A year ago we attempted some de-weeding in our garden; the first of two failed attempts in quick succession. It soon became apparent that simply removing the weeds that took up every inch of our ground was not enough. These weeds were persistent, and seemed to grow back with anger and vigour as if to... Continue Reading →
Walking in a winter wonderland
Last year I seemed to mention the weather, in a very negative way, with monotonous regularity. That was until August when the sun appeared. Weather talk can be so dull, but such was the deluge of rain last year that amongst the grip of covid it took on more importance. Our daily walks, which are... Continue Reading →
The warm glow of a vide-maison
A couple of times every week we have to go out and search for vintage and antique French treasure for our Etsy shop. This could be classified as ‘work’, but if it is, it is without doubt the best job I have ever had. There are many sources for such items but there is one... Continue Reading →
A year in the life…
Our second year living in France is now two weeks old. This time last year France was in a strict lockdown, time outside was limited and Rochechouart felt like it was asleep. Our initial excitement was very real, but certainly tempered by the restrictions we were facing. So much has changed since then, and certainly... Continue Reading →
Life in our hands
Life is all about making decisions. We make dozens every day. Most of them are small and largely insignificant, but others, like what country would we like to live in are a touch more life changing. Some decisions are out of our hands, but I’ve always been someone who has thought if there’s something you’re... Continue Reading →
Pepper: my new doggo life in Rochechouart
Life has changed for us in many ways, but for us this is only the first time we have found a permanent home in a different country. For our wee dog, Pepper, this is her second such experience. Born five years ago in Serbia, her first year was an awful one resulting in her being... Continue Reading →
Life in the slow lane
When we arrived in France last November our intention was to spend around a month unpacking and settling in before driving back to Edinburgh for Christmas. Heather’s daughter had her 40th birthday in late December so we wanted to celebrate that and enjoy some festive family time. Plus we left most of our furniture and... Continue Reading →
Etsy – it’s not all about the pots and pans
As we didn’t purchase our gite until the beginning of June, we were here for over six months until our attention turned to its readiness for guests. For a large part of that time France was largely locked down, so whilst our focus then was on our new Etsy shop, sourcing stock was made more... Continue Reading →
Rochechouart – une ville fleurie
Over the last few months, with lockdown measures gradually lifting, Rochechouart has begun to come alive. Summer has approached somewhere near normality with everywhere open, and at last August has seen almost a whole month of sunshine. Pavements are adorned with tables and chairs, numerous events and attractions have been open and ‘centre ville’ has... Continue Reading →
Extended Chabaudies and Reverse Laurieres
Our days are now very nicely full. Our gite is fully booked until the beginning of September with our two latest bookings (now that quarantining is no longer required if fully vaccinated) coming from England. Our first seven guests have been and gone, with each one giving us a glowing 5-star review! Changeovers and laundry... Continue Reading →