Chinon (1)

Matthieu, Nadine & Philippe bought Tine a hot air balloon flight for her recent big birthday, so off we went to Chinon, very excited to view the local châteaux from the air. Sadly it wasn’t to be as the air conditions weren’t suitable. BUT we’d booked an overnight stay and had plenty of time to discover Chinon: what a beautiful place!

A magical view of the chateau perched on cliffs above the River Vienne…

…and an even better view once you’ve climbed up (or driven in our case)!

Looking down isn’t so bad either

The area is renowned for its wine, vineyards even to be found in the town!

More next time, with some interior shots.

Back to school/work for some, life goes on for others

It's now over 16 years since I swapped the blackboard jungle for a life in paradise but it doesn't stop me thinking of those at 'la rentrée'.

Betty looking very proud to be going back to school...

...whilst Alfie had an extra day so a camping adventure with Tonton Philippe.

I was roped in for a photo with UK Starfish regulars. Lovely people all!

Those in the know will remember this is where we spent all our early visits to La Tranche...

...just around the corner from Jean & Monique's where we recently had a catch-up with Jean's brother Claude and Loulou & Sylvie here on a very welcome revisit.

I was showing off the night-time photo capability of my phone to Claude. 'What, no flash?' he said.

Very recently the first part of our log delivery to keep us warm this winter.

A couple of days later and thanks to Tine & Matt's beautiful arrangement, there should be plenty of logs for this winter & next

A bit of nature

We quickly get back into our routine once the visitors have gone. We also had an amazing Indian summer!

What a year for tomatoes, sadly not so many left now. The photo shows just two plants' worth. 

The butterfly can obviously taste lemon but we've had no fruit this year. 🤞for over winter.

I've been using my bike again to help my knee's recovery

The maize is completely dry and ready to harvest as animal fodder (a shame when you love corn on the cob)!

Yes, it's electric but you still have to pedal!

Back to daily walks too: Marie's bar with hardly a soul about. Two weeks later and the structure is in 'hivernage' until next April.

A favourite view over le Pavillon. Again notice the crowds!

Your faithful blogger checking in though

High temperatures brought some amazing skies. This photo was taken by Tine one afternoon!

Last days with the Hills (2)

 And they're gone, but not without a few more memories!

I couldn't resist sharing this video clip with you: Betty slow motion jumping down the steps at Jean & Monique's

No Cynthia or Sacha this day, but we had Philippe for a few days too

Of course the Clegglet 3 had to do their (annual?) photoshoot at the Starfish

Not sure what to write here! Matt being very hatful.

More normal (?)...

...AlfnBets loving being tickled...

...Mamie Tine too!

Last days with the Hills (1)

 A month is a long time full of adventures but everything comes to an end (but not just yet). 

Tine & Nadine with Betty & Alfie. Our latest airbeds are really good!

It looks like Mamie has lost out on this photo but the paddle-board is in good view!

Some of Nadine & Simon's friends came to stay nearby for a week.

Here's Catriona showing off her early years teaching skills...

...whilst Alfie is a bit too cool, being the eldest.

Catherine took the photo: Adam, Catriona, 'Whitey', Tine, your faithful blogger, Nadine & Simon (not forgetting our photobombing grandson in the foreground).

Same gang, different day. Oldsters Gill & Papy Dave far left

Betty loves her pony rides in Les Floralies Park...

...but better still catching Mickey's tail on the carousel (that means a free go)!

Super U 2025

I came across the planning permission report for the new Super U and have practised my French to inform you of where they're up to.

First of all, there are environmental issues with the old campsite as this has been left wild over the last 15 years or so, and part of it is wetland. Both mean that flora and fauna have now 'staked their claim' to the site. I'm sure the issues aren't insurmountable but watch this space!

The official plan, bottom right the roundabout when entering La Tranche from La Roche or La Rochelle; bottom left the 'boules' club

A little clearer here, with Mr Bricolage (middle right) helping to position things

Finally an impression of what might be. Our house should be on there somewhere!

And what about the old site, currently occupied by the temporary building? Well, there's talk of it going to housing. To be continued...

Family & fireworks

What a combination!

Oh no, not the Starfish again: this time with niece Caroline and her partner Jo (and Tine in a selfie moment, of course)

Apéritifs at Jean & Monique's. I'm sure you've spotted where our two water babies AlfnBets are.

Alfie encouraged by Tonton Matt to sip some red wine. It's a slippery slope, let me tell you.

Betty enjoying a Vespa moment with Tonton Matt

The August fireworks went off as planned but this time we viewed them from 'our' beach.

A little less impressive long distance...

...but great all the same.