BROTHER AND FAMILY VISIT

It's been a while since I saw my brother. 10 years we estimated, but this Sunday his family arrived and a party was had by all. Even the weather didn't put a dampner on things as there was a lot to catch up on.

We didn't have to do much, just a trip for lunch in St Cast and a visit to the local on Tuesday night.

We had a fabulous time and can't wait till they visit again. Going to have to re-stock the rose!!!!

Sam and Ellie giving the pups a runaround.

Nikki, Marie, & Lesley chillin'

Antony and Alan catch up. As you can see, Al has still not grown up!

Two girls together. Bella takes a nap whilst Ellie provides the warm blanket.

MOULES FRITTES.

Saturday 9th was the annual moules festival at the lake. Over 400 locals turned up to eat their way through 325kg of mussels, Absolutly delicious, and once again washed down with vin rouge.

Then all of a sudden a mobile disco turns up on the back of a tractor, a good night but couldn't stay late as we have visitors coming in the morning.

RETIREMENT PARTY

The holiday home owners from nextdoor are here for their August break and we were quite surprised to be invited to his birthday and retirement do.

They set up the courtyard with tables and chairs and about 40 people had a great evening of food and wine.

FRUIT AND VEG.

Despite starting a bit late for any serious planting we have had a bumper crop of courgettes. Nearly ready are red onions, green beans, broad beans, tomatoes, and a few spuds.

There is a large crop of apples to harvest so plastic bottles are being saved for making juice (lovely with vodka by all accounts), and a medium crop of golden plums.

Next Saturday night is the Moules Frittes festival at the lake. Can't wait for that one as it goes on most the night and Marie is staying in with the dogs and her friend Lesley who arrives on Thursday. It coincides with the start of the football season back home but Al has been roped in for helping out.

OUTSIDE DRAINAGE.

Work is now complete on the drainage and retaining wall, No more damp at the back of the house.

The plan now is to build a rock garden on the other side of the wall and cover the brickwork with a ton of flowers. It will look good next year.

Also the plumber turned up to start work. The water heater that was outside has now been disconnected and a new one put in under the stairs.

I would have taken a picture of the old boiler, but she was out shopping!!!!!

PUPPY FREEDOM

Pictures of Kip & Bella being allowed off the lead for the very first time. About 1km away is a large safe field off the lane. Ideal for giving them their first taste of freedom. They shot off chasing eachother and romping in the long grass. And best of all, they return when called.

The second picture is blurred, even with £350 worth of digital camera. They really were going that fast.

Barbara Woodhouse...You're fired!

A LITTLE BIT OF ENGLAND COMES TO FRANCE.

When asked if there is anything we miss about England, the answers is generally some of the food stuff. Branston Pickle, Marmite, Colemans Mustard and the like.

Also Fish and Chips.

Luckily the greatest pussers chef who ever sailed the seven seas was on hand earlier in the week to produce the finest battered cod known to man, and served with lemon wedge and tartare sauce.

DELICIOUS!