To break or not to break that is the question.

For a brief moment, I lost my 4 wheel drive. On saturday Jane and I went and picked up 2 more cider barrells, similar in size to the one in our front garden. Whilst loading the first one, I slipped on a granite step, thought little of it and carried on moving them. Later in the evening, when I undid my boot, the pain started. Getting worse and worse as the evening progressed, to the point where I couldn't move it at all and had given in to the fact that I was off to hospital. 3 x-rays later and after a lot of manipulation and I had been diagnosed with a probable fracture of the metatarsal. I was referred to the big hospital in Caen for a scan. By scan time on Monday I was in very little pain. The scan results came back all clear and nothing wrong at all. Concensus of opinion is that I probably dislocated something and, whilst it was being manipulated, it went back in again.

Anyhow, I've had a couple of days r&r and have been taking things very easy since. I also have the support of my mum who jumped on the first ferry when she found out I may need some loving.

A taste of the orient

Now that we have a useable kitchen, my cooking talents can once again be shown off.

On the menu for this evening, we have a deep fried calameri with prawn crackers and dipping sauces for a starter, spicy veal dumplings, salmon roulade and noodles for main course. Topping it all off with a Tarte Framboise and fresh cream.

I thought it was worth mentioning dinner today as Janes colleagues at work love to know what she's having every night. I will point out though that Won Ton wrappers are an absoloute pain to work with, especially when you have fingers like mine.

We're also having a kids menu tonight of the traditional bread and water. Nothing beats the old favourites.

Just too cute!!

I have just dared to go outside and to my surprise I was the first to meet number two baby of the year. He appears to be doing well so far and there may well be another to follow. I will keep you updated!! I am informed that because he is a boy we can eat this one!!!

Andrew has started the vegetable plot this week. The pigs of course have done a good job of starting the work and now Andrew is busy rotavating to his hearts content. It brings back memories of Ian in the garden of Lawn Close when they first arrived. I think he was rotavating for weeks!!! He has also bought the first lot of seed potatoes, a variety called Charlotte. I think he likes the name!!!

We have also had a change of nationality in the family this week. The little Renault finally has French citizenship!!! Hopefully she will keep going for a little longer now that she is worth more!!!

Anyway, photos for your perusal forthwith. They were taken just moments after number two baby was born!!

First New Arrival

And so the circle of life continues with out first new arrival of the year. We were expecting a baby goat, just not from the mum who delivered. Baby seems to be all well and happy. Fortunately as it's a girl it's life expectancy should be quite good, had it been a boy it would have been next in line for the spit.

Also on todays events, scrapheap challenge returned to the valley with the construction of a sledge to entertain the kids for 5 minutes. They're already cold and wet and the novelty seems to have worn off very quickly.

We had some excitement last night as Monsieur LeBaron phoned, showing some concern for his horses which have been roaming wild for weeks. I ventured out in the dark and blizzard conditions, located the animals and bought them in to our barn for the night.

Dates for your diary

Whilst I sit here, snowed in again, I thought I'd write down some of the dates of events for the coming year. The first one, which is the Biggy, kicks off on Friday 28th May and finishes Tuesday 1st June. This is our annual house party which is becoming somewhat of a modern day tradition. As usual the party will incorporate various excesses in food, alcohol, laughter and fun. Some accomodation is still available however tents are probably the best option if you're not old or infirm. Next up on the hit list is 27th to 30th August. This is predominantly a weekend of softball and drinking. It will be a names out of the hat tournament and will incorporate all the usual hospitality you have come to know and love. Last up is the 8th to the 11th October. Once again another weekend of softball combined with Keith and Sues wedding anniversary. A much more casual affair with possible dormitory accomodation. We will attempt to get everyone sleeping inside if at all possible. All of these events are open to everyone but please let us know as soon as possible if you're planning to join us so that we can sort logistics and catering etc. Unless you have special dispensation, or a letter from your great great grand parents, all people coming to the softball weekends will be expected to play. Look forward to seeing everyone again this year. Love from the French Mob

Rest In Peace, Mr Pig

It is with great regret that I must announce the passing on of Mr Pig, AKA Patrick. He passed on in his sleep last night leaving the field gate bare this morning when I went to feed him.

From his arrival with us just over a year ago, he has been an integral part of our life here. Kicking off with his great escape on day one when I tackled a most wild and unfriendly boar on the muddy track. During his time here he has had the pleasures of four girl friends and numerous piglets. He developed into an affectionate animal, always happy to have his shoulder scratched. He must also rank number one in the photo stakes as everyone loved to have a picture of him.

2010, we made it.

Contrary to popular belief, we are all still alive and well. Apologies must go out for the lack of blog recently but we've been far to drunk and lazy to concern ourselves with such things. Although we had a relatively quiet and laid back Christmas, new year was a completely different kettle of fish. Or should I say, kettle of Hugh Fearnleys Christmas roly poly pudding. New years eve dinner was an astounding success with 16 of us sat round the table drinking and eating far too much as is essential for events like this. We saw in the new year with a toast to the coming 12 months, hoping for another productive year at the farm. Staying with us, we had Steve, Laura and Maddi, Russel and Lucy, and Gordy. New years eve rolled into new years day and by 9:00am, we had a piglet on the spit cooking away as the snow fell around us. Lunch should have been around 2 but I think it was finally 3:30pm when we served up. To be honest, I'd drunk so much beer by then I really didn't have a clue what the time was. The year started on a bit of a low point as Maddi fell off the sofa and broke her collar bone. Two hospital visits later and she was all strapped up and a lot more cheerful. A quick thanks to everyone who joined us and made the last week a very special time at Chateau Larcombe. The fact that everyone helps out makes the whole thing just fall into place and feel incredibly relaxed. Another year of great events sits in front of us now, the next being our annual house party on the bank holiday weekend at the end of May. We look forward to keeping in touch with everyone throughout the year and wish you all the best for the coming 12 months. PS. It's pretty darn cold here again.