New Awning at Bas Etang 2

This electrically operated awning was installed during this week, and everyone is pleased with it - especially the acquirers, Mimi and Tony.

Zachary's tree house

Well, not exactly his house, but impressive nevertheless. This tree is within 400 metres of Bas Etang, and probably has many 6 and 8 legged occupants.

A walk along La Boivre

Just a few hundred metres from our house, one comes across this beautiful tranquil area.

Lawncare has started

When the weeding has to be done, who do you think will step into the breach?

A fishing lake by Bas Etang 2

We visited this fishing lake today. It is only 100 metres away from Bas Etang 2, and is owned by a retired veterinarian who lives in Poitiers. He invites his friends round for fishing, and also to use the cabin as a base from which to go hunting in the local fields and woods.

Leo Taylor Sefton

Today our grandson was born to Sebastian and Ann. At 7lbs 14ozs he is a healthy baby. Amanda will be visiting from France in early May.

A disguised septic tank

This hardly looks like a septic tank, but that is what lies beneath this flower bed. The bees think it is quite attractive too.

The pool is legal

We now have a fence all around the swimming pool. As from the 1st January this year we would have been liable for a 45,000 Euros fine if we had failed to install either an alarm system, a sturdy roll-up cover for when the pool is not in use, or a fence. All options need to comply with an approved standard.

The waters are rising again

This time it is beginning to look serious. The basement and cave pumps are busily working to keep them dry, but the river level is now waterlogging the relatively high land alongside.

The first cut of the season

At last the weather held long enough for me to mow our field, and surrounding areas. We have 4 acres altogether, and it takes three and a half hours to complete the whole of it.

An oversize Wendy house

This is a wooden house built in the garden by the former owner for his children. It has electricity for lighting and heating. We have no intention of trying it out overnight, though. But it is a shame that it is going to waste.

MG TF

MG TF
Originally uploaded by David Sefton.

Getting the car ready for the Spring season. It has been buffed all over, and is waiting for the sultry days to commence.

Laurel hedge trimmed

Our Laurel hedge has grown very large and straggly, and was overdue for trimming. Fortunately, we have this rather splendid Stihl trimmer, and it was perfect for the task. I used the platform with railing that I had bought specially for the job, and was able to reach the top of the hedge sides. It was an exhausting process, and I'm thankful that it only needs to be done annually.

Two friendly Coypu

Well, the friendliness is to one another, not to us humans. But they seem more relaxed about coexisting with us this year. Before, they would scurry away the moment they sensed our presence.

The view from my window

This is what I see when I look up from my PC screen, and glance outside.The water levels are very high at the moment, as it has rained throughout the week. You can see the daffodils that flowered earlier this week.

Clearing up at Bas Etang 2

The leaves and dead branches have been cleared, and put on a bonfire. We are now ready for Spring, and the daffodils are beginning to come through.

From a trickle to a stream

The stream behind Bas Etang 2 had dried up completely last summer. Recently we have had heavy downpours, and the stream turned into a torrent. Hopefully, the crayfish are also back.

The Gate is finished, and the Fence started

The final coat of paint went onto the gate today. It has trans- formed it from an agricultural gate to a residential one. Considering it only cost 20% of a conventional gate, it was excellent value for money.
The Fence construction is going to be a prolonged affair. The ground is uneven and rocky, so finding suitable places for the Posts is difficult. It will probably take many more hours to complete the run of fencing, as there are another 100 metres to go.

The waters are rising

Here are two photos taken a few hours apart, that show how fast the river level has risen. Tributaries that were only inches across are now torrents six feet wide. The water has risen onto the banks, flooding the field by at least 35 feet beyond the normal river's edge.

The weather is changing

In the last week we have had constant rain, and the river level has risen a foot or so. Now it has turned to thick snow, and settling fast. I've checked our cellars and basement, and they are still dry. As we live on a hillside, we are fearful of the water running off the slopes into the basement.