FRANCE - September 2005

( There are about 30 pictures this month - they should load in order as you read through )

September saw a return to France for three weeks, for more work on the house and garden. The weather remained hot and work stopped at the weekends. When I first saw the River Varenne I thought that the trickle of water was caused by drought ... but a visit to the local sailing club showed that the cause was work on the barrage just below the confluence of the Varenne and the Mayenne rivers. The whole of the sailing area had also been drained ! ( see earlier photographs )

Pictured below is the Blythin's new outdoor kitchen, which provided an excellent, well equipped venue for dining family and friends on various occasions. Even Keltie was caught licking his lips.

At my house the pears had ripened and many had fallen ... the grapes had done extremely well this year after the pruning last year. Sadly there were no peaches, perhaps to be expected after the severe pruning.

Inside, the upstairs bedroom fireplace debris was bagged, to be used in the construction of the staircase in the other building. The main window opening was framed in wood, and the remaining plasterboard lining was fixed and the walls were painted. The trap hatch was framed to complete the ceiling, and the remaining electrical wiring was completed and tested ... the final light fitments etc. will be fitted later.

The windows, upstairs door and stairs remain to be completed in this room.

Outside, the jointing work has been started. Downstairs, the last room remains the workshop and general store, although some work has been started on this room.

The nearby neighbours ( English ) arrived for a few days ... and were caught in the act ... In Gorron there was a street market / boot sale one Sunday, with a display of exotic birds, a food tasting hall, and a Repas Normande ( meal ) for those wishing to dine out.

The weekend after I arrived was the Ambrieres fete weekend, the highlight of which was the marriage of Miss Ambrieres 2004 ... performed in 1900's style. After a procession through the streets, dancing and more, the wedding party arrived at the Mairie where the civil ceremony took place.

The bridesmaids, bride and her father headed the procession ..

My French neighbours were also in the procession ... as was Miss Ambrieres 2005

Barrel organ music ... and dancing to accordion and fiddle

Inside the Mairie ... and the photographs outside

The Mayor of Ambrieres ... and another colourful character

The carriole driver in close up ... and the Mayor inspects the wedding loaves

The Bride and groom ... and the reception tent in front of the the Mairie. The wedding feast started later in the afternoon, but I had to leave for Sunday lunch with Sara and Tony.