tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14619374314599660902024-03-13T05:51:40.893+01:00 Chenevaux - a fabulous opportunity to start a new life in rural FranceChenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-73613411391037328702020-12-27T16:00:00.001+01:002020-12-27T16:00:03.266+01:00Seasonal Greetings<p>December 26th 2020, we woke to a clear blue sky and a sharp frost so went out for a walk to the village and then down to the river. Today, 27th, we are being buffeted by storm Bella, the skies are gray and it is wet, wet, wet! The good thing about today though is that we have (according to the sun, but not the sky) one extra minute of daylight, so we are now heading towards the spring, longer days and warmer weather.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbGW_SsYAmE/X-iTyXjoybI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/ToP-VKL2G3k4dGh0OujMGoHyKNEtVD_4QCPcBGAYYCw/s4608/IMG_8486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="641" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbGW_SsYAmE/X-iTyXjoybI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/ToP-VKL2G3k4dGh0OujMGoHyKNEtVD_4QCPcBGAYYCw/w479-h641/IMG_8486.JPG" width="479" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Season's Greetings from St Pierre de Maille</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b__qoetDIoo/X-iRj-XgEII/AAAAAAAAF-g/Y4e6LL8BtcAwwLXy7jTp1Nxlt3LI8XEeQCPcBGAYYCw/s4608/IMG_8480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b__qoetDIoo/X-iRj-XgEII/AAAAAAAAF-g/Y4e6LL8BtcAwwLXy7jTp1Nxlt3LI8XEeQCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_8480.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chenevaux - the Farmhouse and the Studio in the morning frost</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gAzB2NIQvpQ/X-iT7G4UtfI/AAAAAAAAF_c/cD7PSd7-FMMmi7NKG-D_ztZamt5X0FX6QCPcBGAYYCw/s4608/IMG_8490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gAzB2NIQvpQ/X-iT7G4UtfI/AAAAAAAAF_c/cD7PSd7-FMMmi7NKG-D_ztZamt5X0FX6QCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_8490.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge at St Pierre de Maille</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTELwT31Jbo/X-iTub8pEdI/AAAAAAAAF_c/27brDw1K5XAMpxJ1zX1W-MyAbNx-IXUKQCPcBGAYYCw/s4608/IMG_8489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTELwT31Jbo/X-iTub8pEdI/AAAAAAAAF_c/27brDw1K5XAMpxJ1zX1W-MyAbNx-IXUKQCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_8489.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking over the river to Bas-Bourg and the Chapel</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6r8rWX720wI/X-iTJ62-1AI/AAAAAAAAF_A/tZrCE-_UbgsI25siviMbbiIo9qRMAOezwCPcBGAYYCw/s4608/IMG_8484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6r8rWX720wI/X-iTJ62-1AI/AAAAAAAAF_A/tZrCE-_UbgsI25siviMbbiIo9qRMAOezwCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_8484.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the village of St Pierre de Maille by the back road</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RH9uADqtQfQ/X-iQr7D7A0I/AAAAAAAAF-A/An7vKNl4xpgQTHqMKW2AshgF4fAoK4bsACPcBGAYYCw/s4608/IMG_8474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RH9uADqtQfQ/X-iQr7D7A0I/AAAAAAAAF-A/An7vKNl4xpgQTHqMKW2AshgF4fAoK4bsACPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_8474.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chenevaux in the sunset earlier in Dcember</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Loy4ZK4IGA/X-iQjglYTTI/AAAAAAAAF98/CUCpj0udgxYJpEi1fHB9LtN_4B46qZIZgCPcBGAYYCw/s4608/IMG_8472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Loy4ZK4IGA/X-iQjglYTTI/AAAAAAAAF98/CUCpj0udgxYJpEi1fHB9LtN_4B46qZIZgCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_8472.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last of the orange glow of the sun</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zcm4eOAuMkc/X-iSCdSAI7I/AAAAAAAAF-s/DGwnMbUHydMXlQZXcn5zHl5_SPg-e0oRwCPcBGAYYCw/s4608/IMG_8470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zcm4eOAuMkc/X-iSCdSAI7I/AAAAAAAAF-s/DGwnMbUHydMXlQZXcn5zHl5_SPg-e0oRwCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_8470.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And illuminating the oak trees on our boundary</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-7989466792289516362020-04-12T20:51:00.000+02:002020-04-12T20:59:23.642+02:00Easter Greetings from our isolated home in a little corner of France<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some would say it is the middle of nowhere, but for us, at the moment, it is our secure place. We hope you are all in your own secure place and remain so for the duration of this crisis. Our thoughts are with everybody we know, and those we don't know!<br />
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So, we do have visitors! Phil the pheasant and his three Phillettes ( only one caught on camera ) are very regular visitors to the bird table. They are good fun to watch.<br />
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And this morning - Easter Sunday - there was a bunny rabbit in the garden watching the pheaseants ( sorry, no pic) - it did run away when we went to the window but look what it left behind!<br />
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OK the bit about the rabbit was true but not the eggs - they are porcelaine and have been decorated with special paint.<br />
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Over the past few weeks we have had to fix a couple things - first it was the strimmer that wouldn't start, then my sewing machine motor that froze and a minor issue with a door handle breaking so we just moved one from another door. Mostly sorted thanks to the internet.<br />
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Then I wanted a portable BBQ!<br />
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So these are parts from an old tractor mower that Mark has gradually been taking apart, and an old tin container from some sort of wood preservative that we bought when we moved here 15 years ago!<br />
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And an old roasting tin that was in the potting shed - when fired up it worked perfectly and as the weather has been so warm we have already had use of it, yum.<br />
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Firings have gone well in the studio too - these pieces, amongst others, will shortly be on the new Anglian Potters sales site.<br />
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Yesterday it was my birthday - Mark had a lesson in cake making ( he still needs to master the beating action ) but as you will see the result was pretty good especially with my cranky oven.<br />
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I was a happy birthday girl! ( Well I still feel like one ). Especially as the internet and phone apps allow us to keep in touch with people, even though we only have basic tech stuff how wonderful.<br />
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And after a few puffs I even managed to blow all of the candles out.<br />
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We were supposed to have had open studios here this and last week-end but these birdies will be happy to wait ...<br />
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We send lots of love to everybody who reads this ..... do whatever you need to do to stay safe and to keep everybody else safe.<br />
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.85983321.1461735 -40.448761 72.1902425 42.168427tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-54453840952917166462020-01-18T17:11:00.000+01:002020-01-18T17:24:20.538+01:00The Impulse Buy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever bought something and then wondered why you had and then not been able think what you are going to do with whatever it was that you bought ?<br />
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Well this is a tale about a box of crochet squares!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dVOegP65V8/XiMPaA8bWBI/AAAAAAAAFyk/Esb1AgTT8JECar9AjlTCzQA6ZGw2Bgb6wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/king%2Bsolomon%2Band%2Bqueen%2Bbee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dVOegP65V8/XiMPaA8bWBI/AAAAAAAAFyk/Esb1AgTT8JECar9AjlTCzQA6ZGw2Bgb6wCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/king%2Bsolomon%2Band%2Bqueen%2Bbee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A crown, beard and hair extensions were the last project for 2019.</td></tr>
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So last summer we were at the annual village brocante and I purchased a box of nearly 500 crochet squares for a very few euros. Not that I counted them before making the purchase, and neither did I have any plan for using them apart from the usual blanket or even waistcoat.<br />
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On getting them home they all went into the washing machine and then my trusty helper assisted with the pegging out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark, aka the crochet squares laundry assistant.</td></tr>
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It was at this point that I counted them and started to wonder what I was going to do with them all! Then the weather got so hot that we could barely go outside during the afternoon so the sewing machine came out and the dining room table disappeared under a covering of multi-coloured opportunities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2a6SOTjqPco/XiMMfinFENI/AAAAAAAAFxw/Um7syNZ3oJEvdtsLCVPYSLUyzgRphMa5wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2a6SOTjqPco/XiMMfinFENI/AAAAAAAAFxw/Um7syNZ3oJEvdtsLCVPYSLUyzgRphMa5wCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_7110.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep in concentration!</td></tr>
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So first of all a couple of cushions ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4e1tteJWRo/XiMsIWbm_fI/AAAAAAAAFzA/iSIrWjWg1eE7FDCodABp2EelGI7XBjJQQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4e1tteJWRo/XiMsIWbm_fI/AAAAAAAAFzA/iSIrWjWg1eE7FDCodABp2EelGI7XBjJQQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1932.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're for the garden chairs really.</td></tr>
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Then an advent tree ......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYUl2yVavTg/XiMNGlm6hPI/AAAAAAAAFyA/wYLCNp9CWsk9-CzUytyFZq3jiqEq_gKpgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYUl2yVavTg/XiMNGlm6hPI/AAAAAAAAFyA/wYLCNp9CWsk9-CzUytyFZq3jiqEq_gKpgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_7248.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each pocket is double thickness so this used up a fair few!</td></tr>
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Then a pair of Christmas stockings ......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBmm0loKDt8/XiMNfxHP3eI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/3_VPBVhwLtEFu5jETg_nQMHzUTuD7w2QgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBmm0loKDt8/XiMNfxHP3eI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/3_VPBVhwLtEFu5jETg_nQMHzUTuD7w2QgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_7249.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is another one somewhere, probably in the lost sock place.</td></tr>
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And a dozen padded coat hangers .......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCDMIQcC4PY/XiMNsySPBOI/AAAAAAAAFyY/YFdIGIefVIsX9qB2WaMapYKzwUbnjZbkACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCDMIQcC4PY/XiMNsySPBOI/AAAAAAAAFyY/YFdIGIefVIsX9qB2WaMapYKzwUbnjZbkACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_7265.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I might even make some more of these for myself!</td></tr>
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Now I just need an idea for the last 100 or so - hang on, maybe the waistcoat is a good idea after all!<br />
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-65879302147651608252019-08-03T14:06:00.003+02:002019-08-03T14:10:20.621+02:00Sunflowers and Summer Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunflowers in the sun.</td></tr>
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So far this summer we've had two heatwaves but at the moment the temperature is in the top 20s and pleasantly cool at night. Sadly it looks as though we may have lost a few fruit trees and shrubs to the drought but on the whole our garden is looking less tired than last year. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parasol pine in the gite garden is living up to its name!</td></tr>
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Down at the Cheval Blanc, Gorrie has been counting up his sales of freshly whipped ice creams and he's hoping to beat last year's bumper season. We're sure that the new parasols will help!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure if these parasols are cool or kitch!</td></tr>
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A few weeks ago we participated in a craft market at a local town, Montmorrillon. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark with some of his pieces.</td></tr>
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We had three tables under a row of mulberry trees. Opposite there was a rose grower with some beautiful plants. The stallholders had forgotten to bring their watering can so had to borrow some jugs etc to stop them drying out on what was a very hot day. Along with the beer tent, freshly cooked beef on skewers, the usual array of "jewellery", glass and fabrics there was a good atmosphere and plenty of visitors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1YDeHpc4D4/XUVj0WLmM5I/AAAAAAAAFt8/ikw-Phx0NtIkvRQAqpr5vXyRTYE8A5UZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1YDeHpc4D4/XUVj0WLmM5I/AAAAAAAAFt8/ikw-Phx0NtIkvRQAqpr5vXyRTYE8A5UZQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I resisted making a purchase!</td></tr>
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Then the following week-end up to Angles sur l'Anglin for the annual "Artisanales" which were held on 13th and 14th July. We were entertained by people in costume riding around on vintage cycles of one sort or another and a car rally featuring enormous cars.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark's range of blue ceramics</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the vintage bicycles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dread to think how much this costs to fill up.<br /></td></tr>
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Lastly, here we are relaxing with an apero at a little restaurant in La Roche Posay on our wedding anniversary.</div>
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Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-23424881808736291152019-04-20T15:18:00.000+02:002019-07-06T10:49:30.148+02:00Glorious weather for Easter!Sunshine, temperatures well up into the 20s, birds singing, frogs croaking .....<br />
Grass growing like crazy and weeds trying to take over! Its that time of year when everything looks vibrant, fresh and ready for the summer but its also the time of year when there's always a job of some sort that needs to be done whether its weeding, taking cuttings, planting or just enjoying!<br />
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The roses are starting to bloom, this one is outside Mark's studio and is always the first.<br />
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Clumps of iris everywhere.</div>
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Bluebells in a wooded area.</div>
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Part of the gite garden looking neat and tidy after a mow. Mark has got the pool clean and sparkly again ready for the swimming season.</div>
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One of our three wisterias. This one is by the side of the gite parking area. We allowed a rooted stem to grow into a free standing "bush" . It's a blue/white variety.<br />
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This one is growing over the pergola in our back garden. It's the first time it has flowered and they are more pink.<br />
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The third one adorns the front of our house, then leaps over towards the studio,<br />
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where it now reaches nearly to the far corner of this building too! The flowers are a beautiful soft lilac and must be the favourite. Happy days!<br />
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-66412247622884676052019-04-11T16:39:00.000+02:002019-04-11T16:41:03.430+02:00The First Chenev'Art week-end took place on 6th and 7th April 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple of months ago Mark thought he would invite some artists we know to come and exhibit their work here. We chose the week-end of 6th and 7th April as he was already taking part in an international open studios event. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gang of Six!</td></tr>
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Mark kept his studio for his own work and the others agreed that their creations would be fine under our open barn or outside - so the barn had to be cleared of wood and all of the other clutter.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The barn hasn't been as tidy as this since we moved here in 2005!</td></tr>
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The artists set up on Friday and Saturday morning, in the rain, but it cleared up later in the day and Sunday was beautiful so we had a really good number of visitors.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the grass - Sam's tumbleweed seed capsules</td></tr>
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Robert chose to put his sculptural pieces outside where they created a great display.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Director said - all point at Robert!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Robert's pieces</td></tr>
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As I said, Mark was in his studio where he did demonstrations on the wheel on both days. He threw a couple of dozen pieces which will help to re-stock as he had a successful selling week-end.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very small bowl</td></tr>
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We also set up a display upstairs in the studio, after giving it all a good spring clean.<br />
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These pieces are by Emmanuel who incorporates pieces of furniture and metal in his sculptures, some of which have moving parts. They are intended for indoor display.<br />
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And these were created by moi! The porcelain pieces ring when they are blown by the breeze.<br />
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Fox brought along his paintings and the ceramics in the photo below.<br />
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And last ( but not least ) Francois created his display of conceptual furniture in our barbeque palace.</div>
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All in all the week-end was "yaaay"!<br />
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.comChenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-56740008158724786302018-08-01T12:36:00.000+02:002018-08-01T12:36:00.432+02:00Summer time! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The pompiers organised a "mechui" at the village green. We weren't expecting such a feast!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef is also a plumber!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a special order! What a loaf!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark at the bar!</td></tr>
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We had a lovely day at the garden festival at Chaumont sur Loire</div>
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-84580452114013286742018-03-31T15:09:00.003+02:002018-03-31T15:11:26.115+02:00Easter Greetings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Easter!</div>
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As you can see, the Easter bunny has already visited us - along with the chicks and a rather bizarre pink unicorn and a couple of frogs that are just hanging around! The little chicks in the basket are hand-knitted and when you pick them up you find a creme egg tucked underneath. They are so cute.</div>
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The word on the calendar this month is Iktsuarpok. It is the Inuit word for the feeling of anticipation you get when waiting for someone to turn up at your house and you keep checking to see if they've arrived. I wonder if the same word could be used for the anticipation of the arrival of Spring? We've had a cold, wet month here and altough it has warmed up a bit we are really looking forward to some dry, warm weather and being able to go out without needing coats, and having the windows and doors open.</div>
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This is the river at Angles sur l'Anglin, with the water well over part of the island in the middle.</div>
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At the beginning of the month we went to the annual " Fete de Laboureurs". This year the weather was so cold that the vin d'honneur was hosted indoors in the salle de fete at St Pierre rather than on the terrace outside the cafe. So, in turn the meal was moved to the salle de fete at Angles sur l'Anglin, meaning that our plans to walk both ways were scuppered! In the end we took the car up to Angles and when it was time to come home we started to walk and then were offered a lift. Mark then cycled to collect the car the following day. </div>
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The parade was exceptional this year:</div>
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And lucky for Mark we have new facilities in the village, we just love the sign!</div>
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Whilst mentioning Mark - if you are in Burnham Market, Norfolk, you can see a selection of his ceramics at the Burnham Grapevine Gallery, along with paintings, prints sculptures and ceramics by other artists.</div>
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Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-13918266273641250992018-02-17T18:05:00.001+01:002018-02-17T18:08:48.498+01:002017 - a year in the life of a tree at Chenevaux<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9KUi0kDdmlI" width="480"></iframe>Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-60676132390990214672018-02-03T16:24:00.001+01:002018-02-03T16:28:02.389+01:00January 2018, the rain came down and the pond filled up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Grey skies were pretty much the order of the month, although a few times the sun came out at the end of the day lighting up the bark and branches on these oak trees.</div>
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The "pond" started the month like this ...<br />
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and ended it like this. If it gets as cold as forecast we will have a skating rink for the first time in years.<br />
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We spotted this fungus ( we think ) on a piece of fallen, dead, branch under an oak tree. We have no idea what it is.<br />
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And these appeared overnight, again under some younger oak trees.</div>
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These look like another fungus, but again we're not sure.</div>
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Some early spring action encouraged by the mild temperatures. The warmest day of the month was 14C! </div>
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Even the frogs came out for a bask. </div>
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A new cherry tree in our back garden to replace one that died.<br />
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A big haircut for this yucca which will probably pay us back by sending out new branches.<br />
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The word of the month is Tartle. You know that panicky sensation when you have to introduce someone whose name you can't quite remember? The Scots use this word. Must remember it!<br />
<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-18665614895997402052018-01-06T16:27:00.000+01:002018-01-06T16:31:03.147+01:00Happy new year for 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Although it should really be happy feast of the Epiphany as it is the 6th January as I write this. Here in France it is the custom to buy "Galette des Rois", a pastry filled with frangipane, at least that is what we we get locally, although I understand that the recipe varies from region to region. Hidden in the centre of the cake is a small figurine and the person that gets this figurine is entitled to be king for the day wearing the paper crown. The king's every wish must be granted so great fun to be had!</div>
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We haven't participated in this custom this year for two very good reasons. The first being that we have spent more than enough money on crowns of a different sort in the last 12 months and we don't want to chance biting on a small and very hard object. The second being that I did my usual shopping for the apocalypse starting way before Christmas, so we still have enough cakes, biscuits, chocolates etc to last until Easter. </div>
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I should add that some of these were gifts from Mark to me and vice versa, and some were from the Christmas Elves! On the cake front I found a fab Paul Hollywood recipe for chocolate and cherry muffins, a lemon drizzle cake made with sunflower oil instead of butter and the Delia Smith Christmas Cake recipe I always use but owing to a shortage of brandy in our bottles I used rum instead. Very yummy it is too despite having icing that looks like a bad hair-do.</div>
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Speaking of butter. We have been experiencing a shortage here - can you imagine?! Apparently its because the producers are getting a better price from the Chinese who have developed a liking for it over recent years. That's according to somebody or another on-line so if this is incorrect please excuse the non-news. The fact remains that there have been empty butter shelves and apologetic notices in the supermarkets. </div>
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Another little gift was a calendar - one of those freebies presented by organisations wanting you to know which day of the week it is. Why? We know its Monday, rubbish is collected. Apart from that Saturday is important in the summer as gite guests leave and arrive (hopefully in that order it would be a sorry state of affairs if they arrived and left on the same day). Anyway, each month has a word in a different language and for January it is <b>Kummerspeck</b> A German word for the excess weight gained from emotional overeating. Translates literally as "grief bacon". I'm not sure if over indulging at Christmas is Kummerspecking but the grim weather in January might encourage it!</div>
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We are feeling a bit frustrated by the weather actually. After some really windy days it seems to have been raining forever. Even though it is quite mild its impossible to do any work outside. Don't get us wrong, we are very grateful for the rainfall as it is desperately needed but could it please stop for the daytime as we want to play with our new friends, being delivered below.</div>
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Great excitement! There are about 100 plants in total, some bare rooted and some in pots. This time we did a tour of the garden and wrote a list of what we were looking for and then ordered the plants, rather than seeing something and then spending ages finding a suitable place for it. </div>
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So for the moment they are all either heeled in or with their pots submerged in soil, waiting for some good planting weather. Something to look forward to.</div>
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Days are starting to get longer again, we are looking forward to the arrival of spring and noticing signs of it already in the garden. </div>
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-69964398035715727102017-09-30T11:33:00.000+02:002017-09-30T11:51:51.858+02:00Chenevaux annual golf and croquet day 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been rather a busy week! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Barbeque Palace" in action!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First wave of guests arrive in plenty of time to help us. <br />
The red object on the table is a barbeque wafter - a very thoughtful gift!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jo ( AKA Mrs Bong ) is let loose with a knife and makes a fantastic hedgehog, or is it a baby seal?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now for the serious stuff.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2WFVaAg_V08/Wc54EmThKeI/AAAAAAAAFUw/6e42Ifr9A10iqEeCLAx9TpJLrm2GLkGvACLcBGAs/s1600/SAM_5588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2WFVaAg_V08/Wc54EmThKeI/AAAAAAAAFUw/6e42Ifr9A10iqEeCLAx9TpJLrm2GLkGvACLcBGAs/s640/SAM_5588.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The winning shot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The croquet was hotly contested this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superbly managed by the Party Ballast lady with the clipboard!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The expert</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ylI6oDQmGc/Wc9cQYaSzeI/AAAAAAAAFW8/NIIe1yzC7wsku_t9DK5-tvgklRM5V_emwCEwYBhgL/s640/SAM_5616.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="360" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow, this is/was a monster melon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francois did us proud on the barbeque again</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark starts the speeches</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, we're not dancing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doughey won the special achievement award kindly donated by Bob. And Dave won the medal for second place. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John with the Chenevaux Golf Trophy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nadia being presented with the Croquet trophy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/---80ZJgdtpA/Wc58V8Mv3DI/AAAAAAAAFV4/BhNNi676wW0eSFsl7P6_nZ4N9P7c1DlpQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/---80ZJgdtpA/Wc58V8Mv3DI/AAAAAAAAFV4/BhNNi676wW0eSFsl7P6_nZ4N9P7c1DlpQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_4330.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">which she's not allowed to keep as she lost the last one, so she is presented with a felt strawberry tart instead.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_mGyyF9-O4/Wc58heDAw7I/AAAAAAAAFWE/TGcCLPBl1DwWOuqCDwRyotDQggFMQsgFQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_mGyyF9-O4/Wc58heDAw7I/AAAAAAAAFWE/TGcCLPBl1DwWOuqCDwRyotDQggFMQsgFQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_4333.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norma pipped Martine at the post to come second in the croquet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CziFvGYmMPs/Wc9dygnYPAI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/tyHGu05iExMP07bWCzmNywf_-Cf9fZwNQCLcBGAs/s1600/SAM_5646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CziFvGYmMPs/Wc9dygnYPAI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/tyHGu05iExMP07bWCzmNywf_-Cf9fZwNQCLcBGAs/s640/SAM_5646.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did we really allow Jason, ( AKA Mr Bong , the other member of the Party Ballast team ) to do this?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2elj9Zqrro/Wc556Z39VlI/AAAAAAAAFVk/oEIFWrKeaagzygb7gMGxW169TG6hIIZYwCLcBGAs/s1600/SAM_5648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2elj9Zqrro/Wc556Z39VlI/AAAAAAAAFVk/oEIFWrKeaagzygb7gMGxW169TG6hIIZYwCLcBGAs/s640/SAM_5648.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DvjC_rTSQUQ/Wc56EhSxK_I/AAAAAAAAFVo/ew-tCj1SsjoUC3R44jKrt9j7xzw8PGgvgCLcBGAs/s1600/SAM_5650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DvjC_rTSQUQ/Wc56EhSxK_I/AAAAAAAAFVo/ew-tCj1SsjoUC3R44jKrt9j7xzw8PGgvgCLcBGAs/s640/SAM_5650.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Mark!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmvIDiN3Jzg/Wc56LEZhRoI/AAAAAAAAFVs/43ul9GlvFIorAESIxC39VoE9uJ3FbniQwCLcBGAs/s1600/SAM_5653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmvIDiN3Jzg/Wc56LEZhRoI/AAAAAAAAFVs/43ul9GlvFIorAESIxC39VoE9uJ3FbniQwCLcBGAs/s640/SAM_5653.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What fun we had, all in all a Perfect Day ( with apologies to Lou Reed ).</td></tr>
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-65693965435826521402017-09-08T20:47:00.000+02:002017-09-08T20:47:23.731+02:00September at Chaumont sur LoireChaumont sur Loire - one of our favourite destinations for a day out. Gardens, grounds, art exhibitions, the chateau, restuarants .....<br />
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-91767829737770975702017-05-28T15:45:00.004+02:002017-05-28T15:45:38.390+02:00Baking hot end to May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Phew, 34C here today! Have disregarded the saying about casting clouts before we melt! The pool was at 26 yesterday, very pleasant.<br />
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A few years ago we received a free gift of a lemon tree from a nursery. It took a while to get going, and we have to put it in the potting shed over the winter but here is the first harvest.<br />
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We enjoyed some bits of RHS Clelsea last week but it didn't seem as vibrant as usual. Mainly due to the reduced number of large show gardens. Never do understand the judging either. Our garden is semi cultivated, semi wild and always in need of something doing, especially at this time of the year. No time for the manicured finish. Here are a few of this week's highlights!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eureka ( yes, really ) given to me for my birthday this year. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A random red rose over the arch at the end of the gite path</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddleia alternifolia - at the moment its a mini wildlife park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benjamin Britton</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handel, macleaya cordata, A Shropshire Lad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self-seeded nigella in the gite path<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Perfect weather for a barbeque this evening!Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-27988885910822444052017-04-30T18:09:00.000+02:002017-04-30T18:21:03.363+02:00Spring cleaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Those of you who know Mark will think this is an unlikely choice of garment for him to be wearing! Its actually a Japanese wedding kimono for a man. We bought it at a charity auction years ago and its beautiful but less than useful as A) Mark is already married ( to me ), B) we don't live in Japan, and C) its not very practical in rural France as daywear.<br />
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If you had seen this picture first it wouldn't have caught your attention, unless you like pictures of rubbish. So here's the picture of the rubbish, which is where this story starts.<br />
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Can you beleeewe it ( I know, I know ), all of this came out of the storage space behind ONE of the SIX doors in this old barn, which we rather generously call " the storage sheds ", apart from the end one which is the Cafe du Coin, oh yes and Mr Owl lives upstairs. Without any exaggeration we could hardly get in through the door, and OK it was supposed to be the recycling shed but not much recycling had been going on so time for a big clear out prior to the forthcoming brocante which we and two other couples had booked a 15metre pitch for. At least that shows we're not the only storers.<br />
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Saturday morning and its dechetterie day ( recycling depot ). The car and trailer are both full with the real rubbish that should have been taken there in the first place. Will we learn, probably not, you never know what might come in handy in the future. School bag (mine, I just had my 60th birthday, don't think I will be need ing it now! ), half a plastic barrel, washing machine hoses, vacuum cleaner bags from the last century ....<br />
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This is the remainder, deemed at least worth a shot at selling. And to this was added a set of chairs, golf clubs ( somehow we have acquired around 5 sets, left and right handed and a few child size ), and various items from the gite and the house that had been on the list for clearing out but hadn't made it to the recycling shed due to it being so full.<br />
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Now look. Or is it New Look. Floor and walls visible. Overnight bags, wine corker and jam jars all in easy reach, chimney sweeping brushes to hand and spare loo seat parts all in one bag. Paradise is a nearly empty shed.<br />
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Finally, here we are on the Sunday morning with our trailer and car load of sellables. It was a really fun day, with lots of people and lots of sales for lots of small change. As you can see, the kimono is waiting for a new home but we didn't manage to sell that.<br />
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Any offers? I think Mark's new career as a model is going to be very short. Opera singing ....<br />
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Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-74147282020752770312017-04-16T18:04:00.001+02:002017-04-16T18:06:37.978+02:00April and a beautiful Easter Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The first local brocante of the year is always at Angles sur l'Anglin on Easter Sunday so off we went to have a look ....<br />
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We had to park right down by the river but it was a lovely day.<br />
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Then in amongst this Mark found ...<br />
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Treasure!!<br />
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He's been looking for one for years, its to take bread (or maybe pizza) out of the ancient bread oven we have here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river at Angles sur l'Anglin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wisteria outside the Gite</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wisteria along the front of the Farmhouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple blossom in the back garden</td></tr>
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-12318597161070965562017-02-28T17:16:00.000+01:002017-02-28T17:16:14.438+01:00February at Chenevaux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February - sunshine, showers and spring flowers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very busy bee in some mahonia flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First daffodils</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hellebore in the sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of colonies of snowdrops</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A double rainbow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of clearing done to make space for new shrubs and trees.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viburnum in flower in the gite garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark was in charge of meals on the 14th!</td></tr>
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-60885041991360532902017-01-23T10:56:00.002+01:002017-01-23T10:56:38.771+01:00January 2017 at Chenevaux has been a bit chilly so far<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter sunset at Chenevaux</td></tr>
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For well over a week now, and set to continue for a few more days it has been as low as -8C at night and during the day not much above freezing. We're getting through plenty of wood on the log burners!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No snow but pleanty of ice around</td></tr>
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At least it has been sunny so we have been able to do some outdoor work. The project of landscaping the "pond" has been delayed due to the frozen ground but a batch of plants that were delivered a couple of weeks ago arrived just in time to be heeled in in the veggie garden. Progress so far ...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pond late autumn</td></tr>
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Mark cut out a lot of the brambles and sloes about 15 months ago and we then ( with help from Mark's brother ) put the groundcover on the bank to stop them growing back - this photo was taken late Autumn 2016. The bullrushes have spread but we don't mind that. What we don't want is all of the other weedy mess. Normally the area would be at least 30 cms under water at the end of the year but after a very wet late spring in 2016 it has been and remains really dry. So as we could get down there it was wellies on and onto the next phase.</div>
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Lots more digging out of brambles, clearing and pruning later it was time to start planting. Having ordered 40 low growing, ground cover cotoneasters the idea was to plant 10 a day for 4 days, however we didn't allow for the fact that the soil under the membrane would be like concrete, so it took a lot longer. Now the new delivery of plants to finish the central area; mahonia, red cornus and rose of sharon; will have to wait until the weather gets warmer again.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">40 of these cotoneasters planted!</td></tr>
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By the way if you ever think about planting on a steepish bank - its not easy! I found that at the steepest point I had to sit on the ground with my legs astride the planting area and hope I didn't slip down to the bottom.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The right bank</td></tr>
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In this area, which has also had loads of brambles dug out of it - inspired by our visit to Sissinghurst last spring - we have planted 250 anemone blanda to add to the existing bluebells. They were enough for about half of the area but are supposed to colonise quickly. As you see from the photo below we are hoping for miracles but you've got to start somewhere!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anemone blanda at Sissinghurst</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver birch trees with oak and beech in the background</td></tr>
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These are the silver birch trees we planted a few years ago, starting to make an impact in the winter sun. <br />
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Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-23248544425476716362016-07-10T14:46:00.001+02:002016-07-10T14:47:24.458+02:00Its Summer, fancy a swim?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer at Chenevaux - blue skies, sunshine, come and have a dip in the pool .......<br />
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At last, blue skies, sunshine and summer temperatures, in fact the forecast is for 32C today! Jam making season has started with mixed red fruit ( raspberries, redcurrants, cherries and blackcurrants ) and apricot already done. The early plums are starting to drop too so that's next on the list before the birds eat them all. Oh - and a yummy summer pudding the other day made with brioche and with a dollop of creme fraiche. Food glorious food !<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer guests are enjoying their holiday in the Gite</td></tr>
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The holiday season is in full swing and guests are enjoying the pool, golf, croquet, table tennis and their own badminton set. Today they are at Futuroscope near Poitiers - a full day out as there is a firework display at nightfall.<br />
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We've just got two weeks available in the Gite between now and the end of September, weeks commencing 20th and 27th August - get in touch with us if you are interested <a href="mailto:chenevaux@orange.fr">chenevaux@orange.fr</a><br />
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The Farmhouse back garden has lots of colour, love these hollyhocks!<br />
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And the crocosmia.<br />
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Its a bit jungly but the overall effect is "impressionistic".<br />
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The wisteria along the front of the Farmhouse is flowering for the second time, and the scent is gorgeous. And the roses are putting on a great show after being spoilt by days of rain earlier in the year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ena Harkness alongside a honeysuckle outside the bathroom window = perfume indoors!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aleric Barbier<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is a nerine that is in a pot outside the back door ( which is actually at the front but ... )</td></tr>
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Anyway, its nearly time for the men's final at Wimbledon so I am going to turn on the telly, sit in my reclining armchair and clap ( hopefully ). I wonder if we will spot any friends in the crowd?<br />
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-50526939912641142082016-06-14T16:32:00.002+02:002016-06-14T16:34:35.302+02:00June at Chenevaux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Having had a lot of rain at the end of May ( rather an understatement ! ) the garden is now trying to become a jungle. Mark is constantly out on the tractor mower and the dead heading on the roses is endless. However the good thing is that trees and shrubs that have struggled in previous years are flourishing. Just looking back at photos taken about a month ago when we had lilac, clematis, irises and peonies in flower the gardens look totally different.<br />
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The montana clematis covers an arch in the back garden of the Farmhouse, it is scented and this year the flowers lasted for about a month.<br />
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Peonies are so beautiful, and sadly so short lived. I planted a selection when we first moved here and they are now a good size with lots of blooms.<br />
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Once again the seallows tried to move into the house. Flying in chattering to one another and sometimes perching on a beam before we shoo them out like naughty children!<br />
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The fields opposite the front of the house. The pretty blue haze is linseed, and this year there will be sunflowers in the area that is soil. They are about 50cms high now.<br />
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This parasol pine is in the gite garden. Just look at all of the new growth.<br />
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And look at the size of the figs!<br />
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Bullrushes on the edge of the pond. <br />
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The plants in the back garden looking happy and lush. The canes are there to support tomatoes.<br />
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Happy gardening!Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-64697648079111755702016-05-03T18:00:00.000+02:002016-05-03T18:00:40.597+02:00Just some pictures of lovely flowers and gardens in the May sun at Chenevaux!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its all happening .... <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fragrant wisteria along the front of the Farmhouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montana clematis at the end of the path in the back garden of the Farmhouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gite garden, you can just see the pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Gite garden again, I was leaning out of the bedroom window which is why its wonky!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clump of lovely iris</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this one came from a lady in the village - its the first time it has flowered, beautiful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and some bright pink blossom.</td></tr>
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-16295404296112478832016-04-12T22:07:00.000+02:002016-04-12T22:07:06.768+02:00Duck!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In our quest to tidy up the area around the pond we have been continuing to clear away brambles and were hard at work the other day when a duck suddenly flew out from the side. We have seen a pair several times this spring so didn't think anything of it. Later in the day I was doing some more cutting back and the same duck flew right in front of me. Just as I turned round I noticed a nest with at least 12 eggs in it, if not 14.<br />
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And here she is back on her nest. We are going to wait a while now until continuing with our tidying up and maybe we will have some ducklings on the pond in due course!<br />
<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-68277546738195496922016-04-02T11:42:00.001+02:002016-04-02T11:42:29.903+02:00April news from ChenevauxThis week-end Mark has his studio open to the public under the umbrella of the Journees des Metiers d'Art. He has pots, paintings and sculptures on display and will be doing demonstrations of different ceramics techniques such as throwing, hand building and slip casting. Blue(ish!) skies and blossom on the plum trees add a spring touch to the outdoor display.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the studio ready for visitors</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porcelain ball with candle inside</td></tr>
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Everything in the greenhouse - or potting shed to be more accurate, is waking up, including some cuttings taken last autumn so lots of things to do in there and hopefully some planting soon when the soil dries out a bit. A couple of days ago it rained all day, hard, so our clay soil is rather claggy at the moment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the geraniums survived the winter and some are flowering already!</td></tr>
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This winter has been quite mild so we haven't had to cover anything in the potting shed, however a few things have suffered from the damp so a good sort out is in order.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring flowers and the camellia just starting to flower!</td></tr>
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We were in the UK recently, just for a few days, and when we came back our bird tables were being ignored but this morning there's an army of birds on each of them so we're back in favour!<br />
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Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-54999021896902716612016-03-12T16:02:00.000+01:002016-03-12T16:02:12.252+01:00Latest from Mark's studio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its always a nail biter when Mark does a glaze firing as so much can go wrong, even in the hands of an expert! These pieces have been in various stages of production since the beginning of the year and many hours of work have gone into them so it was great to see them come out of the kiln successfully. The two tall vases have been constructed using coils, the bowl shaped vessel has a thrown lower half and a coiled upper half, and the three others are slab built. They are decorated with a mixture of glazes and oxides which have been dipped, dribbled and blown on!<br />
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The studio is going to be open for the week-end of 2nd and 3rd April so these pieces will be centre stage!<br />
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Meantime we have been clearing around the "pond", which had almost disappeared under a jungle of brambles and wild roses. Horrible job, battling with thorny plants which fight back even after they have been cut down and working in squelchy mud at the bottom of the banks. I think we've had three bonfires already and there's more to come.<br />
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We've just been to a plant sale and came home with rhubarb, wallflowers, day lilies and various other bits and bobs. It will make a nice change to do some planting rather than cutting down!Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1461937431459966090.post-32916719881338977722016-02-07T16:03:00.000+01:002016-02-07T16:03:12.388+01:00Life in the country ..Yesterday afternoon, out in the garden clipping some ivy when I hear clopping and a horse appears followed by a very smart carriage and our neighbours! The horse is a Percheron. Our neighbours have had the horse for a few months but only just bought the carriage and this was the first time they had taken it out on the road. Jean-Yves was leading the horse as they are waiting for a new bridle to be made.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The apple disappeared very quickly!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off home.</td></tr>
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<br />Chenevaux - Self-catering gite with pool set in huge grounds. Optional pottery or painting classes.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14639269573162815594noreply@blogger.com0Chenevaux, 86260 Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, France46.668208 0.8598329999999805321.1461735 -40.448761000000019 72.1902425 42.16842699999998