Pool fun, hollyhocks & fireworks

Like most of Europe we've been having an incredibly hot summer and the pool is having full use. 

Always up to tricks: Sacha balancing on the airbed with Papy...

...and showing off his diving skills to Alicia.

Another time, perfecting his circus skills with Papa

After all this activity, relax with a cold chocolate drink.

We finally grew our very own hollyhock, a plant you see everywhere in the area. Thankyou, birdie, for dropping the seed!

This is my favourite local hollyhock, easily ten feet tall and growing out of the side of the pavement

Bastille Day fireworks now, to the music of Johnny Halliday.

Musically not my cup of tea, but a magnificent show as you can see!

The summer warms up

And boy, did it warm up with temperatures in the high 30s centigrade on many days!

Luckily cousin Jean is always to hand, this time to help instal the solar-powered garden shower...

...soon put to use by Tine, well on her way to full recovery.

There's a new walkway at La Belle Henriette nature reserve... 

...meaning we can now visit at any time, high tide included.

We didn't get very far on our first attempt as the weather became very threatening

'La Course des Garçons de Café' has become a regular event to promote local bars and restaurants

Great excitement on 7th July when Le Tour de France came through town

Firstly the 'caravane' with all the official sponsors...

...then the race itself... 

...soon over in a flash!

Le Puy du Fou

For part of Simon's XXth birthday celebrations we all went to le Puy du Fou park, including Matt, Cynthia & Sacha too. The weather was perfect and we got to the front of the queue for every show with Mamie Tine in her wheelchair! So, a bumper bundle selection of two of the attractions.

Firstly, Le Bal des Oiseaux Fantômes...

...with its amazingly trained bird display...

...all set to a medieval theme.

At one stage an eagle plummets from the hot air balloon...

...only too happy for a snack treat from its trainer.

The second show on displey here: Le Signe du Triomphe...

...a very real recreation of a Roman arena...

...beginning with a procession...

...before gladiators vs Christians fighting begins. 

Next, the chariot race in all its glory

The finale...

...crowds leaving the arena...

...some for a cheeky ice cream in the shade of the trees!

The World Cup 2018

As you can imagine the Starfish & Coffee was really busy during the recent World Cup, particularly when France or England were playing.

18th June: the excitement mounts as England beat Tunisia 2:1

4th July and England beat Colombia on penalties. Vanna & Tine VERY happy...

...as were Simon, Alan, Dick & your faithful blogger too.

7th July, England beat Sweden 2:0, Jeanne & June in view here!

France's turn to beat Belgium 1:0 on 10th July

Celebrations inside...

...and out!

14th July: Big Dave realises he's got Croatia in the sweepstake for the final versus France next day - he kept quiet about it!

Even the builders at Le Rêve are showing their allegiance

France 4, Croatia 2, the World Cup Final in 32 seconds! Merci, Matt. Celebrations went through the night as I'm sure you can imagine.