Summer 2010

During the summer break, we took the opportunity to finish some of the remaining work inside the house. This included completing the en-suite bathroom, furnishing the new third bedroom, installing ballustrade (which helps to avoid one falling down the stairs in the dark!), replacing the final window in the hallway and putting up curtains.

Towards the end of our stay, we were aided and abetted by Tina, Mark and Hannah!

Christmas 2008

It's Christmas day and look who appears to have been warming his toes on our new wood-burner!

And he managed to get all those toys down the chimney too!

Thanks also goes to Rudolph and his chums for all their help in pulling the sleigh from Lapland to Creuse last night. We didn't see that one coming!

Our Chrismas Eve dinner was a enjoyed by all last night. We made use of the dining table we bought at the Brocante in the summer and also came across a set of 6 great dining chairs to go with it in a local Troc store. We were joined by Ken and Jeanette (Barbie). Now we have a gas hob as well as our electric oven in the kitchen it was easy to cook the meal.

With thanks to...

Here are some of the motley crew who helped us over the summer..




Mark - in charge of "inventions", renowned for asking questions at the most inopportune moments and supervisor of all children's channels.


Danni - grouter extraordinaire, remembered for her morning "dashes" to the village toilet before her first ciggie of the day, and champion texter!



Michael - joined at the hip to Danni, expert plasterer. Virtually nocturnal - do not disturb before 10:30.


Simon H - winner of the most annoying ring-tone award and support to Steven; can do most things without complaining.


Steven - fixer of everything and Brico-Depot's best customer 2008




Simon - electrician, slave-driver and organiser/planner of everything.

Liz (not pictured) - fantastic cook, expert painter and decorator, breath of fresh air when we needed it the most!




Ken and Jeanette (aka Barbie) - who provided a regular place of refuge, lots of wine and coffee and use of their shower facilities!

Tour de France

We took a day off to visit Tour de France 2008 in Montlucon - here is what we got up to: