On the turn!

After 5 days of no internet and phone due to a faulty connection, we're back on line, at last!
Autumn is definitely here although we are still enjoying lunches sat outside in the sun with temperatures still in the mid twenties, even though at night it's in to single figures.
We still have guests on site, a family from Germany who have had brilliant weather since their arrival a week ago and it's looking as though it will be as good for the rest of the week, they have even been swimming in the gite pool, must be the thermal cover that's working!!
Great weather for us also, still busy with lots of work on the gites after a very busy year plus clearing up in the grounds and plenty of bonfires to clear the waste, it is a great time of year here in the Vezere valley..

Who likes Gateaux Noix?

Well if you do, it's good news if you are coming here, this is just about the last of this years harvest of walnuts and there's at least 3 times more than last year and half of last years were not fit for eating due to the very wet spring.
No problem this year, they are drying really well in the top 20's temperatures we've got at the moment, so better get the nut crackers oiled and baking tins at the ready!!

One man and his chain saw!

After many years of rumour about the poplar trees next to the river Vezere being mature and ready for felling, work has finally started this week. Every day one man has felled about three quarters of the wood to the right of the little cottage at the bottom of the track opposite Les Granges.
Not sure just yet if they are all coming down but what a difference that will make to the views!

Wedding Registry Office - Toulouse style!

 A break in customer departure and arrivals meant that we could get away together for the first time this year for a couple of nights in Toulouse, which you may remember we did at the same time last year, this time we managed to go to a few museums and sights, one of which is the Capitole building in the city centre, inside is a magnificent gallery which also has an area for wedding ceremonies (above), pretty impressive really!
The gallery stretches nearly the full length of the Capitole building, shown below, outside in the main square is held many events and concerts throughout the year, on the afternoon we were there, there were many groups of 55+ year olds from countries all over the world performing dance/gymnastic routines.

It was a great couple of days and we are looking forward to returning, hopefully in the spring if we can!