Another resident of Bas Etang

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

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?

 

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

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

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

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!

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

The Snow has finally arrived

 

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

 

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

 

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

The waters are rising

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

 

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

 

 

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.