Survival Skills for Grandad

We hade some snow and guess what josh and kirsty made. We made an igloo and we can go in it. To build it we only used a bucket and our hands. It took us at least 3 hours to build it. Its not that big but it is very hard to build. It was only us that built it, noone else helped us. We were a little bit cold when we came in but not too cold. We think that it was good. Josh says that new year when there will be more people we could make a bigger igloo. Or my idea was to go on the sledge. Anyway if you ever build an igloo be careful when you are building in it as the inside could collapse.

Nearly Christmas

Well, just as in the UK, we have loads of snow too. It is still snowing and apparently is going to be like this for a few more days. Thankfully I had the foresight to go shopping yesterday afternoon, instead of my normal Saturday dash!! I am so pleased that my brain was functioning well, as today it is impossible to go anywhere!! The children had their 'marche de noel' last night. They all sang well, a complete contrast to when they started a few years ago. Peter smiled and sang lots, whilst trying to give his friend Juliette something from his pocket. As they were in the front row everyone could see!!! I am still not sure what he was trying to give to her but she was a very sensible young lady and managed to ignore him!!! Kirsty could be heard over everyone else, no surprise there of course, and Josh was just singing because he had to!! The smiles were definitely not coming from his quarter!!! The drive home was distinctly hairy as whilst in the salle de fetes we had at least an inch of snow. I do admit to crying when we got home!!! Thank goodness we are all safe and sound now!! Josh and Kirsty are now trying to build an igloo. They have given up with the sledging as the snow is too soft!!! Peter, the sensible one, is sat in front of the fire contemplating what else he needs to ask Pere Noel for!!! Take good care everyone and stay safe. Hope to see lots of you soon!! xx

Three years and three days

I'm not generally one for keeping track of times and dates but, on this occasion, I do remember one. On December 10th 2007, Jane and I signed away our bank balance and became the proud owners of our maison francais. Two lengthy meetings with the noatire and a lot of paperwork first for the house and then for the additional land. We had been honoured earlier that day of meeting up with Bas, the previous owner, for a light lunch and and a glass of wine. It was a good opportunity to find out a few things about the house like where the water and electric meters were for a start. At the second meeting with the notaire we also met Madame Crozat, the lady who had owned the house before Bas and was selling us the additional land. That night was to be Jane and my first night in La Ferriere Duval, peace and quiet prevailed apart from the occasional scurrying of mice or the twit twoo of an owl. Three years on and all is well. Grandma Irene joined us for the weekend doing her annual Santa run so the kids have had a good time even though they will now be depressed until Christmas because Grandma didn't stay. We have the christmas tree and decorations up however I will be far happier when they are taken down and filed away for another year. Next Wednesday is the shortest day of the year after which we will be on the uphill road towards summer again and hopefully I will see an end to my depression and regain my mojo/motivation.

What to do when you can't get to work ...

I would just like to let everyone know that I have the best husband in the whole wide world. He worked out the other day that the bread recipe was very doughnut like and as we had nothing better to do today, we have tested the theory!! I have even managed to inject them with raspberry jam. I did have a slight technical hitch to start with though, when the nozzle was too small and when trying to clear the blockage I ejaculated jam all over Andrew!!! Oops!! Unfortunately the car was unable to make the hill this morning. I should have realised that it was a very bad idea when the brakes did not work going down the first part of the drive. Half way up the hill, the car could not go any further and so I had to reverse back down, or rather slide back down, and abandon the idea. Although I am feeling very guilty, as the office is rather empty, I am not going to risk having a bad accident. The one down side of an extra day off is that the kids are unable to go either. They are being quite good though so far and have enjoyed eating the doughnuts!!! Take good care everyone and hope to see some of you really soon. xxx

Well pluck a duck!!!

Suddenly realised that we hadn't updated the blog in a while so I thought I'd better get stuck in before Grandand complains. Well a bit like the UK, we've had a sprinkling of snow over here but life goes on as usual. Having said that, I have spent the last couple of days predominantly inside doing a few little jobs and brushing the dust off the squeeze box. With the consumption of the quail and 2 of the ducks, there is a lot less effort involved on the farm front now. Although the morning rounds of ice breaking and bucketing water out for the horse and donkey are starting to ware me down. I'm counting down the days to boxing day now when our next guests arrive and, by new years eve, we should have a house full. Still no news on the job front for Jane. The not knowing is getting most depressing but I am hoping and praying for good news this side of Christmas.I've spent a couple of days working in the gite kitchen and the cupboards are almost finished now. All we need is a cooker and a fridge and the gite will be finished, then I can move into the utility room to finish the next job on the list.