Happy Christmas 2012

Now the moment you've been waiting for: yes it's the traditional Christmas Day blog post, now in its 5th year!

Once again there's a festive feel to the town centre 

Meanwhile at the Starfish even the lemon tree is getting in the Christmas spirit

The UK isn't the only country with over-the-top house decorations

Thanks everyone for your cards!

But look, were back in Bingley for our Christmas and Father Christmas still found us...

...even leaving stockings for Matt & Cynthia!

A Very Happy Christmas to all my followers from your faithful bloggist. Keep reading!

Scraping the barrel!

Well, not really but I'd like to upload a post before leaving for the homeland. Yes, B-Town beckons: the car is packed and tonight's crossing awaits. Bring on the festivities!

Firstly three photos from our recent trip to Figeac - taken with the iPad so not superb quality! Caro was in Aurillac revising for her exams.

Brother and sister in arms

Nephew Rémi, 15 going on 25!

Let's not forget Sylvie aka la Poulette

I know I already shared a photo of our own private lake, but just to say it's back: bigger and better than ever!

Meanwhile the sea is still trying to makes inroads on the boating lake. It could be a nearer walk to the beach soon...

Corps de Garde & Bradford v Arsenal

After several days of torrential rain (yes, the lake has returned to our garden) it's hard to remember just last week when we went for a lovely stroll along the beach at Corps de Garde, just before La Terrière.

Low tide but you can see the powerful waves not too far away...

...and beautiful patterns made in the sand.

It was rather cool for any takers here!

They've been renovating the old 'écluses à poissons' (stone dams where fish become trapped as the tide goes out) 

Practise your French (or just enjoy the film) here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poPJZHdGLvA

Meanwhile back at the Starfish, a big night for Matt's team Bradford City who managed to beat Arsenal 3:2 on penalties.

Even your faithful blogger had to get in on the act, Cynthia very amused!

We're winning!

Someone's a happy chappy.

Not the biggest crowd of the year, unlike at Valley Parade!

I can't watch!!

New works in town & back to the ragondins

There's the sound of bulldozers again as the council starts Phase III of its town centre modernisation. There are going to be disruptions until April 2013 but if the quality is the same as earlier phases we won't be disappointed.

Tine spotted this large ragondin (coypu as I'm sure you all know by now) on a recent bike ride. Wonder if he's good at road-making!

Round trip to Rodez

We packed a lot into the Saturday, first of all introducing 'Er to the market in Figeac before a quick tour of the town. Later we journeyed over to Rodez for lunch at the shop with Loulou & Eric, then decided on  a less direct route home to visit some beautiful sites.

The rooftops over Figeac

Interesting architecture in Rodez...

...with its beautiful cathedral

A slight detour took us to the waterfall at Salles-la-Source...

...and a very quaint building

Last stop: Conques, with its marvellous buildings, for once with hardly a soul about.

Back down to the Lot

Making the most of a few free days after minding the bar and between Tine's lessons we finally managed to take 'Er From Brittany down to Tine's home area. On the way we called in on AAA for the night, enjoying a good catch up and a delicious curry.

Hasn't he grown? Yes, it's official: Arun's taller than me!

We took the scenic route onto Figeac, first stopping at Les Eyzies, with its troglodyte houses

Then via Assier with its beautiful château...

...and finally Lacapelle Marival where we camped for many summers when the children were younger.