July sunflowers already flowering

It's July and with the wet spring and warm days over the past few months,  the sunflowers are already in bloom.  They are about a month early, which is great for guests who are currently spending time at La Bastide.

Early sunflowers

This month I have friends arriving for a week in the Grange.  They have been most years over the last ten, and wanted to visit, for one last time, while I am here.  I'm looking forward to seeing them, spending time in the sparkling clear pool, walking and visiting places of interest in the area.  Of course BBQs, beers and cold rosé.

Crispy pork main course

La soupe à  l'Ail Rose de Lautrec

Duck ballotine

In the early part of the month had a great meal at Le Jardin du Clocher.  We went with Martin and Felicity and the food did not disappoint.  Rather than describe how good the meal was, I have added a number of photos to show the presentation.  We unusually ate inside, due to a damp day. We sampled gin and tonic and a fabulous bottle of Gaillac Rosé, the kids had Mocktails, lemonade and Orangina.

Sumptuous dessert

I am currently packing boxes ready to move 20th August.  I realise I have a lot of books and even though I tried to throw some away (recycle) I have only managed to throw out 20 or so!  I have booked the removal company Euronational 86 and plan to clear the new house and remove the downstairs toilet (there are two) before I move in.  I have decided to live with the current set-up and then plan a new kitchen, bathroom and convert a bedroom into two rooms with large skylights.  The wooden deck needs repairing or replacing, so that will be done as a priority.  I also need to decide where the chickens and ducks will live and build an enclosure, if allowed by the mayor.  There are a number of cupboards to dispose of, and two freezers and a fridge to sell.  I have inherited a garden table, parasol, garden tools and a rotavator.  Sods law a washing machine failed and I replaced with an old one from the Vielmur house.  Also the cleaners cracked the induction plate, so I am claiming under insurance.  Let's hope nothing else breaks or stops working!  It has happened: an oven glass is cracked and the farmhouse dishwasher has an error.

I watched England win against Netherlands, marred by an SMS saying a friend, Paul, had passed away suddenly with a pulmonary embolism.  It was a complete shock and I visited his husband who was naturally incredibly upset.  I attended the funeral Tuesday.  There were about 60 plus people in attendance, as well as his brother and wife.  It was the first cremation ceremony I have attended in France, and I was surprised that every person attending, placed a flower on the coffin.   A really personal way to say goodbye.  He will be missed by all his friends and family in France and the UK.

On Bastille day the kids and I had lunch at the Grand Buffet in Castres.  I then watched the England Spain final, and I have to say England played well.  But, the best team won.

The weather has been fabulous for a few weeks, today promises 35°.  However due to all the spring rain, I need to cut the grass....again!  More guests arrive at the weekend so we are now full until the end of August.  Due to the sale I will not be taking any bookings in September.  An early holiday for me.

Friends arrived from the UK via Chatel where they spent a week canoeing, canyoning and mountain biking.  The week with me was more sedate, lots of swimming, BBQs, a visit to walk in the Sidobre.  An evening by the river at Vielmur at the Guinguette Las Ribas, fabulous mohites and panaché by the river.  We went to a great Lebanese restaurant in Castres "Le Phénicien"  the owner was very passionate about his food and we ate very well, all the meze washed down with Lebanese pilsner.  It will go on my restaurant recommendation list!

St Anton Noble Val

Pied and Cheval Inn

Canoeing the Aveyron

Our canoeing trip meant an early start to get to St Anton Noble Val and a chance to canoe the Aveyron river.  I did not go due to the last canoe trip accident where Evie and I hit a rock backwards down a rapid, that gave me sciatica and a bad back and neck (that was last August and I'm still going to physio).  I enjoyed walking around town and visiting sites such as the 18th century inn.  A few coffees, lunch and then it was time to meet up with the canoe team.  They had a great time jumping off large boulders, shooting rapids and watching the wildlife.  Plenty of common sandpipers nesting.

Tree bridge

We visited the Sidobre for a cool walk under the trees, the granite boulders with a little imagination resembling a goose, submarine, shark and elephant. An enjoyable trip which was finished with tartine and beer for lunch.

It was then that my summer cold turned into Covid.  I have dodged a bullet for four years, however the virus finally caught up with me.  The good news is I am now negative and the symptoms were not too bad.  Thank goodness I keep up with the regular jabs.  Tom caught it too, he also has not had any real issues and should test negative soon

We said goodbye to Patrick, Lorna and Finn at the weekend as they drove to Poitiers to overnight, before driving home.  Next time they come I hope to have all the work completed in Vielmur.

Working in the 39° heat is nigh on impossible, it's been a very hot end to July.  Guests are enjoying the pool and bizarrely live 10 minutes away from Pat and Lorna!  My car is having a new clutch and then I will take the car back to get its Contrôle Technique (MOT).  Well one more month to go.  Friends arrive for the last week, as well as the kids Grandfather and his wife San.  They have been most years and I think will miss La Bastide as much as I.  I'm sure plenty of wine will flow and I will move between Vielmur and La Bastide from the 20th.  New owners arrive 13th for a week, then I'll do a key handover 14th September.  It's then off to Portugal!