France - Sept 2014

I returned to France for a brief visit at the end of October to close down for the winter. It was quite rushed, apart from the various visits to Mayenne to sort out my phone at Le Clerc ( Reglo Mobile ) - who unilaterally decided to cut my internet facility - despite repeated requests not to change any of my settings !

But imagine my surprise when several of my English neighbours - or friends and relatives of same - were also there. Alan, who came with a chain saw, cut the cherry tree on the lower ground, and thereby saved me much sawing with a handsaw.

You can just see the cut at lower centre of the picture.

Michel had already taken more of the overhanging bay tree - so grass cutting was the order of the day. Because of the fine weather I managed to cut both upper and lower grassed areas.

On the Saturday I went over to Sara and Tony for a meal, and on the Sunday Chris and Lise came over for a while - then I went to Mayenne with Sara and Tony to the Eurofare, with fish and chips to follow, from Steve who was in attendance.

Chris came over again on the Monday and we had lunch at Chantrigné before motoring round the area, coming back via the Haye Traversaine sailing lake.

Tuesday saw me down at Mayenne again, trying to sort out deductions that had been made on my phone account - the internet was working in the morning. After about five hours ( including a lunchtime break ), I spoke with a guy who allegedly spoke English, from Reglo Mobile. Eventually I was advised to go home and I would be phoned at 6 p.m.

When I got home the internet was not working. I later found out that internet on the account had been blocked yet again - despite assurances that no settings would be changed. Also no call was received from Le Clerc - Reglo Mobile !

On the Wednesday, after lunch with Sara and Tony at Chantrigné, I was down at Mayenne again ! When I left the phone had been unblocked, but no apology for the lack of the phone call, although the local shop staff were quite helpful.

Thursday evening I was supposed to hear Chris, and eat, at Le Barius, Domfront - but I had to call it off due to more nosebleeds, which had started on Tuesday after my marathon with Le Clerc ! Friday was spent relaxing and taking a few pictures of the flowers which were out due to the mild conditions.

Saturday I did some gardening - mainly clearing ivy, before walking around the village and discovering a pizzaria and kebab shop to open shortly close to the market square. Today also saw the departure of the neighbours. Sunday saw further updating of the website page before lunching with Sara and Tony, and all the girls. Sunday was also the day for the US Grand Prix. Monday saw final cleaning, packing and readying for shutting down the house and departure on the Tuesday.

A pleasant sunny day for the return trip - until I reached Portsmouth, where, after some delay unloading, I drove home in drizzle, then driving sleet, then rain.

The last photo shows what was to come.