Flying off

Later today we head off to London, just for two nights, but when we found cheap flights (20 euros return) it was too good an opportunity to miss as Matt and Bethan are over there and we can meet up. They have been finalising some arrangements in Wales at the venue seeing caterers etc. Bethan will have been serious shopping for 'the dress', having a lovely time with her Mum while Matt will have driven from Birmingham to Newcastle to have some serious drinking with friends - there may be a quick Moss Bros suits check involved, but I am sure the nights out will dominate - Mars and Venus again! Then we meet Jude, Bethan's Mum and the happy couple for a meal tonight - perhaps in Chinatown, I hit shops intensively tomorrow, while John meets up with Keith, his brother and probably Matt for more drinking sessions until we all gather for a meal tomorrow night with more family and friends - I can't wait. Excited about seeing my son and Bethan, meeting Jude and sharing food and drinks and of course being embraced by 'big shops' a rare treat. Sure we'll be a little shell shocked by the big city but it'll be fun!!! (Linz) for John

Marteen's Birthday

It was Marteen's 60th Birthday on Saturday. Marteen found us our house in France and has since become a very good friend along with his french partner, Myriam. Myriam organised a suprise party for Marteen at the salle de fete in Marminiac, where they live.

Marteen had no idea at all about the party or that his mother would be there having travelled down from Holland that day. It was a wonderful thing to see his face when he walked into the hall to see his friends and family gathered there.

It turned out to be one of those wonderful nights that we have grown to love here, good friends having a great time in each others company. Lots of food and wine and some very silly dancing.

This is a photo of Marteen and Myriam, together, as they are always, Marteen making a very moving thank you to all his friends and family.......life for Marteen has not been easy either.....but he has a very optimistic attitude to life which inspires everyone around him.

This is Marteen's brother and mother entering into the spirit of the evening with a sort of waltz invented after several glasses of vin rouge!

This is the wonderful Myriam, a very special person who has become a great friend, and along with Marteen has done so much to help us settle into our new life.

This is me eating raw herring, dutch style........it tasted better than it looks. A word about the braces....... we were asked to wear something red because it is Marteens favourite colour, the braces were all I had!!!

Marteen sings and plays guitar in a local band. He is the "Bob Dylan" of Marminiac.

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Everyone had their photo taken inside a picture frame........... a wonderful idea............the things people did with the frames!! It was a great night.

Foire d'arbres..........

Today saw the first plant fair of the season at St.Martial-Nabirat. The local Pepinieres set up stalls selling their young trees and shrubs.

Despite the rainy weather people from the surrounding villages still turned out to give their support, dragging away trees with huge root balls covered in hessian..........

then returning to mark their places for the" repas foire d'arbres "in the Salle de Fetes- a five course lunch with wine included for 20 euros.