Welcome to the sunny North West

Well would you believe it we're already a month and a bit into 2010. They say time flies when you're having fun and I suppose I could also say we've had a hectic start to the year but in all honesty that would be bending the truth ever such a little. We arrived back in the UK just before new year after an uneventful journey back from Lagarrigue on the 28^th December. After a night spent in Clapham it was time to hit the road again and head up north. Just as well we did 'cause as you all know the snow came down and it was time for the big freeze. Watching the world wide web it wasn't just the UK that was getting the snow, back in Lagarrigue it was looking just as cold.

It wasn't long after pitching camp in Blackpool that we were heading over to Manchester for Barbara's belated Christmas present, a night at the ballet. It was something she'd always fancied seeing and being the ever thoughtful husband I'd arranged tickets for Swan Lake at the Bridgewater Hall. To complete the no expense spared Christmas treat I'd also booked a night in a luxury city centre hotel, The Premier Inn GMEX! As it turned out it was just as well I'd booked the cheapest hotel I could find, sorry I mean the most convenient as it had to be cancelled. Barbara had been waiting for a hospital appointment and sure enough it came through for the Friday we were due to be in Manchester. We enjoyed the ballet but the trip back to Blackpool on the coldest night of the year was no fun. All went well with the operation with the only downside being that I can no longer get away with muttering under my breath and not being heard.

Despite our 'des res' in Blackpool being what can best be described as bijou we've already had a some visitors. Rebecca and then Matthew and Jill have ventured up to see us and were lucky enough to experience the best of the north west weather. Let's face it, the sun always shines in Blackpool! I'm hoping that's true as I'm desperate to get out on my new bike in preparation for this years Tour de France.

Merry Christmas to all

There was a moment on Tuesday morning that we thought Christmas was going to be cancelled. Rebecca and Matthew were booked on the early flight from Gatwick to Toulouse on Tuesday and at 5:00 AM Matthew received a 'tweet' to advise him their flight had been cancelled! A very quick check on the Easyjet website informed them that there were no seats on any flights until after 25^th December. Time for us to get the bags packed and head back to the UK earlier than planned? Well not quite yet as the good old ferries are still sailing and it was back to Matthew's to pick the car up and head for Dover. So 24 hours later than planned and a little tired from the 900 kilometre drive they arrived safe and sound and settled in for their first Christmas in South West France. To get the Christmas festivities off to a flying start we'd booked a table for Christmas Eve lunch at a new restaurant in VDR called 'Cote Saveurs' and what a great decision that turned out to be. The food was fantastic and it's definitely in my top 5 restaurants, we'll definitely be heading back there when we get back from the UK in April.

The snow I mentioned in the last blog only hung around for a couple of hours but returned last Friday with a vengeance and with 12 guests arriving on Saturday night expecting to be fed thank goodness the Land Rover was back on the road. It may be low on high technology etc, but it did get us to the shops and Barbara was able to conjure up a wonderful meal that everyone enjoyed and I'm sure had our French guests doubting all those horror stories they've heard about British cuisine. What, with the excellent meal we had last week at P & P's they must be thinking 'sacré bleu what ever happened to mint sauce and jelly?'

Christmas shopping French style lacks that little something that has become all too familiar in the UK, crowds. This picture was taken on the Tuesday before Christmas (we should have been in Toulouse picking R & M up) and as you can see there's no mad rush to pick up tonnes of food that won't be eaten. I suppose the French are used to shops not being open 24/7 and don't go into panic mode at the thought of not being able to pick up essential items on Christmas Day.

That's it for 2009. Have a good Christmas and all the best for 2010. Hopefully the next blog will be from that hotspot of the North West of England, Blackpool.

Bonnes fetes!

Let it snow

The global warming theory has gone right out of the window this week. It's now snowing here and I'm wondering weather there is anything in the Climegate scandal of the last few weeks. It's now fingers crossed for a white Christmas, although I think Rebecca was hoping to be able to catch a few rays of sun when she and Matthew arrive on the 22nd. With snow on the ground it's proving very difficult to get on with the garden so Barbara has turned her attention to snagging and painting. It's amazing how many 'little' jobs get overlooked when the sun is shinning and it's only when the weather takes a turn for the worse that it becomes apparent that there is always something that needs a little tweaking and so it was out with the varnish, paint, plaster, sandpaper and mastic again. The change in weather has also meant that the job T and I were about to start has had to be put on hold which is a shame as time is fast slipping past and it'll soon be time for us to head back to the UK for a few months. It has however given me some time to explore the delights of my new MacBook and all the goodies it came with. I've been experimenting with iWeb and have been working, or should that be playing, with a website. Fingers crossed that the next blog post will be on the new website but in the meantime if you click here you can see 'a work in progress'.

The drop in temperature has also meant that the vache that caused so much damage to

Barbara's lovely lawn last week have moved on and she was more than happy to wave them goodbye. It was only when the farmer turned up with a large piece of veal as a thank you for having the cows that there was a slight pang of guilt for the thoughts she'd had about what should have happened to them after they'd trampled their way over all her hard work. Anyway must get on and prepare some horseradish sauce and open a bottle of this delightful red wine which is easy on the palette and has such a delicate bouquet.

With Christmas fast approaching there's been plenty of activity on t'internet. I know it's pretty sad but with delivery to France being only £5.00 there were one or two items that just 'had' to be ordered from M & S. The order was placed on Tuesday and it was quite surreal to see La Poste lady walk to the door on Friday with a box labelled 'Your delivery from Your M & S'. Whilst on the subject of Christmas it looks like these six have heard rumours about the fate that awaits them and are making a break for it!

Fore!!!!

Global warming is obviously having an effect all over Europe. While the poor inhabitants of Whitehaven struggle to cope with record rainfall and horrendous floods the Averyon has been blessed with temperatures of 20°C plus which is just as well as we've been working hard with the continued renovation of a nearby house. As the problems mount with trees growing out of walls, roofs leaking, walls crumbling and delayed planning permission it makes me think 'never ever renovate a French farmhouse and barn again' and I'm fairly confident that Barbara would not disagree. Back at Lagarrigue the garden makeover has continued with new steps being laid and Barbara loosing her cool with a 600 kilo trespasser.

We called over to the local wood yard to select something for steps and after finding some 'offcuts' of oak headed to the 'office' to pay, a mark II VW Golf complete with radio and sunroof but only three wheels! “If only everything in life was as reliable (or as versatile) as a Volkswagen”. To say Barbara has slaved away preparing the ground in readiness for seeding is a bit of an understatement and when on Saturday morning she noticed 'tiny' holes in her beautifully flat lawn she was less than impressed. One of the cows in our field had escaped and decided to take a stroll across the very new lawn and up our newly laid steps and path. That evening we were attending the local duck festival and when the cows owner arrived at our table full of apologies and two bottles of wine Barbara mellowed a little.

At a recent party, and after a couple of Ricards, I somewhat foolishly accepted an invite to play golf at the local par 3 golf course. It must be nearly fifteen years since I picked up a golf club and I wasn't looking forward to making a bigger ass of myself than I normally do on a golf course (some would say I don't leave it too just the golf course) but as it turned out there was nothing to worry about. The French are relatively new to golf and don't have the same concerns over etiquette as the more established game in the UK does. T shirts are not allowed but it's OK to wear jeans and gentlemen and ladies play in the same competitions. I was teamed up with fellow Brit, Philip, who had not played golf for over 40 years so expectations were not high but as it turned out we didn't let the side down, six pars and 16^th out of 36. Perhaps it was the fact we were playing in the Beaujolais Nouveau cup that made the golf go with a swing and with plenty of free samples available along with cheese, sausage, duck, bread and pâté the day was a great success.

At long last the Land Rover is back on the road. It's been in the garage for over two months being 'prepared' for it's CT (the French equivalent of the MOT). I thought there were a couple of things needed attention to get it through the test, the handbrake didn't work and the speedo cable has snapped. Turned out I needn't have worried about the cable as it passed with flying colours despite not having a speedo that worked which was just as well as fitting the replacement cable is proving to be a bit of a sod. I'll keep you posted but in the meantime if anyone is looking for a low mileage land Rover Lightweight I know where there is one.

It's raining again and again and again...

What an experience the last couple of weeks have been and it's taught me a couple of very important lessons. Never agree to work outdoors in Le Havre, Normandy in November and, although I already knew food was important to the French, nothing else

matters. Le Havre is a mixture of rain from Manchester (although to be honest even Manchester isn't that wet), wind from Newcastle and the numerous petrochemical plants and heavy engineering of Middlesbrough. What a picture that must conjure up? There is, however, an abundance of excellent seafood and fish restaurants one of which we were lucky enough to eat at for Sunday lunch. The choice of seafood was extensive but being the ever unadventurous Brit I chose the chevre chaud salad followed by moules and frites, boring I know.The restaurant was also famous for its beer and after a couple of 'small ones' it was time to visit the little boys room. French toilets can be 'different' but this had something I'd not witnessed before, a latrine half way up the wall with silver handles on either side. Obviously the inhabitants of Le Havre were either very tall or good shots. Had I had the camera with me at the time there would have been a picture here but I suppose being caught in a mens toilet taking photographs would have been difficult to explain, 'well you see officer I write a blog that no one reads and wanted a reminder of my visit to Le Havre'. Anyway it turns out the 'toilet on the wall' is for those patrons who have had a couple too many Ricard's and want to make space for their dessert. It's either that or I'm going to wish I'd kept off the mussels.

Despite the appalling weather we managed to get the job finished and enjoyed some excellent food. I find it's always a good idea at times like this to take a retired chef with you who has worked in some of the best London restaurants and been the development chef at M & S, so 'not just any chef'. Although you would not believe the incredulous reaction there was when coq au vin was made with chicken and not cock. Everyone in Normandy was made aware of this and I'm sure I saw a piece on 'Look Normandy'. As always the hospitality has been exceptional with one exception, the house where we've been working. Despite the horrendous weather and record rainfall there wasn't one offer of coffee, something I've not experienced in France before. I've been told that the citizens of Normandy are well known for their deep pockets and short arms and the residents certainly lived up to the Normans reputation.

The trip 'up north' has also given me the opportunity to watch a bit of French telly. Hearing Homer sound like Homer but in French and CSI New York dubbed in French and renamed 'Les Experts Manhattan' mixed with Agatha Cristie's Poirot the only thing that was missing was Allo Allo.

Whilst I've been toiling away in a wet Le Havre Barbara has been enjoying herself in the North west Rivera. Much progress has been made in the painting of our house there and carpets and blinds have been fitted. From the pic's I've seen it's all looking good and I'm looking forward to seeing it in late December.

Car troubles

Having enjoyed getting out on the bike over the last few weeks I thought I'd perhaps watch for a second hand bike (hopefully Barbara won't read this) and I can't believe my luck. A couple of weeks ago we went with P & C to the annual Tractormania event in nearby Caussade. Not normally something I have a great interest in but it was a glorious day and I'll do anything to avoid gardening. Among the hundreds of ancient tractors & other rusting agricultural machinery I spotted this bargain. The owner said he'd not been out on it for a while and it had done no more than a few kilometres in the last 50 years. Think it'll be a while before it's ready for the Tour de France.

It's been a busy couple of weeks work wise as we continue to renovate a small house in a nearby hamlet ready for conversion in to a gite. I'm now an expert at mixing concrete and can offer an excellent service at competitive rates. Whilst I've been beavering away Barbara has not been idle. She's worked hard getting the garden ready for spreading grass seed (yes we know it's not the best time of year to plant) and, having picked up what we thought was a bargain in Aldi, was looking forward to getting the seed sowed. It was only when she opened the boxes of 'grass seed' that she thought she better check the English/French dictionary. Turns out our bargain engrais is in fact grass fertiliser. So if you know of anyone who's looking for 10 boxes of high quality fertiliser email me now and I'll arrange prompt delivery!

It's also been a frustrating week in the car department. The Land Rover has been in the local garage for over a month now waiting for them to prepare it for it's CT, the French MOT. Fortunately this runs for two years so we should get more than a couple of months use out of it. To be without one car is irritating but manageable but to be without both is bl***y frustrating. Last week the Focus broke down and spent 4 days in the garage waiting for parts, all €1,960.00 of them. Fortunately the fault was under warranty an Henry forked out for them. Which is just as well. Barbara was heading back to the UK on Sunday night from Toulouse and you can no doubt guess what happened. We'd travelled about 50 kms when the engine died and the car came to a stop on the hard shoulder of the A20 motorway. Oh dear!!!!! I won't bore you with the details but after making a phone call to Ford assistance and being told we'd need to get off the motorway to receive free recovery I had another go at starting the car and it worked, well at least long enough to drop Barbara off in time for her flight. On the journey back home, avoiding motorways, it cut out four times. Needless to say it's booked to go back in the garage.

Next week I'm off on a business trip, something I didn't think I'd be doing again, to Normandy. We're working on T's wife's house in Le Havre & I'll give you a full update on the next blog.

On your bike

I had thought there wasn't going to be much to blog about this week (yippee I hear you say) other than laying concrete floors and digging up old floors in 500 year old French barns but it hasn't been all work and no play. I've been lucky enough to get out on the bike recently, I say lucky but that's probably not the right word when you consider the number of hills there are around here. When you're driving round in the car they're not a problem it's when you've been out for three hours and you know that which ever way you turn it's going to be a climb to get home. It's just as well that whichever route we've taken there's always a welcoming cafe half way round. And no I haven't managed to get Barbara out on one of our 40 mile rides, I've been getting out with a chap who's spent the summer at his house in Najac but unfortunately he's now headed back to 'winter' in the UK and I'll have to motivate myself to 'get out and ride'.

The warm dry weather has continued and everyone (it's not just the British that are obsessed with the weather) has been commenting on the fact that we're still experiencing temperatures in the upper 20's in mid October and this week we had our first significant rainfall in what seems months. In fact I think the last time we had a really dismal day was back in August when we had our party! Speaking of parties we were invited to a meal at the house where T and I have been working. I've mentioned before how meals at lunch time go so you can imagine what an evening at Jo's would be like. There was the normal 7:30 start with lots of Ricard & amuse bouche, which gives me the opportunity to tell this little story. T's daughter has spent the summer working at a French restaurant in the

UK and on her first day she was given plates of appetisers to pass around to guests and told to say 'here are some nibbles' which she did and couldn't understand why everyone burst our laughing. She returned to the kitchen with the empty plates and told the chef what had happened, 'I said here are some nipples and everyone laughed at me, why?' A definite case of the English policeman in Allo Allo but in reverse. Back at Jo's fish soup was followed by two of the biggest plates of seafood I've ever seen, not the best offering for Barbara and her seafood allergy but after a quick explanation and many désolés a mushroom omelette was rustled up. With Jo playing his guitar between courses and the other guests singing along the night flew past and before we realised it was three o'clock and time to head home. Poor old Babs, no fruits de mer or wine all night.