Garden photos

Things have been happening in the garden again and we are finally eating our own tomatoes and courgettes after a very slow start. It would seem that the problem is nationwide, judging from the price of fruit and veg this year.

Come on, LCA & Nicole, names these butterflies, recently fluttering in the garden.

These moth-like butterflies loved the lavender but disappeared overnight!

Whether it's the wet spring or the variety we haven't had a successful year for courgettes. Hopefully things have changed now!

The tomatoes might not be pretty but they are wonderfully sweet and now plentiful - result!

Picnic on the beach

I don't know where the time goes - well I do when you have a houseful for most of the summer - so apologies for the big delay in writing another post here.

It's three weeks since we were invited by Guy & Isabelle to share an evening picnic with them on the beach just by Pedro's. As you can see, the weather was stunning and has continued to be so this summer. We're not complaining!

The crowds were thinning out but there were still plenty of people enjoying the evening warmth.

Memories of fun times at Pedro's in the past!

Bubbly? Why not!

Guy & Isabelle had prepared a lovely spread for us.

A couple of hours later, the light's going but we were still wonderfully warm.

New pool (3)

I'm sure you can imagine our reaction when the boss of the workers told us we could use the pool over the weekend, despite it not being finished! It didn't take long for us to sample the delights of the water, already at 25ºC. Anyway here is photographic evidence to show that Cleggy & the Clegglets have all now partaken in our latest acquisition!

Your Faithful Blogger...

...and Mrs Faithful Blogger!

Phil with Clare and Laura. The hardest bit was getting in & out of the pool without proper steps and loose boards on the sides!

Matt being a wuss. He certainly appreciated a dip after braving the crowds at Super U

Tine and a beautifully bumpalicious Nadine!

This is where the pump and filter live, down by the shed

Et voilà, the finished item with much easier access. The piping will all be hidden after Phase 2: the extended terrace.

Not for the squeamish, but I had to share two of Laura's photos using a red filter. Spooky, eh?!

New pool (2)

Second batch of photos show how the pool was constructed. We had wanted it to be half in the ground but the water table is so high here that we were advised not to. The bottom third will eventually be 'under' a new terrace (in the next phase of our works)!

It reminded us of a construction kit Philippe had as a youngster

Breakfast overlooking the project, with Phil, Clare, Laura & Tine (Shreddies on display of course)

A couple of liners later and we're ready to fill...