Come on spring!

I know it's still only February but each year I bacome more and more impatient for the beginning of warmer days (and as I type this, yes it's another miserable grey morning). So to cheer me up a few positive signs....


Firstly 'She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named' gave Tine this beautiful selection of daffodils/narcissi (I know someone will correct me here) to celebrate her fête, and they certainly brightened up our kitchen. The daffs in the garden are about to bloom but we've seen some already flowering on roundabouts in the area.

Definitely a sign of things to come was the official spotting of the first lizard. Hopefully our bright green friend will be visiting us again this year.

The other day we went for a cycle ride followed by a walk through the pine forests in an to attempt to find a 'new-to-us' beach near Les Conches. In fact we failed to find the correct pathway to that beach but still enjoyed our stroll, managing to miss our turning on the way back to the bikes. Must leave a trail of stones next time!

Now here's definitely a more positive sign, 16.6°C on my new weather station (that's the outside temperature by the way)!

And what better way to enjoy such lofty temperatures than to eat lunch outside with Tine showing off the date AND her new specs (and a prize to those who spot the new house next door)!

Happy Birthday and a leisurely Sunday

Firstly a photograph from last month when we helped our good friend Isabelle celebrate her birthday with one of Tine's infamous chocolate cakes, complete with Happy Birthday candles!


A couple of weeks later we returned to Guy & Isabelle's, joining fellow Brits Sue & Nick, when Marion came to visit. The sun was out and we walked off a wonderful meal checking on developments along the beach.
The new footpath is SLOWLY taking shape - look at the size of the slabs!

The new apartment block alongside David's bar is really coming on, but Matt (back from South American adventures) tells me Le Rêve hasn't been sold, contrary to my earlier remarks.

But down by the jetty, life goes on as usual even if the lovely weather brought out a few extra visitors.

Phone call from Phil

I've just put the phone down from Phil who DEMANDED another post on the blog. OK, once again I've been remiss admittedly, so I'll try to make amends in the next few days.

The house being built on the land at the side of ours is coming on extremely quickly. Photos 1 & 2 were taken over the garden fence on 3rd February.

Photo 3 was taken on 5th February and photo 4 on 6th February. Our house is in the far background.

Four days later the walls are taking good shape.

And by 14th February the form of the roof is apparent.

Five days later (19th February) and here's where we're up to.

Now what's that you said about French workmen?

Back to Britanny (2)

Continuing our wanderings (and an unintended collection of crosses along the way) the first photograph was taken in Sulniac, to the east of Vannes.

'She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named' took us on a lovely tour around the Presqu'île de Rhuys, including this dolmen and, yes, another cross at Port-aux-Moines near Saint-Gildas.

On to the highly photogenic Château de Suscinio with its seemingly impenetrable walls, visible from miles around. (More information on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Suscinio)

Then back home for yet more good food and wine. Thanks, G***!

Back to Britanny (1)

It was good to spend a few days back in the Morbihan area of Brittany with 'She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named', even greater fun spending her money and helping her to acquire a new TV system!

We also managed a bit of sightseeing in the glorious but VERY cold weather. First on the 'new to us' list is the church of Notre-Dame de Cran where the frescos and beams date from the 16th century.

Outside the church was equally beautiful with an ancient bread oven and carvings.