Our first week back solo (without Kim Jackson - super hero)

After seeing Kim off at Limoges (Interntional) airport Phil and I took a leaisurely drive home. Some of it up and down the same section of dual carriageway as we seemed to miss the signs for our return trip. Apparently not an uncommon occurrence. It meant we got to see some more of rural France which was great. We bought some geraniums and my first ever bouganvillea - memories of Greek Islands - totally impossible to grow outdoors in the UK but I am hopeful so watch this space. I have planted these up with a couple of tomato plants and hope that by the time our next guests arrive in a couple of weeks time they are coming on strong. 

 

We have missed Kim's company and the trench is still to be totally finished but we are working to weather conditions and Phil is doing a bit here and there. One day when he went through a pipe and we had a small hole that sent water spurting into the air. He has now repaired this little leak. 

Kim sent us a photo of how happy we were to be back so I want to share this now. There are others to come in future blogs where I will expand in the food at Le Rejallant that we shared with Kim and would recommend to anyone. Check it out at 

http://www.le-rejallant.com/?lang=gb

The last few days we have spent indoors and out. The weekend was amazingly warm. It reached the upper 30s on Saturday and Sunday. In fact we have had a whole week of eating outdoors. Here are some goodies we bought in the market and have had with various BBQs. Mandy, the white asparagus is wonderful!

We have been rotivating the garden and laid grass seed. All this in 34 degrees. When we came to open a bag that we had bought in early March it seemed a bit heavy for grass seed and after a quick internet translation of the writing in the bag we realised we were about to plant fertiliser that kills moss. A quick trip to Le Clerc (equivalent of Tesco or Asda) remedied the situation and we got proper grass seed

(Semmences de gazon) down before the anticipated thunderstorm and downpour. 

We have just completed a few jobs in the room that is to be our bedroom and haven. Lots of filling in, painting and the floor is finally laid. We hope to move the bed and furniture in tomorrow. That will be so exciting as if means we can start gutting the rest of the house and have somewhere to hide away. We have had a day of rain which hasn't been too depressing as it has been so hot and we really needed a day inside to get in with the bedroom. I think the next few days are a bit iffy weather wise which will water the newly planted grass and give us a chance to do some stuff indoors.

We are doing really well I think. Phil thinks we should be achieving more as always....

I had a lovely catch up with Mandy last night and her big birthday celebrations are already under way. I am so sorry I am not around to share in them but am looking forward to celebrating with her in just over 2 weeks time here in France. I know she will have a wonderful celebration on Friday at the fabulous Under the Stars in Bristol. Can't wait to see the photos.

Until the next time mes amis, Thanks so much for reading and following this blog. Please feel free to comment as it would be lovely to know you are with us in some small way.

Much love xx