World first and other news

Les Deux Platanes is home to four Australians this week so they are exploring the area before travelling south and another ten weeks vacation in Europe. They are from the sub-tropical north of Australia and arriving in France this week must have been a bit of a shock to their systems as the weather has been cold and wet. We need the rain, so we have to take the rough with the smooth. Still, the sun has shone on some occasions for them, so they have been able to see the leaves showing their lovely bright green colours as they explore the area.

Those who follow the news here will know we have updated the wireless router making it possible to access the internet from the cottage and garden - important we think in this day of global communications. This does however pose a small problem when the walls are over 500mm thick! My solution was to build what may be the worlds first high level router mounting platform enabling the router to be near the window and so provide a good signal.

Tube from kitchen fitting, plus a disc of white melamine provides the perfect platform for the router.

I have been busy producing new signs for Les Deux Platanes so that guests locate the cottage with ease. I would like to thank a signwriting tutor at Ashington Technical College in in 1963 for giving me the skills to paint the signs.

Painting the new signs requires a steady hand - look out for the signs on the small road to Le Breuil aux Gittons

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?  OR
A bird in the cottage is worth two in the garden?

The cottage garden has a new bird box - lets hope it attracts some occupants soon.

Cottage vacant - room for 4

The garden of Les Deux Platanes should be even better in 2012 after the extensive renovations last year and over the winter. Maureen has completed the new planting and although still cold and early we can see it looks better already - this area is situated on the right hand side of the garden as you look from the cottage terrace.

The new stone raised beds have been planted with rhododendrons and azaleas in the centre and  mixed shrubs in the others. There are also roses given to Maureen for her birthday.