O2nozR7sz_fXpBWNjyy4FjkyzaROyrAzukBm8gQ9Yj3g5HboHAxJ7MyFXAXcmx2L_AvSuH6XUBl77lEQ2cEDHjSK5IYJR7__D0NAImvqeJsALxbOsZ4oKA1zlgnLcZjg3EW0/s1600/IMG_4848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbnX09b7O2nozR7sz_fXpBWNjyy4FjkyzaROyrAzukBm8gQ9Yj3g5HboHAxJ7MyFXAXcmx2L_AvSuH6XUBl77lEQ2cEDHjSK5IYJR7__D0NAImvqeJsALxbOsZ4oKA1zlgnLcZjg3EW0/s400/IMG_4848.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bestest of best men and his beloved</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp8vNulDyK1cCAszY90oUdLXkVQr4wtCbXLmBSgT4AeDQf0XzsKUocV63l0ebLx1wHk6vQF3ZAEhunwN7kO8mXFvyEPrYB1a9hC22zJKh9ymfrxe4tfe6wh4OpAC9nQHEHb6yGP2Lovs/s1600/IMG_5091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp8vNulDyK1cCAszY90oUdLXkVQr4wtCbXLmBSgT4AeDQf0XzsKUocV63l0ebLx1wHk6vQF3ZAEhunwN7kO8mXFvyEPrYB1a9hC22zJKh9ymfrxe4tfe6wh4OpAC9nQHEHb6yGP2Lovs/s400/IMG_5091.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A friendship rekindled </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb0xd661kEv03BbYRXgU_CaQANVZZ7TeumraP0ueDfDWyV1FaNvo81VVH0rPOH3We-YoMG9suYAEPfSHJ5l8o3OY4MP-0im2imsr5d2bLunh1yiP93NYKX8n8orYLVj-9CljK-DVEcN0/s1600/IMG_5109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1026" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb0xd661kEv03BbYRXgU_CaQANVZZ7TeumraP0ueDfDWyV1FaNvo81VVH0rPOH3We-YoMG9suYAEPfSHJ5l8o3OY4MP-0im2imsr5d2bLunh1yiP93NYKX8n8orYLVj-9CljK-DVEcN0/s320/IMG_5109.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuddles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQrPcMFhyphenhyphen61n6lbxA9DJUwBYkb_5-Iahk2vhEv2pamzashqQV8drTCOJJa9FZxAMTMZVYDLO6_JoZeMwrSHHczjdsooxBgFktQA4jX0BXdaNBGEr67ZAB-1vCfMLYa__ZN-bGjbJ7pWw/s1600/IMG_5121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1442" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQrPcMFhyphenhyphen61n6lbxA9DJUwBYkb_5-Iahk2vhEv2pamzashqQV8drTCOJJa9FZxAMTMZVYDLO6_JoZeMwrSHHczjdsooxBgFktQA4jX0BXdaNBGEr67ZAB-1vCfMLYa__ZN-bGjbJ7pWw/s320/IMG_5121.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teasing</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAP3T4q7iiMVsIPGt_cEL1YAhY63RoUv5QgeEZYXfFHy-quOXW9UcMtZC2wlgWdBq9V4itQSNafTdWKaMA86HTXbxaZKV-J2jRadwGCuzTDHtkTyXAHgzQWdmwLQXI1YDDxhHueyEZ2-w/s1600/IMG_5155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAP3T4q7iiMVsIPGt_cEL1YAhY63RoUv5QgeEZYXfFHy-quOXW9UcMtZC2wlgWdBq9V4itQSNafTdWKaMA86HTXbxaZKV-J2jRadwGCuzTDHtkTyXAHgzQWdmwLQXI1YDDxhHueyEZ2-w/s400/IMG_5155.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Birthday treats<br />
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Celebrated twenty one years with my lovely husband - this is soon after we met.</div>
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There were sad times too - a bitter sweet visit to my old home town of Salisbury to say a farewell to a dear friend and a close friend in the village receiving a life threatening diagnosis. Then there is the car crash that is Brexit and wondering how or if it will affect our income and our life here. We'll still be here whatever happens and you are all welcome to pop in and spend some time with us when you can<br />
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We wish all of you a very merry Christmas and the happiest of years in 2018.<br />
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<br />Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-84147179608295793312017-08-16T16:01:00.000+02:002017-08-16T16:01:28.747+02:00How many swallows made our summer?<b>Swallows</b><br />
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Once again the swallows came back to nest on our terrace. Even though we leave the two nests from last year just in case they use them, once again they set to work from scratch and raised five chicks in their first nest. There are now four hungry babies in nest number two. So this year it will be 11 swallows who have made our summer, two parents and 9 babies. Soon this second brood will be leaving us and we wish them bon voyage. Hopefully they will return next year.<br />
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<b>A fond adieu</b><br />
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We recently said goodbye to two of the members of the club of the third age - a sister and brother who died within a fortnight of each other. The second was a very sudden, unexpected loss. The two funerals saw churches full to bursting as whole communities came to say a fond farewell.<br />
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We have experienced many village funerals in our fifteen years here and are always touched by how many people attend. This last one was even more significant to me as I sat and watched so many people showing their love and friendship in such a loving way. A big family of four children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren remembered a life that was full. A man who worked hard as a farmer all his life and who also gave time to serve the community in many ways. I couldn't help thinking of the contrast this life had with that of those who put profit before community and measure people'e worth by what they possess. Money cannot buy the love that was shown at these funerals and I feel blessed to have known both these gentle people.<br />
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<b>Simple things</b><br />
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Lots of things happening in the world at the moment are making me sad and I am comforting myself by thinking of the simple things that make life good. The swallows, good friends, a caring family, my garden and good health.<br />
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When I was a girl it was the craze to have an autograph book and I remember my aunty Janie writing a verse in it which I now know is from Charles Kingsley's poem 'Youth A Farewell'``
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<tr><td>Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever;</td><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="5"><i> </i></a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td>Do noble things, not dream them, all day long:</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="6"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td>And so make life, death, and that vast forever</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="7"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td> One grand, sweet song.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<b>Our own sweet song</b><br />
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Some photos taken recently around our home by one of our daughters - the simple things that help make our life a sweeter song.<br />
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<br />Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-78227114956488376792017-07-27T13:10:00.001+02:002017-07-27T13:10:17.595+02:00Au bourg in July<b>Friends</b><br />
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Our best, best man lives in San Diego now so visits are rare. We were so pleased that he and his partner managed to find time for us in their hectic European schedule - thanks Bridget and Simon we had a great time.<br />
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Our lovely Australian friends are in town and we are enjoying catching up with them too. Family visits won't happen until August so we have been spending lots of time in .........<br />
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<b>........the garden</b><br />
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It's that time of year when we start storing our produce for the winter. 24 jars of tomatoes are already on the shelves in the cave and I have been processing cucumbers and courgettes. The onion and garlic harvests have been good and they are all tressed and hanging up in the barn and cave ready to eat. We are now planting out our winter veg of leeks, cabbages, cauliflowers and sprouts to keep us going later in the year. Here's a little walk around the potager.<br />
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Kevin has started another project - making beer! Watch this space.</div>
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A bientôt.</div>
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<br />Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-86190809916089528812017-05-19T18:04:00.000+02:002017-05-19T18:04:41.120+02:00Géneration Mouvement - Le Club du Val de la CanauleEver since we came to Labretonie 15 years ago we have supported the activities of the club of the third age. I joined the Monday afternoon gym sessions and several years ago, after a week of training, qualified to run the sessions. We have also helped out some years at the annual variety show, been on outings and enjoyed the annual meal.<br />
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Since last September we have taken on a more active role as the club found itself without a president, secretary or treasurer. The club was in the doldrums but we got ourselves going again and Kevin and I took on the roles of secretary and treasurer after the AGM in November. Having a responsibility does involve work from time to time but it is worth it to see the pleasure that the activities bring. Our most recent event was the annual Gala.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A show of songs, sketches, jokes, mime and music.</span></td></tr>
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The oldest members of our club usually sing in the choir but failing eyesight meant they couldn't get to all the rehearsals. We all agreed it wouldn't be a gala without them so we invited them to sing their customary duo and stay on stage for the last two songs. I remember them telling me how important music had been in their lives and how when they were young they relaxed by the fireside in the evenings singing folk songs. A delightful couple.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alice and Eugène sing one of their old favourites</span></td></tr>
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We had fun during the rehearsals and during the performance and we had great feedback from our appreciative audience. They all joined in as we sang Viva Espana and on the club's very own special song 'La Canaule'. Bravo all the artists - you did brilliantly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A chance to catch up with old friends</span></td></tr>
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Our next event will be on the 11th June when we all meet at a local restaurant to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the club. One of the founders is our neighbour who turned 90 last week - we took her and another of the hardworking members of the club out to afternoon tea to celebrate.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Claudette and Reine enjoying an English afternoon tea - they had a doggy bag to take home too.</span></td></tr>
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A bientôt</div>
<br />Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-90040338601781580362017-05-18T14:22:00.000+02:002017-05-18T14:22:10.846+02:00Catching up in CologneTime for me to catch up with the blog and this post is about some catching up we did with good friends in Germany over Easter weekend. This was our second visit to Cologne to see them and we had a wonderful time. David came home from university to see us and Leah was home too so we had all the family together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6YeSbUuv7dyhXnLfcKmh670CKMiOc6kZq4RQPzeXJAVE7ePSDTIad2d_Nq2uYk1Pn_yX-CmeiMIx7SfgWlhFaHpdiz3aQHd-MTIRyjMZUNDk_JxRCfJd4_S5r9UA5vH1cMyStm8E3zE/s1600/2017-04-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6YeSbUuv7dyhXnLfcKmh670CKMiOc6kZq4RQPzeXJAVE7ePSDTIad2d_Nq2uYk1Pn_yX-CmeiMIx7SfgWlhFaHpdiz3aQHd-MTIRyjMZUNDk_JxRCfJd4_S5r9UA5vH1cMyStm8E3zE/s640/2017-04-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sculptures, parks, picnic and Cologne beer.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pMtgJLa9mWvr39zOOF3n2174TJiEGnbs2FBx-JvywFJS_-DRKtSkzHrvEnJgMkbBI53IIYlX8H6bZkyZPItu6xFGMPfAdhHsFvxKM2Sbu3_soQ6dX0HKXpFApHNCcVglbq4PewT76b0/s1600/2017-04-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pMtgJLa9mWvr39zOOF3n2174TJiEGnbs2FBx-JvywFJS_-DRKtSkzHrvEnJgMkbBI53IIYlX8H6bZkyZPItu6xFGMPfAdhHsFvxKM2Sbu3_soQ6dX0HKXpFApHNCcVglbq4PewT76b0/s640/2017-04-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Art, folk stories, castles and cathedrals</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x5dAveGsIpZX_eyOhokECSaGJj86jSjjxVyi5sFiXIjRdL89JPiBLq1uhu2nOgeayIVfYe9jnD5kIm69cwc1XWAuTzuPupZf_UeElQ5MredNnMG5-okMv-AHH6tbYXRt82teGsjMths/s1600/2017-04-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x5dAveGsIpZX_eyOhokECSaGJj86jSjjxVyi5sFiXIjRdL89JPiBLq1uhu2nOgeayIVfYe9jnD5kIm69cwc1XWAuTzuPupZf_UeElQ5MredNnMG5-okMv-AHH6tbYXRt82teGsjMths/s640/2017-04-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Going back in time and all the fun of the fair. Those houses were a bit small for our boys.<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">David and Leah with their young selves - how lucky we are to have these young people in our lives.</span></td></tr>
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In between all the outings we had lovely meals, drank some excellent wine, discussed Europe and politics, listened to music and laughed together. The best of times. From gite clients to best of friends - what fun it has been watching the children grow up and getting to know this family so well. Can't wait for the next time.<br /><br /></div>
Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-54957962575087394152017-03-29T14:26:00.000+02:002017-03-29T14:31:45.197+02:00Family Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A lovely week in the UK - a second birthday, an Easter egg hunt and Mother's day with both my children. Wonderful!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Everybody singing Happy Birthday when you have just woken up can be a little scary.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAT31qpNDsR2G55CcnhWIAjYNSJxLtFY6VlgKbRR1ena32obTqiYTO91A10iqHvhqQ8Us3YbIu-CD_YFe6typVyTCnAwU_Ekpf0OIN338ar09cc-OM4kntU_1zHi7NpdGcjyxXdl9KOY/s1600/2nd+Birthday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAT31qpNDsR2G55CcnhWIAjYNSJxLtFY6VlgKbRR1ena32obTqiYTO91A10iqHvhqQ8Us3YbIu-CD_YFe6typVyTCnAwU_Ekpf0OIN338ar09cc-OM4kntU_1zHi7NpdGcjyxXdl9KOY/s320/2nd+Birthday1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Present opening brings back a smile - especially when you have bubbles.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBolsM_16hRXiYOdnLwHus144lGYgJu3lOGH9KhF0FCfbgwiPOEwh1lYmqzOttqvv7dInCBhug6TnWtW_rrq6fx2EH1F9hsJQQx7Hqpl2QADc-k9ysbzZSskhXF0ozuvNAkONTWG5EPUI/s1600/2nd+Birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBolsM_16hRXiYOdnLwHus144lGYgJu3lOGH9KhF0FCfbgwiPOEwh1lYmqzOttqvv7dInCBhug6TnWtW_rrq6fx2EH1F9hsJQQx7Hqpl2QADc-k9ysbzZSskhXF0ozuvNAkONTWG5EPUI/s320/2nd+Birthday.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Playmates, birthday donuts and more bubbles.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Easter Egg Hunt around the school - well done Balgowan PTA.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_85uxoVGFiW2XM33a2HXGQdX5CVcDCvwIymp5SpZOyOtvRTO67zkGkh5IZ6TQI_xJ2jSWcTSwXMuNpnEcdt41IFsVa7Svvf3JAZ6XnFjEVRbDP-klYtvkXtiFoPHgZI_Aawo11yFbsc/s1600/Mothers+Day+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_85uxoVGFiW2XM33a2HXGQdX5CVcDCvwIymp5SpZOyOtvRTO67zkGkh5IZ6TQI_xJ2jSWcTSwXMuNpnEcdt41IFsVa7Svvf3JAZ6XnFjEVRbDP-klYtvkXtiFoPHgZI_Aawo11yFbsc/s320/Mothers+Day+17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Mother's day lunch for two - an old Mum and a young Mum.</span></td></tr>
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It was a lovely break. Back home again now to beautiful sunshine and a garden to see to.<br />
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A bientôt.<br />
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Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-11642194233153299392017-03-22T16:15:00.002+01:002017-03-22T16:15:40.735+01:00Spring is in the air.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring is in the air and we are surrounded by lovely new growth indoors and out. I love this time of year when everything comes back to life. The orchid that I have had for years with little sign of movement has come into flower and is giving me so much pleasure and new seeds are germinating in the kitchen and the greenhouse. It's all go!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRIhAsxf81XDm3H06vRgFDVWcuGQXcp6BNEW3SaNbKXGKkQFM_pOdKHVLM3vStxCmVwHsruPMb-fRV7m4EqGBCE6Ww0293xYVf4gmcr5XlbHDfZu1XJS-fOClpGOhyphenhypheneBWV5JXZ8xWvKY/s1600/IMG_4299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRIhAsxf81XDm3H06vRgFDVWcuGQXcp6BNEW3SaNbKXGKkQFM_pOdKHVLM3vStxCmVwHsruPMb-fRV7m4EqGBCE6Ww0293xYVf4gmcr5XlbHDfZu1XJS-fOClpGOhyphenhypheneBWV5JXZ8xWvKY/s320/IMG_4299.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitchen window sill nursery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60en14MbopykTpDYFX3waWljFkGD796uNq7TUeiB5O5YvCwUtLtCzHUJiOg57tMxQZeel31PdYq8C9dgEqTu1uGoQykXuA2bihyXwJ_O3OxS0zYcrrCmsA8ecP930jwKfbT1i8kaqliU/s1600/IMG_4301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60en14MbopykTpDYFX3waWljFkGD796uNq7TUeiB5O5YvCwUtLtCzHUJiOg57tMxQZeel31PdYq8C9dgEqTu1uGoQykXuA2bihyXwJ_O3OxS0zYcrrCmsA8ecP930jwKfbT1i8kaqliU/s320/IMG_4301.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas cactus and narcissus in bloom together</td></tr>
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The serre is currently a nursery - soon I will move the seedlings to the cold frame to make way for early tomatoes. The big lettuce just appeared over the winter and the rest are new plantings.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the greenhouse</td></tr>
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Broad beans from autumn and spring sowings are doing well. The garlic is well on its way and all the beds are ready for planting. The hinged, wooden frame is K's design for a protective cover - just needs the fleece adding. When I cleared the last of the leeks, three sweet pea plants were uncovered and I've moved them to the end of the bed - fingers crossed they survive the move as I don't have much success usually with sweet peas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyU6qtuTJ29jv57bv3SNoNvrzpNGDYL_X0V2IfFiaLVS46hl1uyXuShr5nuPFYN8CoUwuu0_MAlNTygEgVblijC32F-eLnQn7UFNZN5UqQIaEGCNoFc_4a7F6WNhYr4R1_zZkPTPwKO_U/s1600/march17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyU6qtuTJ29jv57bv3SNoNvrzpNGDYL_X0V2IfFiaLVS46hl1uyXuShr5nuPFYN8CoUwuu0_MAlNTygEgVblijC32F-eLnQn7UFNZN5UqQIaEGCNoFc_4a7F6WNhYr4R1_zZkPTPwKO_U/s320/march17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the potager</td></tr>
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I am going to the Uk for a few days - I wonder how all these areas will look in a weeks time. Happy gardening everyone.<br />
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A bientôt.<br />
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Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-8142981822645169012017-03-06T19:02:00.000+01:002017-03-06T19:02:44.376+01:00Pottering in the PotagerIt's a bit rainy here at the moment but in the dry spells we have been getting the veg garden ready for the season. When my son was a little boy he walked by when I was weeding in the garden and said 'you're good at soil Mum' - I think the insinuation was that I wasn't very good at actually growing things though. These days I like to think I am still 'good at soil' but now it's not just about keeping it weed free but improving the quality to get better crops.<br />
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We have completely fenced the potager now for three reasons:<br />
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<ul>
<li>To keep the chickens out when we let them out to roam</li>
<li>To keep the ragondin (coypu) and rabbits out</li>
<li>To keep the dogs with us securely when we are working in the garden</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New compost bins</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weeded, manured and turned.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9s-s3mSptweOlbMzjE90ZV1AlmfKNosD8Hel7s81qiAFhL6hsZa6mjUpfD4TrUNkc0c1d4M4a3RHCeqWC_iCxkTxD_lyJqJFL9hueM85DIeLS9nXxUZzUU7IW4Ui026xIcz5Q2GlhXA/s1600/IMG_4280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9s-s3mSptweOlbMzjE90ZV1AlmfKNosD8Hel7s81qiAFhL6hsZa6mjUpfD4TrUNkc0c1d4M4a3RHCeqWC_iCxkTxD_lyJqJFL9hueM85DIeLS9nXxUZzUU7IW4Ui026xIcz5Q2GlhXA/s320/IMG_4280.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the garlic growing happily?</td></tr>
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Although our raised beds give us a no dig system I do like to lightly fork over the soil and feel it for myself. I have added home grown compost and well rotted grass cuttings and am now adding well rotted horse manure. We also get cow manure from a neighbour so some beds will have that. We add compost from our local dechetterie (rubbish tip) where we can fill up the trailer for free and that adds bulk and texture. Then when I plant or sow I use bought compost in the hole or drill to add some more balanced feed. I save egg shells and scatter them to deter slugs but also to add calcium and later use epsom salts for my tomatoes and peppers to add calcium. We also have raised beds in the greenhouse and here I grow early tomatoes and start my seedlings. According to <a href="https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/antidepressant-microbes-soil.htm" target="_blank"><b>this article</b></a> playing in the soil is good for my health - I know I always enjoy my time pottering in the potager.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwruOFCxqVPJDFuKQ1c6KyDgOfTXPslHxFQ6LU_NEummjUnCPZAFBMJqoUbWpS_8hnZDJKdxSnSZQE5D0kj1CNESo4pMKJNeeYGKtB4J1IHRfIxLC5aa0lh7MXwdCoOoOpmloxgUjO6Y/s1600/IMG_4278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwruOFCxqVPJDFuKQ1c6KyDgOfTXPslHxFQ6LU_NEummjUnCPZAFBMJqoUbWpS_8hnZDJKdxSnSZQE5D0kj1CNESo4pMKJNeeYGKtB4J1IHRfIxLC5aa0lh7MXwdCoOoOpmloxgUjO6Y/s320/IMG_4278.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for seed sowing and early tomato plants.</td></tr>
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Tomato seeds are doing well on the kitchen window sill - when their 3rd and 4th leaves are established I will pot them on. I have to finish a spring GTU (<b>G</b>eneral <b>T</b>idy <b>U</b>p) in the greenhouse and then seed sowing can start with a vengeance. The broad beans I started on the kitchen window sill are doing well outside and I have sown more directly outside too so fingers crossed. We are harvesting the last of the leeks and the cauliflowers to release those beds for other crops so a bit more playing with soil will go on there soon.<br />
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So much to look forward to in the potager but good harvests start with good soil prep so get your hands dirty, stay healthy and enjoy your garden as much as we enjoy ours.<br />
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A bientôtEnidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-9166324553911775322017-02-19T08:25:00.002+01:002017-02-19T08:37:13.532+01:00Ducking and DrivingAll about the duck. A wonderful day spent at Camont with Kate Hill learning about wonderful things to do with duck.<br />
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Great teaching and a friendly, interesting group of people.</div>
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Delicious lunch outside in the warm February sunshine.</div>
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We did rather more driving than we expected - roadwork's blocked our route twice and we got some distances wrong. We were delivering the Laguna to its new owner and found him more by good luck than good management - my phone had no charge and K, as usual, had left his ay home. What a pair of numpties driving around Agen looking for the road to get us to the other side of the river! Farewell Laguna - enjoy your new home.<br />
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<br />Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-11052321340225229512016-06-20T15:50:00.000+02:002016-06-20T15:50:33.032+02:00It's all about the garden<b>The Potager</b><br />
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A wet and not very hot start to the year has been frustrating for gardeners. Luckily our greenhouse was ready for the start of the season this year so we were able to start things off early.<br />
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Last year's stars of the show were:<br />
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<b>Tomatoes</b> - many jars bottled and soups and sauces made and we are still eating them.<br />
<b>Beetroot</b> - I discovered that it freezes well and when defrosted is just as good as when it went ohn the freezer.<br />
<b>Parsnips - </b> delicious roasted and in soups<br />
<b>Chard</b> - we have been eating it all year and just taken the last plants out recently. Another good freezer.<br />
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Failures:<br />
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<b>Butternut squash -</b> I made the mistake of planting into the only bed we hadn't added manure to!<br />
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We are experimenting with bag grown potatoes this year but other wise the same crops as last year. I am posting my first ever film here - not very professional and it certainly seemed to amuse my family, but you'll see what we have been up to.<br />
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<b>The Source</b><br />
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We have three natural springs on our land and you may remember that there was an enormous bamboo swamp at the top of our land where the sources of the springs are. That was all dug up at the end of the year and now Michel and his digger have been back to finish the job. All the water sources are now entering into pipes that go to the lily pond and then to the main lake. The pond around the springs has been dug out and has filled up again with clear water.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The silted up pond </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The digger gets to work</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">All clear and filled up by the three natural springs</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ground all levelled and flat enough for mowing</td></tr>
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<b>The lily pond</b><br />
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After being emptied, washed and cleared of all the water lilies it is now looking great. It filled up again quickly and we put back three water lilies, this time safely contained in baskets. Two of them are already in flower and the lotus has sent out a beautiful leaf so all's well in lily land.<br />
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<b>More garden views</b></div>
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<br />Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-50927542952414449102016-04-11T15:55:00.000+02:002016-04-11T16:08:56.741+02:00Potager, plants and ponds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring is here and the garden has been the focus of most of our activity.<br />
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<b>A peek in the greenhouse: </b><br />
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Early tomatoes, potatoes in a grow bag experiments and the seedling centre. Oh and check out my new path.<br />
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<b>The rest of the plot:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>We have added muck and compost to the raised beds and already planted out onions and some more garlic to add to the autumn sown. </li>
<li>The leeks are coming to the end now but after a dodgy start have been great. Winter veg did well despite having a caterpillar attack when we were in New Zealand.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>I made a mistake with the butternut squash as I planted them in one of the beds without muck! Luckily our neighbour had a bumper crop and has kept us supplied and we have lots of soup in the freezer. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Autumn sown broad beans were a bit put out by the unusually mild autumn and then a severe storm but they have rallied and it looks like we should have a good crop. </li>
<li>The spring sown broad beans are coming up well.</li>
<li>The chard has been the star of the show and I still have a few plants giving us a crop.</li>
<li>The potato in a bag experiment continues outside and we have also planted potatoes in two beds - we'll let you know the results.</li>
<li>Seed sowing is in full swing in the greenhouse and the newly positioned cold frame.</li>
</ul>
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<b>The lily pond</b><br />
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We have cleaned out the pond - a major task as it had been neglected for so many years. There was a lot of mud to pump out and then we had to deal with the forest of water lilies.<br />
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We gave a lot away but ave put three back and also added a new lotus lily that the children gave me for my birthday.<br />
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<b>An in addition</b><br />
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We made an ornamental grass garden at the end of the lily pond and have plans for a rockery at the other end with some kind of water feature. Sadly we said goodbye to the Massey Ferguson 165.<br />
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The flower beds that we created last year are coming into their own and we have made a new one along the north wall of the barn.<br />
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So busy, busy, busy. It's lovely being back outside again and seeing the gardens looking cared for and not a building site!<br />
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We had our first apero on the terrace - a sign of happy days to come. Perhaps you'll drop round for one this summer!<br />
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A bientôt.</div>
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<br />Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-22313849299098452572016-03-07T12:33:00.001+01:002016-03-07T12:33:26.671+01:00February fun with familyChilling chez my daughter followed by half term fun chez my son another happy family visit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QuoRlICZ4vFtblc7EIGfjz1QClTUBOzvHLyEpWLK5QQ3jbKvR5EZr81VQ9aaUZwwzvZcwTMMkjBhMjXOGl_CxT0yP8jIDIeqelaTL8H4KS444Wb4n3jNSa1NH0eN2xX0MzNR3Zkrg_I/s1600/2016-02-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QuoRlICZ4vFtblc7EIGfjz1QClTUBOzvHLyEpWLK5QQ3jbKvR5EZr81VQ9aaUZwwzvZcwTMMkjBhMjXOGl_CxT0yP8jIDIeqelaTL8H4KS444Wb4n3jNSa1NH0eN2xX0MzNR3Zkrg_I/s640/2016-02-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Sunday fun and games - Charlie directed a star wars play, B was the photographer and Ellie and I had cuddles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A day out in London started with a visit to the Cutty sark and afterwards Charlie and Bethany made their own sailing boats.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the street artists and posing in front of the 02</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xf7PlRxDVN0W9-QJBgVGPH62CvyyOw2ZOeHLXq8T59IdzQ4l2ewwfJR6ghTCuzHT8fCzdkU0eeYQf9zqAw0i1SXmQ_KKpc59XYliVZJBE_mhOH1Z_Df2j4I2QHNRs-PYyYhUgYY7gFg/s1600/2016-02-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xf7PlRxDVN0W9-QJBgVGPH62CvyyOw2ZOeHLXq8T59IdzQ4l2ewwfJR6ghTCuzHT8fCzdkU0eeYQf9zqAw0i1SXmQ_KKpc59XYliVZJBE_mhOH1Z_Df2j4I2QHNRs-PYyYhUgYY7gFg/s640/2016-02-21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely new kitchen and family room - the first time I'd seen the finished new extension.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican delights for lunch and then we went on a Bear Hunt - a celebration of the work of Michael Rosen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMopT57nwXhv8P2FkGDEi33CONgVnsMxpSUzXJpB70WJlDPI6K30JRcVZnEBr4OLKF1flSraR8mmkRahdPJRyPhgf_VqSx5BaXB8GhGe-7zRLQ7mpbIZqix-mML33-yf0LD3Gfujz46gk/s1600/2016-02-163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMopT57nwXhv8P2FkGDEi33CONgVnsMxpSUzXJpB70WJlDPI6K30JRcVZnEBr4OLKF1flSraR8mmkRahdPJRyPhgf_VqSx5BaXB8GhGe-7zRLQ7mpbIZqix-mML33-yf0LD3Gfujz46gk/s640/2016-02-163.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On and over the Thames - first by boat and then by cable car.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A crafty day in with Granny</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day and we are all just chilling</td></tr>
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Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965544817522410456.post-25049556812965730522016-01-27T12:31:00.002+01:002016-01-27T16:27:36.007+01:00AdieuIt's a very, very cold morning here but that didn't stop a huge crowd turning out in the village to say goodbye to Robert Bordes who died recently aged 87. His wife, Alice, died 5 years ago and he never really recovered from her loss. Alice and Robert were our neighbours when we lived at the top of the village and were the very first people to welcome us into their home. They were the kindest, gentlest, people and we were lucky to have had them as our friends and neighbours.<br />
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For the last couple of weeks I have been busy laying out the January edition of the Mayor's bulletin and on Monday I went to print the 120 copies we need. Of course, the copier was doing something strange and I had to call the engineer. A wasted morning and a boring afternoon waiting for his visit. Yesterday I manage to get them printed and this afternoon Kevin and I will deliver them. It is one of the ways that we can support the village and contribute to the strong sense of community that exists here. As well as being involved with the bi-annual bulletin municipal, we have been part of the fête committee for years, I am on the church flower rota and am on my second round as councillor.<br />
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So why talk about our village activities today? Not to show off but because listening to the eulogies to Robert I kept hearing the word respect - a value he prized highly. One of the reasons we decided to buy another house and stay in this village was because of the people like Robert and Alice who welcomed us so warmly to the village and made us feel part of a caring community. The phrase 'giving back' has become a bit clichéd but it really is how we feel about this small, rural village and we get so much support, friendship and love that we are willing to give up a little of our time to contribute - even if waiting for the photocopier repair man was very frustrating and boring! - and in these small ways we try to show our respect for our adopted country and the village we are proud to call home.<br />
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Adieu Robert - we were blessed to have known you.<br />
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<br />Enidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208852287824488605noreply@blogger.com0