FRANCE - May 2012 ............... RETURN TO MAIN INDEX

Before leaving I had the opportunity to video the fox cubs who were using my garden as a playpen ! On one occasion the vixen was also present. A few stills are below - for the videos visit the patrickclips channel from the main index page link.

Like on my last trip the " Fastcraft " was slow, despite leaving Portsmouth early. The reason, it seems, is that it was running on 3 engines not 4. However, it was fixed in time for the return journey, and start of the main season.

The weather, although mild, was showery. Nevertheless I was able to cut the grass and tidy the garden. It also looks like the fruit will do well again this year.

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Le Moulin de Beslay at Cigné saw a lunchtime rendevous with friends who were over for a short visit. A vide grenier at Bagnoles de l'Orne, and a hog roast at Sara and Tone's place ( where I was also impressed with modern 3D television ) saw out the first week, by which time the weather had improved, although somewhat cold at night.

Time was spent making a wall behind the oil burner and getting rid of offcuts and general debris in an effort to clear what had become a workroom. The weekend turned wet again and Le Chat Noir became a meeting place both for a Saturday Big Breakfast, and a Sunday Carvery roast.

The last week became hot, and the opportunity was taken to break out the walnut varnish to give the rear door shutters a further coat. Wednesday saw another visit to Le Chat Noir for fish and chips, and one evening the Parc des Loisirs, Vaux, had a Renaissance Spectacle. Video shots were taken of the dancing, etc.. and will be posted on my youtube channel shortly.

A vide grenier at Ceacé, and an evening BBQ meal at Sara and Tone's - with Julie, Chris and James - saw a pleasant end to this visit.

There will shortly be videoclips of the hog roast, and the BBQ on the patrickclips channel .... and yes, the foxcubs were in the garden the morning after I got back .... sunning themselves about three feet away outside the window. They looked at me as though I should not be there !

I did take some pictures - whilst one was playing with a pebble. There were also two others, White Tip and friend - making six cubs in all.

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