When we arrived in France just over two years ago we had our pre-conceived expectations of what life here would be like. I’d spent two summer seasons working on campsites on the south coast about thirty years ago, but that wasn’t much like ‘real life’, so those expectations were mainly based on our holidays and... Continue Reading →
There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky…
It’s been nearly ten weeks since I last put pen to paper on this here blog. That’s a touch slack, but hey… apart from my parents no one’s said anything so I presume no one’s noticed, or bothered. In fact, that’s a little lie. A few kindly people have mentioned they like to keep up... Continue Reading →
A joyful soaking
It rained today. It was amazing. You could hear the trees, plants, flowers and fields grinning madly, breathing a huge sigh of relief, literally lapping up the joyful soaking. Humans were rejoicing too. Okay, I don’t know that, as we’ve not been out since it rained, but anyone not celebrating the second sighting of rain... Continue Reading →
Rochechouart – so much more than a ville fleurie
I think I could count the number of days I’ve not worn shorts, since April, on the fingers of one hand. Most summers in Scotland I could count on one hand the number of days I did wear shorts. Not only is the weather a total and glorious improvement on last year’s washout, but centre... Continue Reading →
The miracle of Spring
I’ve been trying to update this blog at least once a month. The last time I wrote anything was two months ago, so yeah, I’ve been a bit slack recently. But we’ve been busy! It’s nearly 10pm on Friday night, we’ve got a busy weekend planned, so what better time to try to catch up... Continue Reading →
Le Garden Rescue: Part Two
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 →
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 →