tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88401400325300015772024-03-21T13:17:05.378+01:00Les Deux PlatanesMaureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-39092432384151636432022-02-13T11:18:00.006+01:002022-02-13T11:20:43.951+01:002022 Time to get things done<p> Well after two years of semi chaos, disappointment and uncertainty we hope 2022 will bring some normality back to all our lives. Those of us who are retired need to make the most of life so putting things on hold was not on the agenda a few years ago but the virus put paid to gadding about near or far. Its still frosty in the mornings here in central France but beautiful blue sky's arrive during the day and the birds are going through fat balls like there is no tomorrow. </p><p>A few of our friends who have second homes / holiday homes here in France have applied for 6th month visa's to get over the 90 day Brexit limitations now that the UK is a 3rd country so we hope to see some of them soon. </p><p>If you need any information please do not hesitate to contact us via email etc - contact details on this website.</p><p>best wishes to you all</p><p><br /></p>Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-39692560620562010482021-05-21T18:19:00.000+02:002021-05-21T18:19:06.261+02:00<p> May 21st and its still cool with showers but summer must be just around the corner? Everything is growing like there is no tomorrow and the birds are in overdrive building nests and feeding the first of the young. Its a wonderful time of year here in the countryside with everything bursting into like its makes you forget about the dreaded virus problems. </p><p>However things are starting to open up, on the 19th restaurants and cafes could open outside terraces so we went into town to the Paddock cafe and enjoyed cool beers plus burger and chips - absolutely marvellous.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7p1JLYpo0LnEN_Ib0EqCipP_lqrJzk6tTWUSy4RNMfqqL8-Op1GSQXtTF9ZHEvuPF6Pn1My19BGbdv9j8BNQG5EkqfQTkibEypXVcYOAHHyJshmVCtvng9IIzwbz_XfETLo2PcGMG8s/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7p1JLYpo0LnEN_Ib0EqCipP_lqrJzk6tTWUSy4RNMfqqL8-Op1GSQXtTF9ZHEvuPF6Pn1My19BGbdv9j8BNQG5EkqfQTkibEypXVcYOAHHyJshmVCtvng9IIzwbz_XfETLo2PcGMG8s/" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Its amazing how we can appreciate the simple things after months of lock down.</p>Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-54155225317590464072021-04-11T15:17:00.000+02:002021-04-11T15:17:44.427+02:00<p> Well spring has arrived and the birds are in full nest building work mode. The Blackbirds are hunting for worms and the Great Tits are feeding on our bread and fat balls.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHScjdV8UT5oR_QCQVbfte66kei8eLLiVxQjA7QnnTNIVcFS8ElCPVWAdTpj7s2s4lueq_3Sr2zMWpDmFjFkdWRU8U5sdWlpoYIWiMZRrOtlBd2mzDuexEtXqhhuSQ_6Hmb7b099ZTE2o/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHScjdV8UT5oR_QCQVbfte66kei8eLLiVxQjA7QnnTNIVcFS8ElCPVWAdTpj7s2s4lueq_3Sr2zMWpDmFjFkdWRU8U5sdWlpoYIWiMZRrOtlBd2mzDuexEtXqhhuSQ_6Hmb7b099ZTE2o/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Covid is still causing havoc but the vaccine rollout here in France has increased dramatically in the last 3 weeks. We have had our first injection and receive the second next week and the local situation is very stable, even the local hospital has no cases. What we have to remember is that the population density here in central France is a tiny fraction of that of the UK and an even smaller fraction of England so we can feel safe but we are not complacent.</p><p><b><i>Wine inundation: </i></b>well inundation may be a bit of an overstatement but we have noticed that over the past three months a mass of wine has been available at very cheap prices. A local clearance warehouse has been selling excellent Italian Prosecco for less than 3 euro, all with UK labelling so we can only presume its not been going to the UK as restaurants etc are closed. Even French wine is available at low prices so if we survive covid we may be troubled with liver failure! We read last week that Champagne sales are down 35% , a reflection of the difficult market conditions worldwide.</p><p>Maureen's vegetable plot is looking very good and her new small greenhouse is packed with seedlings all sprouting up. The lettuce or 'salad' as the French prefer to call it is also growing well in her 'Trug' </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxsQZJjV9CL5Cqg6x6jrvoMiuhPWAJGXMG03bO_slM-Si6zYYN4dTEYwMWawHKa8o8n7iy93QryxKdt4_iSQXvV7Nrtbq-N6gKSUmoqa96lUz41UHE5lClbnkN2NnOLit4hjdnoAlWCI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxsQZJjV9CL5Cqg6x6jrvoMiuhPWAJGXMG03bO_slM-Si6zYYN4dTEYwMWawHKa8o8n7iy93QryxKdt4_iSQXvV7Nrtbq-N6gKSUmoqa96lUz41UHE5lClbnkN2NnOLit4hjdnoAlWCI/w404-h303/image.png" width="404" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1z-gg9rJ2OoeTpYIWO_Yn0ndJi2rwi1W6TWRJkavea7KkHOn4ZKEuqHhGhdhJ_pFro9FuDA3GhZiucB90XE70t0CnqC2DZ5M7XJ6noAKNN-vQ8fip5tXO7ydMWWbuoVoLNXVf03R5d0s/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1z-gg9rJ2OoeTpYIWO_Yn0ndJi2rwi1W6TWRJkavea7KkHOn4ZKEuqHhGhdhJ_pFro9FuDA3GhZiucB90XE70t0CnqC2DZ5M7XJ6noAKNN-vQ8fip5tXO7ydMWWbuoVoLNXVf03R5d0s/w287-h382/image.png" width="287" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes its a whole scene going in the garden and it keeps everyone busy during these difficult times. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Take out menu:</u></b> The local restaurant has been closed for many months but has recently installed a 'take out' menu machine. The Auberge de la Tour has and continues to offer an excellent chilled menu @ 20 euro for weekends but the machine offers a less expensive option @ 15 euro all the week. We are sure that Eric the chef will continue to offer the weekend and machine dispensed fresh food even after the covid situation is over so that's good for anyone camping or staying in holiday cottages or gites. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Well that's all for now, lets hope we can all plan to travel later in the year.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-9374826644686727702021-02-24T15:51:00.003+01:002021-02-24T15:51:30.419+01:00That's life in the country<p> Its a sad day today as one of the three beautiful horses that live in the field at the bottom of our garden left us for the horses place in the sky. That however is life here in the countryside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0Fb5M-er6uv5BChOV_rwja2liRzshk5KqTJh0b-HNjqnTGzlQMng4AYeH2mk_qF4gg3KQ4wR5kebSd2ul8LiZl6GEQAezWXDl-sQx58tcUU_TZTIgKvQnLUDml2cWRIctBXhRuXMdbQ/s758/3+horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="758" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0Fb5M-er6uv5BChOV_rwja2liRzshk5KqTJh0b-HNjqnTGzlQMng4AYeH2mk_qF4gg3KQ4wR5kebSd2ul8LiZl6GEQAezWXDl-sQx58tcUU_TZTIgKvQnLUDml2cWRIctBXhRuXMdbQ/s320/3+horses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-28986651544513379952021-01-31T17:09:00.000+01:002021-01-31T17:09:23.286+01:00<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">February 1<sup>st</sup> 2021<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Well things have certainly developed since my last post. The
UK has left the EU, we now live permanently in France as the Brexit situation
would have limited our time here to 90- days and that’s a lot of use if you are
retired. Covid 19 arrived in March 2020 and you all know the impact but we have
light on the horizon with the vaccine rollout. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The cottage is
currently hibernating for the winter and looking fine for the winter and next
summer as we painted and stencilled the shutters before the wet weather started
so they are all ready and pristine for next year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UhwKJjgzo1llko7b-xl3U1RJn5zRO2SOyYKZrQnYX5lzgz0rHZHagQ52Tx0mBuheXhJkCj4qtF0uFMnLkxjwy2FiQM55AV09qE1y48MWEsgToNQzLCOhNo0EEbFPnkYZllNP2MG3ixo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UhwKJjgzo1llko7b-xl3U1RJn5zRO2SOyYKZrQnYX5lzgz0rHZHagQ52Tx0mBuheXhJkCj4qtF0uFMnLkxjwy2FiQM55AV09qE1y48MWEsgToNQzLCOhNo0EEbFPnkYZllNP2MG3ixo/" width="135" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Life here in our country hamlet continues at its gentle
pace. The horses chew the grass and the sheep, chickens, goats and ducks
oblivious to human covid problems provide a calming message to all who pass.
The local cafes and restaurants are currently closed and we have a curfew
between 6pm and 6am but the shops and markets operate to provide all the treats
we need to sustain life. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We do look forward to seeing friends and passing motorists
and motorcyclists in the future but we fear this may not be possible until
2022…but we can only wait and see.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you need any details do not hesitate to contact Maureen<o:p></o:p></p>Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-78226691919946776092019-07-14T16:04:00.000+02:002019-07-14T16:04:47.212+02:00PITSTOP for Gold Wing riders<b>PITSTOP FOR GOLD WING RIDERS </b><br />
<b></b><br />
Although we have closed our holiday cottage business in January 2019 we thought it mad not to offer the excellent facilities we have here to fellow Gold Wing riders should they be passing our location here in central France.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Goldwing riders touring
France or simply passing on your way to some other destination are most welcome
here at our home in central France. 325 miles from Calais (circa 6/7 hours travel).</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></i></b>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Situated in the south Loire Valley
area between the cities of Tours to the North and Chateauroux to the south we
are a very convenient location for travellers (Just off D943). We have good ‘<span style="background: whitesmoke; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">camping à la
campagne’ </span>facilities in the small field with a very good private
washroom / shower and toilet. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mains electricity available to your tent if
required. Plus we can provide those small items you cannot always carry, a
table and chairs, barbecue etc and other larger items such as a parasol for
those lovely sunny days. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
We have:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Camping: a level small field with well cut grass
surface in the country at the rear of our house with bathroom and toilet
facilities. </div>
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>A beautiful cottage with two bedrooms, one
double bedroom and one twin bedroom – see main website.</div>
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Restaurant quality meals available from a menu
(booked 24 hrs in advance), breakfast or light meals also available – see main
website for main meal menu.</div>
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>5 minutes ride to supermarkets, fuel garage and
the regionally famous ‘Paddock’ café serving great burgers and beers with a
very bike orientated host (French Yamaha GP Team photographer)</div>
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Tools and maintenance expertise available if
required. Honda specialist / traditional motorcycle shop within 20 minutes. </div>
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
#</div>
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-54794977877776106732018-12-22T00:05:00.000+01:002018-12-22T00:05:28.356+01:00Sad News<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are looking at this BLOG you will also have read the message on the home page of our website. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have reached a point where the operation of the cottage as holiday accommodation is no longer viable. The past two years, with the very weak pound and ever rising costs has reduced the small surplus we could generate pre BREXIT referendum to virtually zero in 2017/18 and that takes no account whatsoever of the time we spend over the year. In mid December we also received details of yet another French Tax, the 'tax de sejour' , although small it was the straw that broke the camels back. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have enjoyed welcoming our many guests over the past 8 years to our beautiful cottage. In 2018 we won 2nd prize once again for the best gite flower garden in the Indre region. However awards do not pay the bills and with so many fixed costs its less expensive to let the cottage stand empty than to run a holiday cottage business. We know of others who are in a similar situation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However all is not lost, friends and past guests are most welcome to stay and we ask you to contact Maureen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hopefully this could be a suspension of activity but unfortunately we cannot see the French government removing the many taxes imposed and of course we now await the impact of Brexit which has also affected advance reservations. We are not building up our hopes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can we send you all our very best wishes and in this troubled world lets hope 2019 brings you all good health and happiness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Very best wishes of the festive season</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maureen & John Hindhaugh </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-49740098490715723352018-09-30T10:26:00.001+02:002018-09-30T15:18:53.956+02:00At the Paddock<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Chatillon, a short drive from the cottage is a sleepy little town with a long history of leather manufacturing that is now long past other than grand the buildings once owned by the tannery barons and tannery owners. France, just like the UK also suffers from high street trading difficulties and Chatillon is no different. Fortunately we have a great supermarket and Brico/hardware store so unlike many small towns everything is still available close at hand along with the remaining shops on the small high street (Rue Grand). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">New businesses on the high street are very welcome indeed and everyone was very pleased when a couple from Paris took over one of the small bars and developed a bar/café/brasserie in the centre of town. The couple have a history connected with the Yamaha GP team and Nichole comes from Chatillon so the place is appropriately named 'The Paddock'. In addition to a range of simple food, beers and wine they organise a monthly concert with folk singers etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They are very friendly and welcoming so if you are in town relax and enjoy a coffee or a drink at the Paddock.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Holiday cottage and camping - great for bikers @ www.house-in-france.org.uk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcq1umK2nyqyS1AQoWZE8gqsiw84luwu6MHXxy9kWkzYWeIGuXQwfYnMykRM0-xD-MZk7oX8Pp8bPHzz8i18MM7Rt5pZOGsK0oT3UlXQI6pRig2PxZmO2Jtqq_h4JVqs1hdQbBN2LTlSc/s1600/Paddock2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1325" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcq1umK2nyqyS1AQoWZE8gqsiw84luwu6MHXxy9kWkzYWeIGuXQwfYnMykRM0-xD-MZk7oX8Pp8bPHzz8i18MM7Rt5pZOGsK0oT3UlXQI6pRig2PxZmO2Jtqq_h4JVqs1hdQbBN2LTlSc/s640/Paddock2018.jpg" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maureen and me with our 1980 Gold Wing Motorcycle and sidecar at the Paddock</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-21184488246051455522018-08-16T13:38:00.000+02:002018-08-16T13:38:23.888+02:00Retail TherapyI<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ts a strange old world. Here in central France we have a small chain of what I will describe as 'clearance' warehouses, named NOZ. They receive all manner of products from all over Europe and a good amount from the UK. It appears that all items are 'surplus' stock or promotional items that have not sold. Last spring they had a great stock of ASDA Cava, previously on sale in the UK over the Christmas /New Year period and for sale here for 3 euro , just over £2 at the time. They have great shoes, work ware, toys, tools and household goods, wine and beer, bottled and tinned food etc in fact you name it and its been in stock at some time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Todays bargain was a 'Dickies' waxed cotton jacket RRP £225 currently on a UK website for £175 special offer and in NOZ for 25 euro. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So you have all the French history and an opportunity for a brief session of retail therapy when on your holiday. You never know what you may discover!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄</span>Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-90895435903282891012018-08-12T19:36:00.001+02:002018-08-12T19:36:39.562+02:00Indians then deux chevaux<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What will it be next I ask myself! There I was watering the vegetable garden and I glanced over the fields only to spot a rare green 4 wheeled Deux Cheveux scampering along a track. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4wGMUrdq_pF2QhlaR0uAuK5GJJjF98du5ONHHgJjZ_4qOwClWPcYKmN1CBRAJJpXKXvofD0aARDrz-TsdU3tgMx2WgUKuz6u-pid2IHBMTPgZOZAz4K2tNsg9mYwCjArf3tv39Hj9QA/s1600/DSCF6338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4wGMUrdq_pF2QhlaR0uAuK5GJJjF98du5ONHHgJjZ_4qOwClWPcYKmN1CBRAJJpXKXvofD0aARDrz-TsdU3tgMx2WgUKuz6u-pid2IHBMTPgZOZAz4K2tNsg9mYwCjArf3tv39Hj9QA/s320/DSCF6338.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sneaky animal thought its green colour would evade detection</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">then there were more!!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIx3PXfXUyZDqcTihyphenhyphen3QMWF-3O705B88uijkH_07Ab-3ZFYhqUThlsocgckBV16ah-gJE9TqjTPEFxPXpidJ0nt_TLf1jjjLfXXwKhYKSPyQizC9wDARcXU0WSZ1oGjiObKFEcbcq9YQ8/s1600/DSCF6343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIx3PXfXUyZDqcTihyphenhyphen3QMWF-3O705B88uijkH_07Ab-3ZFYhqUThlsocgckBV16ah-gJE9TqjTPEFxPXpidJ0nt_TLf1jjjLfXXwKhYKSPyQizC9wDARcXU0WSZ1oGjiObKFEcbcq9YQ8/s320/DSCF6343.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And more were heading that way</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl-FE5D1FCV_aMq0w7X_2eFx0vU6k24GLF6kFbB01IFjj2OV_IEztPBZso-vyKkINigt3LtC82BSAYkYnuwJZHBIRTL0r9cgTEo2CPBNN0L2_DTQXyh4_Ivd_fHbKd_ePn0Ds_R0XrSw/s1600/DSCF6337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl-FE5D1FCV_aMq0w7X_2eFx0vU6k24GLF6kFbB01IFjj2OV_IEztPBZso-vyKkINigt3LtC82BSAYkYnuwJZHBIRTL0r9cgTEo2CPBNN0L2_DTQXyh4_Ivd_fHbKd_ePn0Ds_R0XrSw/s320/DSCF6337.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All shapes and sizes</span></td></tr>
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over 80 were meeting up for a weekend here in Chatillon</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6ob51cyML9MbYGH-tGnS_Pefg-LRDidaKj4-QEa20iRfIizHmQtBuLNpwhRP7ig05QiTlkFUxPkWnOuaVmkHcfOaNH80CF-weyq9XHb_6i_i5ArfMsQgLtmV1CCd3CmQ3mYU18II3RM/s1600/DSCF6344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6ob51cyML9MbYGH-tGnS_Pefg-LRDidaKj4-QEa20iRfIizHmQtBuLNpwhRP7ig05QiTlkFUxPkWnOuaVmkHcfOaNH80CF-weyq9XHb_6i_i5ArfMsQgLtmV1CCd3CmQ3mYU18II3RM/s320/DSCF6344.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Its a 2CV Paris - Dakar rally route</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">taking the rough with the smooth - these tough vehicles do rough tracks with ease!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtBBZHnqtvbYDMfuvNeMKmwyHTMAH_EE36byxNzioK4ak0HXPEnt9S5jsvYbV2vW34Ctfpp3_E_ms3LNW-qF3Ev-eDRqbOopDY26mV6C-nZYAJ_kV1Pqs9vCIke9d7-50n3s8sQ2BBd8/s1600/DSCF6346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtBBZHnqtvbYDMfuvNeMKmwyHTMAH_EE36byxNzioK4ak0HXPEnt9S5jsvYbV2vW34Ctfpp3_E_ms3LNW-qF3Ev-eDRqbOopDY26mV6C-nZYAJ_kV1Pqs9vCIke9d7-50n3s8sQ2BBd8/s320/DSCF6346.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eventually I tracked them down to a rest place in Clion only a few kilometres along the main road</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNM5ZWi-4EAtbiu4p4V1VMSwfQn8V11JLPcS3jcBVwV6DRKtGQYG5i8fPXE0WvwvP8SYUHSuu6I7W77VfmOObOlKtxfYJd8hc2Tj7-qVL703K5EkKmP4jD_fRNzE6cx4Sec1t5XuQr4Ng/s1600/DSCF6353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNM5ZWi-4EAtbiu4p4V1VMSwfQn8V11JLPcS3jcBVwV6DRKtGQYG5i8fPXE0WvwvP8SYUHSuu6I7W77VfmOObOlKtxfYJd8hc2Tj7-qVL703K5EkKmP4jD_fRNzE6cx4Sec1t5XuQr4Ng/s320/DSCF6353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The local mayor had provided all manner of refreshments, including wine of course.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was all part of a 2CV meet weekend, over 80 vehicles attending and all having a wonderful 'French' time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A beautiful Gold Wing with sidecar was parked at the edge of the 2CV field</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMz4lphv8rZNwafOzravAAsTTypxDSG0wKSuHb1d0-kFVPtjt1HusWLY9hZHbbAtP_nlVR2SZIbrFxh8f3keN2JqCWWgjdZLyPdEiTNo6H3Q17eG7H8O7zTu-JBXUBGxorrcx1fP0mWa4/s1600/DSCF6359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMz4lphv8rZNwafOzravAAsTTypxDSG0wKSuHb1d0-kFVPtjt1HusWLY9hZHbbAtP_nlVR2SZIbrFxh8f3keN2JqCWWgjdZLyPdEiTNo6H3Q17eG7H8O7zTu-JBXUBGxorrcx1fP0mWa4/s640/DSCF6359.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-49432082394227252442018-08-06T14:09:00.000+02:002018-08-06T14:09:07.952+02:00Life in the French hamlet<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weather news first: It is worth mentioning the weather as temperatures have been a regular 35c for the past week and its having a terrible impact on our beautiful flowers. Even with my deep well providing free water its impossible to keep the soil moist 24/7 but we try our best. The next two days are forecast to be around 37c and we know from past experience that this equates to 40c or more in sheltered spots. The cottage however remains cool thanks to traditional thick walls etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Life in the French hamlet - Mechoui - August 2018</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we have discovered its virtually impossible to fully participate in what I can only describe as the 'real' rural France unless you fully embrace the French and the French lifestyle. After 40 plus years of visiting this area and more than 15 years having a house here we are now part and parcel of the community. We always participate and work to support events, we very much enjoy assisting with all the events that bring our local community together and we consider ourselves very lucky indeed to be part of and be accepted in our small hamlet of 34 houses and farms. The annual 'mechoui' is one event that brings everyone together, normally 80/90 attend the afternoon meal. Held in our next door neighbours farm barn it is basically a meal of barbecued sheep commencing at around midday followed by what we call a boules competition that lasts about 3 hours followed by an evening meal that finishes at about 02.00 am. In reality with preparation and clearing away it takes up the best part of three days for the core of helpers that run the event.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirg6mIlf8aFIAyjJwznY0UHw-xdCihVABvwG6cH3QF_nCoNRSJ9LPMo__R8_PxCmnUwfDdNeTG7NGALpaVl8mZNcw4z3edLF-FdIx5-lyEQNaxUihm763dUSgwu1Pimkt0CGI7TG27sOI/s1600/DSCF6264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirg6mIlf8aFIAyjJwznY0UHw-xdCihVABvwG6cH3QF_nCoNRSJ9LPMo__R8_PxCmnUwfDdNeTG7NGALpaVl8mZNcw4z3edLF-FdIx5-lyEQNaxUihm763dUSgwu1Pimkt0CGI7TG27sOI/s320/DSCF6264.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breakfast for the workers on Saturday morning, that's me in the blue tea shirt with arms crossed</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Y4Mzo0Pwn8kKk0KO7eIkRmSaWDxm44sIk8IsZ9-DZoMhw1cqur6eHtm58meygSN6qgRxuU0G8XCaTEtRkfI5Z0CURV1uBkBDC3_-MPREbmQXaABx1_1WVGDOMhTfnAE1zt1n1k7QhZQ/s1600/DSCF6265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Y4Mzo0Pwn8kKk0KO7eIkRmSaWDxm44sIk8IsZ9-DZoMhw1cqur6eHtm58meygSN6qgRxuU0G8XCaTEtRkfI5Z0CURV1uBkBDC3_-MPREbmQXaABx1_1WVGDOMhTfnAE1zt1n1k7QhZQ/s320/DSCF6265.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A pause during the setting up</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The preparations begin on Wednesday when the two sheep are sent to the happy hunting grounds by the farmer. On the Friday at 07.00am I travel with a neighbour Claude to collect the tables from a store many miles away with my big trailer. Friday afternoon is spent clearing the barn of all the equipment, piles of wood and general farming rubbish that has built up over the year since the last mechoui. Saturday starts very early as the sheep need preparing for the barbecue, however a great core of hard workers appears and we soon have tables, benches, bunting and signs up and organised. The ladies and some men are also working at home preparing all manner of food for the afternoon and evening feasts.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQglMmSP5I0q-zeK9D2dA-JK7aOjXzdOmQOzBOa0pt6fehfBtck_ZgCgw8m_AeYpd67OaX2hk6SLJyv-g_JNc6nOCBB_ER8NSKwKiAlsrT65nurpBVUD7jnu-n_0ALhnqTn-YG3MX9F70/s1600/DSCF6275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQglMmSP5I0q-zeK9D2dA-JK7aOjXzdOmQOzBOa0pt6fehfBtck_ZgCgw8m_AeYpd67OaX2hk6SLJyv-g_JNc6nOCBB_ER8NSKwKiAlsrT65nurpBVUD7jnu-n_0ALhnqTn-YG3MX9F70/s320/DSCF6275.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The two sheep turning on the spit</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12.00 noon Saturday: People arrive and drinks are available in quantity with gallons of special aperitif prepared and served to everyone.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidui7Pm9IzZdNO4ttFl1reTVfu5-ffmUAKF8ABoyVg8DICK3JBQdNAb7UVrE7rlp1YkGzQRjBmrGGS3H5pbyVhrivfvVBPWkxsMNN6NA1FhrJpCJYNDXkM73k-jKG1DwwNhZrOZ9Aj9I0/s1600/DSCF6281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidui7Pm9IzZdNO4ttFl1reTVfu5-ffmUAKF8ABoyVg8DICK3JBQdNAb7UVrE7rlp1YkGzQRjBmrGGS3H5pbyVhrivfvVBPWkxsMNN6NA1FhrJpCJYNDXkM73k-jKG1DwwNhZrOZ9Aj9I0/s320/DSCF6281.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maureen on serving duty</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkOtgPD78aY1bgQcESndbuwdfbllV9KeR8uhTT2h7RDPuvLbsg4_nHyFzJYfGoN49rPKE3imN7oOSXxcMYxYPIygwePY66lLyo03YXCmzvH10rMiB8aABOd3yjD1PudMYQr5ZhThUL8M/s1600/DSCF6280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkOtgPD78aY1bgQcESndbuwdfbllV9KeR8uhTT2h7RDPuvLbsg4_nHyFzJYfGoN49rPKE3imN7oOSXxcMYxYPIygwePY66lLyo03YXCmzvH10rMiB8aABOd3yjD1PudMYQr5ZhThUL8M/s320/DSCF6280.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Copious quantities of a specially prepared aperitif were served</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Young and old arrive, home made games are set up to keep everyone occupied although talking is the main past time and boy the French can talk about anything and everything.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglR6xfOxysSiGh38oEIrgyO17xAGSDLP-a6_GfJsq0XRuD8pOizvYcOgNSpJFfdDaDgewuYwnsJ8tQAgSmT0o5aTo0UKHlNHBOl7HIRWfZVR1xVwVaFKPDesAOOP30otrCGVN1rUZZrwk/s1600/DSCF6282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglR6xfOxysSiGh38oEIrgyO17xAGSDLP-a6_GfJsq0XRuD8pOizvYcOgNSpJFfdDaDgewuYwnsJ8tQAgSmT0o5aTo0UKHlNHBOl7HIRWfZVR1xVwVaFKPDesAOOP30otrCGVN1rUZZrwk/s320/DSCF6282.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The early arrivals find a place at the table, over 80 people attend and its free if you live in the hamlet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv07cqnWSNmhXVMzN8x1vntLvlW274uRd4rHs8N62nbF8X5B-nzYJWnMwg8dNP6VNnCYs6vMDrbNhtZ-YntqYCv4uhR1-0TfIsniZ44KuSzdM7u6NlyPZfLAQPXSHXKwJ90Pr2rcSdvzw/s1600/DSCF6303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv07cqnWSNmhXVMzN8x1vntLvlW274uRd4rHs8N62nbF8X5B-nzYJWnMwg8dNP6VNnCYs6vMDrbNhtZ-YntqYCv4uhR1-0TfIsniZ44KuSzdM7u6NlyPZfLAQPXSHXKwJ90Pr2rcSdvzw/s320/DSCF6303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other residents made games</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIvS8E9zlClL49ZbPe7T52y-5uBIGMG2AUwNinYy3QkrmooEA6qT6ftXnSDVOJsEUuZt7qGdOXfFUXiY1CJ3hnApbQ34zOZKb1VfwclXtss7i4e3fyIiyPtoa474i3JyIE5zzubggzVk/s1600/DSCF6298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIvS8E9zlClL49ZbPe7T52y-5uBIGMG2AUwNinYy3QkrmooEA6qT6ftXnSDVOJsEUuZt7qGdOXfFUXiY1CJ3hnApbQ34zOZKb1VfwclXtss7i4e3fyIiyPtoa474i3JyIE5zzubggzVk/s320/DSCF6298.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I invented a 'steady hand' tractor game for the event. My ex work colleague Tim will smile at this one! Only one player was successful.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Babies and children arrive, some only a few weeks old but bread and butter to these country girls.</div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBka_fjmN6_mEndjB8rXwoq5Bpi9eOgTj5fEQvhbKNWrSKNZcjycUFLnlyCncKKWQezq6DWR-6Zmj5rx-HNGIEiGAorzErkGW3dGvtESwNsKtJ-qKFTRxcH4F8Q7w53LyFjffU-q9EVM/s1600/DSCF6269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBka_fjmN6_mEndjB8rXwoq5Bpi9eOgTj5fEQvhbKNWrSKNZcjycUFLnlyCncKKWQezq6DWR-6Zmj5rx-HNGIEiGAorzErkGW3dGvtESwNsKtJ-qKFTRxcH4F8Q7w53LyFjffU-q9EVM/s320/DSCF6269.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Young and old attend</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRVc806jInSKpQ38AITNKPDSC7jMSs8odnD-9E8GN0epka3ncXiTLTnnOZhptIS0Nk4uQ1Z5WWOPf16QLGq1H1b4D8oTxmXDyrASJn2q-6JCboKSkU0wxqv7ZCiZ1Q9045p1hdntRXs8/s1600/DSCF6332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRVc806jInSKpQ38AITNKPDSC7jMSs8odnD-9E8GN0epka3ncXiTLTnnOZhptIS0Nk4uQ1Z5WWOPf16QLGq1H1b4D8oTxmXDyrASJn2q-6JCboKSkU0wxqv7ZCiZ1Q9045p1hdntRXs8/s320/DSCF6332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUwMn7rI-242WnAk6CsncDuUHLvGJZHk1xMOHGOiuJHnVVmD6wm-5KFUL_2DYXpTFMRXRKOGCC9U-nxDZqbNh240WiciY4b7BEde66_uIvsQdkzjNI-6aocfxTfAuCG9KLxRGvN7xMF4/s1600/DSCF6277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUwMn7rI-242WnAk6CsncDuUHLvGJZHk1xMOHGOiuJHnVVmD6wm-5KFUL_2DYXpTFMRXRKOGCC9U-nxDZqbNh240WiciY4b7BEde66_uIvsQdkzjNI-6aocfxTfAuCG9KLxRGvN7xMF4/s320/DSCF6277.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leon, in flat cap is 94 and going strong.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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The sheep is removed from the heat and prepared for serving</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFSS3aFZOuuCZ_KiiCLKuefmCPyVJO1VTIk_8MbJ1K5eL_lkWvDIr3U-H6fxLxnn_L07zK3PmSQyKn9reaDkkDdYYkB5ET1A9xgKM8kI1grwm5NPZl3byqPSO_aurVfRK3T_ruNjjyTY/s1600/DSCF6295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFSS3aFZOuuCZ_KiiCLKuefmCPyVJO1VTIk_8MbJ1K5eL_lkWvDIr3U-H6fxLxnn_L07zK3PmSQyKn9reaDkkDdYYkB5ET1A9xgKM8kI1grwm5NPZl3byqPSO_aurVfRK3T_ruNjjyTY/s320/DSCF6295.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preparing the sheep for serving takes some skill</span></td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After 4 hours of food and wine its time for the competition…...a serious game here in central France.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzeNEh7hwDkLnAli1AYDK2gvfst318xi0W9LOFLAaneS8sXM1ONyX_gjJ_w5RvccOk87GP2fc6b2l3DNNpImbJm36qGOQ-2PGHrYiZi5ZBpaDup3k6lJf2CH_FAmKKl2KMIyLTmU3mXs/s1600/DSCF6304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzeNEh7hwDkLnAli1AYDK2gvfst318xi0W9LOFLAaneS8sXM1ONyX_gjJ_w5RvccOk87GP2fc6b2l3DNNpImbJm36qGOQ-2PGHrYiZi5ZBpaDup3k6lJf2CH_FAmKKl2KMIyLTmU3mXs/s320/DSCF6304.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The semi finals of the boules competition, its 35c so they play in the shade of a big barn.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last years champion, our next door neighbour was in fine form</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKvWj4RX0Kxe-pJIAAfQ-LmoVrCg12BbPurTCIrpx9CICeqz7aZM_2HWFNa6B2j5TGwfexDDu42O6Exb623ssiyC6hQduGN9ET_mjwflj6xsCnnu280lUMkS9NY0a9TbfsdWYRzDDopI/s1600/DSCF6307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKvWj4RX0Kxe-pJIAAfQ-LmoVrCg12BbPurTCIrpx9CICeqz7aZM_2HWFNa6B2j5TGwfexDDu42O6Exb623ssiyC6hQduGN9ET_mjwflj6xsCnnu280lUMkS9NY0a9TbfsdWYRzDDopI/s320/DSCF6307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last years champion in full boules flight</span></td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are not a boules person, well other card games can fill the afternoon</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWu-_EBQMtnUOhx4CpAYcZgYm2Yq93nogFGYOoFR5VKQmlUwyQ4UCsihxnw8f_6PRYhZ_rzrQrKcmkBVQlN6D5veksRZg25XIgFefyDYM-2NCAtbEbZUc10Q6DF2As4XfonASK8DkBRm0/s1600/DSCF6324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWu-_EBQMtnUOhx4CpAYcZgYm2Yq93nogFGYOoFR5VKQmlUwyQ4UCsihxnw8f_6PRYhZ_rzrQrKcmkBVQlN6D5veksRZg25XIgFefyDYM-2NCAtbEbZUc10Q6DF2As4XfonASK8DkBRm0/s320/DSCF6324.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A quiet game of cards</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNLMn0gVdBYxBbqibiM1tnowCP7F5QFIeEkcFiQlr11D3-TWp9dp1XsYAt2UqgCy-5aP4aRJ1fX0r4A708De5SZhXY8AuDA10koIQI6oCqk_3hA1paY2bfSYqOfcAX6SImm7fFGBLqS8/s1600/DSCF6322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNLMn0gVdBYxBbqibiM1tnowCP7F5QFIeEkcFiQlr11D3-TWp9dp1XsYAt2UqgCy-5aP4aRJ1fX0r4A708De5SZhXY8AuDA10koIQI6oCqk_3hA1paY2bfSYqOfcAX6SImm7fFGBLqS8/s320/DSCF6322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The three magnificent horses in the field observe the games from a distance, Maureen having a word of explanation?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Around 8pm the games are finished and its time to start and think about the evening meal!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2OaDyO17gh2KKXL-_5E1drxX6xc93yVBGQXnkftfbCn3h6iGLnhr8TbisXIJ_36iMUNhEOO-qSfN7RFs0YCMmGIEk0JSxkKsgtaHxD9qrver-fj_VjVebcOTQQJk0sa8QSsnwHgD5_4/s1600/DSCF6286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2OaDyO17gh2KKXL-_5E1drxX6xc93yVBGQXnkftfbCn3h6iGLnhr8TbisXIJ_36iMUNhEOO-qSfN7RFs0YCMmGIEk0JSxkKsgtaHxD9qrver-fj_VjVebcOTQQJk0sa8QSsnwHgD5_4/s320/DSCF6286.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maureen helps to prepare the tables for around 60 remaining people staying in the evening</span></td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The barbecue works hard to cook dozens of merguez and chipolata sausages plus of course a range of starters, main course accompaniments, cheese and desert. We left at 01.00hrs knowing that the core helpers would need to return on the Sunday to dismantle, tidy up and pack everything away</span>. </div>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1vID3MVF_puFZeSt1YrQkPbxNEMnQsTtvMmaRCW-cbuXelipu2s5NJiMK_yF9t1bBJhLZq5h9jlIcUfNgvGajK9LUrdjVT4itvVCXdG7QE2YF38Wktv6RORRPwK2jIxMh4srnebD2sU/s1600/DSCF6326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1vID3MVF_puFZeSt1YrQkPbxNEMnQsTtvMmaRCW-cbuXelipu2s5NJiMK_yF9t1bBJhLZq5h9jlIcUfNgvGajK9LUrdjVT4itvVCXdG7QE2YF38Wktv6RORRPwK2jIxMh4srnebD2sU/s640/DSCF6326.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So that's it for 2018, another great mechoui and another great community event.</span>Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-3236504703843185252018-07-31T23:31:00.002+02:002018-07-31T23:31:33.220+02:00Red Indians in town last weekend<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well some of the Indians were red, some black and some blue but all were at least 50 years old and beautiful examples of motorcycle engineering,</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iGmIw9pWysNvb-afFP1TRXFlPfTcidgtkIj49YG8eCk4Z8DrTl3y4eOK2zsjhnkLmgmYm4MZAeGqqXQSrbZzkMvmMZDGubG_VMaie9swiDCZFhB1DywdAuYutWHmrpiLlRgeKYpbnzo/s1600/DSCF6224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iGmIw9pWysNvb-afFP1TRXFlPfTcidgtkIj49YG8eCk4Z8DrTl3y4eOK2zsjhnkLmgmYm4MZAeGqqXQSrbZzkMvmMZDGubG_VMaie9swiDCZFhB1DywdAuYutWHmrpiLlRgeKYpbnzo/s640/DSCF6224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The local chateau (Il Savary) in Clion was the location for the international gathering of classic Indian motorcycles and as you can see they came complete with tepee</span>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzH6QniY11fJbfHbpknwZsObbvMXH6fLEzDPXSpMBBSPZ-ReYJqAqEoWnjqeNtaQXYtHi1Aa9Q9eoPjwdvNT56r0MWYyFbA2HB-VPh-9aJepBNWZqpwbco9q0Z-mkkjcQZzKPSOdZsnE/s1600/DSCF6226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzH6QniY11fJbfHbpknwZsObbvMXH6fLEzDPXSpMBBSPZ-ReYJqAqEoWnjqeNtaQXYtHi1Aa9Q9eoPjwdvNT56r0MWYyFbA2HB-VPh-9aJepBNWZqpwbco9q0Z-mkkjcQZzKPSOdZsnE/s400/DSCF6226.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some were very old</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFzIPPCK4Ij862lshJJFYElR6_nd12X0-7wU53sa9ZBXXdDDh_EmFg_L8Udcfz8Ws57cD1rRk__JnVFoawO7jr-zBzIOU-lelEYEJ43-FQUWJ2jdPC_DomEBxmTKrcNwhLo-PARyJS6w/s1600/DSCF6230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFzIPPCK4Ij862lshJJFYElR6_nd12X0-7wU53sa9ZBXXdDDh_EmFg_L8Udcfz8Ws57cD1rRk__JnVFoawO7jr-zBzIOU-lelEYEJ43-FQUWJ2jdPC_DomEBxmTKrcNwhLo-PARyJS6w/s400/DSCF6230.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beautiful restorations made some bikes better than new</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition to the Indians the club had a great line up of entertainment and catering</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6tUaoG-6voqGCqC1Nz-AFFa_bSPJEb5GBMeHPmwh14bQRf7zoWi9FmHJZaNjEyRFP6wl4IVlGRTbNZ__W08fWYT1THqQJoGk-qPX2G5c3ShA3XacEHBURB4rbZxcR_ksarQSRVhyphenhyphenaLM/s1600/DSCF6244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6tUaoG-6voqGCqC1Nz-AFFa_bSPJEb5GBMeHPmwh14bQRf7zoWi9FmHJZaNjEyRFP6wl4IVlGRTbNZ__W08fWYT1THqQJoGk-qPX2G5c3ShA3XacEHBURB4rbZxcR_ksarQSRVhyphenhyphenaLM/s400/DSCF6244.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A great (French) American blues / rock band provided entertainment in the evening</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHXIam_CTZYrkmDCGvNCyc2M_uCWjyfVpxtG0mJRTILgttroEZsoSKfzUXZxwFZL2u6k2N6xcUmxUGQY0cYRmZusxTK7l-Q3F3QFJOO7yqOUrdxmU_3aXfiQxFpykDkv08lUocb8J8zw/s1600/DSCF6235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHXIam_CTZYrkmDCGvNCyc2M_uCWjyfVpxtG0mJRTILgttroEZsoSKfzUXZxwFZL2u6k2N6xcUmxUGQY0cYRmZusxTK7l-Q3F3QFJOO7yqOUrdxmU_3aXfiQxFpykDkv08lUocb8J8zw/s400/DSCF6235.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We could not resist a picture outside the Tepee</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhsxvCmuFbNdYBQI413HYZIh8XjfJ5Nmfh3cKfb8Nl5hZpegFYPFwYk8adCmw-SdcXWMOU33F4Dmtg5eVHh7Rue43CP2N7axEtNjrhgTq6ijvxSA30s3vzst6WlzEctyr5aYoTOdL9cs/s1600/DSCF6228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhsxvCmuFbNdYBQI413HYZIh8XjfJ5Nmfh3cKfb8Nl5hZpegFYPFwYk8adCmw-SdcXWMOU33F4Dmtg5eVHh7Rue43CP2N7axEtNjrhgTq6ijvxSA30s3vzst6WlzEctyr5aYoTOdL9cs/s400/DSCF6228.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over 300 Indians from all over the world came for the gathering</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWThBrQlgI3gLvUUPM4ccPNAMycsFspa4tYa7wpyn4kcPXhHNhoe6bu1Ljf8H3BEail5O9O5bFbuXLZDsgSghdP0Eln7L6XvdzIgiUbwQ9RkljCtUPpO3SfbrAJHySStvg-wLMI9QKVY/s1600/DSCF6238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWThBrQlgI3gLvUUPM4ccPNAMycsFspa4tYa7wpyn4kcPXhHNhoe6bu1Ljf8H3BEail5O9O5bFbuXLZDsgSghdP0Eln7L6XvdzIgiUbwQ9RkljCtUPpO3SfbrAJHySStvg-wLMI9QKVY/s400/DSCF6238.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our friend Nicole of the 'Paddock' Café and Maureen enjoyed the event</span>Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-45832487117359118912018-07-08T20:29:00.001+02:002018-07-08T20:29:43.185+02:00World cup weather and flowers<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We (including our current guests) are all excited and hoping to see England do well in the football world cup. Maureen's home town is Ashington in Northumberland and she lived only a few streets away from Bobby and Jackie Charlton when she was still a little girl. As you may recall Bob and Jackie both played in the 1966 World Cup winning England team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>All the photo's below were taken today when our guests were out and I was watering the flowers: Sunday 8th July 2018.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><b></b><i></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_g53VR3qAcfZpakAt0LErHbWyngDDQYNtSE2up4IvwTTpffNa3C7inS-ZzEdZQvaEPZKrcTEdp4YekPfvRr7BqkRD5GeEPoOG28WqtZjlUhQ7TYtXq462blocCfPU2gvP2bok1Cu5J4/s1600/DSCF6207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_g53VR3qAcfZpakAt0LErHbWyngDDQYNtSE2up4IvwTTpffNa3C7inS-ZzEdZQvaEPZKrcTEdp4YekPfvRr7BqkRD5GeEPoOG28WqtZjlUhQ7TYtXq462blocCfPU2gvP2bok1Cu5J4/s640/DSCF6207.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hanging baskets and flowers are magnificent this time of year, photo's fail to capture the colour.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaS3gH1Et9U2ihYdlYdp_ruhXCVFiNYbwzpym7ifrO53k7ItVdOzbIQB4Cu0U5XSL6IPTQ_DADC3w2oJJ2YSyMPJx0RFVKy-_nptxaupMBx-uj63ZRvUcADi-lyB2cd4x0VtKW_Vucxaw/s1600/DSCF6215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaS3gH1Et9U2ihYdlYdp_ruhXCVFiNYbwzpym7ifrO53k7ItVdOzbIQB4Cu0U5XSL6IPTQ_DADC3w2oJJ2YSyMPJx0RFVKy-_nptxaupMBx-uj63ZRvUcADi-lyB2cd4x0VtKW_Vucxaw/s640/DSCF6215.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another corner of the cottage garden and at the end of the cottage we now have vines and grapes growing.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjDoi-1pfeS9c05ix9h2dQ0cW1jNjmKETdENa8MyQ61NZRnZY9KaNyBvFJLXas94cqmFGTNNgIJTBEOg2Y-5cBI3YBEpwTTRbBFdYWPVfP2G1G3N75-K9scBBCXzENCcKGlFJ3vmc8NM/s1600/DSCF6209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjDoi-1pfeS9c05ix9h2dQ0cW1jNjmKETdENa8MyQ61NZRnZY9KaNyBvFJLXas94cqmFGTNNgIJTBEOg2Y-5cBI3YBEpwTTRbBFdYWPVfP2G1G3N75-K9scBBCXzENCcKGlFJ3vmc8NM/s640/DSCF6209.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The well has a new handle!!!! Bought for only 15 euro at a local brocante.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRiumluXGGwmuOOrkkBrS54TkBIrVSRRLaRCTuIMi6NnZf4XjuluBMzGI0ebk8lWzUl2qgurmsRq2-3ogTlES-QeEDJeCWTRXHppWql3-9hUY-xx80T-pCCqLTylnn4jIXtet3Poy8_s/s1600/DSCF6208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRiumluXGGwmuOOrkkBrS54TkBIrVSRRLaRCTuIMi6NnZf4XjuluBMzGI0ebk8lWzUl2qgurmsRq2-3ogTlES-QeEDJeCWTRXHppWql3-9hUY-xx80T-pCCqLTylnn4jIXtet3Poy8_s/s640/DSCF6208.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cottage has a second terrace at the bottom of the garden, this catches the sun in the evening. It has a light and mains socket plus a hot plate if you would like to cook something 'al fresco'.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUJ7GTs83pj5NVyUnw6messhDjatWGrFXxJTwdoehDFyTfXhC-LVIlny9GjQrnoKt-D8pGX2pK0piHbjgYdM1MLiMEFT7YUzHfgpiU-W8o352elr6LiwbY-kBaH61o2p7u2ZEuWW1O7Q/s1600/DSCF6212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUJ7GTs83pj5NVyUnw6messhDjatWGrFXxJTwdoehDFyTfXhC-LVIlny9GjQrnoKt-D8pGX2pK0piHbjgYdM1MLiMEFT7YUzHfgpiU-W8o352elr6LiwbY-kBaH61o2p7u2ZEuWW1O7Q/s640/DSCF6212.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cottage garden is full of interesting corners, this was new in 2018</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76xfqAl4v1bOcWEb2XhYHFNwMX9HPu5rrTOIjAim8P7hyZYTNhhTKfUEF19IKdvutfUfEzPc0_IM52BJPeEbBfyEPRDbPj77EFeNvXIWTvaekmATXOPkoc1wu4jfYELLvxg5F0AaRA_k/s1600/DSCF6216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76xfqAl4v1bOcWEb2XhYHFNwMX9HPu5rrTOIjAim8P7hyZYTNhhTKfUEF19IKdvutfUfEzPc0_IM52BJPeEbBfyEPRDbPj77EFeNvXIWTvaekmATXOPkoc1wu4jfYELLvxg5F0AaRA_k/s640/DSCF6216.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the side of the narrow road passing the cottage, near the entrance, the wall flowers are beautiful </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDq59jAVZq9MbfU48BeF6ugyyevo2Rj_we-Wjw7EUw9bjbFMYukrGp-K-RLw1KO_8pKICJPahRTHItHLc6UNOln8SPYZRJMABIzfmBrtTJ_i5iv3G0O8qlveeuKX5ckhAbSs8upcGywY/s1600/DSCF6213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDq59jAVZq9MbfU48BeF6ugyyevo2Rj_we-Wjw7EUw9bjbFMYukrGp-K-RLw1KO_8pKICJPahRTHItHLc6UNOln8SPYZRJMABIzfmBrtTJ_i5iv3G0O8qlveeuKX5ckhAbSs8upcGywY/s640/DSCF6213.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ah Love at first sight!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you may know we were awarded 2nd prize for the best flower garden in the Indre region in 2016 and 2017. The secret garden inspectors will be around this year so we hope they are impressed with the show, lets hope we do well in the 2018 competition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We look forward to seeing all our future guests, if you have any further questions simply contact Maureen.</span><br />
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Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-36800690851846668612018-06-27T22:43:00.002+02:002018-06-27T22:44:06.054+02:00Jolly Musical JuneA<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s the weeks pass the flowers get better by the day, our latest guests are all very impressed with the garden and relaxing in the shade of the big trees with a nice glass of chilled wine could not be better on these warn evenings. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoz7xKOYDUFDZWZk7kRnn4jTXf4MyBxbkYWiCVf1XJkSTHBN8PjF4phWOBRklj2i3eoWpHmMFPWUHOX7Ywg4kijQz3QbVOgs2afzfyq-P9MEKsRq-YQIUQcooCEiGb46wqMiHPkXo5y4/s1600/DSCF6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoz7xKOYDUFDZWZk7kRnn4jTXf4MyBxbkYWiCVf1XJkSTHBN8PjF4phWOBRklj2i3eoWpHmMFPWUHOX7Ywg4kijQz3QbVOgs2afzfyq-P9MEKsRq-YQIUQcooCEiGb46wqMiHPkXo5y4/s400/DSCF6120.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE8zj9PZkitrR6Dd5tqjj0H1QVraLb-Qs8KTLQlpcp9fajN5sQAuq5M2sLgnArHl7Yl4SE6vEYYL7y4tCangvcXUvfqHOhDRQtSC0r9ahs9Pvo4HGdMjQ8oUcr9s8oO1c4IF6hkmOpws/s1600/DSCF6126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE8zj9PZkitrR6Dd5tqjj0H1QVraLb-Qs8KTLQlpcp9fajN5sQAuq5M2sLgnArHl7Yl4SE6vEYYL7y4tCangvcXUvfqHOhDRQtSC0r9ahs9Pvo4HGdMjQ8oUcr9s8oO1c4IF6hkmOpws/s400/DSCF6126.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The wall outside the cottage has the best showing of flowers for years!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIiRipNgzY5xLq5771wWIBlvshaA-KS_CoUodgclP_yMcNGKQAi9yliPRtnLaoJzzGmtNpD78Tv-93KEcARH3tMNUyIVzAqXIYIBH11usks7MyX7fG3oldPTw4QOGDC1l88thInjnnBA/s1600/DSCF6124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIiRipNgzY5xLq5771wWIBlvshaA-KS_CoUodgclP_yMcNGKQAi9yliPRtnLaoJzzGmtNpD78Tv-93KEcARH3tMNUyIVzAqXIYIBH11usks7MyX7fG3oldPTw4QOGDC1l88thInjnnBA/s400/DSCF6124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The annual concert took place in the farmers barn last week, sandwiched between two combine vintage harvesters the local band from Clion gave everyone from the hamlet a magnificent performance.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopefully the video will let you listen to the band.</td></tr>
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<br />Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-39813257926674927212018-06-14T18:27:00.001+02:002018-06-15T18:25:15.963+02:00Wet but wonderful<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well late May and June has certainly provided sufficient rain for the gardens, the deep wells in the hamlet will be full for the summer and everyone will be happy. We are however now ready for some of the hot days of summer. The 500 plus flower plants that arrived from our nursery in Staffordshire are now planted and established in the gardens providing an early show of colour but lots more to come yet. The cottage garden has been awarded second prize for the regional garden competition two years in a row, what will it take to get 1st prize? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The first eight photos below were taken today , Thursday 14th June in the cottage garden, our cottage guests are all enjoying the show. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clematis loves the wet weather - lots of flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Planted in 2016 the vines at the end of the cottage have the first grapes developing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Poppies giving a great show of colour</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now you will never guess the significance of the barrels on the trailer! They all contain plums, 3 from our plum trees and 3 from the plum trees in Michel's garden (my French friend of 45 plus years). All 6 were filled during the summer of 2017, had sugar added and were left to over the winter to ferment. Of course in May 2018, as every year, the roving distiller arrives and all 6 barrels were on the way to be distilled into eau de vie. This year was a bumper year and the eau de vie was of very high quality, starting at 87% and eventually dropping down to 42% . I am sure the 40 litres will keep les Deux Platantes in eau de vie for the next 10 years! Some from 2012, has just been made into the local aperitif called 'Epine'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maureen's vegetable garden received a major renovation in 2017 and this has been completed in 2018. It now has raised beds, gravel paths and special areas for tomato growing and fruit bushes.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tomatoes and herbs</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 types of potato all starting to flower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Leeks, carrots, beans, melons, courgettes, radish and lettuce growing well due to the damp weather.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last but not least was the recent commemoration to celebrate the arrival of the Scottish Army which formed the 'Auld Alliance' to help the French fight the English.....600 years ago! As ever this was yet another excuse for a wonderful long afternoon meal and Maureen assisted with the deserts making Cranachan which the French thought was amazing as it contained whisky.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Mayor saying a few fine words before the meal. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-17927617992645736652018-05-20T21:45:00.001+02:002018-05-20T21:45:44.705+02:00French friends love the Royal Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeOOUvDijicVED6kuomtpPOW8gHLNE8zl0XS1uQMEQT_UNNjOe1oTFGA0B9KpmVm2N2XN134IOaPGb_A0O8C5jireogz2WWKyF4b9DCuOIQOd4HQYy3enPJhZS9DYwoKdkzMQujFy5ew/s1600/flag+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="186" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeOOUvDijicVED6kuomtpPOW8gHLNE8zl0XS1uQMEQT_UNNjOe1oTFGA0B9KpmVm2N2XN134IOaPGb_A0O8C5jireogz2WWKyF4b9DCuOIQOd4HQYy3enPJhZS9DYwoKdkzMQujFy5ew/s200/flag+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojrur7VEOuoILXsoQr40SAS8ihXqgfziPLbQXnDUfw7vlGRJ4fKpJcRJaC42-Tf36DGecUNVXgGlselxQCP2OWP4_y92SGXJG4NoVGP7M5xCFjYTh092Mjh_6Kcvbi0nrGdKOz94Ww3c/s1600/DSCF5999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojrur7VEOuoILXsoQr40SAS8ihXqgfziPLbQXnDUfw7vlGRJ4fKpJcRJaC42-Tf36DGecUNVXgGlselxQCP2OWP4_y92SGXJG4NoVGP7M5xCFjYTh092Mjh_6Kcvbi0nrGdKOz94Ww3c/s400/DSCF5999.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the ladies stole the show all looking very elegant for the wedding!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In France any excuse can be used for a lunch or dinner invitation so the Royal Wedding provided yet another opportunity to have our French friends for lunch. Royal themed invitations were sent out and Maureen came up with a magnificent 'wedding breakfast' menu for the big day. Some friends had previous engagements but we ended up with 10 for lunch, just sufficient to fit around the table. Everyone made some effort with flags or hats. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZR8fXqeEFRLBuIUoM3MJmhSpxYcbiSCiKCuhAyyFrdFL-8kLfkqjbXaqiSJw9pd3oUpUO62sYyUXws_tP5aqhXni_X__qdOAe7vvrAwBKAE4LgsbBkalL2pW44j7tJCaFqkAor184cJY/s1600/DSCF5996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZR8fXqeEFRLBuIUoM3MJmhSpxYcbiSCiKCuhAyyFrdFL-8kLfkqjbXaqiSJw9pd3oUpUO62sYyUXws_tP5aqhXni_X__qdOAe7vvrAwBKAE4LgsbBkalL2pW44j7tJCaFqkAor184cJY/s400/DSCF5996.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Patrick arrived in his Morgan looking very 'English' </span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="FR" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;">Liste des invités - all given titles for the big day! </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;">Sir Michel and Lady Chantal
<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>de Voncq</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;">Philippe Duke of Maison
Carreau and Dutchess Natelie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;">The Lady Carole Grand
Dutchess of Route D43</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;">Celine Countess of
Chatillon & Environs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;">Patrick, First Earl of
Morgan & Countess Irina of Morgan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;">John Marquis of
Platanes & Maureen Marchioness of Platanes</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_nzBwwiYAe7FMBAKdXA0TrQvH9AH2LDEgkp7q1QCVWygRQPDwj6FGVxFp1VOJJozQIR1iG7PnQrCdGU_7-92cpHbq3-xHw_424wLviibOwvYoYpKrjl242ptMXE_w3bBSYoAQr2aAug/s1600/DSCF6002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_nzBwwiYAe7FMBAKdXA0TrQvH9AH2LDEgkp7q1QCVWygRQPDwj6FGVxFp1VOJJozQIR1iG7PnQrCdGU_7-92cpHbq3-xHw_424wLviibOwvYoYpKrjl242ptMXE_w3bBSYoAQr2aAug/s400/DSCF6002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The gentlemen made some efforts also!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The wedding lunch menu @ les Deux Platanes</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;">Canapés
de mariage & Champagne </span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 20pt; margin: 0px;">******</span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="FR" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 20pt; margin: 0px;">Plateau de jambon Serrano</span></span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 20pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="FR" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;">Sorbet Sakura - à partir des fleurs de la cerisier</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 20pt; margin: 0px;">Tranches
de saumon aux oeufs de caille et asperges des Bois</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 20pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Sauce
aux fines herbes</span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="FR" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 20pt; margin: 0px;">Salade de fèves et parmesan</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk514431356"><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 20pt; margin: 0px;">******</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;">Sélection
de fromage</span></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 20pt; margin: 0px;">******</span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="FR" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 20pt; margin: 0px;">Gâteau aux fleurs de sureau et citron</span></span></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 22pt; margin: 0px;">******</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px;">Café /<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>thé</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4qUoaAVba2FEvYgp55IAR7k-JSNFrmcrwdPNQSd9F1dvf8_xfxw1Fbyc5JBwcRucJuEGocfMz5F0qMUtGthmwuvnek1-S0PLmyTMoHh9dqnuNStVExqDDZkwrdu8nAtTfLA-ECxlg4A/s1600/DSCF5992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4qUoaAVba2FEvYgp55IAR7k-JSNFrmcrwdPNQSd9F1dvf8_xfxw1Fbyc5JBwcRucJuEGocfMz5F0qMUtGthmwuvnek1-S0PLmyTMoHh9dqnuNStVExqDDZkwrdu8nAtTfLA-ECxlg4A/s320/DSCF5992.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table was suitably decorated</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGU5Ajm5LBKzGmb-NPTjS_WOxtXxzeMXh_rJaX5KCjQ02-yx5CKbt__sdZUiQ_LxAza1xBaEehZ9bYXtsCJS_hgrBfl6_e1gE0Tb6hbllIqzrffgyNL9459LFguT9SBX4_uB-MojLvx8/s1600/DSCF5994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGU5Ajm5LBKzGmb-NPTjS_WOxtXxzeMXh_rJaX5KCjQ02-yx5CKbt__sdZUiQ_LxAza1xBaEehZ9bYXtsCJS_hgrBfl6_e1gE0Tb6hbllIqzrffgyNL9459LFguT9SBX4_uB-MojLvx8/s400/DSCF5994.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Maureen's lemon and elderflower cake was excellent </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A most enjoyable afternoon here in central France</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-43515639185223632812018-03-16T18:28:00.001+01:002018-03-16T18:28:40.489+01:002017 another Award<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A knock on our door yesterday revealed two of our neighbours and they were bringing news from the local mayors office! We had our suspicions but they brought confirmation that our cottage/gite garden had won 2nd prize for the second year running in the regional 'BEST FLOWER GARDEN' competition. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We do take great pride in preparing the cottage garden for all our guests to enjoy, if you reserve the cottage for your holiday the cottage garden is yours and only yours to enjoy during your stay. Yes you may see John around if he is watering or Maureen 'dead heading' but we try our very best to do these tasks when you are out exploring this wonderful area of rural France.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span>Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-11628735879390158722018-02-28T16:22:00.002+01:002018-02-28T16:22:47.928+01:00Down to 80<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> SLOW DOWN TO 80klm/49.71mph</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you may have heard the new speed limit on non divided roads in France, which is the vast majority of roads in rural France is soon to be 80klm which is 49.71 mph. On the positive side it will no doubt save some fuel although most vehicle manufacturers give 55mph as the speed they have designed the engine to give maximum mph. But as you know if you have been traveling on a 50mph average speed road in the UK it is a tedious and soul destroying speed and the thought of doing 80klm from Calais to central France is not one I look forward to in 2018. Having undertaken some research into the accident statistics in France compared to other European nations I can see that the French road deaths due to speeding are no more and in some cases less than other countries<u><b> HOWEVER </b></u>the deaths from alcohol related driving is very high compared to other countries to I think the 80lkm speed reduction misses the mark in this case. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the hanging baskets outside the cottage</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maureen has been in contact with our UK plant supplier to discuss our 2018 flower order. Last summer was hot and some flowers could not survive the 35c plus temperatures on those hot days so we need some alternative specimens. The cottage garden has been awarded second prize for the second year in 2017 for the best 'gite' flower garden so we need to keep up standards for 2018</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For 2018 the Blue bedroom is receiving a fresh coat of paint, yes we know it looks perfect but the cottage has high standards to maintain and last year the rose bedroom was redecorated. We will maintain the main colour, these will remain more or less the same...yes Blue! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TESCO POINTS</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you collect Tesco points we remind you that these can be used for travel on the tunnel, and several boat / ferry companies in 2018. If you have £30 of points these transform into £90 worth of travel so its well worth using the points in this way if you can. Full details on the Tesco 'Clubcard' website.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cottage calendar is filling up fast and we look forward to seeing some past guests and new guests in 2018.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-76863931712779205052017-12-10T18:57:00.002+01:002017-12-10T18:57:38.502+01:00Merry Christmas past and future guests<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Christmas greetings everyone</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seasons greetings everyone</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well the hot and dry summer of 2017 is behind us and we look forward to 2018 and meeting new and returning guests at les Deux Platanes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The romantic small terrace at the bottom of the garden</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The two giant Platanes trees that provide glorious shade in the cottage garden have been 'trimmed' in November 2017 reducing the height. The large oak situated at the end of the cottage will receive a substantial 'pollard' at the end of January allowing more sun into the garden as the sun is setting in the evenings, The small terrace in the cottage garden was built for you to enjoy the evening sun, an ideal situation for a barbecue or a glass of wine in the evening but the oak was shading it a little as the sun was setting and we cannot have that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">As you may have may have noticed from the news the greatest rock star you may never have heard about has died and the French are sad indeed. Johnny Halliday was a French icon and this was recognised by his funeral which was to all extents a 'state' funeral with tens of thousands lining the route in Paris. When you visit the cottage you will find a Johnny Halliday CD in the collection, its worth a listen and contains </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">many of the songs for which he was loved and famous in France. In the 40 plus years we have been visiting France we have spent many an evening dancing on some campsite terrace to the wild rock of 'Johnny'. He leaves a place in the hearts of nearly every French citizen who like Maureen and myself remember some moments of enjoyment in his musical company. Rest in peace old rocker.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Its a quiet time of year so all we can say is have a wonderful Christmas and maybe we will see you in 2018 at les Deux Platanes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John & Maureen Hindhaugh<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-27715872464742131112017-11-05T11:37:00.002+01:002017-11-05T11:37:47.727+01:00Cottage features on UK national Sausage Week website<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Its not often (if ever) that this tiny rural hamlet in the middle of France features on some national website but our Sausage fete held on the 14th Oct has done just that......famous at last.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Click on the link below to visit the site:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif,serif,'EmojiFont'; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="https://uksausageweek.com/uk-sausage-week-crosses-the-channel/" id="LPlnk170095" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://uksausageweek.com/uk-sausage-week-crosses-the-channel/</a> </span></div>
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Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-39649027810897593732017-10-31T18:36:00.000+01:002017-10-31T18:36:15.176+01:00Halloween <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The rural community in France has so many wonderful traditions its often hard to keep up. Today being Halloween = calèche ride for the children and soupe a la citrouille plus some wine for adults.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The calèche is provided by a couple of young people, the lady of whom is a blacksmith and the partner is a horse specialist</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As is the custom the children visit all the houses in the hamlet where they receive gifts that are sure to contain loads of sugar, they all dress up in Halloween costume.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This year I converted the sausage people I made for the 'Sausage fete' on the 14th oct into witches, its amazing what you can do with a sausage. These decorated the road passing the cottage.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">OK its a weird witch but remember it used to be a sausage. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The calèche heads off to complete visits to all the remaining houses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">At 19.00 hours everyone is invited to the farmers house in the centre of the hamlet for pumpkin soup and drinks ( Maureen has also cooked some remaining sausages so all our French neigbours can enjoy more English Sausages during UK Sausage week) </span><br />
<br />Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-89394992838476770952017-10-30T19:40:00.000+01:002017-10-30T19:40:25.339+01:00Time for a haircut!Y<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">es its true, every seven or so years it is time for a tree haircut. The two 'Platanes' in the cottage garden that provide glorious shade during the warm summer days are in need of a trim. Fortunately we managed to locate a professional tree surgeon who has performed the task, although I have to say that is not a job for the faint hearted.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnSa0du9MfgbpbwErtHu9N_TkI1q7rGa04ECzs9LDU5A8p0zX5XzRZpANmW6vMgKg5thManevOpDfbnn-Qkjyij59ckJt0DMtX1XS7ZnfWi96sgryuRljvW0a9svF1h7gxVxkmuFDaz8/s1600/DSCF5617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnSa0du9MfgbpbwErtHu9N_TkI1q7rGa04ECzs9LDU5A8p0zX5XzRZpANmW6vMgKg5thManevOpDfbnn-Qkjyij59ckJt0DMtX1XS7ZnfWi96sgryuRljvW0a9svF1h7gxVxkmuFDaz8/s320/DSCF5617.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Looks easy but this guy is at least 50 ft from the ground and climbing on what I describe as 'twigs'</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Job 60% complete, can you spot him in the middle?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We now have mountains of cuttings to be cleared away and burnt although some of the larger sections can be used on the fire in 2019.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The 'two 'Platanes' will grow quickly again next year and provide great shade but at least the height will be at least 15 ft shorter than before.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tomorrow is Halloween and the village children will be touring the hamlet in the calèche (Horse drawn carriage) as they call at everyone's house. At the end of the tour the inhabitants of the hamlet meet up for 'soupe a la citroulle' , pumpkin soup to you and me plus some English sausages that we did not cook at the sausage fete on the 14th October.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span>Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-28080897134719857212017-10-15T20:33:00.001+02:002017-10-18T22:56:16.153+02:00The Great British Sausage fete<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well that was a great success, a British sausage fete organised for all the inhabitants of our wonderful community here in Le Breuil aux Gittons. Here in rural France 'community' is everything and throughout the year a small number of social events are organised that brings together all 33 families that are spread out across our rural hamlet, and unlike some parts of France we are the only English. In August the hamlet held the annual 'Mechoui' and we offered to organise a 'British Sausage Fete' in October, of course everyone was enthusiastic. Unknown to all our French neighbours we had already bought 100 special sausages from our local butcher and sausage maker extraordinaire in Stafford UK. They were taking up a great chunk of our freezer. As is the norm for these events, many people contribute to the menu so we provided the 'plat principal' three sausage casseroles or 'Ragout' to the French and the coffee. In the days before the event we were informed of what would be arriving and the menu was assembled:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
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</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pate Berrichon / Taboulé / Cake
aux jambon et olives/ quiche</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*********** </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">'Trou Berrichon' (pear sorbet with pear eau de vie /alcohol) </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">***********</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Plat
principal – Ragoût de <span class="shorttext"><span lang="FR" style="color: #222222;">saucisse anglaise</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Ragoût de saucisses et pommes aux boulettes de croutons aux herbes(dumplings)</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Ragoût de saucisses Lincolnshire <span class="shorttext"><span lang="FR" style="color: #222222;">avec des champignons, des carottes et des
oignons</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Ragoût de saucisses Cumberland <span class="shorttext"><span lang="FR" style="color: #222222;">avec des oignons de poireaux et du vin
rouge</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avec Pommes de terre purėe </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span lang="FR" style="color: #222222;">Veuillez revenir et essayer un autre
Ragoût de saucisse</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span lang="FR" style="color: #222222;">************* </span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Fromage / salad</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">************* </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dessert</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Compōte des pommes / <span class="shorttext"><span lang="FR" style="color: #222222;">tarte aux pommes / Chocolate gateau</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="shorttext"><span lang="FR" style="color: #222222;">************ </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Café / Thê / Tisane </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vin/wine : Pinot Gris / Touraine Sauvignon / Rosé d’Alsace / St Nicolas du Borgeuil</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDay2lj51azou-_hkyKk2bl-CSWIb4KE2sQ11iXzcEac5wyKMWo0jPg9TJB8hmCTCMyE6GFG7b363l43HWnGZ3a_JTiqkZ06G6bI7xsASF_kwEHNLZsfm-WSjtIKHqPo0ZLAwTYVSBkKY/s1600/DSCF5572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDay2lj51azou-_hkyKk2bl-CSWIb4KE2sQ11iXzcEac5wyKMWo0jPg9TJB8hmCTCMyE6GFG7b363l43HWnGZ3a_JTiqkZ06G6bI7xsASF_kwEHNLZsfm-WSjtIKHqPo0ZLAwTYVSBkKY/s320/DSCF5572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The marquee was erected and a email sent upstairs for great weather for the days ahead. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> In the days before we erected the marquee on our small field, collected tables and chairs from the town store ( no charge), invented games for the children, made famous 'sausage' people to hang in the marquee such as:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb8KxSe2FvAbENe1iNrb1lchrxPkbJmPgR8c-KBjoavE163yNQI3ZDfqn_23GXM6PUycID7kNwAz1tYA1lQ2j1Xs0J9C-teuiudwqxLOky1AeVntHhUS_KeFT5nxWYCaNTvtlscKTGuE/s1600/DSCF5574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb8KxSe2FvAbENe1iNrb1lchrxPkbJmPgR8c-KBjoavE163yNQI3ZDfqn_23GXM6PUycID7kNwAz1tYA1lQ2j1Xs0J9C-teuiudwqxLOky1AeVntHhUS_KeFT5nxWYCaNTvtlscKTGuE/s320/DSCF5574.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its the very famous Napoleon Sausage</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB6BZkxzyuvMbEmF1V5GOuKzGdHAe5GznDfWV85SO78aKmmUKNk98oMZe4xQob7RJZbyijmewrzXtFWv92mlZIb8K1hMjoVwi-q9gaQuPDDt9S1puZO0_BG1f0wZPGtiwoEtINP4WGNw/s1600/DSCF5575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB6BZkxzyuvMbEmF1V5GOuKzGdHAe5GznDfWV85SO78aKmmUKNk98oMZe4xQob7RJZbyijmewrzXtFWv92mlZIb8K1hMjoVwi-q9gaQuPDDt9S1puZO0_BG1f0wZPGtiwoEtINP4WGNw/s320/DSCF5575.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Plus the one and only Mr Charles 'la mer' Sausage (I will leave you to do the research)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">At noon on the 14th October people started to arrive bringing an abundance of food and wine for the other courses. It was a beautiful day with temperatures in the mid 20's so we all collected outside the marquee to enjoy the aperos and the marquiset (a local drink made with wine and lemons).</span></span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL-b_lQ1knvJswRV9RftRscWyYoRfuatKiWq5v6UK3wP7fh5D9mszZuP44jmYTdfmJn6RaCFh0UhxLM7utzVHEVCKRtr52d-cH4Y1TZOsBte7oouMtR2sfWARmeoLpV7uV0tQ-cdH79U/s1600/DSCF5580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL-b_lQ1knvJswRV9RftRscWyYoRfuatKiWq5v6UK3wP7fh5D9mszZuP44jmYTdfmJn6RaCFh0UhxLM7utzVHEVCKRtr52d-cH4Y1TZOsBte7oouMtR2sfWARmeoLpV7uV0tQ-cdH79U/s400/DSCF5580.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blue skies and great sausage</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9WhDmVi_1aE_o3nlughen-a_k8FJ4gQKUn8lVdqU9-qhH_I_8BWucWh7RZdCFrRldJzqw_b7VW00DqOo6ZejYjdRX44tD3sO9qpjrE-u4QKSB7PltFFz6TlozXXZeaUgOBp9ISCYVnY/s1600/DSCF5582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9WhDmVi_1aE_o3nlughen-a_k8FJ4gQKUn8lVdqU9-qhH_I_8BWucWh7RZdCFrRldJzqw_b7VW00DqOo6ZejYjdRX44tD3sO9qpjrE-u4QKSB7PltFFz6TlozXXZeaUgOBp9ISCYVnY/s400/DSCF5582.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Young and old together - two are over 90 years.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We then sat down for the sausage lunch!!!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvt14IOwXz-w8aWLA2SJqNxgdUejXYkIvKO9i0Of8NrnkwiNXHQfu0RX-5LCH9mlSgLGUUc-lmLWjN3eIIhW_Iz6uWsh3ZRGCqRXxDZAuDiQXmQ_dDjWSuiOG206_rQvySnL-OskbZbls/s1600/DSCF5590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvt14IOwXz-w8aWLA2SJqNxgdUejXYkIvKO9i0Of8NrnkwiNXHQfu0RX-5LCH9mlSgLGUUc-lmLWjN3eIIhW_Iz6uWsh3ZRGCqRXxDZAuDiQXmQ_dDjWSuiOG206_rQvySnL-OskbZbls/s320/DSCF5590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5j6m5ioEHBFF4rSRoVnlK5ezDixO526t4lY6oBALWMzKPpi3rYrNenL9SWO1MGwrONzoPwADEKWKkp63zqaMh28fJlUhGxSU2SajMNKjIf5tMpi9A0j3Ft8XLmQWYpSy5eIlABcle9oQ/s1600/DSCF5592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5j6m5ioEHBFF4rSRoVnlK5ezDixO526t4lY6oBALWMzKPpi3rYrNenL9SWO1MGwrONzoPwADEKWKkp63zqaMh28fJlUhGxSU2SajMNKjIf5tMpi9A0j3Ft8XLmQWYpSy5eIlABcle9oQ/s320/DSCF5592.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My long time friend Michel, neigbour Monique and at the end at more than 90 years is Leon. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After the 'entree' followed by a surprise 'trou Berrichon' provided by another neighbour Maureen brought out the 3 varieties of sausage casseroles.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYDmIl8a0Eu9BaPa01YvpX6U6kOAbpsVu9xU62AhG-FRv6U93f1sZ9hZF54Ulp9CsID-P7KzQPCNnu8vV1rXozEzFvlvHjiUw2e5W2k9ecZkDXQcTuBmxBfgpA4IQ_NjiYutXtJvwkgc/s1600/DSCF5594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYDmIl8a0Eu9BaPa01YvpX6U6kOAbpsVu9xU62AhG-FRv6U93f1sZ9hZF54Ulp9CsID-P7KzQPCNnu8vV1rXozEzFvlvHjiUw2e5W2k9ecZkDXQcTuBmxBfgpA4IQ_NjiYutXtJvwkgc/s320/DSCF5594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And so we continued with some games followed by a walk around the neighbours carp lake then a cheese course and salad plus 4 desserts before finishing with coffee or tea at 17.45 hrs. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Of course we had to take a photo as a memory of the day:</span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3xNXHJ4i1OW4ixYGCtysGJbHn_ggXuFVbb4fdaze0iQ5ajb_IHpBi5zJh9EEEzaeSJFnXjYc-yhOM9rSWqmeVp_y3Uk40Jjr2zWbq-Lrgh_nn1-HQyN18VlJKhyphenhyphenpuz1P34U8F7lYgOQ/s1600/2017+sausage+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3xNXHJ4i1OW4ixYGCtysGJbHn_ggXuFVbb4fdaze0iQ5ajb_IHpBi5zJh9EEEzaeSJFnXjYc-yhOM9rSWqmeVp_y3Uk40Jjr2zWbq-Lrgh_nn1-HQyN18VlJKhyphenhyphenpuz1P34U8F7lYgOQ/s640/2017+sausage+photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly everyone in the hamlet including the two dogs</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The original plan was to take the marquee down the following day but since it was dry 15 strong men and women offered to start then and there!!!!!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Young and old jumped into action</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Packing going on apace</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieD9nbrMVUGqLQbklG4WcbxcUty_qncSqlK2laIYraNnC4SiBCkKZWqNAJAiCCr2CYZaIdi3iBD2x2sezfixGo-xXK2_faHlRWUNebbf6r0NuM9QEheAqYwj6d7rDQIuSv2xGAYA1OqE/s1600/DSCF5595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieD9nbrMVUGqLQbklG4WcbxcUty_qncSqlK2laIYraNnC4SiBCkKZWqNAJAiCCr2CYZaIdi3iBD2x2sezfixGo-xXK2_faHlRWUNebbf6r0NuM9QEheAqYwj6d7rDQIuSv2xGAYA1OqE/s320/DSCF5595.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fortunately we have younger guys as my 69 years was by now showing signs of fatigue!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">By 19.30hrs it was done so all 15 in the packing team were rewarded with a nice malt whisky or a coca cola. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">What a simply wonderful and rewarding day and all part of the reason we love France so much.</span></i> </span></span></span></span></div>
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Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-74967491644554922932017-09-25T15:36:00.005+02:002017-09-25T15:36:58.893+02:00Cottage garden in early September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jxfCtkbei_WMJhAuCdY8wHFACRhkdreujaVP3YjRWPRAskXsLqCjdo0zHeI7MNorzmIqVlDcTtGXfrt_3a3G893TfBfY9hPOn7n4iXbFJCm5sMvRrA4gUQaWSmlhrRi7FmNCIcDCBqQ/s1600/DSCF5533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jxfCtkbei_WMJhAuCdY8wHFACRhkdreujaVP3YjRWPRAskXsLqCjdo0zHeI7MNorzmIqVlDcTtGXfrt_3a3G893TfBfY9hPOn7n4iXbFJCm5sMvRrA4gUQaWSmlhrRi7FmNCIcDCBqQ/s400/DSCF5533.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I thought a few photo's of the cottage garden in early September may be appreciated! You can 'click' on each photo and it will be seen as a larger picture.</span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJBw2_l6GqP5hbd9_lad7xrUpaU21zGTCuwZwg0ABCkP2sK113SeDGweBzTvBm518A7KuFNUp6GeOE0BuoUNqY6yxeHiJA0mJQE3RGWJQDk_5M0IKhBT_KzFyLH5mCMQOT5CwsX-s2Q8/s1600/DSCF5534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJBw2_l6GqP5hbd9_lad7xrUpaU21zGTCuwZwg0ABCkP2sK113SeDGweBzTvBm518A7KuFNUp6GeOE0BuoUNqY6yxeHiJA0mJQE3RGWJQDk_5M0IKhBT_KzFyLH5mCMQOT5CwsX-s2Q8/s400/DSCF5534.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As you can see the tubs and baskets are still flowering well even after a warm summer</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQujZRPHIJ2d5kPFpz8jybI0T94XEEcuE4KGlCQgx45Yxtx443HNbXc8tT8LlvzbTFDpjWiBZhls2R5KMHKOUd8en7eyJIEp_iM2R6AoRGqfMupX_wtYj-d7fpt5uA7RoFPjeQlkVQ0sk/s1600/DSCF5541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQujZRPHIJ2d5kPFpz8jybI0T94XEEcuE4KGlCQgx45Yxtx443HNbXc8tT8LlvzbTFDpjWiBZhls2R5KMHKOUd8en7eyJIEp_iM2R6AoRGqfMupX_wtYj-d7fpt5uA7RoFPjeQlkVQ0sk/s400/DSCF5541.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The terrace at the bottom of the cottage garden is a lovely place to sit in the evenings</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiwIQewx4RMXYXW3jFvqg9cD_cE-H-ABZqjiOxXVi5WcztDP4C0bcTlXa0383BLKbkm6eUupFZNuR3kfhhVzqyaD5-acxx3uH-gXfvc28yk0H_bYNllriCfonctAAi9Kyosq4CQKhnec/s1600/DSCF5538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiwIQewx4RMXYXW3jFvqg9cD_cE-H-ABZqjiOxXVi5WcztDP4C0bcTlXa0383BLKbkm6eUupFZNuR3kfhhVzqyaD5-acxx3uH-gXfvc28yk0H_bYNllriCfonctAAi9Kyosq4CQKhnec/s400/DSCF5538.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The lawn has survived, mainly due to regular watering from the well water.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ir3uU8gvMI0YXWNycj_FLVvyVDV4m8_1qSARxNM3iEjyqA1tBLr6Hm8FNykxI33ewSBAEag8hzM14APK6sUwCT_jOzpsKVcmnLEylPYOdZOqjwQ_fa5_3gH5z5tr3dJ8tjfP99JFhoU/s1600/DSCF5540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ir3uU8gvMI0YXWNycj_FLVvyVDV4m8_1qSARxNM3iEjyqA1tBLr6Hm8FNykxI33ewSBAEag8hzM14APK6sUwCT_jOzpsKVcmnLEylPYOdZOqjwQ_fa5_3gH5z5tr3dJ8tjfP99JFhoU/s400/DSCF5540.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Wall tubs are starting to go back but still have a good show</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVExlb6Jc1mQLW8LuxKctDMmfdHtEPU2OEgkQXJNT7GIyUXwAM3CvYvN0GPqaoPRjTZqGA1kAkrQuUmXRhrvEp_V5jd8JtPPq_Cp8SGsAc4TuoJCCXK6EqEFlQ0_4wa42BnnQF3pG3qgg/s1600/DSCF5539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVExlb6Jc1mQLW8LuxKctDMmfdHtEPU2OEgkQXJNT7GIyUXwAM3CvYvN0GPqaoPRjTZqGA1kAkrQuUmXRhrvEp_V5jd8JtPPq_Cp8SGsAc4TuoJCCXK6EqEFlQ0_4wa42BnnQF3pG3qgg/s320/DSCF5539.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Even the hanging baskets are putting on a late show!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840140032530001577.post-48072423210052385542017-09-24T14:26:00.002+02:002017-09-24T14:33:38.406+02:00Autumn update<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well any thought of winter is certainly not in our minds today as it's a lovely 26c in the cottage garden, beautiful blue skies and it looks like this weather is staying for a week at least. Our recent guests also enjoyed some glorious September weather so as we have said many times before there is no reason to just opt for high season at Les Deux Platanes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In August the annual 'meshoui' went off well and as usual we were in the thick of it putting up tables and generally helping out</span>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0Gn5eRjGAkOdUYdrCmnbbOGX4IgpjYOL-MIFgG6LowxXJ6RgeTgzdDfGpRSFyFblTU7dlTFYjSAmyf7chG0cve_eAMAgtGkaOWO3EHw3-UDqPCAEb815NDE6Kj8UOWqSRt7zYJZkORA/s1600/DSCF5462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0Gn5eRjGAkOdUYdrCmnbbOGX4IgpjYOL-MIFgG6LowxXJ6RgeTgzdDfGpRSFyFblTU7dlTFYjSAmyf7chG0cve_eAMAgtGkaOWO3EHw3-UDqPCAEb815NDE6Kj8UOWqSRt7zYJZkORA/s320/DSCF5462.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The two sheep were roasting nicely to feed nearly 100 people.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz7XYLxcISICrjwm5rHu_J4a-f6lIBg2GwN2etLjdViGcNowle9hs13CcSYslckJXvEdiW_D3_Fm_LuZ8nDDTUoPnK_qyxnmIg142G1Un-B2veQR6R3qMJmFAlxk9jtpqXliebnXvWPI/s1600/DSCF5490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz7XYLxcISICrjwm5rHu_J4a-f6lIBg2GwN2etLjdViGcNowle9hs13CcSYslckJXvEdiW_D3_Fm_LuZ8nDDTUoPnK_qyxnmIg142G1Un-B2veQR6R3qMJmFAlxk9jtpqXliebnXvWPI/s320/DSCF5490.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maureen assists with the washing up</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgZs5hf4_6FS4754GKOSAeK0pvUGftUDtUGlvlj-KNE6KQyqlus-R9HliUzEJke3MI9FcKmjhyphenhyphen1GOGgF52k9EV62skgsSHKUQ_6HP90xH8eL7MoW0U5cfW7Y4vIlxNYxcisTAwsTeFz0/s1600/DSCF5482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgZs5hf4_6FS4754GKOSAeK0pvUGftUDtUGlvlj-KNE6KQyqlus-R9HliUzEJke3MI9FcKmjhyphenhyphen1GOGgF52k9EV62skgsSHKUQ_6HP90xH8eL7MoW0U5cfW7Y4vIlxNYxcisTAwsTeFz0/s320/DSCF5482.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's free so everyone attends!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The summer of 2017 will forever be remembered as 'The year of the fruit'. We have been inundated with tomatoes, courgettes and a vast <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">quantity</span> of plums from our trees. The jam supply has been well replenished.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A tiny selection of fruit from our garden</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">John has managed to collect nearly 300 litres of plums!!!! These are busy fermenting in 3 large plastic dustbins. After adding a little sug<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a</span>r and stored over the winter these will be taken to the distiller when he arrives in May 2018 and converted into alcohol, maybe 40 litres. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Woodpecker visit: Our local green woodpecker has been visiting the cottage garden, we managed to snap a picture before he left for more wood pecking duties</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The annual 2CV gathering took place during August. Visitors were welcome and as usual food and drink was on hand at all times!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The cottage garden has once again been entered into the regional flower competition. It's been a bit of an art this year, keeping them watered during the hot weather we had in the middle of the year. Luckily John was able to move th<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e tubs under the plane trees to take advantage of their shade. The well provides us with a very useful supply of free water<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> which helps too.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The tubs and baskets were just starting to fill out when these pictures were taken.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Can we thank May and Mike who were guests all through August for their recent review on Cheznous:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>A really lovely gite with an attention to detail and quality which we have never
seen before - and we've stayed in 50 gites across France over the past 35
years.<br />The owners, Maureen & John, are helpful, friendly yet
discreet.<br />The crowning glory is the garden which would be the envy of most
English gardeners.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lets hope the garden has a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">n</span> impression on the secret judges when they visit<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span> </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well that's all for now, better go and stir the fermenting plums!</span></i><br />
<br />Maureen ; Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00281565294458632982noreply@blogger.com0