An excellent barbeque

 
 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

 

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

Drama at Bas Etang

 
 
 
 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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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?

 

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

 

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

 

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!

 

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

Another view of the sweet shop

 

Absolutely immaculate.

Sweet shop in La Rochelle

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.