Birthday celebrations (2)

And so to the guests. Sadly being mid-year no Nadine nor Philippe, and Matt was busy at the Starfish.

Sacha & Alyssia spent most of the time in the pool, with pirates...

...or pulling faces!

Here being watched over by Cynthia, Jean, Monique & Sylvie

More of the crowd: 'Er from Brittany, Jean-Pierre & Catherine sitting opposite Jean et moi...

...later joined by Cécile & Monique.

Apéritifs served, now ready to tuck in

Jean nicely recovering from his hip operation alongside Loulou

Baie d'Aunis regulars Jeanne, Jacky & Alan chatting to the birthday girl

Shhh, don't tell 'Er from Brittany she's got a starring role with Cynthia!

Tine dwarfed by junior cousins Cécile & Rémy...

...whilst Monique & Loulou are up to no good it would seem.

The shade under the albezia tree came in very useful...

...especially for snoozing!

Next day, le retour!

Birthday celebrations (1)

A few days later perfect weather welcomed Tine's guests to celebrate her big birthday.

The stage is set: tables arranged, blinds & parasols open...

...plus extra tables & seating in the shade of the albezia tree.

In the 'This is Your Life' book you wouldn't believe how many references to food there were!

And here's why, complete with contributions from guests!

Desserts went well too. Here's Anna trying to make up her mind...

...Tine & Yves with their choices...

...and Arnaud about to dive in.

Joyeux anniversaire, Martine

It was a big birthday for Tine in June and I had compiled a 'This is your life' type book for her after contacting many family members, friends and colleagues. At times I thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew (the book, that is) but I was ultra-pleased with the result ... and Tine too!

Arrived, just 5 days from uploading to delivery. Beat that!

A very pleased Tine...

...emosh even!

Sacha gets in on the act...

...and a video clip to capture the moment.

Later a wonderful meal at our favourite local restaurant, La Gargotte. Meghann looks ready to pop, and just 4 weeks later she and Fiouz have a little daughter named Nora.

Les comes to visit

It's already six years since Jim died so it was wonderful to welcome Les back to La Tranche.

The Gang of 3 in the garden

Les treated us to a meal at Fafa's...

...an early celebration for Tine's upcoming birthday.

The good weather meant plenty of time for dips in the pool...

...or walks down to the end of the jetty.

Of course there's always time for a morning coffee...

...a something a little stronger.

Tine even took her down the crypt of the church in Curzon...

...one of our go-to destinations for visitors.

Most of all, time for reading!!

Les took this photo when we visited an ex-student of ours, holidaying on l'Île de Ré with husband and parents.

What an easy guest. The Hotel Cleggifornia is always open for our old friend!

More chez MCS

It's not only Matt, Cynthia & Sacha's house that's coming on, but also outside.

So, how do you build a swimming pool? First dig a hole...

...make a concrete base...

...and build up the sides

All that sand will have to go somewhere (proof that our town is built on dunes)

Ah, that's better: a flat garden...

...with Sacha checking how deep the pool will be. Luckily there are steps and a seating ledge for those of shorter stature.

It's not just the new pool, look at Matt's handy work with his fencing

A couple of weeks later and the garden is enclosed...

...complete with electronic gates.

The pool's still waiting for its lining and filtration system though

One I missed from last time: Cynthia's choice of tiles for the main entrance. We love them!