Visiting the old neighbours (2)

Tine and I went for a walk around AAA's estate. Luckily we've been many times before and didn't get lost!

The cat and dog mark the septic tank. And who knew Anil was subtle, eh?

Intrepid Tine at the start of our walk

Just one of the two large ponds...

...complete with very noisy frogs

This is all their land: the house is on the horizon, a third from the right!

See?!

Opposite there are vines growing (that's their house in the background)...

...and lots of meadow flowers.

Visiting the old neighbours (1)

Yes, we've been absent again. This time a few days in the South West, visiting family in Figeac, but before then we couldn't resist catching up with Anil, Anita & Arun in Dordogne.

We happened to arrive just before their outdoor furniture was delivered

Little Arun's not so little anymore!

It was good to see brother-in-law Rash after seven years

It was Anil's birthday so celebrations were in order...

...as you can see!

They're still using the caravan, now dwarfed by the house

Although there's lots to do inside the outside is looking great!

Lindsey visits for a few days

And what weather she brought with her. Even better, it's continued after her departure!

Tine & Lindsey by the CNT...

...and tucking into a scrummy Hairy Bikers recipe OUTSIDE!

Lindsey being artistic at Le Puits d'Enfer...

...before seeing the danger sign!

La Belle Henriette. We walked across this bridge a couple of months ago!

Back to Les Sables and the shell mosaics au Quartier Île Penote, Nadine & Simon with us in animal form!

And finally a lovely stroll at St Vincent sur Jard, both vertical...

...and horizontal, the cool rapper hiding his neck from the sun, I assure you.

Meanwhile Tine explores the rock pools

I'm back

Richard told me off (nicely) at the Starfish the other day: why haven't I been posting more on the blog? Three weeks in Thailand and a week back in the UK have taken their toll (plus trying to be a little more organised on http://daveandtinesthaiadventures.blogspot.com), but I've listened and will start my 100 lines immediately!

Whilst Tine was on her own in La Tranche the local greenfinch population kept her company...

...and neighbour Jacques came round to chop down a (sadly) dead cherry tree.

The storks are back, here near to the 'Ragondin Walk'

Facebook friends have seen these photos of Alfie but I couldn't resist sharing them with you...

...the two photos taken seconds apart! Shades of your faithful bloggist after a few pints?!

Successful time back in the UK

Look what we've just gone & bought: yes, a static caravan up on Baildon Moor, just a short distance from Bingley and overlooking Saltaire Village. We are very excited to have a base back in Yorkshire and looking forward to our first stay in May.

Apéritifs on the decking, anyone?

Home from home

Tine has already mentally sorted out the kitchen of course!

Christmas dinner for the ever-increasing family might be a little tricky

There's a fair-sized main bedroom but bedroom number two is tiny and without beds for the moment

That's Saltaire in the valley bottom. Hoping for better weather than on the day this was taken!

Big thanks to Steve for his negotiating skills at the gym, the vendors for the photos, and Jim & Phil for accompanying me last Friday!

Picnic at Veillon

We took note of the weather forecast and packed up a picnic to enjoy at the beautiful Plage du Veillon, near to Port Bourgenay. Sadly the winter weather has about halved the size of the dunes there but there is still a massive expanse of sands.

Behind the dunes is the Payré river, winding its way into the sea. There are lots of oyster beds in the distance for fans of this delicacy!

Quite a lot of sand has gone from the north end of the beach, uncovering this stone wall

I'm wondering if these are to measure changes on the beach. Any ideas?

Meanwhile Alfie's first picnic was a success, although he preferred milk to the roast gammon and brie sandwiches!

However he loved the sunlight playing through the leaves

Nadine & Alfie come to visit

The shock of coming back from our holidays in Thailand was eased by the knowledge that Nadine & Alfie were flying in for a week's visit a couple of days later. Not only that, but we were treated to a couple of very warm days, far more manageable than those in Thailand!

(Warning: some of these images contain clues to the ongoing project in the garden!)

Alfie & Matt proving that the pool safety cover works!

'Ainsi font, font, font les petites marionnettes'

Chub watch

Look at the new super-wide slipway by the jetty...

...and my favourite girls, with Alfie of course.

Mmmmm, this sea air just makes me want to sleep...

...except when with Tonton at the Starfish...

...or Mamie...

...or in the buggy that Eliott kindly lent me!

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