Happy Easter!

Friday 18th April 2014

Brrrrrr!!! A chilly start today, even though the sun is shining! We took a stroll up to the village hoping to find some fresh croissant for breakfast, however, all we could find open was a the local bar and a very meagre shop. We opted for a coffee in the bar…along with the locals…before heading back to the van and on to the next village where we knew we could find some breakfast. One of the things we are really enjoying about this trip is mixing with the locals…finding little bars and cafes for coffee along the way, it gives us a real sense of belonging and being part of a bigger community. Everyone we have met has been incredibly kind and so patient with us as we try out our very poor french! Not too many misunderstandings so far! The only problem as far as I'm concerned is that the coffee comes in such minuscule cups…just not enough to get me going in the morning!

In Saint-Domineuc we found the most amazing bakery. Fresh out of the oven croissants and pain au raisin were bought …. the best we have had so far…mmmmm….we are both unsure that we will be able to fit into our shorts when the warm weather eventually arrives as our waistlines are expanding by the day!!! :o))))

[caption id="attachment_199" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Breakfast by the canal at Saint-Domineuc[/caption]

We found this idyllic spot by the canal for breakfast….and watched chidden messing about in boats…there was much fun and laughter…what a great start to the day.

[caption id="attachment_200" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Messing about in boats![/caption]

Completely and utterly stuffed…again, we set out trusty Tom Tom to find the nearest McDonalds on our route into Brittany….not because we needed any more to eat, but for free wifi so we can upload our blog posts and catch up with friends and family. An hour later and uploading done we set off for Lac du Guerledan.

What a stunning place. We drove along the edge of the lake to where it is fed by the Nantes/Brest canal.

[caption id="attachment_201" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Nantes/Brest Canal[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_202" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The blossom has been fantastic this year.[/caption]

 



[caption id="attachment_204" align="aligncenter" width="640"] On yer bike![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_205" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Happy![/caption]

We had a cycle along the canal…it was beautiful. The trees are all beginning to show green, the birds are singing their hearts out and we even heard a cuckoo!

We were very excited about the next stop on our journey….to visit our lovely friends Steve and Pam Loy! Having seen so many gorgeous wisteria along our way, we decided that this would be the perfect present to take with us…a reminder of our visit every time they look at it! So, we set off on a search to find a garden centre…having seen oodles yesterday, we saw NONE today! At the last minute we found one and it had a lovely wisteria…..We loaded it into Bluebelle and set off ….

[caption id="attachment_206" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Precious cargo[/caption]

We had both thought that the house would be easy to find….pop a postcode into trusty Tom Tom and we'd roll up just like that! How wrong we were!!! At least half an hour of driving backwards and forwards through the town of Guisgriff we gave in and had to phone for directions!

Our arrival couldn't have been more lovely! Bunting was strung across the driveway to celebrate our arrival….we felt very special indeed!

[caption id="attachment_207" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Bluebelle and bunting![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_216" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Home[/caption]

And so…this is home for us for a few days…..wonderful friends, a proper bed, hot shower and fantastic food!

Saturday 19th April 2014

 

Not to be one to miss the opportunity to help out and have some fun, Simon set out to help Steve re roof a lean-to on the barn…the metal sheets were rusting and letting in rain, so it was decided to take the sheets off, turn them over and put back.

[caption id="attachment_208" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Getting ready[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_209" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Bottoms up![/caption]





This job was slightly (ever so) precarious at times….Pam and I arrived with coffee only to find that Simon had had a very lucky escape from serious injury when the beam that his ladder was resting against, as he was taking fixings from the metal sheets, gave way. Simon hung on for dear life…who needs Disneyland Paris when you can have the same adrenaline rush from falling from a ladder….!…as the ladder came crashing down, fortunately coming to rest on an old animal pen before hitting the ground. The only injury sustained was a large scratch all the way down his side! that was a close call!

[caption id="attachment_213" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A close shave![/caption]

It took all day, but they finished it. Well done boys, you did a great job!

[caption id="attachment_217" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Ta dah![/caption]

 

Sunday 20th April 2014

HAPPY EASTER

[caption id="attachment_219" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Happy Easter xxx[/caption]

Chocolate at breakfast…yum!

[caption id="attachment_218" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Spring is springing[/caption]

Whilst I sit and write this post, Pam has popped off to work for a couple of hours and the boys are moving boxes in order to clear a room ready for alterations and improvements to the house.

The weather today is grey and cold…I think we could be heading for some rain in the next few days….but my toesies will be kept lovely and toasty warm ….

[caption id="attachment_220" align="aligncenter" width="549"] New slippers![/caption]

…as Pam has very kindly given me a pair of slippers she has knitted…they are so comfy and warm…thank you! x (I just wasn't able to sneak in my slippers from home….that would have been very naughty indeed…but these with squash up into a very small space….that's all we have available!)

To all our family and friends we love and miss you all and are thinking of you this Easter day. xxxxxx