Painting the shutters & Alicia's tree

Now that the render is all finished on 'the turret' we thought we'd better tackle the shutters before the winter set in. It's a big job, with seventeen shutters of varying sizes, the front door and porch, and all the frames to be done. Using the trestle pairs it took four days to do one shutter. With four pairs of trestle tables I'll leave you to do the Maths!

We had two workshops: this one in the conservatory, and the other in the 'East Wing'

One of the artists in action

We're very proud of our efforts!

Now to repaint the render on the rest of the house, which is looking very jaded in comparison. That can wait for the spring though...

In early December there was the annual tree-planting ceremony in Les Floralies park, one for each new-born in the town.

It looked like young friends Séb & Anna's daughter Alicia would sleep through it...

...but she woke up just in time for the big moment.

Meanwhile Sacha's tree is now taller than Tine...

...and new arrival Victor was on hand to watch proceedings.