It's our 1st anniversary of life in Calvados

Well, we've made it through our first year surviving the various challenges that have come our way and, in the process, made numerous friends and accquired various animals. It's about 8 degrees warmer this morning than when we moved in last year so it's only minus 2 outside today. Another bright but bitter day awaits us as i sit here reminisceing over our adventures of the last 12 months. On the day we moved in, not only was it freezing outside, it was freezing inside too. Although we got the fire started straight away, it took over 2 months to actually get the house vaguely warm. The make shift water supply to the bathroom from the well would freeze every night, only defrosting on the sunniest of mornings. Even when the water was running, it had a distinctively rusty colour, and texture, to it. The boiler worked occasionaly, giving us a warm orange bath from time to time. New Years eve saw a small affair of a party when we were joined by Tony and Chrissy to see the new year in. An evening of extreme alcohol consumption meant that as 2008 arrived, we were no longer noticing the cold, even though we couls see our breath every time we exhaled. Our house warming weekend in May was the party of all parties, seeing over 100 visitors on the Sunday. Roll on next May when we will aim once again for a party to beat all parties. October saw a first attempt at a softball weekend. We were blessed with stunning weather and great friends as we celebrated Keith & Sues wedding anniversary in style. Once again we were joined by both english and french revellers and a great weekend prevailed. Christmas day was our next event, 15 of us sat down for our first French Christmas. Alcohol flowed well as always and a great time was had by all. One day I'll sort a dishwasher though because I hate washing up. We have one more party coming up as we see in 2009 in a few days. We are being joined by Steve, Laura, Maddy, Chrissy and Gordy to help us see the year in in typical Larcombe style. We will also be celebrating Steve and Lauras wedding anniversary but who needs an excuse for a glass of wine anymore?? Anyhow, the blog tells every detail of our first fantastic year here. So what did you do in 2008?

Boxing Day Traditions

While some of us were working hard today, other members of the family were keeping up Larcombe family traditions. I think the pictures tell the story!!!

Happy Christmas Everyone!!

We all hope that you have had a great Christmas Day. Josh was up first this morning at 5.00am. I explained that Father Christmas was not here yet and thankfully he believed me!! They all got up at 8.00am instead!! A much more suitable hour!!

When they saw the tree I am not sure which one was more excited. A mad scamble ensued and over an hour later they had finally finished unwrapping all of the presents. Peter was quite content however with motoring around the room on his new quad bike. Kirsty has already been for a spin on her new bike and Josh has spent several hours on the new DS!! I have not even had two minutes to unwrap my new camera. Hopefully it will take hundreds more photos to keep all of you readers happy!!

The Cuvigny Besnard family joined us for lunch, bringing with them Davids brother, Marilyns father and step mum. It was fabulous to have a real Christmas lunch with them all. Monsieur Le Baron arrived this morning as well with some cidre and poire. Unfortunately, Madame Le Baron is currently in hospital but we are really pleased that he could join us. Our thoughts and prayers are with her!!

Thank you so much to all of you who sent presents and we hope you have a great new year. We also hope to see lots of you in the new year as well!!!!

Loads of Christmas love.

xxxx

Two Sleeps To Go

Well, another eventful week and only two nights sleep before the big feller gets here. To say that the kids are excited would be an understatement to say the least. They have been bouncing off the walls, and each other for days now. Our two latest editions to the farm, and also the last for a while now, arrived on Sunday after a four and a half hour round trip to central Brittany. Family peacock will hopefully bring bright colours and distinctive noises to the valley. Disaster struck immediately as the male managed to escape from the new enclosure. Fortunately after flying 150metres, he was exhausted and we managed to recapture him. The wee monster has been up to mischief as always. Caught here turning the hose pipe off again as the kids tried to clean the car. I think this will be his first proper memorable Christmas as he rapidly approaches number 3 birthday.

Spot the trouble makers. They still loved each other at this point but about 5 minutes later both were soaked and both were screaming at each other.

Tomorrow is the big night but, numbers have been dropping by the minute. We have just six of us for dinner Christmas Eve and our eighteen, expected on Christmas day, is now looking like 14 and a half.

Unfortunately Chrissies mum is in hospital, as is our neighbour Madame LeBaron. Our thoughts are with them at this time and we hope to see them fit and well in the not too distant future.

The Tree is Up!!!

Finally, we have got the tree up. It must be nearly Christmas!!

We are off to collect the last of the new arrivals tomorrow, the peachicks. We have got quite a long journey so I think that Christmas lunch, that was planned for tomorrow may now be Christmas Dinner!!!

Work has gone very well again this week. I can now say that I have been for dinner in Caen!! I am not quite sure how I drove home, but I did only have one glass of sangria and half a glass of wine. Certain colleagues, who shall remain anonymous for now, managed to stay out until half past four!! They did however, manage to get to work on Friday!!!

We should have more photos for you tomorrow. xxx

When the cat's away

I arrived home safely last night and slipped right back in to my old routine. Glass of wine in hand and barrels of laughs. Anyhow, cleared out the car when I got home of the endless presents that the kids haven't yet discovered. We noticed on the way in that the rubbish hadn't be put out so I squeezed that in as my first proper job on my return.

This morning I did the school run and then attempted to purchase a wormer for the horse. She's looking very thin and it's getting quite concerning. May need a vet if we can't sort it out.

Came home as the pharmacy was closed and I thought it would be a great laugh to cut Peters hair. Mission successful in my opinion, comments gratefully recieved. Went to the vets in the afternoon in attempt 2 to get a wormer. Think I did alright telling them who I was, where I lived and that my 3 year old horse weighed over 500Kg.

We started work on Tony's exhaust after returning from the vets. Well actually the Range Rovers exhaust, hopefully you know what I mean. Anyway, the new one is fitted and well secured with bailing string. Will do the proper fix in the morning when the bailing string will be replaced with the far more substantial Gaffer Tape.

We think the Owl is still living in the loft but don't want to disturb it too much as if we can fatten it up we may have a meal for Christmas when we do the Huge Fearnly Whittingstals bird in a bird recipe.

Chrissy has finnaly found true love. She wants to live with the pigs. Not Tony and I, but our loveley Vitnamese Policemen living next to the barn.

Last day of school tomorrow for the tiddly peeps and Saturday is tree day. Please wait patiently for the piccies.

Christmas Crackers

After what seems like an eternity in the UK, I will finally be heading home on Wednesday in preparation for Christmas. During the last 2 weeks I have been slowly gathering gifts and cards from friends and family and the car on the way back will closeley resemble Santas Sleigh.

With Jane busy working, Tony busy Nannying and mother in law busy cleaning I thought I should write few words to cheer people up a bit. Have to go with an old picture but it does show how much Peter has grown since September last year.

Hopefully at the weekend we will pick up the final additions to the arc for this year. A peacock and peahen. Then we will be faced with getting through another French winter. Anyhow must get on and work as thats what they're paying me for.

The Third Week is Coming!!

Well, not only have I completed two weeks of work, I am about to start the third!!! The kids seem to be surviving so far!!! Peter of course is still causing chaos and Kirsty is still having screaming fits every two minutes!!! Josh is just being Josh and just gets cross when he cant have his computer fix!!!

Josh and Kirsty had their Marche de Noel on Friday. Nounou very kindly took them and let them buy what they wanted. Thankfully they only bought what mummy told them that they could!! Makes a change!!! Peter was not really impressed with the event, I think the singing got to him. Josh and Kirsty did try to sing but I think the miming won the day!!

Grandma Nett and Tom arrived safely on Friday night. They can now put up with Peter for a few days and hopefully nounou will be able to actually get on and do some jobs. That is if he manages to fix the many computers that seem to be blowing up!!!!

Anyway, time to put the darlings to bed and prepare for the next week of work. Lots of love, xx

PS This should have been published last night but I had some technical difficulties!!!!

The Second Week is Going Well

The second week of work is going well so far. I even have a continuation of my contract for a couple more weeks!!!

The new nounou is doing well still. Peter is continuing to be his normal helpful self!! However, he has learned today that holding on to the electric fence is not such a good idea. It does hurt a little!!

Josh and Kirsty are getting ready for the Christmas Market at school on Friday. They are going to the cinema on Thursday with school as well. They seem to have a more exciting time at school than we ever did at that age! Josh has been going to his swimming lessons since September and Kirsty will be starting after Christmas.

The children are still keen to try new things!! Josh was very brave the other day and ate a whole oyster!!! Needless to say, he didnt like it much. Kirsty on the other hand proceeded to demolish nearly a dozen all by herself!! Peter would not even have one near his plate and screamed if it came anywhere near. He has obviously had a bad experience in a previous life with one!!

Take care all and speak soon. xxx

I survived the first week!!!

Thanks everyone for your calls, emails and comments. My first week at work has been absolutely brilliant. The team are a really great bunch and even the boss eats lunch in the canteen with us. The atmosphere is so different to a boring English office!!! I have learned loads this week and I must thank Vicki for telling Anna to look after me. She has done an excellent job. Thanks Vicki and Anna!!!

The animals have not even noticed that I have gone!! They are all looking well fed and watered thanks to the nounou!! Surprise and nounou have an understanding. He has got all day to wait for her to decide to walk and frequently waits quite a while I think!!!!! The nounou is doing an absolutely stirling job. Thanks "nouveau nounou de Danvou"!!!!!

Josh and Kirsty have been trying to help this week. Trying is definitely the right word, I have not worked out what they have actually done yet!! Maybe they will try a little harder next week.

Peter is of course helping the nounou!!! Monday started with him letting Nell out of the stable and wondering why nounou was a little concerned!! He has continued helping throughout the week but I am pleased to say he is still alive and has only been locked in Zorros area a couple of times!!

I apologise for the lack of blog and photos this week but going back to full time work has been decidedly tiring. I am going to work out when the housework fits in this week if I am lucky!! Take care all and speak soon. xxx

PS Have stolen some pics from the O'Flynns as they are cute!! Thanks guys!!

Uh oh!! I start work tomorrow!!

Well, freedom is finally over, I start back to full time work tomorrow at 9am!! For those of you who don't know it is working for Credit Agricole in Caen. I am feeling decidedly nervous at the moment but I am sure by tomorrow morning I will be slightly calmer!!

The animals are settling down into nice routines now. At least I will miss some mucking out for a few days while I am at work. Well, I might do!! The pigs are now feeding out of our hands, the kids love them to bits already. Zorro now stands at the window to the pig sty looking longingly. I am not sure whether he just wants to play with them or whether he is thinking 'roast pork' too!!

Josh and Kirsty are nearing the end of another term at school. They are thoroughly enjoying the Christmas term and I enjoyed helping out last Friday making things for their Christmas fair. The only sad part of going back to work is that I will miss the fair itself, but I am sure their new nanny will be taking them. I will furnish them with plenty of money to buy all of their exciting wares. Peter of course will enjoy terrorising the fair I am sure. He is still spending his days causing trouble, having an afternoon snooze and then causing more trouble!!

Anyway, must go and rest before my big day, lots of love to all. xx

The Tale of Four Little Pigs Begins .........

Our four new girls have arrived this afternoon. They were well behaved on the drive home, even though we had to drive with the windows open!!! They seem to be enjoying their new home already and the kids all think that they are great!!

Peter takes the first ride

Our two new arrivals settled in really well last night. It was very cold and wet and I am sure they loved being in a nice warm barn. We did hear Surprise call us at about 2am and they were very happy to see Andrew first thing this morning. Rosie, Magellan and the goats appear to be happy with their new neighbours now and Magellan has decided that touching the fence to get a little closer is not such a bright idea!!

Peter decided that today was the day for the first ride on them both. They both behaved impeccably!!

The first new arrivals of the week

It took less than an hour to finally convince Surprise that she wanted to go into the trailer and travel 10 km down the road to her new home!! Nell, on the other hand was a star and a small push moved her fairly quickly!! The phrase 'stubborn as a mule' is now 'stubborn as a Percheron'!!

For those of you totally confused now we have just bought a horse called Surprise and a donkey companion called Nell. They are both absolutely gorgeous. Their previous owner Chrissy has done an absolutely stirling job with them, they handle like a dream. I am sure that Surprise will be fairly easygoing when we start to break her in. Thank you so much Chrissy, we promise to give them a loving and caring home. xxxx

Ninety Nine Things to do before you die!!

Chrissy today took the plunge, she rode the biggest horse that she has ever touched, stood next to or mounted!!!!! After the initial shock of realising that it was the biggest horse in the yard she got on almost unaided!!! Frances did give her a box to stand on!! She then walked around the arena in a very calm manner, apart from the fits of giggles when the horse decided he wanted to graze for a moment and Chrissy could have disappeared over his head!! After a few minutes the giggles subsided and she fully mastered 'walk on' and 'stop'!!! We all had a great time watching and after half an hour Chrissy dismounted really understanding what it is truly like to walk like John Wayne!!! Now she only has 98 things left to do!!

Oh no, the tooth mouse is coming again tonight

Kirsty has lost another tooth today at school. Thankfully, she has already put it in an envelope for the tooth mouse, marked "Un dent de Kirsty"!!!

Andrew has mended nine panes of glass today. Peter managed to break two the other evening and Andrew mended nine, you do the maths!!! Andrew has also been working on the new stable area. He has cemented in a post for the gates to hang on and put in a nice new light. At least I will be able to see when I put the new recruits to bed!!

More news soon .........

Another week has gone by

There has been nothing earth shattering happening this week to report so I apologise for the lack of blog!! The pig sty has just a bolt to be added to the back door and I do believe it will be finished. Our two latest volunteers finished the back wall this morning!!!

Josh and Kirsty are well into their Christmas preparations at school. They are making Christmas decorations and "other things" for the Christmas market on the 12 December. I realised this morning, to my annoyance, that work is going to get in the way of me participating this year. It does mean though that the live in nanny will have to take them, hmm, wonder how that will go down???

I worked out on Monday why so many people work in the black over here. All I needed was a social security number so that I could pay taxes. I visited the CPAM who said that they could not help and that I had to go to the MSA. I drove across Vire to the MSA who said that they could not help unless they had a number from the CPAM. I then went back to the CPAM who said, "Oh, have you not got a number??" Aaaarrrrggghhhh!!!! They then decided that they needed an E106 from Newcastle. Thats great, we have been trying to get one of them for the last year. After over two hours I returned home with no number. I thought I should call Newcastle and see whether it was likely to be issued this year!!! They said they were dealing with them this week and it would be dealt with in the next two or three days!! We will wait and see!!!

Andrew has been shopping again this week on leboncoin. This time he found a new 'buffet'. It is only a small piece of furniture, 2.2m long, 1.1m high and 0.55m wide, and all for the bargain price of 120 euros!! We managed to call the man, get the address, finally find his house, fit the buffet into the car and get home in time for dinner!!

I am sure there will be more to report in the next few days. It might include some photos of Josh de-bagging visitors but I am not sure!! xxx

The Pig Sty is Nearing Completion!!

The boys have been doing an excellent job on the pig sty. We now have a door and a window!!!

The lady from SPANC arrived today and confirmed that the new septic tanks were all to an excellent standard. Works can now be completed on Saturday by the French team to put the garden back to some kind of normality. Hopefully we will have slightly less mud!!!

I had an excellent birthday yesterday. Thank you to everyone that sent cards, presents, emails etc etc. The children made me a lovely victoria sandwich cake as well. We went for a long walk around the village and Vicki took me for a cream tea. What more could I ask for? I made the mistake of letting Tony make me a vodka and tonic to go with the dinner that Andrew cooked. Not sure what he did to it but I did not want to get up this morning!! I have come to the conclusion that I must be allergic to alcohol!!

The children are into the Christmas spirit at school now. They have been learning new poems and making lots of treats for the Christmas fair. I am sure they are going to love Christmas in France, a whole new experience for all of us. At least we can have a huge tree this year without worrying where to put it!! We will just have to stop Zorro eating it or pulling it over!!

Not much more to go on the pig house and I forgot to take photos of the party!!!

It was Anna-Marias birthday yesterday and we celebrated last night in style. David, Marilyn and children all joined us in the celebrations. We had the traditional Moules Marinieres for starters, followed by salmon and cheesy chips (how English!!) and chocolate birthday cake and ice cream to finish. Yum yum!!!!

Tony decided to take our guests for a moonlit ride in the valley. Sounded a good idea at the time but when they had not returned after about half an hour I braved the elements in search of them!! On reaching the valley I could not hear or see anything. I started to worry until I saw a small flashlight flashing at me!!!!! It was Tony!! They had got stuck and the engine would not start. Walking back I managed to slip over in the mud and get a little bit moist!!! Andrew rescued them with wellington boots!! The Range Rover finally returned this morning!!!

Our team of French men finished their works on the septic tanks yesterday. Now all we have to do is wait for our SPANC inspection and then they will landscape the trashed garden. We have been extremely impressed with the speed that they work and how they handle their diggers. They are amazing guys.

The O'Flynns have left to continue their travels now. Safe journey guys, good luck and see you soon. xxx