Tuesday 30 April 2019

You'd think we'd be happy...


Actually we are, just not in the photographs provided as part of our dossier to obtain our 'Sejour Permanent' cards that give us the right to *stay in France. It was a process that although involved a fair bit of work for Pauline bringing it all together, was handled very efficiently by our local prefecture in Tours. We have to thank all those who voted for Brexit (whatever that means - and who knows?) for putting us through this stressful time when we should be embracing our European identity as we slip into old age. Fortunately we have the fortitude to overcome these things which have included Pauline being robbed of her pension for six years and me for one but we really feel for those people who do not perhaps have the resources or network of friends to cope under what must be a difficult time for them - my heart goes out to them. 

*If Brexit does happen then these will probably need to be exchanged for  different card but it should prove less onerous,

Monday 29 April 2019

All least the rain held off...well almost


We went over to the brocante at Le Grand-Pressigny yesterday which for us is more of a social event than a treasure hunt and were delighted that the rain,which had spoiled the day many times in the past, for the most part,stayed away.



Due to previous years experiences it was a relatively quiet affair but there was the usual eclectic mix of 'treasures'...



like these little guys looking for a gnhome...



plus a variety of pots!



The day also proved that ladies can actually have enough shoes judging by how many pairs were on offer.


Sunday 28 April 2019

Thursday 25 April 2019

Life's a picnic...


Good to see the village (Barrou) has invested in some picnic benches for the riverbank. Have always thought we could make more of this lovely spot.



It does of course come into its own during our annual music festival the 'Barroudeurs' on the first Saturday of July but encouraging people to stop and take advantage of it during the summer can only be good for the village.


Wednesday 24 April 2019

Tulips in Touraine




These lovely tulip volunteers popped up in our potager at the Old  Walnut Mill - a gift from nature



Here are some better examples around us in Touraine...



This boat is moored just outside Paulmy.

red & yellow tulips in Montresor France

These are in Montresor



This is a spring bed at Chateau de Chenonceau.



This little group I like as the can be found in the woodland behind Chateau de Villandry away from the formal gardens.


Tuesday 23 April 2019

A taste of 'Le Tasting Room'


On Friday Pauline and I were invited over to ‘Le Tasting Room’ in the village of Noizay which sits 15 minute to the west of Amboise. Our hosts Cathy & Nigel Henton, wine professionals with 35 years’ experience in the industry showed us their tasting room and dining room where they entertain their clients. Their wine tour business has recently moved to the new location which acts as a base offering their clients a ‘Loire Wine Discovery day’, a unique wine tour which includes lots of wine tasting, a top quality lunch and a winery visit. 


Their infectious enthusiasm and obvious knowledge ensure for a good day out. 

You can check out their website here: https://www.letastingroom.com/


Monday 22 April 2019

Yesterday's brocante at Angle-sur-l'Anglin


Yesterday morning with friends Mike and Liz we headed over to the brocante at Angle-surl'Anglin.


As ever at these events there were items that every home should have,some even with a seasonal feel.



Liked this.


Wanted these but not at 30 euros.


Thought this rather tasteful!


Pauline wouldn't let me buy this fellow, even after badgering her!




Sunday 21 April 2019

Saturday 20 April 2019

Something for the weekend - Loches en Fete



If you are going, approach the town on the D943 north or south as road is blocked at the 'Espace Agnes Sorel' and parking there is taken up by exhibitors.

Friday 19 April 2019

Summer walk in Spring


Yesterday Pauline and I did our first Le Grand-Pressigny Randonnee club walk for some time, in 23 degrees - felt like summer.


We started from the 'source' at 'La Fontaine' just past the pottery and headed along the  local chemins through the woodlands and along country roads towards Abilly and then back in the direction of Barrou.





It is interesting when you come out of the wood sto views that at first seem unfamiliar and it takes a little while to get your bearings but there is always someone on hand to get our geographical postilion mapped. Above is looking towards Descartes.


This is looking down to the D750 which we walked parallel to for a spell in the direction of Barrou


I am always a bit disappointed when I cannot reproduce a scene accurately with my photographs...the greens and yellows of this field were much better than portrayed.






Thursday 18 April 2019

The current project...


I have a number of projects on the go at present but the one that I am concentrating on at the moment is the facing of the block wall at the bottom off the garden behind the barn at the Old Walnut Mill.


I have completed the first part - replacing the missing blocks on the existing wall - I now have to face it with the stone that has, as Pauline reminds me, been moved by her over the years on a number of occasions. The anticipated good spell of weather should see a bit of progress, with the only cloud on the horizon being the need to dispose of 'stuff' from the barn becoming the priority. 

Wednesday 17 April 2019

Lady in waiting...



As Pauline and I stroll around the region she often has to wait while I try and get a photograph without people in it, which in a popular tourist area can often be difficult.


Our walk around the beautiful Montresor on Saturday was no different.




Tuesday 16 April 2019

First guests of the season at the 'Old Walnut Mill'

One of their visits was to Chateau de Cheverny

Our first guests of the season at the cottage left happy, which is always reassuring. Taking early bookings you are at the mercy of the weather and although they had sunny weather during their stay the nights and mornings could be a little chilly. They arrived to a fire lit for them in the wood burning stove to back up the electric heaters and the old house soon got comfortable for their stay.


From our guestbook:

15th April 2019

We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Jim's help with local places and restaurant recommendations etc proved invaluable. We have covered a lot of miles on seeing chateaux, beauty spots etc.. The beds in the house are very comfortable and the kitchen is well equipped, the local brochures are very helpful. Your friendly approach was much appreciated...we would have no hesitation on recommending you.

Best wishes for the future,

Alison & Robin Walker,Cambridge,
Pam Wilkie, Woodbridge,
England
UK

Monday 15 April 2019

Another walk among the tulips at Chateau de Cheverny



We have a project to start at the garden behind the barn at the 'Old Walnut Mill' this week so Pauline and I decided to head up the Chateau de Cheverny  yesterday,to see this year's tulip display in the grounds first hand before they start to die off.



Glad we did - quite stunning!





The displays also extend into the 'kitchen garden'which is themed as is the whole place, for Easter.




These are in the 'apprentices garden' in front of the Orangery'


They are even the boats on the lake.