15th August fireworks

I can't resist doing another firework post: it's been a while! 

15th August is the Assumption of Mary in the Catholic church - the day she went to heaven. France, like the UK, is not very church-going these days, but a national holiday is a national holiday (and the fireworks aren't bad either)!

Little Alfie with his Maman, well protected from the loud bangs. He LOVED it!

I'll let the photos tell the story now

And the best news is: next year both firework displays will be with music, like in the old days!

Natur'Zoo, Mervent (2)

Part two for your delight:

The 'arafes' (as Alfie calls them) were a huge success...

...even if Tine & Nad were a little oblivious sometimes!

This beast wasn't to be reckoned with!

We loved the black pig

And look at these bears: wonderful

Nearing the end of a long visit we saw a porcupine...

...and a white tiger. Fab!

We loved our visit but prefer the zoo at Les Sables which is a much shorter trip from La Tranche.

Natur'Zoo, Mervent (1)

It's a well-known fact that Nad, Si & Alfie are animal mad so on Tine's day off we decided to pack a picnic and head for Natur'Zoo at Mervent in the east of Vendée, a first visit for us all.

These turtles were hilarious, battling for supremacy!

The lemurs were as funny too..

...one even carrying a baby!

Now who DOESN'T love meerkats?

'Sha la laa, la la la laa, pretty flamingo' (that one's for older bloggists!)

Phil & Alfie enjoyed an after-picnic swing...

...whilst young Alfie loved every second of the day!

It's a garden one again

Did I see someone yawning in the back row?
I'm sure you're all fascinated to find out how our garden is growing...

Last year Nadine & Simon bought us a passion fruit plant which promptly died on us!

We bought another one then the original came back to life...

...and we have had an excellent display of flowers...

...and fruit this summer.

The pimentos are beginning to blush...

...these photos taken a week apart

Look what happens to the artichoke when left to flower. The bee is appreciating it instead of us!

Suddenly the aubergine plants have started to produce mini-aubergines. Looking forward to sampling before too long.

There are quite a few sweet peppers too

New for 2015? Butternut squash...

...and old favourite, the pumpkin.

Plus we've let some of the bird seed grow into sunflowers. Once again the bees are very appreciative!

Now, where were we?

Ah yes, we had quite a few visitors in July: regulars Clare & Laura (with Philippe of course), this time bringing Simon on his first visit, overlapping with niece Vics and Ste for their first time too. As usual a good time was had by all!

Laura, Clare & Simon arrived a couple of days earlier than Philippe as he had a last-minute gig in Kensington, don't you know?

Luckily we have lots of available bikes for their trip to the beach at La Terrière

Selfies R Us?

Their efforts were well worth it

One day they caught the boat to l'Ile de Ré from our lovely jetty...

...and Maman Tine was there to capture their return!

Another dip on 'our' beach

The youngsters were great at sharing the cooking. This was Phil & Si's Mexican feast, Clare, Ste, your faithful blogger, Vics & Si ready to tuck in...

...and Clare & Laura's cheesecake tasted as good as it looked!

A big thankyou to Laura for most of these photos

The turret (4)

Shutters in place

Beams varnished

Under-floor protection laid...

...and new flooring down (new balustrade in place too)!

Bed in place (will need a new one - notice the height of the headboard)...

...and arty section a moving feast!

We still need to decorate downstairs and sort out minimal furniture for guests, but there you have it: the Turret.