Woke up feeling good this morning. A good nights sleep as it was so much cooler overnight. Feel positive today!
J had some chores to do, one of which was taking a document to our insurers. I said it would need to be put in the postbox as today was Monday, J thought it was Tuesday and had to really think hard as to what day of the week it was. I suppose it could be to do with the pills he is on. He is sleeping so much better (and snoring well).
Had clients over the weekend, Friday and Saturday, have got all the bed linen washed and ironed and rooms done by 10.30. Feels good.
The LIFT (Ladies In France Together) group has opened a website - just 4 months after the group was thought of - not bad going - and it has also become an association (according to French law). There are around 100 members in the department alone and it is spreading. All nationalities are welcome - not just English.
Monday, 6 July 2009
Saturday, 4 July 2009
Art
Just a little byeline....
Have had artistic Wwoofers here this year. Firstly Camille and Kim, both artists in their own right, and then Amanda, an art teacher. They all looked at the work I have done, sketches, paintings etc. and they all agree that I ought to go for it. I have a talent it seems and should use it.... Thank you girls for giving me the inspiration to do more. I will.... Just gotta convince the family!!
Have had artistic Wwoofers here this year. Firstly Camille and Kim, both artists in their own right, and then Amanda, an art teacher. They all looked at the work I have done, sketches, paintings etc. and they all agree that I ought to go for it. I have a talent it seems and should use it.... Thank you girls for giving me the inspiration to do more. I will.... Just gotta convince the family!!
Independance Day and Gay Pride in the UK
The titles mean nothing to me at all, for a start I do not celebrate Independance Day although the film was a good one.. And as for Gay Pride - why don't they just keep themselves to themselves. do you see Straight Pride marches or Heterosexual Day, no you don't - why can't the 'gays' be like ordinary folk and just be ordinary? Don't like their policies thrust in my face all the time and no I am not 'homophobic', just as I am not against black, white, yellow, red, male or female. If people are nice, open and pleasant then I am happy with them.. Colour or creed does not matter without a third (sexual) equation coming into it.
Anyway, it is 2 weeks since I put my thoughts online. It has been hot here, really hot, and it does not suit me at all - too much too soon. I ache with the heat, I do not sleep well and I know it's the humidity that does me in. There have been storms threatening but not materialising and the pressuire on my whole self is too much. I yearn for a good thunderstorm to relieve it all. My ankles hurt and I cant spend too much time on my feet.... grrrrr.
There have been a few little 'arguments' going on in this household. I think that himself is now realising that things need to change. I am retired and don't want to stagnate in this perfect part of the world. I do love it very much and have created with his help a haven for people to come and stay and to chill. I have so many come back to stay even just for one or two nights, they like it here and I like them. It is becoming too much, I get so tired.
Our last Wwoofers have been gone a week now. Two delightful girls from Australia but of Chinese origin. I miss them enormously. They were such fun, worked hard and were brilliant cooks. Now I have a couple of easy oriental recipes..... Will definitely keep in touch with them.
Getting some good business. All to the best when it comes to sell. Have even written up the 'blurb' and people I know reckon we should have no problem selling as it will sell as a going concern with nowt to do.. And of course there are those who want to do this sort of thing. It is definitely for younger people.
Ian is working well in the UK and getting good bonuses. With luck he a Kathy will be able to get their place finished. Kathy is talking about going back to the UK at the end of the year to work so that they can get it all done. What worries me is that Charlotte will not be able to cope with the education system in the UK. She is doing so well out here and I am sure she will find it difficult slotting into the UK education system. I know also that Kathy will miss being here as she has slotted in so very well. We will see how it all pans out.
Our dear little Georges is toddling, learning words at last. Hard to believe he is now 14 months old. Sometimes he looks just like his mum othertimes like his other grandpa and sometimes like my dear Dad. He is an endearing little chap but still has problems with teething. I suppose it is a male thing not finding pain acceptable (unless you are a weird sort of guy!). He has also discovered his little piece of flesh and when he is nappyless he is quite content. I absolutely adore little Georges and will miss him when he goes back to the UK.
Anyway, it is 2 weeks since I put my thoughts online. It has been hot here, really hot, and it does not suit me at all - too much too soon. I ache with the heat, I do not sleep well and I know it's the humidity that does me in. There have been storms threatening but not materialising and the pressuire on my whole self is too much. I yearn for a good thunderstorm to relieve it all. My ankles hurt and I cant spend too much time on my feet.... grrrrr.
There have been a few little 'arguments' going on in this household. I think that himself is now realising that things need to change. I am retired and don't want to stagnate in this perfect part of the world. I do love it very much and have created with his help a haven for people to come and stay and to chill. I have so many come back to stay even just for one or two nights, they like it here and I like them. It is becoming too much, I get so tired.
Our last Wwoofers have been gone a week now. Two delightful girls from Australia but of Chinese origin. I miss them enormously. They were such fun, worked hard and were brilliant cooks. Now I have a couple of easy oriental recipes..... Will definitely keep in touch with them.
Getting some good business. All to the best when it comes to sell. Have even written up the 'blurb' and people I know reckon we should have no problem selling as it will sell as a going concern with nowt to do.. And of course there are those who want to do this sort of thing. It is definitely for younger people.
Ian is working well in the UK and getting good bonuses. With luck he a Kathy will be able to get their place finished. Kathy is talking about going back to the UK at the end of the year to work so that they can get it all done. What worries me is that Charlotte will not be able to cope with the education system in the UK. She is doing so well out here and I am sure she will find it difficult slotting into the UK education system. I know also that Kathy will miss being here as she has slotted in so very well. We will see how it all pans out.
Our dear little Georges is toddling, learning words at last. Hard to believe he is now 14 months old. Sometimes he looks just like his mum othertimes like his other grandpa and sometimes like my dear Dad. He is an endearing little chap but still has problems with teething. I suppose it is a male thing not finding pain acceptable (unless you are a weird sort of guy!). He has also discovered his little piece of flesh and when he is nappyless he is quite content. I absolutely adore little Georges and will miss him when he goes back to the UK.
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Tricycles
Today was the World Tricycle Championship. It was held in France this time, it alternates between Belgium and France. The course runs out of St Marsault for 25 k. The winner this year was a young English guy (don't know his name yet!) and he did it in 35 min. Not bad for a course that was uphill and downhill through narrow French country roads and lanes.
Apartment was finished in time for this weekend as it was booked!
At least the first' lessees' were English and gave me some pointers as to what will be needed. The nice thing was that they said it was a good idea to have an apartment and that they will be vying for the occupancy next time in 2011.... Kathy did most of the work in the 'living' room and I contributed to the walls and art work.
I had the priviledge of looking after three of the riders with their spouses and that included last years Belgian winner with his wife and young son (Ward 4 yrs old). They are a lovely crowd who really enjoy the pleasures of riding on trikes as opposed to ordinary cycles. Maybe I will invest in one as I hate the idea of falling off two wheels, I will feel safer on three (or maybe 4).
This week we lost one Wwoofer and gained two. Amanda left us on Monday to further her adventures
near Pons and Karen and Grace joined us on Tuesday. What lovely girls, they are Chinese from Australia and today - as a treat - cooked us a fantastic chinese meal. Kathy helped them and gave her some inside knowledge of what and how. Looking forward to trying it again later on.
The veg plot is brilliant at the moment. Loads of lovely spuds and peas. The best the peas have been yet. We have 3 varieties of potatoes - they are all delicious. Sertima, Charlottes and also Pink Fir Apple from the UK. The beans seem a bit tardy this year for some reason, still, win some and lose some. Looks as though the Tomatoes will be good though after two bad years for them.
The tree fruit is really good and we have a lot of Bramleys for later. We had some very high winds which took out the small fruits - natural thinning - so giving the rest a chance to develop well. We also have loads of quince this year, not sure what I will be doing with them later on.
Dominic cut the meadow for us and has managed to get 7 bales of hay out of it for himself. There were a lot of thistles in one area so we will have to clear that lot ourselves. Not too much of a problem though.
Have been looking at what sort of price we could get for our pile.. Am seriously considering down-sizing, got to persuade the man to agree though. I don't want to continue running this and want to have a quieter life and fewer worries and maybe get a bit of 'us' time which we are seriously lacking.
Apartment was finished in time for this weekend as it was booked!
At least the first' lessees' were English and gave me some pointers as to what will be needed. The nice thing was that they said it was a good idea to have an apartment and that they will be vying for the occupancy next time in 2011.... Kathy did most of the work in the 'living' room and I contributed to the walls and art work.
I had the priviledge of looking after three of the riders with their spouses and that included last years Belgian winner with his wife and young son (Ward 4 yrs old). They are a lovely crowd who really enjoy the pleasures of riding on trikes as opposed to ordinary cycles. Maybe I will invest in one as I hate the idea of falling off two wheels, I will feel safer on three (or maybe 4).
This week we lost one Wwoofer and gained two. Amanda left us on Monday to further her adventures
near Pons and Karen and Grace joined us on Tuesday. What lovely girls, they are Chinese from Australia and today - as a treat - cooked us a fantastic chinese meal. Kathy helped them and gave her some inside knowledge of what and how. Looking forward to trying it again later on.The veg plot is brilliant at the moment. Loads of lovely spuds and peas. The best the peas have been yet. We have 3 varieties of potatoes - they are all delicious. Sertima, Charlottes and also Pink Fir Apple from the UK. The beans seem a bit tardy this year for some reason, still, win some and lose some. Looks as though the Tomatoes will be good though after two bad years for them.
The tree fruit is really good and we have a lot of Bramleys for later. We had some very high winds which took out the small fruits - natural thinning - so giving the rest a chance to develop well. We also have loads of quince this year, not sure what I will be doing with them later on.
Dominic cut the meadow for us and has managed to get 7 bales of hay out of it for himself. There were a lot of thistles in one area so we will have to clear that lot ourselves. Not too much of a problem though.
Have been looking at what sort of price we could get for our pile.. Am seriously considering down-sizing, got to persuade the man to agree though. I don't want to continue running this and want to have a quieter life and fewer worries and maybe get a bit of 'us' time which we are seriously lacking.
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Another glorious sunny day
Sunday and the day starts off with this wonderful cool cloud and mist. We know - having a few years experience of living here - that the day will pan out to be something comfortable - growing into a warm and sunny evening.
Yes we were right. W decided yesterday that it would be good to have a barbeque today. We had salad and some meat in the freezer so it would be an impromptu bbq, and yes it did work.. By 7pm the weather was well settled. Salad was prepared, meat was seasoned, taters cooked (Jeff loves his potatoes!) beetroot was dug, cooked and diced, seasoned with balsamic vinegar. Lettuce was pulled, washed and shredded into a bowl with tomato, cucumber and sweetcorn. All in all it was a nice meal, with some delicious local wine (courtesy of Ken). Yes, a good time was had by all. Georges chewed on pork ribs (good for his teething!!). Charlotte enjoyed her food (sans alcohol) and we adults ate, chatted and enjoyed the ambiance of it all. Amanda leaves us tomorrow for pastures anew and other Wwoofers arrive on Tuesday.
Apartment is now finished..... goody, we have the first 'clients' arriving this week. Hope that they find it OK. I am sure we will get feedback if there is anything missing!!
Yes we were right. W decided yesterday that it would be good to have a barbeque today. We had salad and some meat in the freezer so it would be an impromptu bbq, and yes it did work.. By 7pm the weather was well settled. Salad was prepared, meat was seasoned, taters cooked (Jeff loves his potatoes!) beetroot was dug, cooked and diced, seasoned with balsamic vinegar. Lettuce was pulled, washed and shredded into a bowl with tomato, cucumber and sweetcorn. All in all it was a nice meal, with some delicious local wine (courtesy of Ken). Yes, a good time was had by all. Georges chewed on pork ribs (good for his teething!!). Charlotte enjoyed her food (sans alcohol) and we adults ate, chatted and enjoyed the ambiance of it all. Amanda leaves us tomorrow for pastures anew and other Wwoofers arrive on Tuesday.
Apartment is now finished..... goody, we have the first 'clients' arriving this week. Hope that they find it OK. I am sure we will get feedback if there is anything missing!!
Saturday, 13 June 2009
Highland Games in France??
Today I went to the Highland Games. They were held in the grounds of the Chateau in Bressuire in the Department of the Deux Sevres. The Department in France that no-one has ever heard about. People hear about Brittany, the Vendee, Dordogne, Vienne and other places south, but they drive through the Deux Sevres and do not stop to see what we have to offer.
We arrived here, in the Deux Sevres, mid 2001. So did the Highland Games and Pescalis (the premiere fishing experience in France). When we arrived we did not know that the aforementioned had also arrived and were in their infancy. So this year I went along with Jeff and our Wwoofer, Amanda, and spent some hours under the unrelenting sun watching these overweight men throwing things around an arena and also watching pipe bands from Scotland, Ireland and Brittany (they were all so very good) and young girls and guys with their gaelic dancing. The temperatures were excessive and the youngsters were so red in the face whilst performing on the stage... If they had been my own I would have taken them into the shade and fed them gallons of cool liquid and told them to wait until sundown before performing.. Apart from that it was brilliant and would have loved to have devoted the whole day to this event along with tomorrow...
Amanda is an Art teacher and sculptor so we took her via the 'pre' that has sculptures created by local artists. She was absolutely delighted to see the works - we are pleased that she enjoyed herself. She came out to Wwoof and found that there was more to France than just gardening! Not many people come to the French countryside and find there is culture as well.
There is also every other year the World Tricycle Championship that takes place in a small village just up the road. We did not know that we would be so heavily involved in that - this year I even have the World Champion staying in my house! It will be a pleasure to meet him and his family.. Will write about this next week!!
Amanda is an Art teacher and sculptor so we took her via the 'pre' that has sculptures created by local artists. She was absolutely delighted to see the works - we are pleased that she enjoyed herself. She came out to Wwoof and found that there was more to France than just gardening! Not many people come to the French countryside and find there is culture as well.
There is also every other year the World Tricycle Championship that takes place in a small village just up the road. We did not know that we would be so heavily involved in that - this year I even have the World Champion staying in my house! It will be a pleasure to meet him and his family.. Will write about this next week!!
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
Wind and rain and thunder and lightning
Yes the rainy season is here, again, as you saw from my previous entry. It is raining and then the sun shines, the paths dry, then it rains again. Everything is so clean and green, the peas are swelling in their pods, the tree fruit is growing, the beans are stretching their necks to the sky the potatoes are developing underground AND THE WEEDS ARE GROWING AS WELL!!!
It is nice though to see my newly planted and moved shrubs surviving. I did wonder whether they would struggle under drought conditions after putting them in.
Interesting results in the local and european elections and still the current government haven't quite got the message that Gordon has to go, maybe it will sink in soon. What a surprise though for the BNP, maybe they will make the rest of the politicians think harder about their policies. I am not really a political person but must admit that I find it interesting how things are panning out. It is a shame that people out there are tarring the BNP as fascist when all they want is to keep Britain (England?) British (English) or have I got the wrong end of the stick. I have not read their manifesto but did read the manifesto of the English Democratic party and to me they seem to have the same ideas as the BNP.
It is nice though to see my newly planted and moved shrubs surviving. I did wonder whether they would struggle under drought conditions after putting them in.
Interesting results in the local and european elections and still the current government haven't quite got the message that Gordon has to go, maybe it will sink in soon. What a surprise though for the BNP, maybe they will make the rest of the politicians think harder about their policies. I am not really a political person but must admit that I find it interesting how things are panning out. It is a shame that people out there are tarring the BNP as fascist when all they want is to keep Britain (England?) British (English) or have I got the wrong end of the stick. I have not read their manifesto but did read the manifesto of the English Democratic party and to me they seem to have the same ideas as the BNP.
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