An evening with friends, and more migratory birds

We had a return invitation to eat at English friends, Sue & Nick's at their lovely home inland from La Tranche.

Tine and your faithful blogger enjoying apéritifs 

We were accompanied (and taxied) by Guy & Isabelle, plus we had young Sacha too

Sue always does a lovely table...

...still looking good with us around!

Do you reckon Sacha was comfy with all the soft toys?

No photos of Sue, instead a big thank you for her camera skills! 

Recently Canada geese have been in full display over our beaches

Even better with blue skies...

...but still impressive in a misty setting.

Back to France & back to chez MCS

I’ve taken so many photos of the changes at Matt, Cynthia & Sacha’s house that it’s hard to decide which ones to share here

Matt sent a few photos whilst we were back in the UK: rooftop shots showing the way to the beach...

...and back to their 'granny' flat.

The front is definitely taking shape...

...the back too, photos from 18th January.

A couple of week's later some interior shots, starting with the skylight...

...above the kitchen to be.

The main living area...

...and a jumble of cables!

A couple weeks later again, this photo taken from the main entrance with what will be very useful hanging/storage space for coats and footwear on the left

The plasterboard is going on now: this will be the kitchen area.

M&C's room with what I believe is called a dressing room in the foreground

But more importantly for Sacha his bedroom with playroom in the foreground.

Nadine's 40th & end of visit

I said we had some celebrations coming up and here we are, our second child in her forties. Very worrying!

Nadine baked her own birthday cakes with something for everyone

Philippe, Gina & a couple of friends provided the live music...

...with guest singers too.

Natalie & Emilio enjoying the live band karaoke

It was great to catch up with Nadine & Simon's 'old' friends

Methinks they enjoyed it too!

A special hug for Gez from your faithful blogger

I'm not the only one getting cuddles. Next day it's Tine's turn with Steve at the Peacock, our new favourite Bingley curry house.

I went to the Bradford City FC shop to get Sacha a new top and was very surprised to see their sponsors. Shhh, don't tell les Français!

And finally a couple of shots of Matt's mates Stephen & Sally's new home, the old 5-Rise Hotel. Sadly we couldn't nosy inside as Covid was in residence. Next time hopefully.

I've been told there's a lot of work to be done.

AlfnBets stay at the caravan (2)

Despite the poor weather we managed a few outings between nightly dance parties and games of Uno!

The River Aire was in full spate when we walked down from the caravan...

...and there wasn't much cricket going on in Roberts Park.

Betty made a new friend by the canal...

...posing very nicely on the cobbles by Salts Mill...

...and proud to show her middle name in Saltaire village.

We called to see Helen & Mo and were very happy to see Becca there too.

You can see how wary Alfie is of approaching the dogs...

...but he was very proud to overcome his fears.

Little did we know that six days later Becca & Michael's baby Owen would arrive 6-weeks early. Baby is doing very well!

AlfnBets stay at the caravan (1)

Nadine & Simon went back to work a week before the children's return to school, so Mamie & Papy to the rescue.

A very happy Alfie & Betty with their belated Christmas presents: interactive watches

I can't remember what Alfie was tickled about but he's obviously a happy chappy

Enjoy the blue skies in the next photos: they're the last we saw!

Tine took Alfie up onto Baildon Moor...

...with its excellent view of the Aire Valley and beyond.

Later in the day Nadine's friends Jodi & Mouse came to visit...

...along with daughters Phoebe & Alina.

Caravan games: great!

She might look like an angel here but Betty can be a 'proper madam'…

…and also a dancing queen!