David Sefton's Musings

The Accident

2011-12-18T10:56:00.002+01:00

Amanda was driving along a country road yesterday, when suddenly there was a terrible crash. She was on a main road, approaching a set of crossroads. At the junction, on a minor road, a car was waiting. As Amanda was about to draw alongside, the car suddenly pulled out, and struck the front of her car. It looks like a write-off, but Amanda is well. She was taken to hospital for a checkup, but apart from bruising by the seat belt, she was declared to be in good health. The other driver, also unhurt, immediately confessed his error. When the Police arrived, and saw that he had disobeyed the STOP sign, they fined him 90 Euros and gave him 4 penalty points on his Driving License.

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Location:Bas Etang

Hedgecutter in progress

2011-12-10T11:57:00.001+01:00

The French are fastidious with their road maintenance. Here is a picture of the Hedgecutter driving past our house. The roads and verges are always immaculate.

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Location:Lavausseau

Reaction Theatre

2011-12-03T17:13:00.001+01:00

We went to see "Inspector Drake" last night at a small theatre in a village nearby called Secondigny. It was an amateur production, but the seasoned actors were muff free, and excellent characters.

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Location:Secondigny

Autumnal bonfire

2011-11-21T14:19:00.001+01:00

It is always so satisfying to banish detritus into the ether. Here I was burning the fallen leaves that had accumulated over the last weekend.

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Location:Lavausseau

Biscuit

2011-11-15T12:22:00.000+01:00

We have a new kitten which we have named Biscuit. He is a very friendly chap, and gets on terribly well with our other cat, Noireau.

Staying in a Chateau

2011-09-10T20:37:00.001+02:00

We visited the Loire area with some friends, and stayed at Le Mesangeau chateau.

It had been beautifully renovated, and was in first class condition. All the modern conveniences were there, including, of course, WiFi for us discerning travellers. The owners prepared a superb evening meal, and I would recommend the place to everyone. Have a look at it in TripAdvisor.com .
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Location:Bas Étang, Lavausseau, France

Bees swarming in Bas Etang

2011-06-13T18:26:00.001+02:00

We suddenly noticed that bees had been congregating above our bedroom. So we contacted our local farmer, who keeps a lot of bees, and asked him to come and help. As the bees probably come from his collection anyway, he has left us one of his hives, and told us that the bees will migrate to the hive in about a week. They did just that, and the picture here shows them swarming on a very hot day. We now await the farmer's collection of the hive.

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Location:Lavausseau

Spring is well underway

2011-04-24T20:37:00.001+02:00

These flowers are in full stride, and herald the beginning of wonderful weather we are expecting here in Lavausseau.

Location:Lavausseau

Cleaning the Tiles

2011-04-03T17:17:00.000+02:00

Every year, after the end of Winter, the tiles look dirty, and covered in moss. They require a hose-down with a strong high-pressure jet. And I've got just the equipment to do this. Here is a before-and-after set of pictures.

The sun has come to Lavausseau

2011-03-11T14:48:00.000+01:00

At last we have a touch of Spring already. The greenness is beginning to show, and will be in full growth within weeks.

The French number plate

2011-03-11T14:42:00.000+01:00

One other thing worth mentioning about the system of French number plates. The Departement number was incorporated in the registration number itself. So my number used to have the 86 within it. Now it is excluded. But it is still there, as the number plate manufacturers in each Departement display it on the far right of the plate, together with a Map! Previously, people had a new number plate if they moved to another Departement. I needed a new plate as the car was registered previously in the UK.

New car registration

2011-03-11T14:16:00.001+01:00

It took a few weeks, and a lot of money, but I finally managed to register my car in France. It required a number of documents:

1. A Certificate of Conformity. This is produced by the car manufacturer to vouch that the car was made in accordance with European standards. As MG Rover is now defunct, I bought it through a Company based in Slovakia. The operation seems to be perfectly legal, but it cost 262.80 Euros - a not totally dissimilar amount that I paid to MG Rover itself for my previous car. Why it is necessary, when a blanket assurance that all its cars meet the EU requirements, thereby making individual certificates unnecessary, I do not know.
2. A Controle Technique. This is similar to the UK's MOT certificate, and a thoroughly good thing. It cost me 60 Euros.
3. A VAT approval. This is given by the French Tax Authorities, after examining the VAT invoice from the Vendor. This costs nothing!

After approving these documents at the Prefecture, I paid 262.50 Euros for the Carte Grise. This is the Vehicle Document, and certifies me as the owner.

I then bought the Number Plates at a Shoe Repair shop for 25 Euros, plus a riveting kit for 2.40 Euros. And I was ready for the installation, which was kindly done by my friend Robin.

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Location:Lavausseau

Restoration Complete

2011-02-06T16:14:00.001+01:00

My old MG TF has now been restored to a fully working condition. Robin has been working on it for a month, and has been installing a K series engine from a wrecked MGF which he'd inherited from a friend. He had the MGF transported over from the UK, and it took about 3 weeks to complete the transfer. It is 120 bhp, rather than the 135bhp of the original, but that will suffice. He is due to have the CT inspection (the French equivalent of the British MOT) on Wednesday, and, if successful we will be able to complete the full legal transfer of the car's ownership. In France an individual is not allowed to scrap a car.

So here is a photo of the old and new cars side by side. We will be able to open a branch of the MG Owners' Club in Lavausseau. Robin also has a MGB, so we'll be able to get it started in style.

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Location:Lavausseau, France

MG TF Reborn

2011-01-15T15:00:00.001+01:00

Last week I finally replaced my MG TF with another. I found it on the Exchange & Mart website, and quickly arranged for an AA inspection and Data Check. The AA only found partly corroded water pipes that run along the length of the underside of the car. They recommended replacing them with stainless steel versions that have a much longer and durable life. The car was registered in March 2005, and had done 59,000 miles. Its Cam Belt and Head Gasket had been changed (major bugbears of the MG) and had brand new tyres, and looked in good condition.
I flew over to Stansted by Ryanair last Tuesday, and took a coach to Stevenage, and spent the night in a Holiday Inn. The next morning I went to the car dealer in Welwyn Garden City, and purchased the car. I then took it to a MG TF repair specialist (having arranged this the previous week) in Baldock, which is about 10 miles away, called Brown & Gammons. They replaced the water pipes, as well as repairing a number of other items they discovered, and pronounced the car as a "good buy". I drove on to Dover, staying in a Premier Inn, and travelled over the Channel on Norfolk Ferries the next morning, Thursday. The drive down to Lavausseau was uneventful, fortunately, and I arrived home at 9.00pm.

I had previously come across another car via my friend Dennis (mentioned in my Blog of the 1st January) that I had originally planned to buy. However, the AA inspection threw up a number of problems that the dealer was not prepared to remedy, so I called off the purchase.

The old and the new

2011-01-01T09:10:00.001+01:00

It was confirmed that my MG TF's engine was seized. Apparently, the water pipes running under the body from the radiator to the engine (in the middle) had pinhole-sized points from where the water has leaked. I hadn't noticed the rise in temperature at the time, and the engine seized. Here is a photo of the head area.

Fortunately, I have an English friend who lives nearby who is a very keen MG enthusiast. He has bought the MG from me, and will bring over from England a wrecked MGF that he already owns. that MGF was involved in an accident, and was a write-off. However, its engine is in fine shape, and is the same type as in my MG TF. Being an engineer, and very practical, he'll transplant the engine into my old one, creating an MG TF in excellent condition.

I've already found a replacement MG TF through my friend Dennis Hallas. He lives in Chepstow, Wales. He found a 2004 MG TF Sunstorm. The "Sunstorm" name indicates that it has a hard top, as well as a soft top. Here is a photo:

It is due to be checked by the AA, which I joined last week. It has already had a Data Check, which it passed. Next Tuesday it will have a comprehensive inspection. If all is well, I hope to travel back with Dennis on the 14th January, when he returns from a fleeting visit to France, and take delivery of the car on the next day.
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Location:Lavausseau, France

Bated breath

2010-12-15T15:51:00.001+01:00

My MG TF has finally been delivered to my local garage in Lavausseau. I am now waiting to hear their verdict on what is wrong with the car, and how much the repair will cost. I've no idea whether it will be 50€ or 3,000€.

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Location:Lavausseau, France

an Owl's misfortune

2010-12-14T17:15:00.001+01:00

It's been snowing today in Lavausseau. And raining Owls. Well, an Owl fell down our chimney today, and here is a photo of it. I'm not sure how we'll set about getting it free.

Well, Amanda did manage to free it, though with great trepidation. It was then released in the garden, and it flew away with great gusto.

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Location:Lavausseau,France

Tannery exhibition in Lavausseau

2010-12-06T15:56:00.001+01:00

Lavausseau now has a new Museum and Shop to display leather making and products in the village. The Tannery has been extended with considerable building work, resulting in a superb display. It only opened last week, it remains to be seen whether it will transform the visitor numbers to Lavausseau. After all the hard work in designing the new complex, and the effort put into constructing and laying out the exhibits, let us hope it does.

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Location:Lavausseau, France

A development on my car saga

2010-12-01T22:24:00.001+01:00

Groupama, my insurance company, has agreed to transport my car back to a local garage near me, from Spain. However, their Spanish expert has seen the car, and said that it will cost 3,000€ to get it back on the road. They have not said what is the problem with the car.

I've waited over a month for Groupama to reach this decision, so I'm fairly aggrieved with their delay.

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Location:Lavausseau, France

Snow arrives in Lavausseau

2010-11-28T11:04:00.001+01:00

It had to happen soon, anyway. So today it did. The snowflakes are large, dry and falling steadily. For 2 hours so far. Amanda was going to church this morning by car, but having driven 20 yards on the roadway, and slipping and sliding from side to side, she gave up and returned home. The car is safely parked up till the thaw begins.

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Location:Lavausseau,France

The Gate

2010-11-23T12:41:00.001+01:00

Our friend Dennis had a problem with his front gate, as it was scraping on the ground, the frame had become wonky with a broken weld, and the lock was catching. We fully repaired it, put some washers on the risers, and clad it in wood, fowled by painting the metal and wood. Once in place, it worked perfectly. Here is Dennis proudly standing by the "new" gate.

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Location:Lavausseau

A calamity in Spain

2010-11-20T21:02:00.000+01:00

This picture of my MG was taken in Spain on Saturday, the 30th October. I was returning to France after spending a week with my Aunt in a place called Moraira. The car's engine just died, and I glided to a stop. After waiting an hour I was taken off the motorway to the rescue truck to their depot. I contacted my insurance company, Groupama. As all garages were closed for 3 days (there was a Bank Holiday on the Monday) they told me to leave the car there. They sent a taxi to collect me, took me to Valencia airport 100 kms away, put me on a plane to Paris, collected me at the airport and took me to an hotel. Then the next morning a taxi took me to Montmartre station, with a train to Poitiers with a first class ticket. At Poitiers I was met by another taxi, and taken home to Lavausseau. I was very impressed with the service, and it was all paid for by Groupama.

The intention was that Groupama would send an engineer to examine my car, and report back with the news of the required repairs. So far, 3 weeks later, this has still not been done. However, I do have a rental car from Groupama for the time being. But I am getting very impatient to know if my car is repairable, and what the cost will be.

Shown below is the place where my car currently resides. A very long way from my home in Poitiers.

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Location:Lavausseau,France

A day out in Poitiers

2010-10-12T18:58:00.001+02:00

We went into Poitiers with our friends, Joan and Dennis Hallas. Our first stop was in Blossac Park, and then onto a bar for a much needed coffee.

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Lavausseau, France

Location:Lavausseau

More from Blossac Park

2010-10-12T18:52:00.001+02:00

This little fellow lives in the park too, together with a number of other friends.

And here they are, as well. The park is very well kept.

This avenue is immaculate.

And here is the same photo taken 400 metres nearer the fountain.

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Lavausseau, France

Location:Lavausseau

Blossac Park, Poitiers

2010-10-12T18:41:00.000+02:00

We visited the park today, and came across this strange construction. It is obviously unfinished, but I just can't guess what it will become. Any ideas?

Another resident of Bas Etang

2010-09-09T13:16:00.002+02:00

This young cat arrived at our house off the street (or fields!) a couple of weeks ago. We've named him Jean-Jacques, and are feeding him regularly. As a feral cat he is unused to humans, and runs away as soon as we try to get near him. He looks unerringly similar to our previous cat of 14 years, Thomas. Quite spookily, in fact. He has discovered that he can get into our basement, where the central heating boiler is situated, by entering a half-open window (behind a grill) that is left open for the air circulation. So during the cold nights, that is where he is presumably residing.

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Lavausseau, France

Location:Lavausseau

The crossing is made

2010-08-27T10:36:00.001+02:00

The John Deere mower fits perfectly between the guide rails of the bridge, which is as solid as a rock.

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Lavausseau, France

Location:Bas Etang

The Tour of Poitou-Charentes

2010-08-26T18:09:00.002+02:00

Today, a time trial swept through Lavausseau. It was a stage of the Poitou-Charentes cycle race. I presume there were some famous names in the event, but I could not recognise anyone. They even went straight past our house! And here is a photo of two of the cyclists battling it out.

The Bridge is magnificent

2010-08-18T21:30:00.000+02:00

We've been labouring this week to complete the construction of a new bridge that crosses a little rivulet, and joins two sides of a couple of our fields. Our very good friend, Dennis Hallas, has been the guiding light and inspiration on its design and building. We firstly purchased a 3.5 metres galvanised iron frame from the local "Alliance Pastorale", a farming equipment outlet in the neighbouring village of Benassay. This became the foundation of the bridge, and it straddles the gap completely. The wood covers and conceals the frame, giving the impression that the wood is providing all the support. The total cost of the materials was 270 Euros. The main purpose of the bridge is to carry the John Deere tractor over to the next field (which is effectively an island) for mowing. Previously I had to cross over the next door's bridge to the same land, but that was an inconvenience. I would show a picture of the tractor in the midst of crossing the bridge, but unfortunately it is in the process of being repaired in Poitiers.

If it hadn't have been for Dennis's help, together with Amanda's efforts, the bridge would have remained in my imagination. So, I doff my hat to them both!

Wedding in Lavausseau

2010-08-15T08:26:00.000+02:00

The marriage of our friends' daughter Katherine, to James, took place in Lavausseau. This wedding has been years in the planning, but all came alright on the day.

As happy as it can get?

2010-08-10T16:59:00.000+02:00

I guess that when you are this fat, it is difficult to look too happy. But I think this chap is doing his best.

Alexander and family visit here

2010-07-28T15:45:00.000+02:00

Amanda's stepbrother came this week to visit us all. He brought his wife and two children, driving all the way from their home near Oxford. They stayed with local friends in their new Gite. In fact, they were their very first customers.

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Location:Lavausseau

A miserable Summer day

2010-07-21T13:35:00.000+02:00

Today, the sun shone for 5 minutes. The rest of the time it was completely overcast with clouds. I've been used to sunbathing by the pool recently, as the weather has been magnificent. But today, it is a time for indoor pursuits. The highlight of the day will be collecting my MG from the local garage, where it is being serviced. Thankfully, there was no apparent problem with the car prior to the service. However, I fully expect to be advised that there was a critical failure of some expensive component.
I recently bought an Apple iPad, and it has been transfixing me every day with the incredible applications that can be driven by it. I subscribe to PresDisplay, and am able to download and read The Times and the Daily Mail on my desktop, iPod Touch and the iPad. The display on the iPad is the crispest of the lot, and shows off the publications in glorious colour and definition. I also subscribe to many magazines via Zinio, PixelMags, and directly with a number of publishers like Wired and Vanity Fair. The BBC iPlayer service allows me to download high quality video files which are easily converted to iPad formats.

This photograph is of a prototype MG TF made by the new Chinese owners. I just hope it goes into production. I think it would compete well with the best of them.

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Location:Lavausseau

The weather has been variable

2010-05-27T21:26:00.001+02:00

Last week we had the best temperatures ever in May, reaching about 26. But this week it reverted to the usual rain, plummeting temperatures, and just momentary bursts of sun. Still, I managed to get the pool temperature up from 12 to 22, and even braved the waters myself. Bracing, but great.

What a glorious day!

2010-05-18T14:01:00.001+02:00

I'm sitting by the pool this afternoon, and the sun is shining more intensely than at any time so far this year. The joy of retirement!

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Location:Lavausseau, France

Walking by Chasseneuil

2010-03-18T17:40:00.000+01:00

Last Saturday we went on a 13km walk near Chasseneuil with a group we recently came across. We walked halfway, and stopped at a community centre for our picnic. We were walking primarily through the countryside, with the obligatory hills - weirdly absent of any downward gradients! I had to give up shortly after we set off from the picnic, as blisters were taking their toll. I was given a lift by car to the starting point, but Amanda valiantly kept going for the full distance. It took us a couple of days to recover from the aches.

A Feast

2010-02-22T15:11:00.000+01:00

We went round to visit our friends, the Heendeniyas, who live in Boussais, which is 50 kilometres away from us. They gave us a sumptuous curry meal, and I'm showing you all the dishes before they were devoured.

A new Gite in the area - Lac de Maison

2010-02-01T18:16:00.006+01:00

There is a new Gite that has opened up near to us in Benassay. Run the movie above to see photos. It is run by a young couple, Anna and Simon Davey, who acquired it last September. It consists of 3 cottages, and is particularly targetted at families with children of all ages. It has a solar heated swimming pool, and a couple of acres of grounds, as well as many other amenities. A golf course is very nearby too. If you are interested in staying there, and want more details, just leave a Comment, and I'll put you in touch with Anna and Simon.

Sad departure

2010-01-19T21:37:00.000+01:00

Our son Jason leaves from the Poitiers airport after visiting us for 3 days.

The Snow has finally arrived

2010-01-06T21:04:00.000+01:00

At last, the snow came overnight. It is really quite shallow, but the early morning covering on the roads had turned to ice, and were quite treacherous. However, by the mid morning the sun had emerged and began to thaw the snow. And by the afternoon the roads were clear.

Apropos nothing

2010-01-03T16:46:00.000+01:00

I just happened upon this photo on someone else's blog. Their caption was "who could resist this face?", and they are right.

A heart warming scene

2010-01-03T16:36:00.000+01:00

This is what greeted us when we visited friends on New Year's eve the other day.

The waters are rising

2010-01-03T16:32:00.001+01:00

Later this time than before, the rains have become more frequent. So, the level is rising, and will probably exceed the height of the bridge. Fortunately, it does not inconvenience us as we need not make the crossing.

This is not what you think it is

2010-01-02T17:29:00.000+01:00

Here the pump is ejecting the surplus water from the pool via a long hose, which is resting on a hedge. Really, it is quite innocent.

The Pool is full

2010-01-02T17:23:00.002+01:00

As you can see, the swimming pool has a canvas cover over it. The water inside the pool has been emptied to 2/3 full, and covered with a black plastic agricultural sheet. The rainfall in the Autumn has dripped through the canvas, and filled up the pool back again. Today I emptied the pool down to the black plastic level with an electric pump. The lower photo above was taken before the light fell, and before the pumping had completed.

One of the culprits owned up.

2009-12-31T15:58:00.002+01:00

The person (see previous story) who drove her car against our wall came round to see us. She needed to complete her car insurance claim form, and it requires signatures by both parties. So we should get our wall painted by the insurers for the second time. Meanwhile, the car left behind (7957 RR 86) on our bank has been taken away surreptitiously. In dragging it away the person made a groove with the tyres along our verge, and that of our neighbour and the land in between. Fortunately, the only damage is cosmetic, and the grass will conceal the gouging in a few months time.

It's happened yet again!

2009-12-27T11:55:00.001+01:00

This morning we noticed some flashing lights outside the house, but couldn't see what was going on as the high wall obstructed our vision. Later on, after we dressed and went outside, we saw the results of three separate car accidents that had probably resulted from black ice. One car had hit our wall, and presumably managed to drive off (without reporting to us of course). The second had been on the other side of the road, going towards Lavausseau, and gouged out the earth in the ditch alongside the road. The third drove into our trees alongside the swimming pool, and embedded itself in the earth. As can be seen in the photo, though the occupants made off without apologies, the car is still there, with the registration number clearly to be seen. It had knocked down two warning posts that were installed by the council in the summer. As the police were in attendance during some of the crashes, we'll report the incidents and request insurance details.

Visit to Spain

2009-10-20T13:21:00.002+02:00

I've just come back from a holiday in Spain. While Amanda was in the UK visiting our sons, I drove down to Marbella. I took my Tent, and went to a campsite that is right by the sea. The swimming pool photo was taken in the campsite, so you can see it was quite classy. The only downside was that whenever I tried to cook breakfast, the flies congregated en masse. They were so infuriating that I stopped cooking after a couple of days.

Travelling to Venelles

2009-09-01T09:36:00.000+02:00

We stayed in Venelles, in Aix en Provance last week, with our friends Peter and Lucia Fieldman in their lovely home. I've known Peter for nearly 50 years. He has lived in France since his twenties, and this is the first time we've got together in the five years since we've been living in France. They visited us at our home in Lavausseau only two weeks ago.

It's been a long time

2009-08-15T19:06:00.000+02:00

We're still here, and life goes on as normal. I took a vacation from it for 7 months, but I'm back

The usual January event

2009-01-25T10:57:00.000+01:00

This flooding happens most years, but fortunately it does not cause any damage.

Lunch in Boussais

2008-11-18T13:02:00.002+01:00

We were invited to our friends, Ranjith and Sigrid, together with Amanda's mother and stepfather, to an excellent lunch at their house in Boussais.

Chateau visit

2008-09-09T17:55:00.000+02:00

We were invited last week to this glorious chateau. The stained glass window was in the chateau's chapel.

Celebrations at Lavausseau

2008-09-09T17:45:00.001+02:00

The annual Fete was held in Lavausseau last Sunday. Amanda can be seen next to Dorsa on the Trap, lead by a huge carthorse. Dorsa's parents, Akhtar and Borzou, who came for the weekend, are looking at the stalls. The Apple Press was in action, and was manned all day producing excellent juice.

Street Sculpture

2008-09-09T17:32:00.000+02:00

At the new Poitiers Theatre inaugural day, this sculpture was being viewed by Amanda.

Menigoute Fete

2008-08-04T15:19:00.000+02:00

We went to the Menigoute fete yesterday. There was a procession of old farm vehicles, and veteran motor cars. Plus dancing in the main square.

Bastille Day

2008-07-15T12:22:00.000+02:00

We went to Parthenay to see their spectacular fireworks display. It is synchronised with operatic music with many loud crescendos, and is watched by thousands of people from far and wide.

Renovation in Lavausseau

2008-07-10T18:31:00.000+02:00

An Englishman has bought a rather large house that is hundreds of years old. He has asked Amanda's stepfather, who is an architect, to obtain planning permission for a total renovation project. Permission has been obtained, and the work is well underway. Most of the roof has been dismantled, the walls raised by a foot or so, and the interior completely remodelled. It is a vast project, and it will be finished later this year. The family is moving from England next week, and will stay in a Gite they have already completed in the grounds.

More news from our foreign correspondent

2008-07-10T18:20:00.001+02:00

The hands of the clock moved agonisingly slowly, but then I heard the diesel clatter of the van, the cry from the sales office (one of them was awake) “the salmonella lady is here” and I knew that THE time had arrived:

Lunch

and of course my daily dose of “Hell-o, Hell-o, I Will Say This Only Wenrce”, an everyday tale of a simple (ne’er a truer word spoken) friend who has had the gumption – no dammit, he’s had the sheer guts to forsake the excitement of dodging knife attacks in the “Garden of England” for the tranquility, fine fare, copious red wine, gentle beauty, the Monet light, of the French countryside and village life.

I made my purchase from the Expired Best before Bin and got back to my Amstrad. I ripped the clingfilm from a pair of Mother’s Pride slices, carefully wrapped around a slice of Iceland “SupaSava” frozen ham (only 18% added water, less than 14 g salt per slice). My taste buds were on the verge of exploding, and the best bit was yet to come.

I double clicked on the search engine, opened favourites. There, top of the list, “Le Blog”. To maximize the enjoyment, I treated myself to a trip to the vending machine for a cup of freeze dried tea (herbal perhaps, or is it the “Ajax” the cleaner uses).

I settled myself down, switched the phone to busy and my cursor hovered over the link, my anticipation heightening.

Will the canopy over the garden table have been attacked by ANOTHER storm?

Will the pool have hit 30 degrees C? (which is hotter than my herbal ? tea)

Will the water lily again decide to “Up Persicope”?

Will “mon ami” be tantalizing us with a hardware store he has discovered on one of his expeditions?

Or even, dare I hope, the septic tank has blocked again.

Excitement got the better of me and I clicked the mouse. Like magic my window into a wondrous world opened before me.

I scanned the latest entry and I was overcome by a strange feeling of

.

.

.

.

.
Déjà vu

Still there is always tomorrow

PS – can I be your foreign correspondent

PPS – all opinions expressed are those of the author only and are not necessarily those of the publisher

Endorsement by "Disgusted of TW"

2008-07-10T13:16:00.003+02:00

This is a response from my regular circulation readership, received today.

"It’s taking the trouble to respond to the requirements of your readership that marks you out as a publisher of much greater stature than Murdoch, Black and the lamented (or should that be lamentable?) Murdoch.

I predict a steeply upward circulation graph – I introduced Soni to your site at the week-end, so your readership has already doubled in a few days, a feat not even matched by the Sunday GetsMuchWorse (Express) when they gave away the unabridged DVD of The Sound Of Music (limited edition with introduction by Max Mosley).

Keep up the success – I can see the day when the Times will be restored to responsible ownership – you have all the qualifications (you do live abroad).

I look forward to lunch time amusement with anticipation, even excitement!!!!!!!!

Rgds

Disgusted of TW"

An excellent barbeque

2008-07-02T13:34:00.000+02:00

What a superb day to choose for a barbeque. It was 32 in the shade, and the pool reached 27 degrees.

Fish in the river

2008-07-02T13:31:00.000+02:00

Here are some of our young fish in the river, playing around together.

Drama at Bas Etang

2008-07-01T11:55:00.000+02:00

Our septic tank started to overflow, so we had it flushed out last week. It is supposed to be done every 4 years, though we last had it cleaned a year ago. So, as it was unusually premature we had to find out where the blockage was. A local farmer came to clean out the filter beds with his equipment, driven by his tractor. The firm that flushed the tank last week will not deal with the filter unles it is exposed by us. All our tanks and filters are under a flower bed, so we have to dig it up each time - unfortunately, we had not revealed the filter last week. Anyway, for your edification, here is the process pictured in all its glory.

Karaoke in Boussais

2008-06-27T13:37:00.002+02:00

Yesterday we were entertained by an excellent chap who sang his heart out, karaoke style. He specialised in Neil Diamond, who happens to be my all-time favourite too. It took place at the home of friends of ours in Boussais, in front of 40 friends. The singer was staying in their Gites, and performed exceptionally well - in fact he is a professional singer.

Downpour in a torrent

2008-06-25T13:28:00.000+02:00

Yesterday, in the evening, 2 inches of rain fell in a few minutes. I know that as I left out an empty glass in the open, and the two inches of water were plain to see. The regular casualty of these torrents is our canopy which fills with water on the roof, which then collapses under the weight. Hopefully, the metal frame can be straightened like the last time.

First full day of pool use

2008-06-20T19:37:00.001+02:00

At last the weather held for the day that we had 8 guests for lunch. The water is down to 21 degrees, but that is quite bearable once one has braved the entry.

53 Lambardes, New Ash Green

2008-06-17T18:15:00.001+02:00

We lived at this house in the 70s and 80s for many years. I came across this picture in a book on the celebrated architect Eric Lyons (he was the RIBA President in 1977), who created the Span development in the Kent countryside. There were more than 53 houses on that neighbourood of Lambardes, and of all of those the author chose ours.

Hurdy Gurdy?

2008-06-11T19:03:00.000+02:00

We came across this contraption at a market in Civray. The man playing it had left it there in the care of his dog, so I'm not sure how it is played.

Storm in Lavausseau

2008-06-11T18:56:00.001+02:00

Last night there was a very fierce storm here. The thunder and lightning must have gone off at least 100 times, and it went on for a couple of hours. The only casualty here at Bas Etang was our new canopy that collapsed. Fortunately the roof is intact, but the metal frame is somewhat twisted. I understand that there has not been a storm as bad as this for the last 10 years. And the forecast is bad for the next fortnight too!

The first lilypad flower

2008-06-09T14:14:00.000+02:00

Today this flower emerged from between the lilypads. It has been very sunny in the last few days, so I hope this will be the first of many.

Oh to be a sailor!

2008-06-03T12:58:00.000+02:00

Doesn't this view of La Rochelle get you wishing to be out there in the brine.

Another view of the sweet shop

2008-06-03T12:55:00.000+02:00

Absolutely immaculate.

Sweet shop in La Rochelle

2008-06-03T12:53:00.000+02:00

This is how classy a sweet shop can be in France. Imagine that in the UK. No, I thought you couldn't.

More customary view of La Rochelle

2008-06-03T12:49:00.000+02:00

This is a very desirable view of the harbour's edge. We had a snack in a beautiful bar - mussels in curried sauce for me, and a sandwich (a foot long) for Amanda.

La Rochelle harbour

2008-06-03T12:45:00.000+02:00

We went to La Rochelle to pick up our friend Dennis, who was arriving from Bristol via EasyJet. We took the opportunity to go into the town. I took this photo by the harbour wall as I was intrigued to see schools of fish in the dirty water. Click on the photo to enlarge it to reveal the fish.

An idyllic setting

2008-05-22T17:24:00.000+02:00

This view of the river, La Boivre, at Bas Etang was taken today. It is as breathtaking a view as the picture indicates.

Another enhancement

2008-05-22T17:10:00.001+02:00

We've just acquired this cover for our outside table and chairs. We were getting a constant drip of cuckoospit from the froghopper insects that live in the rather large tree above the table. Now our guests can eat our "grub", without fear of confusion with the tree dwellers above.

Robot cleaning of the swimming pool

2008-05-11T21:34:00.000+02:00

Today we opened the pool for the summer. The green machine in the front of the picture automatically cleans the floor and sides of the pool. It is programmed to work continuously for 3 hours, and can stretch to all the surfaces. It never tangles the blue electric cord, and works non-stop to produce a sparklingly clean pool, without seeming to miss a speck. It cost 990 Euros, and is made in the USA.

Beautiful house

2008-05-11T20:49:00.000+02:00

Today we visited some friends in a nearby village. Their house is quite delightful. Here is just a very small part of their extensive house and grounds.

Armistice 1945

2008-05-08T14:19:00.000+02:00

To commemorate the Armistice in France the people of Lavausseau gathered together in front of the memorial. All the names of the fallen from both Wars were read out. In this picture the recently appointed female mayor of Lavausseau can be seen with the mayor of the neighbouring commune of Benassay on her right.

Satellite installation

2008-04-18T12:26:00.001+02:00

I now have a Satellite connection for my PC. I have a Hauppage PVR (Personal Video Recorder), and using an excellent File conversion utility, Tunebite, that facilitates the transfer to my iPod Touch. I also have an Apple dock to view video from the Touch on the TV too.

High drama at Bas Etang

2008-04-17T20:48:00.008+02:00

This car was travelling behind a tractor this afternoon. The female driver was approaching too fast, and failed to notice the tractor in time. The car swerved to the other side of the road, straight into our wall. I was only aware of the event because of the sound of the sirens. I guess a modest contribution by the insurance company of 2,000 Euros might help to patch up the wall! This is the fourth time that a vehicle has struck our walls since we came here 3 years ago. The road alongside the house has been completely relaid with an excellent surface in the last few months, and the 7 bollards adjacent to the bank next to the swimming pool wall were replaced only a few weeks ago. But it seems that all this expensive work provides no protection from inattentive drivers. When I took the photograph of the police, the female Adjutant came over and asked whether I had focussed on them. She said that people are not allowed to photograph police, and she was quite upset. So, I am taking an enormous risk in publishing these photos!

Lengths to go for the perfect picture

2008-04-14T13:12:00.000+02:00

Mark was determined to get the best photograph possible. I never did see the result!

Hare today......!

2008-03-08T20:32:00.000+01:00

I know it is difficult to see right in the middle of the picture, but we had a visitor today - a hare. It was quite oblivious of me, until spotting me as soon as I clicked the camera.

Hail to the Chief - at Lavausseau

2008-03-04T15:25:00.000+01:00

Surprisingly, we had hail today for the first time in ages, as this graphic photo shows. Within the hour, the sun was out and a glorious day continued.

The flowers are beginning to bloom

2008-02-09T18:01:00.000+01:00

Today I noticed that the first flowering Daffodil appeared in our flower beds. It has been warm and sunny all week, and today has had a very clear blue sky.

The MG is back

2008-02-09T16:49:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I collected the MG from the garage. Apparently, rust got into the gearbox, and they were able to clean off the rust and restore the drive. They have told me that I must drive the car regularly to avoid a recurrence.

The MG is unwell

2008-01-31T15:01:00.000+01:00

The other day I went to drive the car, and found I couldn't get it into gear. I could do so while the engine was off, but not whilst started. If I engaged gear first, and then started the engine, there was no drive. I'm rather perplexed, and fearing a costly repair. I'm awaiting our local garage to come this afternoon to carry it carefully back to their workshop.

The river sleeps

2008-01-31T14:55:00.000+01:00

Apart from the occasional coypu running across the land, and diving into the water, the teeming river life lies dormant at this time of year.

Devoid of colour

2008-01-31T14:52:00.000+01:00

At least we have been spared snow and deep frosts so far this Winter. I can't wait for Spring to arrive, and the flowers to burst forth.

Am I breeding Moles?

2008-01-31T14:49:00.000+01:00

Judging the number of hills in my field, and knowing that I had a fraction of the number last year, I can only think that the area is extremely popular with all the moles in the village. When Spring arrives I am going to clean the grass up by scalping all the hills, and carting away the earth. I can't do much about the moles, as there seem to be too many of them. Little blighters!

Shopping in Poitiers

2008-01-04T21:53:00.000+01:00

This is the best shopping centre in Poitiers, taken at Xmas. The FNAC store shown is an excellent place for Computers, TVs, Digital Cameras and Books.

Amanda

2008-01-01T14:25:00.000+01:00

Taken on New Year's Eve, Amanda views 2008 with caution.

Panasonic Headphones

2007-12-17T14:35:00.000+01:00

I have had so much trouble with headphones over the years. Either the earpieces keep falling out, regardless of the choice of the size inserted, or the sound quality is inferior. I have just bought these Panasonic headphones (RP-HNJ300) and they are excellent. Highly recommended.

iPod Touch

2007-12-17T13:57:00.000+01:00

I recently acquired an iPod Touch (16Gb), as well as a case from Sena. Though I already had an iPod (3rd Gen.), this new product is excellent. I'm able to view movies on it, or on the TV via a special Apple A/V cable and dock. The WiFi internet access is brilliant, and there are new web sites coming online every day that specialise in content optimised for the iPod Touch. For example, www.seeqpod.com allows you to find tracks from all major artists, and play them immediately at a very high quality level. I just can't recommend this product enough.

Amanda visits Limoges

2007-12-13T11:35:00.000+01:00

We took our friend Dennis to the Limoges airport, and took the opportunity to walk around the town itself.

A proud owner of Bas Etang 2

2007-10-23T13:27:00.000+02:00

Jason visited us a few days ago to celebrate Amanda's birthday.

Today's visitor

2007-09-24T12:49:00.000+02:00

This little chap came today to Bas Etang, and has been hanging around all day.

Roses at Bas Etang

2007-09-20T11:00:00.000+02:00

These glorious specimens are photographed today. Summer isn't over yet.

Oysters at the Ile D'Oleron

2007-09-18T14:39:00.000+02:00

Yesterday we went to the home of Oyster beds - they are everywhere to be seen. And I can't even stand looking at them, let alone try one to taste!