From a time when it felt like it would be sunny every day and I’d never wear trousers again, we had a period of slightly more unsettled days, with a bit of rain.
I felt particularly sorry for our guests from Brittany, with us for ten days to escape what they described as interminable rain in the north west of the hexagone, only to have it rain here too. Thankfully, warmer days have returned, albeit with cooler evenings.
As the seasons shift, it feels like time for some updates on initial winter planning with a dash of the minutiae of daily life and the endless list of jobs. First amongst which seems to be the constant removal of burrs from Elwood’s face as he peruses the vegetation in its full seed-bearing glory.
We (well, I say we but really it’s H, not me) have also been busy continuing to conjure up ways to manage the bumper crop of mirabelle plums we got from our three mirabelle trees in the verger. At last count we’ve got mirabelle wine (quality as yet unknown), mirabelle chutney (like mango chutney and fantastic), mirabelle and scotch bonnet hot sauce (also fantastic), and mirabelle jam (unfortunately just too sweet). The chutney and hot sauce really have worked so perhaps next year we can be a little more professional and sell some of it. We are called Les Mirabelles, after all.
When not processing plums or de-burring Elwood our thoughts have turned to plans for the post-guest period through to next year, with initial discussions about priorities for renovation and the big jobs that need doing.
I’ve built a workbench so I can more easily work in the garage, which is going to be very useful. The first project post-bench is shaping up to be a chicken house; if I can get that done in decent time we can hopefully welcome some poules to Les Mirabelles before winter sets in. As a very much amateur woodwoorker I expect it will be a challenge, but one I am looking forward to. As with many things if your state of mind is that you can do it, you’ve got a fighting chance.
On the bigger jobs for the winter, gîte 2 is going to be the main task; it’s smaller than gîte 1 in square metres but needs at least the same, if not more work, including some proper building. The walls for a new bathroom in block work and knocking though a new doorway for a small terraced area at the back to name but two early jobs. There will be plenty more on this theme to come, I am sure.
We spent a good day and bit clearing out the cave area downstairs, a necessary precursor for some work to create a prep kitchen space, which we think is going to be the second priority over winter. Having a place to grow the food side of the business is a must, as our private house kitchen is just too small and not conducive to a more professional approach.
On a similar theme we’re going to try and tackle the hangar area over winter and spring, too; where we hope to build a small outdoor kitchen and prep space, but mainly as our primary outdoor eating and events location.
Lots to do, and lots to work through to make that a reality. Our last guests of the season depart just before the end of September so from October we will be back in renovation and planning mode full time.
In the meantime there’s still all the garden and site maintainence to do. H has been getting on with that because I picked up a bug that has really knocked me out of action, and that I’m just getting over. Given I now live in the middle of rural France it came as somewhat as a surprise to awake feeling nauseated and light headed, and then to develop an eye infection. This should be something that should only happen to urbanites, right?
My fitful sleeping further was interrupted a few nights ago by the gentle sound of the cows arriving in the next door field; the first time this year. This field is one that, due to the geography, is at eye level of our house terrace. So we went outside and watched in the bright moonlight as the lead cow brought in the herd of about 20 or so cows, with a bull for good measure. The opening they came through from the previous field remains clear, so they are flitting between the two, no doubt in search of the freshest grass.
Aside from the cows, the other big wildlife news is that H spotted a beaver near the small ruisseau that meets and then follows the valley road further down. I was driving so we reversed back to double check and I then spotted it too; what a treat. No photo though as it scurried off sharpish.
And speaking of scurrying off sharpish, I will too. See you in October!
Gosh, so much to do!
Sorry to hear about your eye infection. Hope you’re feeling much better now..
I think you must have a lot of your Grandad Jameson in your blood to be such a confident handyman. Do try and fit in some rest time for yourselves. Don’t make it all work.
Love to you both xxx
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