Heading Towards the End of Summer

September 2013 started well - the weather was good, the vegetables were growing, and life was good. One slight fly in the ointment was that the horses we had 'lodging' with us, decided that their grass wasn't good enough now, and wanted to try the grass in our neighbours vegetable patch. Have you ever tried to catch two horses, with no bridles, who really wanted to stay where they were, and guide them back to their own supposedly secure field ? I'm sure that we would have won £100 on 'You've Been Framed' if anybody had filmed us. Craig proved a lot more successful than me, and we did eventually manage to get them back BUT we decided there and then, that we didn't want that responsibility anymore. We became worried that they may escape while we were out and cause damage, or an accident. So, we asked for them to be moved, and although we were a little sad to see them go, there was a lot of relief too !

We managed to spend some time on the beach, as the weather was still so good. There are many beaches local to us, and we always promise ourselves that we will visit more regularly. Our favourite is near to St Nic's. It takes us about 40 minutes to drive there, and we are always amazed at how deserted it is. It is clean, sandy, and VAST .......We often drive a little further on too, where there are bigger waves in a small cove and surfers of all ages. Arthur loves it, but we have to be aware of other dogs, as he is not very sociable, and there are local regulations regarding dogs on beaches.

We had a lovely lunch at the local 'routier' with some friends who have a holiday home here. A 'routier' is what we would call a 'transport cafe', frequented by lorry drivers etc BUT here they are very different to what I think of as a transport cafe. This one serves a magnificent menu every lunchtime - there is a set price, for a buffet starter choice, a main meal, and then a buffet dessert, unlimited wine, and coffee. The lorries queue up and park outside, and the popularity and quality of food served is obvious before you even enter. The big problem for us, is that we don't usually eat a big meal at lunchtime, so struggle with the quantities, and need a sleep in the chair when we get home !!

I had a short visit back to the UK to celebrate Ian's 30th birthday. As usual, a busy, hectic few days - trying to fit everyone and everything in, and not succeeding - and then returning with the usual cold ! I do miss the family, but it is always nice to come home.

Then of course, there is the excitement to see what Craig has been doing, and what differences there are. This time, he had been working in the Utility Room - plaster boarding the walls, and also painting the walls on the landing. He had also cleared areas outside the chicken pens, ready to accept gravel to make a path, and also prepared the area outside the side/new front door/decking area. There was a huge difference - AGAIN !