The pool is ready

Finally, the weather has improved, and the water temperature has reached 30 degrees. Not quite "bath temperature", but very respectable for retreating from the hot sun's rays.

Champigny

We've just returned from a week in the French Alps. We went with English friends, Ann and Geoff, who kindly arranged to borrow a friend's flat in Champigny. The weather was superb, and many exhausting miles were struggled over.

These brighten the garden

These lilies are splendid, and grow without any encouragement from us.

The weather is awful

As can be seen on the latest chart, the temperature of the water will just not rise any higher. We are almost into June, and I still have not been into the pool. The sun just won't stay out all day long.

Percussion in Lavausseau

Last Saturday there was held a musical evening by the Mairie. The first performance was percussive, involving a troupe from a neighbouring village. After their energetic performance they invited members of the audience to come and participate, which I was happy to do. This was followed by guitar solo in the nearby chapel hall, and then three songstresses who performed karaoke style. The evening lasted for four hours, and, best of all, was completely free!

Swimming Pool temperatures

I've started taking daily temperature readings of the pool. At the moment the temperature is 17°C, which is way below the desired temperature for swimming. Still, the sunshine is beginning to take off, and the solar heating system will surely raise the pool temperature.

Internet Phone

I bought this Internet Phone from Tesco for £14.97. It is intended to work with their network, but instead I use it with VoipCheap to make completely free telephone calls. I can phone UK and French (and a host of other countries too) landline numbers for absolutely no cost at all. And it is a cinch to set it all up.

The Pool is open

At last the sun is out, the temperature is at a respectable 22 degrees centigrade, and the water just might start getting warm too. The winter closure mode is over, and all the routines necessary to get the pool up and running are completed. Now, enjoy! You can see the new fencing all round the pool for the first time. This has become compulsory for all pool owners to install, with a penalty of 45,000€ for those who fail to comply. It is not too intrusive, and would have been far more noticeable if it had been in the colour white.

Flowers at Bas Etang

The flowers continue to bloom, and the weather improves - today the sky is sheer blue.

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.