Saturday

Matt’s ordered some kitchen units for his workshop and seems that the first couple have arrived so we need to go up to St Gaudens to pick them up. Typically for France we will have to come back another day (or month) to pick up the last of the 3 units as it would be mad to do everything in one trip when you can do two.

The day was pretty glorious, well as good as that can be in early October anyway, so thoughts moved to the pool. While I wouldn’t call it warm the air temperature was probably just over 25 (the pool was closer to 21) but if visitors arrive off season then they will have to make do… In evaluating the swim potential however I was concerned by the shade being cast by the tree so asked Matt to cut it back [we had discussed removing this at length before] and despite mum’s concerns that it was a big job we were done within about 5 minutes.

• 

• 

• 

With that job out of the way however it was time for the madness of the Chaney clan to be tested, Matt was obviously far too sensible. I immediately chose to take Cool Guy Island, Tonia tried to board, much to her dismay however she failed and decided instead to take the lilo. A little while later however she tried to pull the island over from her seat and fell in the water herself instead! Mum and I thought it was hilarious, and it wasn’t my fault.

Mum was by far the bravest just getting straight in. She’s bold that mum of mine (or no sense, no feeling – you choose). Since she’d been so brave I thought that I’d give it a go – as you can see it was a bit cooler than I might have liked…

• 

• 

• 

• 

Once we’d dried off, it was time for garden games. Kubb is back and after a bit of debate about the rules – which we still haven’t fully understood – we cracked on. Mum wasn’t terrible but not sure her interest lasted long enough for us to try every possible permutation – which of course we did. All team constructions were tried and tested against benefits of each end and eventually Matt came out the winner with Tonia a very close runner up.

• 

• 

• 

Having played a stick throwing game that the dog clearly wanted to get involved it was time to take Anya to her favourite place and get mum out of the house. You guessed it – we were off to support the local pub! It was lovely. Chats with the locals, the owners sister was down to visit and mum and Anya got on famously, even if Anya did keep trying to butt into the conversation of the group next to us.

• 

• 

• 

Since the weather was so warm we set up for dinner outside with a nice raclette and some less than ideal lighting followed by a sit around the campfire; sorry – open BBQ, we had a sausage at hand if required as open fires aren’t allowed, making the most of the warm(ish) evening before winter arrives.

• 

• 

[2 October 2021]

Sunday

I think that we’re all glad we made the most of the weather yesterday as today is rubbish. Despite the weather however we were keen to get out and about a bit so headed down to Luchon.

In all honesty, it’s a bit between-season, not summer and not winter so it wasn’t exactly inspiring. There were a lot of great historic images posted all over that were pretty impressive though.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Despite all my best efforts I couldn’t work out where the actual exhibition was. It didn’t seem to be advertised on any of the Tourism Board websites (it was Sunday so the actual office was closed), but then they aren’t known for being very up to date, there was probably a flyer to local residents at some point because that’s effective marketing – French style.

Enough was enough though so we headed back to the house. Clearing the dining room has been on my list since we moved into the kitchen so a day like this seemed as good as any.

• 

• 

• 

Eventually with it all cleared we could move the table in and have our first ever dinner in the salle a manger (dining room). As a special treat Mum had bought some rather extravagant pastries. They were epic, even if I couldn’t finish it all in one sitting.

• 

• 

• 

Time to relax in front of the TV with the little heater and blankets and watch some quiz shows and other rubbish.

Night all

[3 October 2021]