Missing the music...

This time last year we were enjoying a weekend of live music in Le Grand-Pressigny and Le Petit-Pressigny - sadly. for obvious reasons, the 'Fete de la Musique' was cancelled this year. Missing being involved both as a 'performer' and as part of the audience.

From the first day of summer,yesterday - yet another rose...

Because we will not be having guests this year it will be the first summer for a long time we will be able to appreciate our courtyard and garden here at the Old Walnut Mill.

Scotsman and wife do the work of 3 Irishmen in one morning!

Pauline and I spent yesterday morning as tree fellers, cutting back our cherry tree (we are assured by friends who know about these things that it's ok) but maybe went a bit too far!

If it was a movie it would be the 'Handsaw Massacre'. 

 

Making the cut...

Pauline has an appointment at the hairdresser here in Barrou this morning... she could be gone for a while!

Just a rose, from yesterday...

As luck would have it ...

Our Monday 5K walk around Chaumussay yesterday started off with a light rain shower that we coped with  by spending a few minutes under the trees, after which it was a dry walk...

...until just  as we arrived back at our starting point at the picnic area, when the heavens opened up. 

Our purpose built shelter however, meant we could enjoy our picnic lunch without fear of getting wet.

Zooming in for virtual birthday celebrations...

It was a pleasure to invite  Jean-Pierre and Caroline along to cerebrate his up-and-coming (Tuesday) major birthday event. As a surprise we invited some of his friends from the UK who would probably have been here in person but for the current restrictions,to join us on 'Zoom'.He was well chuffed!

As it happens June is the month when  Pauline,Maureen and Angela all have birthdays so it was an opportunity to make a toast to them. Oh and not forgetting a major aniversary for Maureen & John.

Little corners of the garden - episode III

Little corners of the garden - episode II

Little corners of the garden at the Old Walnut Mill

Little corners of the garden - episode I

 

Little corners of the garden at the Old Walnut Mill

A walk up behind the chateau at Le Grand-Pressigny

Yesterday's 'shorter walk' employing safe-distancing took us up behind the chateau at Le Grand-Pressigny on what was a fine morning.

Stepping out along the valley of the Creuse...more images from our Sunday walk

Sunday stroll behind Barrou...

Just returned from a walk up behind the village on a beautiful  Sunday morning. Walk interrupted by the pleasant distractions of an invitation to join a neighbour in his country property for a coffee plus a chat with friends who are working on a new house project in the village.  

A good day...

For Pauline's birthday yesterday we trotted along to the newly reopened 'Les Tilleuls' restaurant in the village for lunch and were able to eat alfresco in spite of the slight change in the weather. As we were leaving the house we found a gift card for two lunches at said restaurant from a dear friend and a pressie from another on the doorstep...how kind! With chats with  the kids and a greeting from 'Adadorable' one I think she had a good day!

Missing the treasure hunts - your favourite brocante find?

Confinement has meant many things that had become part of our lives here in France have had to be sacrificed for the greater good. One of the things we and many of our friends miss most is rummaging for treasure (?) at the many great brocantes in our region. These events not only provide an excellent method of recycling but also a great opportunity for socialising. Got me wondering if and when they do start up again will we have a treasure trove of items to search through?

On this subject what has been your favourite brocante find?

Getting nearer normality with a walk in the woods ...

 Yesterday 10 of us had a safe-distancing walk in the woods around Etableau / Le Grand Pressigny - it was good to be out again with friends.

On a very hot morning the trees provided welcome shade.

First cherry harvest last night...

Before May is out..some 'Mayflowers'

 

A walk around La Roche-Posay

On Monday I led a small group of friends (social distancing) around La Roche-Posay. I started by taking them through the small  garden behind the Mairie but was disappointed to find that since Pauline and I did the walk earlier in the month the flower beds were in need of a good drink! These images are from the earlier visit.