terry & isobel's blogspot

December Walks

2010-12-11T10:24:00.002+01:00

This first picture is our garden taken on the 4th December. It's during the cold week when we also had a few inches of snow.

This picture below was taken on one of our walks, it is the lane leading down to the valley below our garden.

You can also see the lane in the centre of the first picture above.

A bit further down the lane, a stream.

This is the weir on the river at Previnquieres, a very pretty spot by the river.

Later walking round Previnquieres village we found this old forge shop that looked like it had been closed for 50 years.

I put my camera up against the dirty window, pressed the shutter and this is the result.

Even the untouched picture looks old.

Fishing

2010-12-08T09:25:00.038+01:00

When Dave came last Saturday we decided we would still try to get some fishing in despite the bad weather at the time. All was well the weather suddenly turned warm and sunny on this fishing Wednesday.

The site we went to was at a small village called Previnquieres where nearby is a picnic spot by the river.

It was a very warm and sunny day, although we did not get much sun ourselves because the sun never came above the hill behind us.

We did not catch any fish but it was great just sitting peacefully by the river.
About 1:00pm we decided there were no fish to catch so we went up to the village and found a bar with a sunny terrace.

Dave enjoying a bit of sun and a beer.

November in France

2010-11-30T12:24:00.000+01:00

Woodpecker in the garden.

A Robin at our bird table.

A Jay, a very common bird round here.

A fox, caught on camera while we were out for a walk.

Canon 40D with telescopic lens.

Scene from our walk by the river.

Now car problems

2010-11-29T14:07:00.022+01:00

On Monday morning the car battery would not start the engine, so I put the battery on charge until the afternoon. Nothing too unusual about that, as the weather was very cold, but although the battery has been OK, it is the original one and getting old.

About 3pm after we had completed and walk round the "grand tour" we now managed to start the car and we went to Rieupeyroux, Izzy went shopping. I thought I would give the car another run to completely charge the battery. I went back towards the centre of Rieupeyroux and the car suddenly came up with an red battery light on the dash, then just as I was going round a bend I nearly lost control because the power steering went. I just managed to pull off the road on a parking area that I was approaching, lucky.

The cars electrics were gone, not even a ignition light. I looked under the bonnet and there was an electrical smell, like something had burnt out down around the alternator.

What do I do now, I did not even bring my mobile phone with me and Izzy never takes hers with her. (lesson 1) I decided to walk back to the supermarket where Izzy was shopping, about a mile uphill.

There was not even enough battery left to lock the cars central locking system, so I could only lock the drivers door with the key in the lock.

I told Izzy the bad news and then we continued shopping, we planned now to get a taxi home.

After finishing the shopping we tried to get a taxi home but they were all busy.

The supermarket lent us their telephone book and phone, so we were able to phone our friends Sue & Les.

Sue & Les arrived to pick us up and we stopped off where I had parked the car. The battery had recovered a bit now and I was able to lock the car.

Once we had been dropped off at home I phoned the RAC international rescue. I just happen to be a member through Barclays Additions.

The RAC were very good and a flat-bed truck was on it's way within half an hour.

They even offered accommodation if we were stuck away from home and we could have a hire car for two weeks if needed. I said we are OK we were back home and no plans to go anywhere.

The truck arrived at the house and I gave the driver the key and a map of where I left the car, I offered to go with him but he refused my kindness. About an hour later I had a text message to say the car had been loaded on the truck and was on it's way to over night storage in Villefranche. Tomorrow it will be taken to the Ford dealer there.

Tuesday I had a call from the RAC and they said the garage had reported the alternator was dead on arrival.

We don't expect the car back until Thursday or Friday as the new parts need ordering.

The RAC will let us know when the car is ready and will collect us by taxi and take us to Villefranche.

Wednesday the RAC rang to confirm that that Ford garage said it was the alternator and they had to order the parts needed. May be ready Thursday or Friday.

What a saga.....

Chimney problem?

2010-11-28T13:58:00.011+01:00

There seems to be a problem with our wood burning stove chimney, or so we thought. (Oh no, not now, it's not a good time) We have had suspicions that rain water is running down to the base of the chimney box where the metal pipe enters. and it has left a stain on the wall, it has been like this for a few years.

The other morning the stoves temperature went a little high which resulted in smelly liquid coming out of the base of the pipe where it joins the stove. Our theory was then, that rain water is trapped in the upper chimney and as the heat rises it boils the water and it then spits & spills over and then runs down the inside of the vertical pipe. By the time it reaches the bottom it's a very smelly black liquid oozing out, not nice. We hope the rain eases for a while so the chimney can dry out and return to normal, but it's winter, so who knows.

The problems with the wood burner continued, really smelly liquid dripping out of the flue pipe & wall. We decided to phone the shop where we bought the stove & had an interesting conversation about what could be causing the problem. One of the most likely reasons was damp wood ( I don't believe that in our case) Our wood has been stored for 18 months so I did not suspect that, or rain water going down the chimney.

Later I was talking to our friend Les about it (he is about to buy the same stove any time soon) he said the builder who is working for them would come over and have a look at it. They came and while we were all looking at the water damage and drinking coffee Les went outside and saw a damp patch under the chimney.

Cliff the builder said he would take a look if I had a suitable ladder. After the inspection Cliff said there's is a problem with the flashing on the garden side of the chimney. This is the most likely cause of our problems and can be easily fixed, and this is most likely an old problem that's just got worse now. This fits in with our troubles because we have had this problem to a lesser degree for some years. I offered Cliff to do the job if he wants it, (I don't like ladders much) so we are waiting for a suitable day for him to do it, really hope it's a cure.

Building the Aviary

2010-10-01T11:33:00.001+02:00

20 September 2010

Carl & Maria asked me to assemble the bird Aviary kit that had arrived on Friday.

Izzy and I unpacked it, but there were no instructions, pictures or screws.

Luckily, Carl had boxes of screws already so we assembled it in the way we thought it should be, but who knows?

Continued with the bird Aviary, but because it's such a flimsy construction I am making a strong base for it to stand on. I am useing wood left over from the cabin build. The plan is to also make it possible to remove the Aviary from the base for cleaning.

It has now been decided to mount the aviary onto blocks to keep the wood off the ground and provide a good level base, good idea.

Saturday Carl is able to join in the fun of making the aviary.

After taking about an hour to decide where to place the Aviary. Carl & I went to B&Q to look for some suitable breeze blocks. We found some good light weight ones so Carl bought 24 of them and some long fixing screws. Back in the garden we had to dig level footings for the blocks. We then fixed the wooden base I had made to the four corners of the block base to check it was correct.
A good start was made today for positioning and installing the Aviary.

Monday 27 September 2010

I managed to finish off the block work Carl and I had started on the Aviary on Saturday. I got a bit muddy today because it never really fully stopped drizzling. Now the base is finished Izzy and I (struggled) to lift the aviary onto it's base to complete it.

All finished now, ready for whatever is going to live in there. Watch out Carl!

September Update

2010-09-16T11:10:00.001+02:00

4th September shed building.
I helped Carl build a new garden shed. Later with help from a friend Ian we built the second shed.

The new nursery cabin builders arrived and a lorry load of parts, they quickley started to erect the cabin.

Sides up and floor laid.

Insulation fitted on first wall.

End of the first day and looking good.

Here you can see the insulation between the two walls.

Second day and doors & windows are fitted and the roof insulation going on.

Third day the roof tiles are fitted, glass is fitted to windows and door and the cabin is finished, execpt for a coat of varnish.

Uk Update

2010-09-03T06:01:00.014+02:00

We had a very pleasant journey up through France and stayed overnight at a hotel in Troyes.
The hotel was nice and clean but we could not get a coffee when we arrived or in our room, strange.
We had one of the best runs up to Northampton from the Eurotunnel that we have had for ages, i.e. No holdups or delays this time.

We had arranged with Carl and Maria to stay with them for the first couple of weeks so we are on the spot to help. They had planned to move out of their rented house at the end of August but that has been extend another six weeks. This is because it will give Carl a chance to complete his next medical treatment, also the house they bought next to the nursery needs walls removing and a good refit, This all takes time. (yes they did eventually buy the house next door) but it's a long story.

Carl is fit and remains positive in himself and improving all the time, he is feeling less tired and his double vision is getting better and is less of a problem. On Tuesday he went up to London for the first zapping of Trevor (the name given to his tumour) he now has to continue doing that for five days a week for six weeks, bit of a mission, but it has to be done. After the first three days he said he feels OK and thinks he can make it going to London on his own.

We have all been working on the new house when we can, me and Carl working in the garden on the nursery cabin project while Maria, Izzy, Jon and Ben strip wallpaper etc.

The new garden cabin is something that has been in the planning stage for sometime, in fact I helped Carl do some drawings for 'planning and building control' last time we were here. The foundations for the cabin are a new system I have not seen before, it's an alternative to a large concrete base, 5 x 4M in our case. Our base has nine points of support as you can see in the pictures and then a wooden frame on top. Thanks to Ian Lancaster for his help on the construction of the base, much appreciated.

The cabin people then build the cabin on our foundations and frame. This starts next Wednesday. Carl is somewhat relieved to see the base completed. Today 3rd Sept. it's going to be inspected by building control.

That's about it for now, we will continue helping as much as we can while Carl is undergoing his treatment and helping make the house move run smooth a bit later.

Thanks to all of you that are helping us, that enables us to help Carl & Maria.

Terry & Izzy

At this stage we have dug all the holes, installed the crates and filled them with gravel. Once we had positioned them correctly we then proceeded to make the frame.

The system parts. A large crate that looks like a beer crate. This is buried to a suitable depth in the ground, and must be level with all other crates. Then it is filled with gravel and a concrete pad is laid on top with the pyramid shaped piece and a metal bracket located on top.

The finished base.

The finished base, looking down from above.

Kart Cross at Pradials

2010-08-23T06:54:00.000+02:00

Fishing Wednesday

2010-08-18T20:00:00.000+02:00

Dave & I went fishing again today, Wednesday is our fishing day if we can both get away. Maggie and Isobel joined us at midday and brought our picnic lunch to the Baraqueville Lake.
We did quite well in the morning, Dave catching three trout and I caught a trout and a roach. About 15:30 in the afternoon the fishing was very quiet and we just sat in the sun letting our lunch & beer settle, but then some excitement when Dave caught this nice Carp, pictured below.
We learnt yesterday from a French guy who was also fishing, that the Carp are put in the lake (at a great expense) to keep the weeds down, which they certainly do. So they like you to return them to the lake after being caught, which we do anyway. The trout, well Maggie and Dave like these, so they ended up in their freezer.
Maggie went round the lake with Isobel in her Viper electric trike which she really enjoyed, because she had not had the opportunity to use it for months.

Our walk by the river this afternoon.

2010-08-16T18:16:00.000+02:00

Our walk this afternoon started at Port De La Besse.

We turned off the main road 100M before the hotel and crossed a small bridge.

We then turned left once across the bridge, this track only runs about 1/4 of a mile, and we found out later is not the best way to go. Once back we turned right at the bridge and found a very scenic route and picnic spot. We sat on a rock in the middle of the river and enjoyed these scenic views

2010-08-15T10:12:00.000+02:00

Saturday night was Irish Night at Rieupeyroux.

The event was very well attended and the music and sausage & chips were good.

The music did sound a bit more Scottish with the bagpipes playing early on, but it got a bit more Irish folk with excellent fiddle playing towards the end.

All in all a great evening with Rita & Lance.

Jam Making

2010-08-13T10:24:00.001+02:00

I picked a load of damsons that were ready and ripe from a tree down the garden yesterday. Izzy made them into jam in the afternoon, so we now have jam today & jam tomorrow......

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August, holiday time.

2010-08-10T07:03:00.003+02:00

I took this lovely shot just before we went off to France.
These young swans are regular visitors to Pete & Janet's caravan plot, which is situated on the bank of the back water at Cogenhoe. Nice one Pete!

These three 'horsemen' were entertaining in a charity fun day in Najac.

They were very funny because most of their act was taking one at the English including our royal family, great stuff.

Jezz & Julie at Regina & Gerald's, who had invited us all to one of Gerald's home made Cassoulet.

Lee, our long time friend from the diving club day's joined us Saturday.

Sunday evening we all went for a drink while waiting for the La Salvetat Peyrales food & music night event to start.

Jezz & Julie also enjoying a drink at Port de la Besse.

Terry & Izzy also enjoying a drink at Port de la Besse.

Reflections in the Le Viaur at Port de la Besse.

The Hotel Restaurant & Bar at Port de la Besse.

Walks & Walking

2010-08-08T16:19:00.003+02:00

The weather has been sunny and we have managed to do a few of the local walks.
We also have discovered a few new ones.

Local 'Grand Tour' walk.

The 'Grand Tour' combined with a new walk.

Najac, Aveyron river walk.

Our return to France

2010-07-30T20:55:00.000+02:00

We left Northampton at 2:45am and had a clear run to the tunnel, arriving at 5:00. We were lucky when we joined the M25 because the Heathrow direction was closed but the Dartford direction open. I don't know what we would have done if it had been the other way round.

At the Eurotunnel the self check in is so easy, just a couple of key presses and the printed ticket came out and the barrier lifted. We had time for a coffee because our crossing was not until 6:20. It was obvious that it was holiday time as there were a greater number of cars, caravans, motor homes & bikers than we normally see. Once driving in France all this extra traffic spread out, going their own way, so it did not make a lot of difference to us.

Driving though Paris was a slow crawl and the traffic was sometimes stopping. My coffee was now settling in my bladder and I had been drinking a bottle of water also. I thought, why on earth did I not stop for a pee before we hit Paris. I was getting desperate now and could not stop thinking about it. There was nowhere to pull over to relieve myself in the French traditional way. Then the traffic stopped in a tunnel, Oh no, come on move, please move on. I tried thinking of anything to give me more time. At last we were driving out in the open, nearly through Paris now and it was looking promising that I might be able to pull off the road. Then I saw a break in the roadside concrete wall where a caravan had stopped with a problem. Izzy said "what's going on, why have we stopped". I said, don't worry, I have something to do, Oh my Goodness, best pee I have had for a long time.

We were now on the A10 and Paris and my little problem was behind us. Strangely enough I was now thinking of another coffee. We normally stop around this point to have lunch and refill the cars tank as well. After the Peage toll for the A71 we stopped at our normal motorway station. It was full of holiday travellers, I filled up the car and then found a parking space and we had lunch.

Refreshed we continued on our journey but about another two hours more of driving I began to feel sleepy. We were on a super stretch of road The A20 and by now we had lost most of the traffic as the road split different ways going down France. I said to Izzy, do you fancy driving for a while? she said no, but I will if that's what you want. I stopped and we changed places, I said it's a lovely road you will enjoy this. Izzy drove off and I shut my eyes, about 90mins later after a few ZZZs I awoke, we were now near Brive. Well done I said, we were not far from our next coffee stop and the end of the motorway for us J54. We had another coffee and bought a cut loaf for our breakfast tomorrow.

Back on the road, small roads now the N140 to Figeac and very scenic medieval villages to drive through. Lots of holiday traffic now. We usually slow right down along this road anyway because it's a nice drive and rushing gets you nowhere along here. We followed a tractor & trailer full of hay about 3 miles.

We arrived at our house at 7:15pm and unloaded the car, the grass in the garden looked good, nice and short thanks to Sue & Les. We were soon invited to eat with Regina & Gerald across the road and it was a great evening and a great day, albeit a lot of driving.

Fishing at Baraqueville Lake.

2010-06-27T18:54:00.002+02:00

Today Dave and I went fishing at Baraqueville Lake.

This lake is good for all types of fishing and we nearly always catch something.

Today was no exception we both caught a nice Tench.

Here's a picture of the one I caught.
Both Tench caught are safely back in the lake.

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Our Sunday morning walk along the river Aveyron.

2010-06-20T17:26:00.003+02:00

Najac Castle
Today we headed to Najac and walked along a very muddy path by the river Aveyron.

Spiked Pike

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Our Sunday morning walk along the river Aveyron.

2010-06-13T19:00:00.000+02:00

As we drove to Laguepie the first rare sight we saw was a red squirrel.
We have only seen two other red squirrels in the 10 years we have been coming to France.

We started walking along the river footpath, a walk which we have done many times before. I had my camera with me in the hope I would be able to snap anything that was willing to show itself. In particular, I was looking for and hoping to photograph a kingfisher. We walked about half a mile and we had seen very little of anything moving, no birds or fish. The pathway got a bit muddy so we turned round and headed back. I stopped to look at something I had spotted on a log on the far side of the river using my telephoto lens. Wow! what is that? at first I thought it was a tortoise, but why near the water? but now after a bit of research I now know it's a red-eared terrapin.

Apparently they do live in the rivers of France, but it's the first time we have seen one.

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Also on Sunday as we walked along the river we saw lots of Damselfly.

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Fishing at Baraqueville Lake

2010-04-28T10:37:00.021+02:00

I went fishing with Dave to Baraqueville Lake today. No action for me until it was nearly time to go. Dave caught two small Carp and a Tench. Then in the last half hour I caught this lovely Tench.

Our weekend trip to Carcassonne, France

2010-04-16T09:29:00.032+02:00

We decided to have a weekend at the famous old city of Carcassonne in France.

The weekend included my 70th birthday so it was a bit of a treat.

A view of the old city of Carcassonne.

The central courtyard inside the old castle.

A splendid view from the castle wall.

The Church, Basilique St. Nazaire, a striking looking gargoyle.

Our "Canal Du Midi" tour boat "Helios" on an earlier trip.

A view along the "Canal Du Midi", approaching the lock.

Holiday 26 - 28th February 2010

2010-02-26T16:17:00.009+01:00

Muscat, Oman

Holiday 23 - 24th February 2010

2010-02-23T16:07:00.001+01:00

Dubai

Holiday 20 - 21st February 2010

2010-02-20T16:03:00.003+01:00

Wyong, The Entrance, Australia

The Blue Mountain's, Australia

Holiday 15 - 18th February 2010

2010-02-15T15:53:00.003+01:00

New Zealand

Holiday 13 - 15th February 2010

2010-02-15T15:42:00.022+01:00

New Zealand

Holiday 10 - 11th February 2010

2010-02-10T15:36:00.015+01:00

New Zealand

Holiday 7 - 8th February 2010

2010-02-07T15:26:00.004+01:00

New Zealand

Holiday 2nd - 4th February 2010

2010-02-02T14:24:00.003+01:00

Bangkok, Thailand