In the interests of not being tardy with our entries, you’re getting another one from me. Matt’s due to head off to Limoges shortly to pick up Gavin who is coming over for a week. The flight’s actually delayed by 30 mins (so far anyway) – the first time we can ever remember this happening – but Ive still been charged with bringing the blog up to date. Gavin’s arrival will mark the start of some official time off for us: well-earned after a long busy spell.
Anyway, on with the chronology and Monday’s excursion to Périgueux. We dropped the car off at the garage at 2 and were told to expect a 3 hour wait. Our first stop to kill time was to Leroy Merlin (the french equivalent of B&Q). We had a few things to look for, but failed on all counts to score. Until, that is, we tried our luck with loft insulation. Our loft space above the bedrooms has none and we’re very conscious how wasteful this is so have been on the lookout for insulation for ages.
The UK government was offering large subsidies on insulation for a while so we had hoped to find some in the UK and have it shipped over, but apparently those subsidies have since dried up (thanks, Mr Osborne). Insulation out here is grossly expensive, so we were amazed to find Leroy Merlin was having a sale – €5 per m2. We placed an order and arranged to have it delivered to our door for just €100 more, so that is one big item ticked off the list. Afterwards, we wondered around a few other shops and did a spot of food shopping before collecting the car. With the insulation as well, we ended up spending a large chunk of cash that day, but I’m very relieved to report that the car is now running fine again so it could have been worse.
We raced back home and got settled just in time for Lee’s arrival. It was a lovely warm evening so we had a BBQ and spent most of it outdoors. Lee and Richard had a spare garden table they didnt need so Lee brought that along and we put it to good use. After the meal, we moved on to a few rounds of Anna Purna, as well as some drunken Wii tournaments. Typically, we ended up staying up too late and drinking too much, but it was a great fun night as always.
Tuesday was a little rocky, but after a fry-up, we were more or less functional. Matt even put in half a day’s work. On that front, I’ve been a little frustrated this last week as I in theory have lots of work on the go, but in all cases, I am waiting on clients. Now that the jewellery site is mostly there, I actually haven’t got tons I can do. Matt in contrast, still has a back log. However, as of this morning, he’s finished the Media Trust project that has been ongoing since May, so he too can take it easy for the next week or so.
On wednesday evening, we had a triple whammy of social activities. This started off with apéritifs at Bryan and Carol’s. They’ve had the grandkids and their daughter over for a while so we’d not seen much of them. They’re all well and the kids and Jenny have had a great stay so far, although B&C are feeling a bit tired out from all this entertaining. Jenny heads back on tuesday and leaves the kids here for a week or 2 longer so their work has only just begun!
After an hour with them, we headed on to Bourdeilles where we’d been invited to a marché producteur (farmer’s market) by our friend Morgan. We’d not realised before, but from mid-july to mid-august, the market happens every week. Tables are laid out in the square and everyone gathers to eat, drink and listen to live music. With Morgan were his mum and step-dad and also his grandmother. They were all very lovely and had saved us a place on one of the benches. We ate our fill and said our goodbyes just as it was getting dark.
Our last stop that evening was to St Pardoux where Jenny’s ex’s band, Les Mauvaiz Herbs was playing a concert. In previous years, it had been inside the hall but as the weather was so nice, this year a stage had been set up outside and this made a big improvement to the atmosphere. We missed the first part of their set, but stayed long enough to hear several great covers of Téléphone, one of our fave french bands. Afterwards, it was home for a nightcap and then bed.
The next day, we were back to Bourdeilles again, but this time to catch up with some friends of mine who are over on hols. These are Ben, wife Camilla and kids Wilfred and Eliza, and Alan and girlfriend Ailish. I know Ben and Alan from school and we’ve met their partners numerous times, both of whom are really lovely – as are the kids. We picked a restaurant and ate on their terrace, all choosing very périgourdine dishes that did not disappoint. We were also thrilled to hear that Ailish is 14 weeks pregnant – so big congrats to the 2 of them. After lunch, we took the kids to the river were they had a paddle and got suitably covered in mud. Conscious that Matt still had lots to do, we said our goodbyes and got home in time to get a bit more done before dinner.
After a very active week, the weekend was much tamer. Matt used it to get enough done to afford him the coming week off and I gave the house a thorough clean in readiness for our guest. We have a number of activities lined up for Gavin’s trip, culminating in a weekend in Bordeaux, coming home via Villebois where we’re invited to Lee and Richard’s for the annual fete de St Augustin. Long term readers may remember our tradition of attending this street party and generally being loud, drunken and silly. We’re pleased we’ll be able to make this one too, even if we’ll likely be a little jaded after a weekend in the big city. Right, that’s all you’re getting from me. Matt will pick up the narrative again soon. Bon dimanche mes amis.