Figeac by day

As usual we did quite a bit of wandering in town. At least there's plenty of shade in the medieval streets.

Two views of the Pont Gambetta, near to Loulou & Sylvie's

A side view of l'Église Saint-Sauveur

A typical residence with hanging garden.

The first view of the medieval town when you arrive from Aurillac

Phew, a bit of shade in the narrow back streets...

...leading to l'Église Notre-Dame-du-Puy

...with its magnificent views over the town.

A strange sign here for a natural healer. Alternative medicine is fairly common in France.

Back down in town and still chasing the shade!

The stone tower is all that remains of the ancient 'Couvent des Clarisses'

Another trip to Figeac

Although it's a 5 & 1/2 hour drive to visit Loulou & Sylvie we love our short stays in Figeac.

The view over the rooftops from 'our' bathroom on the front of the house...

...and looking at the back from the garden.

The pool has been put to good use in this summer's heatwaves.

Al fresco eating under the vines.

Nephew Rémi now has two apartments in this block.

Looking up from the inner courtyard...

...and the entrance to his latest acquisition.

Loulou has been doing much of the renovation...

...and it's already sleepable in!

Then back down the stairs and into the hot sunshine.

A birthday party and a late birthday present

One of the first friends we made on moving to La Tranche nineteen (yes, 19!) years ago was Maryse when Tine met her at a gym class.

For her 60th birthday she arranged a magical mystery tour, ending up at a bowling alley outside Luçon.

And here's Tine in action!

Tine's results after two sets of games...

...and mine. To think I was leading at one time!

 

Afterwards we had lovely food & drink, these two grandsons having a great time.

Prizes were awarded for various categories. Here's Tine's team with the obligatory hats & dance...
 

...and mine.

A couple of days later here are Selim & Mehdi enjoying bicycle lights sent by Nadine!

Back to the aquarium

It was lovely that Nadine & AlfnBets could fly over again the week after Cynthia's funeral as had already been planned. It also helped us all to move on a touch.

But first Betty with Mamie Tine cycling near to chez nous. Betty has become really confident!

Yes we had a swift return to the aquarium knowing that Alfie & Betty would love it.

Always impressive: a tank of jellyfish. 

Do they know there's a shark on the other side of the glass?

It's not hard to spot Betty & Nadine

At the exit the fluorescent lighting looks good on Alfie's football top.

Back at home Sacha & Betty play Anticipation, one of my UNfavourite games!

Pool time

Looking back to May who'd have thought we'd have heatwave after heatwave this summer. Luckily our small pool came into good use.

There she is, as blue as blue can be (not the story a month later)!

Sacha with his independent way of getting in.

Little Selim loves coming round for a 'ploof'...

...Papa Mehdi too.

A few days later we had another visit from the Hills who need no encouragement to go for a dip.

Me & my mate Mehdi, Selim getting in on the act. Compulsory beers of course.

You can't go round to 'Tata Martine's' without having a bit of cake...

...look away now if you're squeamish, but somebody's enjoying the profiteroles!

In other news look at this beautiful blueish starfish we found, later returned to the sea of course.

A sad day

Cynthia died from cancer in May. Although she & Matt had separated Matt was supporting her to the end.

Sacha has been very strong, here being hugged by Mireille, his nounou (nanny)...

...and playing Skyjo with Mamie & Papy.

The cremation took place in La Roche sur Yon with lots of people attending in bright colours, just as Cynthia had requested. Later that day her ashes were buried in the cimetière paysager (garden cemetery) in La Tranche.

There was certainly plenty of colour.

Even on the day of the funeral the children had some distracting fun in the pool at Cynthia's.

Here Alfie & Sacha catching up chez nous (awaiting stuffed vegetables)...

...and chez Monique with the Clegglets and Loulou & Sylvie.

Same day, Betty joins the boys outside.

Life indeed goes on and 11-year old Sacha is getting stronger. We're so happy that we can be here to support him & Matt.

Birthday boy, birds & a boat

Yes, another mixed bag!

At the end of April we joined Mehdi & Élodie to help celebrate Selim's 4th birthday

We have many sanderlings on our beaches.

They look like cartoon birds when scurrying along.

I was lucky enough to spot a hoopoe on one of my walks

Not my cup of tea (!) but evidence that the summer season's on its way: one of several mussel trawlers in the bay.