France - April ... May 2016

When I arrived in France on Wednesday 27th April, I found that the newly installed meter, and the roadway that had just been resurfaced, had been dug up again to install a water meter that could be read from outside. All the houses were affected. ( The same is due for the electrics - despite a system that has worked well for some 12 years ! )

More importantly - there was no water coming through !

After a visit to the local STGS just as they were closing - and being advised to get bottled water. I remonstrated - it was difficult to cook, wash/shower after a long journey, use the loo etc.. The chap at the Public Contact building was very helpful, though, and ultimately said he would contact an " emergency technician". Which he did - and advised me to go home and await his arrival.

With some trepidation - suspecting a " no show " - I went home ....... but he did turn up soon after.

But the technician proved useless, my next door neighbour sussed the problem eventually. My neighbour also volunteered to cut the long grass ( first cut after six months away ) for me to tackle later with my smaller electric mower. I took my neighbour for a meal at the L'Imprevu, to thank him for his help....

At the weekend I went over to hear Chris play at The Barius, Domfront, and meet old friends. Sara was in the UK at a concert - and seeing Megan - until the Sunday. I had tried to visit Tone on the Saturday, but he was out shopping.

Next door the front of the house had been rebuilt and gable added. There was little noise, although there was still much to do inside ... and solar panels added outside.

Dandelions seemed to have done very well this year .... and the Varenne river was flowing fast through a cleaned up area.

Lou and Chris came over and helped in the "garden".... we eventually ate at the Bar/Restaurant Chez Martine in La Haie Traversaine. Chris and I had a meeting with a notaire on the Tuesday whilst Lou did some more weeding.

I cut the grass at least twice with my electric mower, and the Judas tree was in full bloom.

I went over to Sara and Tony, on the Monday, and again after Chris and Lou had returned to the UK on the Wednesday, for a BBQ on the Friday ... and again for a Sunday lunch on the Saturday !

Boot sales were the order of the day for Sunday

and, after various "taxi" services, including dropping Carys's boyfriend off at Dinard airport, a final meal with Sara and Tone was had at the L'Imprevu on the Tuesday before returning home on the Wednesday.

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