Not his best work!

A few weeks ago I noticed my neighbour David's door canopy had parted from its wall fixings and was in danger of falling on his head. He thanked me for pointing it out and then went about its repair.Always resourceful, he went about the repair using what he had to hand,which included these reclaimed roof tiles. 

On visiting us for an aperitif shortly after the repair he caught sight of his job from a different prospective and did admit it probably wasn't his best work! Although he did point out that it did the job of protecting him and Rikiki (his cat) from the rain - couldn't argue with that!

A church for Sunday - Saint Martial in Montmorillon

On our recent visit to Montmorillon,while the sisters were popping in and out of the many interesting shops in the town I  visited this rather grand 19th century church. It replaced its 12th century forerunner as it was considered too small and in too poor a condition for expanding town .

 With the exception of the old choir and the bell tower dating from the Romanesque period it was rebuilt. 

The church has some fine examples of stained glass.

Where's Joan? - she  is here!

Inside out...

Just before going out to dinner last night we had an almighty downpour which saw our hosts Tina and Tony having to reset their table indoors but by the time we arrived the sky had cleared and it was all hands to the pump and back outside...glad we did - lovely evening in a pretty setting. 

Final walk for Eileen...and a last look.

Before heading up to the airport yesterday for Eileen's return flight, we did our last walk up behind the village. The farmer had been busy and it made for a clearer view compared to last Sunday's.

Eileen appreciated the kindness offered through the many invitations to join in on our quiet life here in Touraine and wishes to pass on her thanks.

A right royal dish in the still of the night...

Eileen's last night with us was spent helping a friend celebrate a special birthday in the countryside just outside Le Grand-Pressigny.

It was a lovely calm evening under the stars where our charming hostess served up a recipe that her mother had once laid on for Prince Philip who was on a visit to Canada where they were living at the time.

In the morning she and Pauline had gone for a 'ladies only' short walk and picnic in Chaumussay so a good full day to finish of her holiday.     

Not venturing too far and propping up the bar.

Yesterday we didn't venture far for our walk - we headed over to La Roche-Posay  for the walk that takes us along the river and onto the viaduct and then along the old railway track.

In the evening we went over to Dennis and Angela's where 'the sisters' helped inaugurate the new fabulous outside bar they have created - looking forward to some great evenings there!

Walking on...into the afternoon at Chedigny.

After or morning walk yesterday we continued walking in the  afternoon with a pleasant stroll around the beautiful village of  Chedigny, the only village in France designated as a whole, as a ' Jardin Remarquable'. Despite the end of many of its rose displays it was still looking very pretty.

Monday walk around Paulmy...a walk of light and shade.

For yesterday's Monday walk David took us around the village of Paulmy with much of it on the former railway track.

On a lovely morning the walk, through bright sunshine and shade was just the right tonic to take us away from the current situation which is affecting all of us in different ways. It is always a good opportunity to catch up with people although,as is often the case, the walk is over and you realise that there are many friends you hardly spoke to - but then there will be other walks! 

BTW big shout out to our walk leader David who passed the French hunting license test recently - no mean feat!

Another walk in the park - Sunday stroll through Descartes gardens

Took Eileen for a walk through the public gardens at Descartes yesterday which were back looking their best. A lovely walk and then joined friends in the evening for a lovely dinner to help celebrate a birthday...another good day! 

The Barrouda triangle...

Started yesterday off with a walk up behind the village to let Eileen view the  the Barrouda triangle - the villages of Barrou, centre, Lesigny to the left and Maire to the right. Set us up well for a lovely lunch and get together with friends in Le Grand-Pressigny. Spent the evening with our neighbour in Barrou putting the world to right and learning that snakes can't reverse and cows can't climb stairs...among other things!

At home day...

We spent yesterday in Barrou where Eileen treated us to a very good lunch at the restaurant ( Les Tilleuls ) - great choices and great value - 3 courses + wine €13.00 if you haven't tried it recently then you should.

Then it was back to the Old Walnut Mill to prepare the courtyard for the evening's apero guests. The evening's guests meant Eileen had an opportunity to practice her Italian as it was a night of three languages around the table,French,Italian and (a form of) English.  

Booking a revisit to Montmorillon...

After our walk over the viaduct on Wednesday we headed over the border late afternoon to show Eileen the pretty town of Montmorillon in the Vienne.

Referred to as the 'Book town' or 'Cité de l’Ecrit et des Métiers du Livre',its situation, on both sides of the River Gartempe, makes a stroll through its narrow winding cobbled streets, lined of course with bookshops, a joy.

The sisters spent quite a bit of time browsing through many of the delightful little craft/art shops that tempt you in with street displays and window charm while I went off looking at the churches.

It is worth heading up to the 'Motte castrale' (Castle butte) or Virgin rock,the curious tower built on a rocky outcrop  and the former site of an ancient castle, the tower overlooks the town offering great photo opportunities.