Family times

Worryingly young Alfie doesn't seem to complain when teased by Tonton Matt. It makes you wonder how Junior Clegg/Coutret will survive!

We're thinking of adopting the lion-trainer approach for nappy changing

Now if this were full of beer the smile might be even wider!

Or how about in the cushion-store? Alfie looking pretty pleased with himself.

Last night at the Starfish for Phil on an earlier visit, due again tomorrow as I type this! 

Alfie getting his own back at a recent barbecue chez Matt & Cynthia,

Nadine chortling with laughter, Alfie's fist completely in Matt's mouth! 

Could this be the future? Note the Bradford City colours just before their fantastic victory over Leeds United

And to finish three photos of Phil in Elli Ingram's band taken at various venues (photos courtesy of Facebook)

Pool Party II, the Remix: When Alfie met Immy

Big Dave wasn't happy to miss out on the last pool party so we were forced to have fun once again when he & Shan were in town. 

Alfie, Tine, Vanna & Imogen, who says Alfie is 'cute'

Now joined by Phil...

...before they go in for the clinch!

Double Vanna's cocktails this time, with a strawberry daiquiri...

...and later, a pina colada (and yes that's Glen in the background)!

And in other news: Dave & Shan at the Starfish...

...and Matt with lovely Lois when Stephen & Sally came for a long weekend

A beautiful photo of Nad, Si & Alfie before a wedding that made quite a 'splash' recently. Have a look at http://www.firstsightvideos.co.uk/#!katy-and-richard/c12ip to see what I mean!

L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer

We don't often use the car in summer except for 'big shops' and Papa Taxi airport runs but Tine needed some wool from Les Petites Puces in l'Aiguillon so we took the opportunity to wander along the Lay estuary, revisiting the old wrecks there.

Of course there are still some floating boats...

...and a sightseer, enjoying the very high tide.

We love the ramshackle jetty constructions!

Birthday paddleboard

Ever the attentive husband I remembered intrepid Tine saying she fancied trying paddleboard which has become very popular in La Tranche in recent years. What a romantic birthday present and what a success: she loved it!

Training? A 10 minute chat... 

...and off she goes!

Took to it...

...like a...

...duck to water!

Meanwhile these yachts were awaiting their next students...

...as I walked onto the jetty...

...for long-distance views.

Not quite up to last year's parachute jump on the excitement scale but there's another notch in Tine's belt!

Aquagym & a catamaran

I'm often asked what I get up as a man of leisure, especially with Tine working hard at the campsite once again this Summer.

Well, three times a week I join the aquagym lot at La Baie d'Aunis...

...with young Charlie putting us through our paces!

This morning we were joined by Feth and his mate Ben, obviously using the no publicity card!

A few weeks ago Matt had the opportunity to try a bit of catamaran sailing with mate Yaya

Hope they didn't see too many of these in the sea!!

Essex friends & a pool party

We're never short of a drink and a laugh when our Essex friends are in town. This time we got to meet Rhona & Nige too and we all got on like a house on fire (s'entendre comme des larrons en foire = get on like partying thieves)!

Nige, Si, Rhona, Vanna & Rachael at the Starfish

Si, Tine, Vanna & Nige at the Franklin pool party

Glamorous grandmother winner?!

We got to sample Vanna's famed Strawberry Daiquiri cocktail...

...and a wonderful spread, followed by a 60s & 70s singalong.

Last night pizzas at Sierra Torride - Tine, Rhona, Dave, Silv, Kate, Matt, Vanna, Rachael, Nige & Si...

...followed by an Alchemist for some, back at the Starfish.

The Evil Aunties and our Dutch friends

Continuing the visitors theme we had Kate, Silv & Rachael come to stay for the week.

It wasn't quite as hot as last year but the pool came in very useful to cool off

Mmmmm, Tandoori Dave and Naan Tine were on form that night, Silv & your faithful blogger sampling a drop of rosé

Yet another night at the Starfish where our Dutch friends Monique & Simon joined us

We invited them for lunch chez nous...

...and Dave was rewarded with a kiss in the kitchen!!