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Teresa Mays
Teresa Mays

Teresa Mays

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  • French Frolics

    23.11 Day 68 . . . House Hunt Pt 2

    2022年11月23日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Waking up feeling rough with ‘Man Flu’ was not how I wanted to feel on the day of the mega viewing session. What had been six viewings lined up had happily dropped to five before we set off, as one house was now under offer.
    We met Kate (who we had met back in April when we did some house hunting with the Hollywoods) at the church in Genouillé. Off we went to a property at Les Mauvoisins which on arrival was situated on a small lane next to what looked like a travellers camp.
    The house was ok but on entering, immediately due to the rain again today, we found water dropping from the ceiling in the lounge. The house was small but had access to an adjoining barn which had extension possibilities - but fairly quickly Tre and I had decided it was certainly not for us.
    We left Kate and drove to Civray to grab some food, stopping in a small boulangerie pâtisserie on the outskirts of the town. We had the best quiche I think I personally have ever had. Everything was baked on site and we will defo be going back. We stayed a little longer than expected as the rain hammered it down for a short period, Teresa and I laughing at customers running in looking like drowned rats, most of them cursing - in French, but I got the idea of what they were saying.
    We grabbed some fuel across the road and then set off to Chaunay to meet another Nathalie - the one who had shown us the Hank house a couple of weeks ago.
    The house at Chaunay was in a small hamlet just outside called Les Fants (initially given to us on an email spelt Les Farts, which made Teresa comment that we were never living there!). A very rural location and very quiet despite the N10 across some fields out of sight. The house oozed being looked after and loved, with a barn half way down the lovely lawned garden, which you could walk through to the second lawned section. The house was immaculate with lovely heavyweight oak furniture and heavy wooden doors. Teresa and I only had one real issue - it was too finished, to well maintained a finished house - nothing for Tre and I to actually do which was never our plan for coming here. It seemed the strangest reason to not want somewhere. So after a shortish viewing we departed in convoy with Nathalie to the second house she was showing us. We had also at this point decided to cut four viewings to three for the afternoon.
    We drove back basically from the north of Deux Sèvres to the southern most part to a house in Souvigné - again!
    This house in comparison the the last, needed a whole host of work and had multiple rooms, so the work was to be honest daunting. Not only that it came with a smaller accompanying house which actually was a wreck. At one point Nathalie looked towards me and I simply said ‘No’. It didn’t take long to close the house up and we were off again to the last one for the day.
    Travelling east we crossed over the N10 yet again to a distance east of it roughly the same that Souvigné was to the west of it. We stopped in a hamlet not far from Nanteuil-en-Vallée at a property that felt distinctly Mediterranean. The property currently has no kitchen but a room suitable for one. Two large ish bedrooms and one smaller. An attached barn and about an acre of land on a slope. I immediately sensed Teresa was in excited happy mode and to be fair I felt the same. The views from the top of the field were spectacular as the sun began to set. There was quite a lot of work to get on with but not so much that it made the project seem impossible. Weirdly I didn’t take as many photos as normal which probably meant I was concentrating on the property more this time. We said our goodbyes to Nathalie and then drove and stopped at the top of the land around the property, this is when we saw the views - jaw dropping.
    Both of us were quite quiet on the drive home, both thinking over all the houses we had seen today but primarily the last one.
    Home an hour ish later we had some of the chilli from the other evening with loads of bread - we were both starving. Then it was straight to bed as we are getting up early for the airport in the morning - Munch is back!    もっと詳しく

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  • French Frolics

    22.11 Day 67 . . . . House Hunt Pt 1

    2022年11月22日, フランス ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    This morning was the first of two days on a bit of a whirlwind house hunt.
    Up early and out the door at just gone 8am we headed to Souvigné . . . Souvigné 16, not one of the other probably 10 Souvigné’s in France. The hurdle we had jumped last night ensuring we had the right one.
    On arrival it was raining and the house looked cold and damp - but we are used to this now and it normally not very well maintained render which has discoloured - all of which makes the house look damp.
    The house was on the edge of a hamlet with fields to the side a lovely view.
    After a quick five minute drive around the nearby streets we parked up and met Chloe the estate agent.
    The house which didn’t look large from outside seemed huge once inside. Everything was fine - just dated due to the former occupants age and the place having been not lived in and effectively empty for 3 years.
    Some lovely pieces of furniture and detailing within and plenty of rooms.
    The garden was enclosed and not as large as we would probably have wanted, but that just a consideration for us. Outbuildings and a large attic (to be explored on another visit) added to its appeal. Both Tre and I took a real shine to this place.
    After about an hour or so we departed and made our way via back lanes across to Civray for a grabbed lunch.
    Parked up we found ourselves in a small cafe which until we entered we had not realised was an English Cafe.
    Everything was in English down to the fry ups and tea!!!!!
    (Mr Hollywood we have found you somewhere that sells tea) 😂
    The weird thing is every time Tre and I are surrounded by English people it doesn’t feel right. It’s lovely to hear an English voice once in a while, but a cafe like this, I may as well be back in ‘Dirty Bobs Diner in Romford’.
    So after a bacon bap and a sausage roll between us we were out of the door. We grabbed some bread for the evening meal together with another different bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau and then headed north west to Traversay for the next house.
    Traversay is near to the main N10 so we were already concerned about road noise, so when on arrival we could see the N10 as well as hear it faintly in the distance we were not too excited. The property on arrival was . . . well being kind a wreck. More of a wreck that the photos online had shown. Four walls with soil floor and staircase was a bit more than Tre and I had wanted to take on. Across a grass area was what looked like and had signage for the ‘Chasse HQ’, a fenced off compound full of cages and abandoned equipment, a derelict caravan which was inhabited by black sheep.
    Fortunately the agents mobile number was on a board outside, so as we were mega early we called to cancel the viewing - if she had not left the office. We got hold of Nathalie, explained our decision but then got offered sight of a further property 3km down the road from Traversa, which we were willing to view.
    Nathalie arrived about ten minutes later and we followed her to a tiny place we think was called Maret in a area we also think is called Vauthion.
    Immediately Tre and I knew this property wasn’t for us as was enclosed on all sides with no views and no land. The property was like a chalet with lots of wood inside. Quite long and deceptively large - but not for us.
    We parted with Nathalie after the viewing and headed home.
    A lazy evening in the warm, with a fab omelette Tre devised (which all our last bits of various cheeses went into) - which was cheese heaven. A bit of football on the TV and the Man Flu returned. So an early night for me followed somethine later by Tre.
    Tomorrow we have five to view - we lost one today as it’s now under offer. It’s a field day for estate agents here - must be the easiest job in France at the moment.    もっと詳しく

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  • French Frolics

    21.11 Day 66 . . . . 6 - 2 Who Knew

    2022年11月21日, フランス ⋅ 🌧 7 °C

    The thing about being here in France is that the little things still need to be done - it’s not just one long holiday.
    So this morning was one of those need to do days, even though we really didn’t want to. Despite fighting off the worst case of Man Flu ever - also known as a tickly cough Tre and I had a quick bite for breakfast and then settled down to sort of manner of things admin.
    It seems that every job we attack here at the moment has at least three or four stages to it. What doesn’t help us the very annoying and poor wifi we have at ours. One minute it is fine the next it vanishes.
    So loaded with paracetamol and ibrufen via my onsite nurse we commenced finances, money transfers, insurances, flight bookings, vehicle import and a host of other bits and pieces which took up all of our morning.
    The majority of our tasks sorted I retreated to watch the first England game in the World Cup. I assumed i would watch us smash out another dull 0-0 result against a team ‘Iran’ who by old standards we should be beating fairly easily. Imagine my surprise when we actually took the lead and then doubled it - despite Harry McGuires best efforts to lose us a game again.
    So football ended with a nice little 6-2 win which made the Man Flu seem better.
    A little further house hunting and viewing booking with Teresa and we sat for our evening meal. Teresa suggested some Pinau Charente would be good for my tickly cough ‘Man Flu’ - and she was right . . . three good glasses of that later helped nicely as we sat listening to the rain outside. A little bit of TV before we turned in.
    Two house viewings tomorrow followed by six on Wednesday . . . Yes Six !!
    Let’s see how we get on.
    No Photos 🙁    もっと詳しく

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  • French Frolics

    20.11 Day 65 . . . . Sick Note

    2022年11月20日, フランス ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    Well today from nowhere I woke at about 4am with a raging sore throat and feeling rough. By the time Teresa awoke at about 7am I was obviously feeling particularly sorry for myself and let Tre know that this sort of extreme illness was never dealt with by women 🤭
    To be absolutely fair Tre immediately fished out some tablets, something I’d not bothered to do and began acting as Nurse Teresa for the day.
    So actually nothing happened in my world for most of the day other than feeling sorry for myself - whereas Teresa did the washing, tidied the gite, collected now dry washing that she had ironed, cooked dinner, made me numerous hot drinks and force fed me tablets.
    About five minutes before the start of the first World Cup game I made a miraculous recovery and was able to make it out of bed to the sofa.
    So the rest of the day comprised of a bit of footy on the telly followed by more rubbish on the tv, a lovely chilli and then a bit more rubbish tv before bed. The only interruption to this was a little house hunting on the internet, Tre doing all the hunting and then showing me for a thumbs up, thumbs down - well I was very very poorly!!
    So not the most exciting of days, but I do know I love my nurse x
    No photos 🙁    もっと詳しく

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  • French Frolics
    Our Little French Home
    Chasse Observation ChairLe Breuil CoiffaudWild Boar - Not Really Too ObviousRed Arrow Indicates Roxvanne

    19.11 Day 64 . . . Pisse Dru

    2022年11月19日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    So - first day back on our own after the departure of Mr & Mrs H.
    Straight away we were off to see anther house and found ourselves up and on our way to Sauze Vassais, to meet Chloe the estate agent who works in the same office as Charlotta. Charlotta was away so Chloe was standing in.
    We decided to take the back roads to Sauze as the morning was bright and beautifully crisp and clear. Some of the road side crops had dew like cobwebs on them as far as the eye could see and with the sun on them, they looked like necklaces of diamonds hanging between the plants. We also noted that the Chasse were out in numbers on this stunning day, what a day to spend walking around the countryside!
    We met with Chloe in Sauze and then followed her to Le Breuil Coiffaud, a small hamlet and a longer type property. Im not convinced Teresa or I were immediately favourably struck by the property, but we always look inside now. The longer had a hanger type barn attached through which you could access the rear garden, some smaller outbuildings and a larger barn adjacent to where we had entered. We were immediately told there was an issue with this barn re joint ownership, which further added to our non favour. Inside was ok, nothing worse than we had seen before, stone floors, fireplaces, a small kitchen below the staircase and relatively small bedrooms upstairs. The outbuildings were all effectively small barns. The garden at the rear was overgrown but was quite large - and it spread along, behind and to the side of a neighbouring property. Quite a large size, however Chloe couldn’t confirm what bit were in the sale and which bits weren’t. Chloe also told us that the owner was a keen hunter, which actually probably didn’t need saying with a boar head hanging on the outside wall 😂
    We left Chloe and the property and drove again through the stunning sunlit countryside, back to Chef Boutonne for chocolate. We then as normal hit SuperU for some food supplies at which point I convinced Teresa that she would like Sausage and Lentils in a tin . . . a bit like you’d get baked beans. I got away with it - however Tre did then hit back by grabbing a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau as it was the first day of its release. I was slightly concerned about the choice of name on the branding ‘Pisse Dru’ - but hey ho, let’s see what its like.
    At home we broke open both the sausage in a tin and the ‘Pisse Dru’ and spent the remainder of the afternoon and evening in the warm, sorting some bits and pieces and also ensuring I had a full schedule of the World Cup games that start tomorrow.
    During the evening I also noticed that a Music Festival Tre and I had visited earlier this year with Mr & Mrs Annals, had used a photograph of our Roxvanne in their next year’s advert . . . without even asking permission.
    I feel an email to them is to be written tomorrow!    もっと詳しく

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  • French Frolics

    18.11 Day 63 . . . Bon Voyage

    2022年11月18日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Early starts are never easy and meeting Mr & Mrs H downstairs at reception at 4.15am was like torture.
    We trundled out to Roxvanne and the hire car and loaded up. Again Mr H came with me whilst Mary B went with Tre for the four minute drive to the airport. It took longer to de-mist the cars before leaving than it did to drive there.
    Both cars into the short term parking we went with Mr & Mrs H to ensure they were ok and all checked in - I actually just wanted to check Mr H was leaving the country 😂
    Within what seemed only minutes, they were into security, belts and bags everywhere whilst navigating the search process . . . and then they were gone 🙁
    Tre and I then undertook the car park tango, firstly getting one parking ticket paid, out to the Hire car, out of the short term car park, drive to the hire car compound, lock it up, drop the keys in the security box (when we eventually found it), back into the terminal building, pay for the next ticket, out to Roxvanne and then eventually leave the car park and start the drive home.
    We were then back on the N10 heading home, stopping only briefly to grab a coffee for the journey.
    As we drive the couple of hours the sun came up and we were treated to low lying mist across the fields and around the trees. It was a lovely drive we seemed to fly by.
    We had decided we had some jobs to do when we got home, but when we got home ours plans changed . . . Both hopped into bed for a couple of hours sleep 💤
    When we eventually were awoken by a phone call, we talked ourselves into getting up. Tre sorted some bits and I did some home and work admin . . . and bill paying!
    The afternoon drifted into the evening, with just a confirmation that our travelling friends had arrived back at home in the UK . . . and that was it - day finished.
    Telly and bed.    もっと詳しく

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  • French Frolics
    1

    17.11 Day 62 . . . Bordeaux Bound

    2022年11月17日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Our aim was to leave by about 9.30am to travel to Bordeaux and then have some time in the city.
    It was about that time when we packed the Hollywoods cases into the car and we set off, myself and Mr H in the hire car and Tre and Mrs H following along in Roxvanne. As per the last couple of days the weather was bloody awful and we made slow progress down the N10 in the rain dodging the numerous HGVs that were thundering along with us.
    We stopped briefly on route to grab some food and a hot drink and then we were off again on the very short last leg to Bordeaux. One pit stop just outside Bordeaux to fill the hire car tank with fuel and then in towards the airport and to out very cheap and cheerful hotel.
    We arrived at the hotel in pouring rain and ran inside to book in. Ten minutes later we had dropped all our bags I to the rooms and had established from the receptionist that the No 1 bus took us to the heart of the city.
    We walked now thankfully in light drizzle to the bus stop and waited. The receptionist had promised buses were every ten minutes and she wasn’t wrong. All on board for the princely sum of €6 for all four of us, we undertook what was about 30 minutes to the city centre.
    We hopped off at Gambette-Mériadeck as instructed by the receptionist and walked towards the Cathedral.
    It was a matter of minutes before we found ourselves in-explicably drawn into an Irish bar ‘The Connemara’ where we had a couple of drinks to warm up from several dousing’s of rain. From there we wandered a few minutes around the corner to Bordeaux Cathedral - Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux. Bordeaux Cathedral, officially known as the Primatial Cathedral of St Andrew of Bordeaux (French: Cathédrale-Primatiale Saint-André de Bordeaux), is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Andrew and located in Bordeaux. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Bordeaux.
    Link https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bordeaux_Cathedral
    By now the light had almost gone and we spent sometime in the square watching artists sketching, before finally entering the cathedral. Inside was absolutely jaw-dropping. The height, the design, the detail and the pure amazement of how this could have been built, like this, so many years ago. It was an absolute pleasure to walk around this cathedral and that is from someone who is not the greatest lover of churches or things religious. To top it all at one point, there was an evening service, which in the main was sung by both the church clergy and those attending the service - it was very special and truly lovely to hear.
    We finally left the cathedral and walked east until hitting the road which runs along the west side of the River Garonne. We walked along the river before turning back west when we reached Porte Cailhau. Built between 1493 and 1496 on the site of an ancient defensive gate, this gatehouse honoured King Charles VIII’s conquest of the Kingdom of Naples. On the sidefacing the river, a niche with his effigy commemorates his victories in the build up to the Battle of Fornovo (1495). While undoubtedly a military edifice, equipped with a port cullis and wide machicolations, the forthcoming Renaissance period brought with it a new architectural language of mullioned windows and freestone carvings. It provides a 23 metre high panoramic view of the river.
    We then walked the back streets until we found a restaurant, which turned out to be directly opposite the cathedral again - when we did we were so lucky to find one that was so typically French, which was perfect for our last night with Mr & Mrs H. Café Français at 5 Pl. Pey Berland, is as you would imagine a French restaurant to be. Styled and just so! We also hit gold with our waitress ‘Harmonie’ who could not do enough to help us, smiling and laughing the entire time. She was a credit to the restaurant - at tentative when she needed to be without overly fussing. Three of us undertook steaks while Mrs H has a lovely looking salad. Very large beers and wine were had before puds!
    All four of rolled out of the restaurant, totally stuffed.
    We walked back to Gambette-Mériadeck to catch the bus back to the hotel, conscious it was getting late. After realising we needed to find the street for the return journey, which was not Gambette-Mériadeck, we hastily hustled through some further back streets, before having to ask a bar owner for directions. He kindly came out of his bar and walked us down another side street and pointing to our stop.
    Ten minutes later we were on the bus back and half hour later we walked into our hotel, said our good nights and retired to our rooms.
    Tomorrow was going to be a very early start !!    もっと詳しく

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  • French Frolics

    16.11 Day 61 . . . Wind Turbines

    2022年11月16日, フランス ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    Mr & Mrs H seem to have brought some rain with them from Blighty and so it continued this morning, even with us having a lazy get up and ready - it was still a bit damp outside.
    We had no firm plans for today, so decided to do a little road trip around some villages and hamlets that Tre and I hadn’t visited yet, let alone the Hollywoods.
    We headed generally west through the countryside clipping the north side of Chef Boutonne down to visit Cateau Javazay which of course was shut due to the time of year, but worth a quick visit for MR & Mrs H We then headed south towards Fontenille-Saint-Martin-D’Entraigues and then on and through Paizay-Le- Chapt, to Ensigné and then through the forest (where the chasse were out in force) through to Vinax.
    Now ever since Mr H has been here he has attempted to get ip close and personal to a wind turbine, even going off for walks from ours to go attempt to get close the ones near us. Well today was the day - in and around Vinax we got about as close as you can get by car (without using the specifically designed paths to them for the Turbine engineers) and so Mr H took the plunge and headed off across the field to get to one. Even from the car the sound and turbulence from them was obvious. We watched as Mr H hurdled the ploughed ditches of the field and got his photos. Once back in the car we decided it was time for hot chocolate and headed back towards Chef Boutonne. The journey did consist of an awful lot of re-runs of one particular video Mr H had obtained of the turbine and its noise. Little did we know this video and it’s soundtrack would feature heavily upon us over the next few days 😂
    Back in Chef we visited our normal haunt and grabbed some hot chocolate, then SuperU to grab some merguez sausages for tea.
    Back in the car we trotted off to Mellerand to show Paul & Mary the lovely church there . . . It was shut !!
    So we trundled back to ours where we were visited by Hannah our lovely landlady, who over-saw me bypass part of our pellet burner by undoing two cables from there connectors and joining them together with a paper clip. This apparently is the approved method when the pellet burner doesn’t feed pellets correctly - so says the chimney sweep/pellet burner man. He is due in a few days with a replacement part.
    After that excitement we chilled and listened to some music - Mrs H enlightening us on the extensive catalogue of Charles Aznavour and Mr H loads of old stuff none of had heard for ages - 10cc for one . . . . ‘Oh Donna’ probably not being one of their best tracks!
    Merguez sausages in crusty French bread with other bits for tea followed by the ‘Tourteau Fromagé’ the speciality Deux Sevrés cheese cake and the infamous Pomme Flan.
    Early-ish night as Bordeaux bound tomorrow!    もっと詳しく

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  • French Frolics

    15.11 Day 60 . . . Aubigne House

    2022年11月15日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    So it would not be a holiday trip without us showing our guests our little Lezay market as it was Tuesday. We dragged Mr & Mrs Hollywood out of our place early doors and off we went in the torrential rain to Lezay with Mr H having a drive of the splendid hire car.
    Surprising, we arrived safely and non-dented at Lezay and basically run (shuffled) from the car to the little cafe we often visit. The rain was bloody awful. We weren’t the only ones seeking cover in the cafe as it appeared the busiest we’d ever seen it.
    The waitress came over to take our order, at which point Mr H - buoyed by his driving display, decided to go for gold and order his own drink . . . ‘Un café con lèche por favor’ belted bravely across the table. I was sure the waitress was about to burst into a fit of giggles but instead she simply replied ‘Oui’ and took the remaining orders. I was left speechless 😂
    Most of the regular market stalls had failed to turn up due to the weather, but in a short break from the rain we did a quick tour of the stalls that were on site or within the indoor market. The indoor market allowed Mr H to practice more of his French vocabulary ordering a ‘Pomme Flan’, which again was met with jaw dropping understanding by the market worker. I think I will have a go at the language Mr H uses as it works every time.
    Mrs H had a go as well ordering six pears, although she almost ordered 16 - but saved herself brilliantly.
    The market was however such a damp squib we returned to the car and home with pears, pomme flan a cheese ballon cake and various other goodies safely secured.
    We had an hour or so at home and grabbing lunch before heading out to view a house at Aubigne. There we met Peter the estate agent who showed us a lovely property with a stunning garden, in fact really three independent gardens and a further area of orchard that needed recovery from brambles on acid. The house was actually three houses all joined. The first was in a good state of repair with some interior work required. The middle second needed decidedly more work, more than we had expected. The third was a wreck - so much so it had its own resident bats . . . Yes bats!
    The houses however were in a lovely setting with lovely grounds and Teresa just loved the church nearby, I however was less enthused about bells every hour at a distance of about 50 metres away. After a good period of time we left the property and made our way to Chef Boutonne.
    At Chef we entered a bar we’ve not visited too many times and had a couple of drinks. Then we went to grab some supplies from the SuperU Express - we decided introduce Mr & Mrs H to confit duck.
    Back home we had the duck and another batch of smashed potatoes, all washed down with a few wines, beers and pinau, before calling it a day.
    Tomorrow is due to be better weather - fingers crossed.    もっと詳しく

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    14.11 Day 59 . . . . La Rochelle

    2022年11月14日, フランス ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    We had already decided that today was going to be a little bit of an adventure for all of us, so up and breakfasted we hopped into our ‘Ronaldo Upgrade’ Peugeot 3008 and off we set for La Rochelle.
    Heading west the weather wasn’t too good - in fact it was raining heavily. The only hope was, that as we gazed west we could see blue sky in the distance - a long way off.
    We passed some stunning countryside as we trundled along towards the coast and it was pleasing not to be asked once ‘Are we there yet?’
    As we rolled into La Rochelle we attempted to head for the old port but found on almost getting there that the last couple of roads were blocked. Another route ended with the same result on different roads. Not wishing to walk too far in the still wet weather we decided to head out of the town centre and over the bridge to Îlé de Ré, which I hadn’t known was even there until we were searching the maps for a route to the port. We paid the fee to cross the Pont de L’Îlé de Ré which is quite a spectacular bridge spanning on what seems like a curve to the island.
    Once onto the island we stopped to admire a couple of lovely beaches on both the north and south sides of the island. The sun had now decided to make an appearance although the breeze was quite fresh. The tide was out and so the entirety of the beach could be seen. It did remind Tre and I if our days at West Wittering.
    Further down the beach we could see men working with tractors on the beach and we guessed it may be to do with mussel or oyster farming - but we were to far to see.
    Obligatory photos taken we decided to drive further down the island. We hadn’t quite realised how large it was and it wasn’t long before we decided that as the weather had now changed for the better, that perhaps now was the time to return to La Rochelle. A quick coffee and sandwich grabbed at a cafe and we were heading back over the bridge, looking to head to the old port from the opposite direction than previously.
    Off the bridge we hung a right and found our way straight to a parking area near the port.
    The sun was still out and so our little explore of La Rochelle could commence.
    Heading south on Rue des Fagots (which obviously incurred sniggers from Mr H) we found ourselves at the Tour de la Lanterne (The Lantern Tower of La Rochelle). The Lantern Tower is one of the three medieval historic towers in La Rochelle, Poitou-Charentes, France, which guarded the port at Aunis. The Lantern tower served as a Lighthouse and a prison throughout its history. It was also known by other names: Garrot tower, Priest tower, and Four Sergeant tower.
    From there we walked along the battlement to the Tour de La Chaîne (Chain Tower). The Chain Tower along with the Lantern Tower and the Saint Nicolas Tower, is one of the three medieval towers guarding the port in La Rochelle. It is called the Chain Tower because an actual chain was stretched across the port entrance from this building. We then dropped down to Cr des Dames and walked alongside the port area. We noticed here that one of the restaurants were specialising in oysters - fresh from Îlé de Ré.
    After a slow walk around the port we stopped for drinks in the late afternoon sunshine - overlooking the port.
    A further slow walk around many of the back streets and shops found us finally returning to the car park, loading up and heading for home.
    One quick stop for fuel and we were back home for the evening and food - ham and cheese pancakes baked in with tomatoes and onions and topped with even more cheese. May have been a couple of glasses of wine as well - just maybe!
    Tomorrow is market day - early to bed!    もっと詳しく

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    Brittlestems / Inkcaps

    13.11 Day 58 . . . . Lazy Sunday

    2022年11月13日, フランス ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    Not surprisingly no-one was in a rush to get up today and we didn’t really make it downstairs til gone 10am.
    Sitting on the patio area Mr H noticed the Hummingbird Moth that was mentioned here a few days ago - back on its favourite flower. At the same time Teresa noticed we were now growing our own mushrooms in the flower beds. A little research provided us with all the info we needed about adding them to our breakfast regime . . . . Er No! Apparently they are called Ink-caps and not particularly healthy eating.
    The sun was glorious today and so after a quick breakfast all four of us located out to the pool area.
    The pool was way to cold to tempt a dip and besides, Hannah had fitted the winter cover so it was more of a trampoline than a swimming pool.
    Sun loungers and cushions set out we all settled back for a day in the sunshine and warmth of the day.
    We pretty much stayed out all day with the exception of trips to get drinks and ice creams! Ice creams by the pool in November . . . WTF !!
    Nothing other to report for today, apart from some glowing pink faces come 7pm and some rested people.
    Along with pork chops and roasted vegetables we introduced the Hollywoods to our new smashed potato concept, which being the potato queen he is Mr H was surprisingly gracious about.
    That was it for the day - sunshine and rest, lovely!!    もっと詳しく

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    12.11 Day 57 . . . . And We’re Back

    2022年11月12日, フランス ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    So we are back - bet you’ve not missed us!!
    As work had finished yesterday and we had returned to East Grinstead, water and fed ourselves - we were up mega early this morning to get a cab to the airport.
    The cab arrived early and we found ourselves at Gatwick North Terminal about half an hour later.
    A short while later we unfortunately bumped into an odd couple - Mr and Mrs Hollywood, who had weirdly booked onto the same flight as us. As a gesture of good will we decided to stick with them and made our way through the airport to our flight. Whilst on the boarding jetty a comment was made about Mr H being the glue that held everything together to which I remarked ‘Yes he has always been a Pritt’ (as in Pritt Stick) but needs a letter changed - little did I know how many times this would get mentioned over the coming days. Take off was on time and arrival at Bordeaux was just over an hour later. After making a schoolboy error and taking a large bag with no wheels, I suffered in the Bordeaux sunshine lugging it to the car rental office.
    Anyone that visits Bordeaux and hires a car should consider Enterprise - just to get the experience of ‘Ronaldo’ the agent who looked after us. Very proficient, happy to have a laugh about absolutely anything and happy to ‘on the spot’ upgrade our car hire option made him star of the day.
    Off towards our place on the normal route out of Bordeaux, north and most of the way on the N10. A brief stop for coffee and a sandwich only. Within two hours we were pulling up outside and I loading suitcases for Mr & Mrs H.
    We decided to give them the grand tour - all of five minutes, followed by a cup of British tea and then a chill for an hour or so.
    Back out off to get supplies (from our now favourite SuperU) for the four of us for the next couple of days and to stock up on Rosé, primarily for
    Mr H of course - and then back to ours.
    Due to the fact that we were all completely knackered from the days early start and travels we decided to have a light snack type of evenings food washed down with a bottle of our Epernay champagne, which we had specially put in the fridge before leaving a couple weeks ago. To top off the evening we had the grand first lighting of the pellet burner - as we had not fired this up in anger since being here. All went well until it decided to shut down shortly after firing up. Re-started and fired up again . . . It shut down five minutes later. So we ended the evening, full, slightly warmed, knackered (especially Mr H who it had all become a little too much for - as the photos show) - knowing I had to sort the burner tomorrow so that it worked for the rest of Mr & Mrs H’s little stay . . . and of course for us longer term!    もっと詳しく

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    I did promise a hyperlapse of our last journey over to France - full version on Instagram

    31.10 - 11.11 Day 45 - 56 . . Not France

    2022年10月31日, イングランド ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    31.10.22 . . . Day 45 . . . East Grinstead & Travel to Manston
    01.11..22-05.11.22 Days 46-50 . . . Work!!
    06.11.22 . . . Day 51 . . . Day Off For Visits
    07.11.22-11.11.22 Days 52-56 . . . Work!!

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    Waiting on Shirley
    I need say nothing else!!Departures, Check In and Security all in one hallWest of Paris at nightSatellite Terminal1Mr & Mrs Hollywood - Superstars!

    30.10 Day 44 . . . Last Day For A While!

    2022年10月30日, イングランド ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Last day at our place today, for a while anyway. My work getting in the way of French life . . . Not for much longer.
    We spent the early morning chilling and catching up with emails and messages. Then it was time to get on. Packing a bag to cover both of us for 11 days, together with my work bag - trying to ensure I’d not forgot anything. As we are flying it felt different to when we driven in Roxvanne, as I had everything and some spares, but not this time.
    So bags sorted and everything tidied up and put away we were cooking on gas. Then a short surge in the electric turned the pellet burner display on! We’ve not had it on since being there. I pressed the on/off button to switch it off but actually turned it on instead. Pellets dropping into the burner and the flame licking away within an instant. It didn’t matter how many times I tried to switch it off, it didn’t want to know and carried on chucking out heat. Finally we decided to leave it be for a while and eventually it started to ease and finally went out. Not what I wanted as we were about to leave the property.
    We spent the remainder of the afternoon chillin before grabbing our bags to go and meet our lift to the airport.
    At about 5.30pm Shirley arrived together with Rosemary and we were soon on route to Limoges . . . But not for long. Literally 10 minutes later we were directed off the road by a fleet of motorcycle riding Gendarmes. To be fair, a few checks of Shirley’s documents and we were on our way again - much to Tre and my relief.
    We arrived at Limoges at just gone 7pm - it being more like a service station on a motorway that’s and airport.
    We said our goodbyes to both Shirley and Rosemary and we went to check in. About 45 minutes later Tre and I were sitting waiting for oit now delayed flight, having cleared security and passport control.
    We finally hopped onto the plane at about 10.30pm and with a slightly bumpy but otherwise uneventful flight we subsequently landed at Gatwick at 10.30pm UK time - who knew we were time travellers!!
    Was a little surreal getting off the plane and walking from what used to be called the satellite at the south terminal through to the passport hall. No more is there a transit system as there was those many years ago when working at the airport - but it brought back memories just the same.
    Passports checked, we are back in the UK, bags collected from the baggage belts and Tre was on the phone for a taxi.
    As we walked from the Nothing to Declare lanes outside to the arrivals hall, we were jumped on by Mr and Mrs Hollywood - scaring the bejesus out of us . . . totally unexpected. They had pitched up without telling us just to say hello and welcome us home. Was a lovely thought and gesture - the sort of thing these mad muppets do all the time.
    An all to short period later The Hollywoods were on route to the car park to their car and us to our waiting taxi.
    Half an hour later we were indoors in East Grinstead it being about midnight. That’s it back in the UK for the next 11 days!
    A journey back to Kent tomorrow to start - and countdown to getting back to France at the end of those days . . . This time we have The Hollywoods coming for a visit . . . what could go wrong.    もっと詳しく

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    29.10 Day 43 . . . Do Nothing!

    2022年10月29日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Today was our last day before we travel back to Blighty again - for me to do a few more days UK work.
    So we got up late to find the weather a little overcast and possibly even chilly!
    I managed to destroy two apple pastries for breakfast before we decided to sort a couple of things on the laptop, well the weather was pants for once!
    Wifi playing up again we decided to sack the laptop idea and got ready to go out. When I say go out it was only to grab some more pellets for the as yet unused pellet burner, some food to see us through to departure tomorrow and some cash.
    We spent more time than normal wandering around SuperU - this has been the first time we have actually just wandered and checked everything out within the store - every other time we have had other things to do so have kept it to a minimum.
    Everything we needed in the trolley, we paid and left.
    A quick jaunt to Melle for the cash we needed and then Tre drove us home.
    We unpacked a few more things from Roxvanne that we had left in there since returning from the UK last time and then sat in the now sunshine for an hour or so.
    In the late afternoon we decided to watch the first DVD film since arriving here in September with a couple of glasses of Pineau de Charentes . . . our first bottle of this local produce - very sweet and a little like sherry?
    Tre knocked up a fab dinner and we chilled for the remainder of the evening.
    Tomorrow has come too quickly and we really don’t want to go!    もっと詳しく

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    28.10 Day 42 . . . Admin Admin Admin

    2022年10月28日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Today we needed to sort a few things admin. Initially as always the wifi was playing up so after an hour of faffing about with it we hit a solution and we could get a decent enough signal.
    First off was the email to the Douane asking him when we might hear about the van importation cost for Roxvanne. It had been a good four weeks since we visited him and then sent him the documents he required. A nice polite ‘have we missed your reply’ email sent we got onto the next.
    Calling Renault to get a Certificate of Conformity and asking them what documents they would accept as proof of ownership, bearing in mind some of our documents are in storage. That sorted we gathered together all the electronic versions of everything and submitted on their portal. After three attempts due to their portal reporting an error, it was back on the phone to Renault. ‘Have you tried a different device or could you use another search engine’ was the advice we received. Less than happy I did try another search engine, but decided enough was enough and we should go out for a while.
    Off out in Roxvanne we decided to take the back roads to Sauze Vaussais and check out a couple of other little hamlets on route.
    We travelled through Melleran on route and passed a huge wood yard, which we must remember for when we start our projects. Also we have noticed what appears to be a late or second round of Sun Flowers being produced in quite a few of the fields. Some definitely look like a second crop and although short in height are stunning with flower.
    Into Sauze Vaussais we had our first encounter in a post office to send some documents (actually Tre did, I just stood, listened and smiled like an idiot). Then into the little spar shop to buy a few bits
    We then drove from Sauze to Lorigné and then back across towards Melleran and stopped at the impressive church which is undergoing restoration inside. Église Notre-Dame (Melleran) has a stunning bell tower which is accessed immediately on entering. It was a pity scaffolding was within, but it was still possible to see the vaulted ceilings and artwork at the alter that the restoration guys were working on.
    After visiting the church we covered quite a few more country lanes before ending up back at ours.
    On arrival at the gite we had received a reply from the Douane who wanted us to call him. Preparing ourselves for an attempt to liaise with him in part poor French on our side and part poor English on his - and also how much it was going to cost us. The call went well, everything understood and nowhere near as expensive as we had dreaded.
    Then to top it all I checked the laptop and the Renault portal thing had worked as well - result!
    I then emptied some larger tool items from Roxvanne, which I had found a home for in the Gite and we then relaxed into the late afternoon and evening.
    Not such a bad day after all. Progress!!    もっと詳しく

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    The worst of the two refurb houses!!

    27.10 Day 41 . . . Second Visit

    2022年10月27日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    So today we arranged another viewing of the Goatery with Charlotta, at about 4.30pm.
    We kicked our heels most of the morning just doing bits and pieces, and started to arrange meeting Shirley at some point in the afternoon who was going to drop us at the airport on Sunday.
    Anyhow Charlotta called and the viewing changed to 2.30pm.
    At just gone 2pm Tre and I were standing in the grounds of the Goatery once again. Both of us a little quiet I guess trying to think things through. This had not been the sort of place we thought we might be interested in.
    Charlotta arrived and we spent another good hour walking the house and outbuildings, trying to establish what exactly was where and what needed work, or a greater amount of work.
    At about 4pm we said our goodbyes to Charlotta after she had answered thousands of questions from us and we drove in virtual silence to Chef B for chocolate (Drinking chocolate not a huge bar of galaxy) where we sat again quite quietly with our own thoughts on the viewing.
    We left Chef B not long after and popped to see Shirley - who was lovely. A glass of wine, a chat about all things France and we were off home.
    At home we had some of the chilli we had made a week or so ago and due to being absolutely head smashed we had an early-ish night.
    A lot to think about!!    もっと詳しく

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    1

    26.10 Day 40 . . . Bordeaux Bound

    2022年10月26日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    I hate getting up early but once I’m up I’m fine - it’s a pity the same can’t be said for teenagers. Getting up at 2.00am was always going to be a gutter and so it proved, but as duty driver to the airport I hopped out of bed and dragged some clothes on - as did Tre. However the person that actually needed to be at the airport for her flight was less than eager to do the same and when they did open their eyes thought it best to have a ten minute muse over the content of their phone whilst still in bed.
    Anyhow - that quickly rectified, Munch was packed into Roxvanne with myself and Tre and off we set. The sky was stunning and absolutely massed with stars due to their being no ambiant light.
    Just before 5am we pulled into Bordeaux Airport and walked to the main terminal to check in. Checking the boards - yep, we had to go to the other terminal, the one we had gone to first on Saturday before being re-directed. Think Bordeaux has it in for us!
    At Billi, Munch was soon on her way through security and out of sight - after a fairly long hug from mum of course!
    We now had other plans - we had arranged as we were going to be in Bordeaux to meet with someone re taxes/enrôlement etc into French systems . . . At 9.00am. So we found a very dark corner near the airport and tried to grab an hours shut eye in Roxvanne. The later having failed we decided at about 7.00am to drive into and across Bordeaux City to the location we were to meet.
    We parked up at about 7.45am and found ourselves a pre meet cafe for a needed cup of coffee. Just before 9.00am we had changed location and found ourselves sat in the very lovely Cafe des Arts 138 Cr Victor Hugo, 33000 . . . awaiting our meeting.
    The meeting with Deo went well and lasted about an hour or so - we said our goodbyes and wandered back to Roxvanne.
    We decided to take a different route home so that we could drive a little of Bordeaux. We intend to be back here in a couple of weeks for a longer visit.
    Back on the main roads we headed home with one aim in mind - sleep!
    At about 2pm having grabbed more bread and cheese we flopped by the pool. The pool area is a real sun trap as enclosed all around - so was the perfect place to catch up on a little sleep.
    We were again visited in the evening by the neighbours pet - who now goes by the name of Pussy Chat and I am reliably informed is female!    もっと詳しく

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    25.10 Day 39 . . . Early Starts Are Good

    2022年10月25日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Today we had decided to get up early-ish and head for our favourite market at Lezay. We hoped getting there early would allow us to see any livestock that was being sold.
    We headed out (once Munch had fallen out of bed and got ready of course) it still being dark with a hint of the sunrise above the couple of nearby rooftops.
    We took the backroads to Lezay and gazed at the mist still laying across the farming fields, now with the sun up treating us to some lovely views.
    Lezay market was not too busy and stalls were still being set up - so my early was a bit too early according to Tre. We grabbed a well appreciated hot chocolate and then started to look around the stalls. There were definitely more stalls than last time we had visited - perhaps last time we were indeed too late. Tre and Munch hogged the clothes stalls while I took time trying to work out what some of the tools were on the local builders stalls. There are so many items here, I guess due to the agricultural area, that I have no clue as to what they are or what they are for.
    The food again was stunning and we saw possibly the largest cauliflowers in the world - larger than a basketball!
    We took a hit though whilst walking the stalls when we heard that the house we really liked at Hanc had had a further viewing after us yesterday, who had subsequently offered and had their offer accepted. So we have lost out on that little gem 🙁
    We finished at the market with purchases of another three sausages, chorizo, peppercorn and hazelnut - the last being Tre’s choice . . . I would never have!! Bread, a local goats cheese and some olives - oh and Tre got another bag!
    Back home to have lunch before venturing out again in the afternoon for two further viewings.
    In the afternoon we went, a little hesitantly after this mornings news, to meet with Charlotta the estate agent who we had met at Gournay. In her office we had previously arranged to visit a couple of properties but last minute whilst with her in the office I interfered - assisted by Munch, so we dropped one house and opted to go see a different one which Tre deemed as madness, she thought we had lost our minds . . . It was an old goatery!
    Anyhow off we trooped.
    The first house was in Bouligné - it was Infact two house which had been joined, a small barn attached and a hanger barn at the back. A small garden to the rear with the hanger and a larger garden at the front. Views across a very quiet road to fields and woodland.
    One house was in better condition than the other but but happily habitable - just in need of some serious updates. I guess we spent about 45 mins wandering the rooms and barn areas before leaving. All three of us quite liking the place. We then drove to Loizé where on arrival Tre exclaimed ‘Holy Crap’. After about five minutes I realised Tre had quite warmed to the place as had Munch and I.
    A house, numerous outbuildings, a barn, a voters and two further houses in need of renovation (full renovation). It took a fair while to explore everything that was here, but all three of us came away with a sense of wonderment at everything on offer . . . Did I mention the other bit of land around the corner?!!!
    We finally parted with Charlotte and drove to Chef for a drink and de-brief.
    Sitting in the bar I laughed whilst listening to a guy accepting yet another beer from his buddy, exclaiming - ‘I’ll tell her I had a puncture’ - he was later seen very wobbly on a bike heading out of town.
    Tre and Munch decided they wanted burgers for tonight, so burgers and baps purchased we headed for home.
    It wasn’t long before we had eaten and decided an early night was needed due to the early start in the morning to get Munch to the airport.
    Not much sleep to be had tonight.    もっと詳しく

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    Hanc HouseSt Claud HouseThe video makes the wings look so slow!!

    24.10 Day 38 . . . Charente Or Bust

    2022年10月24日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    A lazy morning padding around at the gite and enjoying the sunshine outside on the patio area. I decided to do a little David Attenborough as I’d seen something buzzing in a bush for a couple of days now. This little thing looked like a wasp, but had a long nose like a hummingbird and wings that were flapping at an incredible speed. After numerous attempts to photograph it (apologies for the photos attached) I popped the image through my handy phone app - and ta da!! The hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) - is a species of hawk moth found across temperate regions of Eurasia. The species is named for its similarity to hummingbirds, as they feed on the nectar of tube-shaped flowers using their long proboscis while hovering in the air; this resemblance is an example of convergent evolution. The hummingbird hawk-moth was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. As of 2018, its entire genome and mitogenome have been sequenced.
    What did I tell you! So having been that smart I decided to search out another resident . . . and found A Crowned Orbweaver - a common species of orb-weaver, crowned orbweaver (Araneus diadematus) builds large and noticeable webs. Only the females build webs, and they may prey upon their mates before, during or after engaging in sexual intercourse. Crowned orbweaver is reluctant to bite humans and will not do so unless scared or provoked. It avoids danger by vibrating in its web until it becomes a blur, confusing predators.
    A little later we drove to have a second viewing of the Hanc property which we liked having seen it a few days ago. It didn’t disappoint although I did spot a few more area that needed work - but that was always going to be the case. We were met there again by Natalie who then lead us across to a second property in Charente, in the small hamlet of St Claud. The roads into the property were ridiculously tight and many of them. The property had been worked on previously as a conversion but the builder had run out of funds. So masses still to do as a bit more of a wreck. There was also lots of traffic noise from nearby - so we quickly dismissed it. We also decided this particular area of Charente was not for us.
    Back into Roxvanne we decided to visit Ruffec, but in arrival the town was closed, everything was shut - so we decided to go to Sauze Vaussais to the small bar Tre and I had visited the Sunday previously, but that was shut too together with most everything else. We still haven’t got our head around open and closing times.
    We drove home and spent the late afternoon and evening there.
    We had a couple of days before bought the most mooosive sausages, which we had for our evening meal with other snacky bits!
    Tomorrow is market day in Lezay - we need to get up early 🤭

    Footnote:
    Just realised why the Hawk Moth liked the plant it was on . . .
    Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is a perennial, flowering shrub that grows from 61 to 91 cm tall. The flowers, typically red, can also be found in white, pink, orange, or purple. This disease and insect free plant is drought tolerant and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Perfect as a colorful, low-growing hedge.    もっと詳しく

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    23.10 Day 37 . . . Civray Brocante

    2022年10月23日, フランス ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    So we thought we were going to all sleep in this morning, but that didn’t seem to happen and we all woke relatively early.
    We decided we would have a lazy morning until Tre saw an advert for a Brocante at Civray. All happy to give it a go, we hustled around and we’re out the door at about 11am.
    Parked up in Civray we found the brocant in the main square. To be fair it wasn’t the biggest or busiest of affairs and seemed to be more professional sellers of antique type items, than the locals selling their ‘not wanted’ items we had seen at others. After a slow walk around we decided to show Munch the interior of the Church of St Nicolas which holds positions in the main square. A treasure of Roman Art, the 12th century Civray Church has a rectangular-shaped façade bearing many wonderful sculptures including depictions of wise and foolish virgins and also the Assumption. The inside of the church is decorated with an octagonal lantern tower and a mural recounting the story of Saint Giles.
    After Civray we popped down to Charroux with the intention of showing Munch the Tower that holds centre stage within the town. On arrival however we found it was closed - afternoon shutdown! So we had a look from the outside at the Tower and then had a wander up and down the main street and the covered market. Once we had walked Charroux we hopped back into Roxvanne and headed for home and some late lunch.
    Back at ours and following some more bread and cheese Tre and Munch visited the pool for done sunshine while I inspected the insides of my eyelids for an hour or so.
    The afternoon quickly rolled into the evening where I threw together some duck breast, smashed potatoes with garlic and lardons and salad.
    It was probably the smell of the duck breast cooking that brought the first visit of our neighbours cat to our patio area. Definitely not a lap cat, but very much I’m here to be stroked type of cat - he/she (I didn’t check) stayed for an hour before wandering off into the now darkness of the night.
    Tomorrow we view some properties again.    もっと詳しく

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    22.10 Day 36 . . . New Arrivals

    2022年10月22日, フランス ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    So today was the day Munch (Melissa) arrived for a few days. To say Tre was excited is probably the most understated comment I could make.
    We woke to find the flight was delayed, so calls were made and new collection times arranged.
    Tre and I left at about 9am intending to take a leisurely drive down to Bordeaux in Roxvanne. The weather was glorious and we enjoyed our first hour before stopping to grab a coffee and a slice of quiche pour moi!
    Back on the road - both Roxvanne and myself refuelled we trundled to the airport and after one aborted parking attempt, completed the job on the second circuit of the car parks - me now happy I could get Roxvanne in without can-opening the roof off.
    I was told in no uncertain terms we shouldn’t enter the main terminal as we had to go to the Billie Terminal. After a short and sharp exchange we waddled to Billie. After entering we found no sign of the flight we were awaiting on the arrivals board. Much to Tre’s annoyance I suggested we try the main terminal - as the flight had been delayed. I basked in my glory at the sight of the flight number we needed proudly listed on the arrivals board in the main terminal . . . . I didn’t rub it in for too long 😂
    After about 30 mins the flight had landed and on sighting Munch, Tre bounced on the spot like an excited puppy on a lead and then rushed for the big hug. Munch could not of been made more welcome - it was lovely.
    Back in Roxvanne I mentioned to Tre that I knew she was overly excited and chatty, which I totally understood - but could she just keep an eye on the phone sat nav to make sure I didn’t miss our turn and hit the toll road (our sat nav doesn’t like France so we bounce between the phone and the sat nav).
    Anyhow - as I subsequently approached the toll booths 😡😡😡 I realised we were on an alternative route. To be fair it only cost €12 to arrive at the same destination 10 minutes earlier than the non toll route. That said the route was more scenic so couldn’t complain . . . that much!
    Dropped into SuperU to get foods that Munch would like for the next few days and then trundled back to our place.
    At the airport we had booked a pizza restaurant for the evening booked for 7pm. We arrived at our gite at 5pm, so it was a quick turn around before heading back out.
    We arrived at Chef Boutonne just prior to 7pm and made our way to Jo’s. Pizzas and lasagne (for Tre) ordered up and hurriedly eaten, we decided to have an early night as we were all pooped.
    The drive home was a little longer than normal as I missed the turning, not that Tre or Munch noticed or mentioned it all the remainder of the way home - but we made it in the end.
    Indoors, locked up and off to bed for all of us - with a lazy day planned for tomorrow.    もっと詳しく

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