NOT A SAD POSTING

My Father passed away 15 years ago today.

At the time, I was still in the Navy, and heading towards my "time done"

I often wonder what he would have made of me moving to France, being in business, and being supremely happy in all things I do right now!

Sadly missed, and never forgotten.

The pic is of me and my family, at my passing out at HMS Pembroke in 1977.

Have just realised, I have done this blog for 5 years, and my dad has not had a mention.

Well, here I am. 

Better for your guidance, and enjoying life!

Thanks Dad!

TOURIST SEASON ENDING

It's the last weekend of the main tourist season, so things are now slowing down a bit at work.

For the last 2 months we have worked everyday, staring at 7-30am, and finally knocking off about 9pm.

As you can see we have kept the gardens looking good... 

...and also kept the tennis courts in such good order that even that miserable Jock, Andy Murray, couldn't complain!

CHICKEN RUN

We are getting an egg a day off the normal looking chicken, but the "Silkie" is not laying at all. As of yet anyway!

Marie has been building extentions to the coup and now the whole run is spread out like an illegal camp on Israel's West Bank.

REAPING THE CROPS

One thing for sure, the sweetcorn is 100% perfect this year, and we have quite a crop.

It's a good thing to grow in France as it is damn expensive in the shops.

My plums are now dropping (Oh, do grow up readers!) and after making hoisin sauce, we are now making plum and orange vodka, and plum and lemon gin.

OH DEAR!

I asked Marie to peel half the spuds in the bag for lunch today.

This is what I got.

CHUCKS AWAY!

The first two chickens are here.

The fluffy little thing is from the "Silkie" breed

Details of the breed can be found here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silkie

The bigger ones breed we haven't a clue about.

Out of the two, she has settled best 

The extended run will be added tomorrow, once they have found their feet (or claws)

And within 4 hours. In the words of Maggie Thatcher

"One has become Grandparents"

Marie is hoping for a boy.

Al is hoping for bacon, two fried slices and beans. 

A MILITARY COUP!

After looking after Jane and Alan's chickens 3 months back, we have wanted our own coup.

And here it is!

We also have an extra run for the birds, so looking forward to eggs galore (and being egg bound) in the near future.

The coup is big enough for 6, but we will settle for 4 chickens.

None will be for the pot, just laying only.

Any jokes about needing a decent Cock, will be dismissed as childish and puerile.

DOUBLE GLAZING COMPLETE

Just had to post this.

Thanks to Dave at AFCB Vitals.

As you can see, we have had a professional job done by a reliable company!

Eddie Mitchell developments have done me proud. although my dogs could have savaged the managing director!

DOUBLE GLAZING

The double glazing lads are in this week, and should be finished Thursday afternoon.

The difference at the Gard Manoir will be immense.

1. 

ST CAST 100 YEARS

Sunday was the 100th anniversary of the rescue station at the port of St Cast

Marie went down in the morning and saw the demonstration of sea rescue dogs.

13 fabulous newfoundland dogs treated a large crowd to an excellent show.

Or maybe this is just a shaggy dog story!!!

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday night, we all rolled up to see the Black Country Jammers at the Surf Cafe in St cast.

The 7 piece band come every year and are a great blues band. 

Sadly, and nobody told us, 5 band members left and were replaced by 3 new members.

They were abysmal.

MOULES FRITTES

Usual good turnout for the village Moules frittes evening. Although you can't tell by this picture as it was taken early on in the evening.

Then the camera failed badly at night.

Shame, 350 turned up for an open air meal and dance.

GARDEN VISITOR

Quite a regular visitor to our garden is the hummingbird moth.

Not seen too often in the UK, these are very large and hover over flowers collecting pollen.

GARDENING ADVICE

Check your plot everyday or your courgettes turn into marrows.

Looks like a lot of curried marrow soup is going to be made.

MORE BEE STUFF

So this very novice beekeeper is getting more lessons.

Alan and Jane came round to offer their advice.

Alan stuck a bit of smoke around, then entered the hive to find the Queen Bee.

Now to me, a bee is a bee, but to the trained eye, finding the queen was quite easy.

The Queen is then isolated from the hive and gently marked with a spotter pen to make her easier to find next time. 

I am told the colony is quite small, but we are hoping for a bit of produce later on.

THE 6th GARD CHATEAU SUMMER BBQ.

The 6th annual summer BBQ happened last Monday.

The rain just about held off to make it another great evening

Marquee's were put up as insurance against the rain, but the weather changed just before the start to turn it into a sunny evening

Aperitifs were served along with the odd jugs of pimms which the French seem to enjoy.

Then we tucked in to Beef Yakatori & Chiken Tikka skewers, along with loads of salads, a cheeseboard and a large selection of desserts.

Fancy coming next year?

The last Monday in July is the date!