the weather...

Now if you are British, you will know what a reputation we have for talking about the weather! In fact, I've noticed that here in the French countryside watching the weather is really important. In England if the weather was awful, I would put the damp washing in the tumble drier or it was on the clothes horse for several days to get it dry. Thanks to the accuracy of the internet weather I know within 5 minutes if it is going to rain. I have time to bring the washing in, or indeed calculate how much longer it can stay out if rain is forecast. www.meteo.fr  is the site I use and I can even put in my postcode and get the forecast FOR THE VILLAGE!!!!

Perhaps because we are out in the countryside we are also aware of the differences between the climate here and that in the West Midlands. Whereas we could look through the windows of our detached house in England and watch the storms, here we can stand on the gallery outside the house but under the roof and experience the weather. If we want to be inside we can watch the weather across the width of the valley below us and over to the hills opposite.

About three weeks ago we experienced some weather which was quite disturbing. On the Tuesday evening the wind blew and blew, bending the trees over and sending twigs scurrying up the lane in front of the house - the trees really seemed as if they would snap (some elsewhere did!) but here they seemed to have enough flexibility to remain rooted and bend.

The next night was for me the more frightening of the two. First thunder and lightning rumbled and crashed around us and right over us  - the electricity went off and the skies became darker and darker. The  hail began - not the small balls of ice you occasionally see in England - no - these were really big.

 

Outside you could have been in a snowstorm!

 

 

But worst of all was the damage we discovered the next day when we found that the car, parked outside our gates in the lane was pock marked from the force and size of the hailstones. There is nothing we can do about it, but that is just one of those things about the weather here. However, as Autumn now sets in I could not wish for a better sight when I get up than this one below!

 

 

an unexpected experience....

We took a week off the b and b to make our way back to Wordsley for a few days on 7th September. We knew we had no guests booked in so we thought it was about time to continue to clear more of our things from our old house. It was a smashing week, seeing old friends and also visiting my brother and sister-in-law in their new Rectory between Basingstoke and Andover.

However the week was overshadowed for me because I knew that when we got back Joe would be going into hospital. Just before we had left for England he had been diagnosed as being diabetic. He has been unwell for quite a long time but things moved rapidly when he tested his blood sugar on my machine and it registered 355 - for the uninitiated the norm is between 80 and 110. A visit to the doctor and a more extensive blood test confirmed that he was indeed diabetic. The doctor offered him 2 alternatives. He could go back and forth for tests to the hospital in Macon, or stay in for the week and have all the tests done. He chose the latter, so in the darkness at 6:30am on Monday 17th we set out for the hospital. We were (no, I was..) rather scared. We knew our French needs working on, would we understand everything? How would we be treated as foreigners? what would the tests reveal?
We got to the ward at 7:15, and were shown into a twin bedded room. Joe was shown which bed was his and then he was shown his wardrobe and then his height was measured, his weight taken, notes on his medication were taken and the doctor's letter handed over. He was then asked about breakfast and brought coffee and toasted biscuits to eat. His pulse, temperature and blood pressure were taken, and the nurse reassured me that he was not ill, only here for tests and that there was no need for him to be undressed and in bed...they were so kind to us, they understood we were struggling with the language and helped us by speaking simply.
After about three hours I left him in peace and was so at odds with myself that I managed to circumnavigate a roundabout at least 4 times from differing directions before I could find my way home.
The house felt very empty when I walked in but I made myself busy with jobs around the house and garden.
When I later returned to the hospital (free parking - please note Russells Hall and New Cross!), I found the other bed had been occupied by a really rather unwell looking Frenchman in his 30s who told us he had already had 2 heart attacks - however it did not stop him going for a cigarette outside.... He dozed and Joe got the benefit of the TV for which the Frenchman had paid! As the guy was only in overnight and the subscription to the TV finished the next morning quite early I asked Joe if he would like me to go to the TV office on the rez de chausee to pay for longer. His response really made me laugh. "I've watched both Family Fortunes and the Price is Right in French and enjoyed them no better than I did in England - so no thanks, I'd rather read!" And read he did - beginning with the hospital welcome book which proved really interesting - for example if you are in hospital - presumably as an emergency admission, you can ring a number to organise that your pets are looked after during your stay! Wow! There were nuggets of information - names of all the doctors, your rights as a patient, a leaving questionnaire - however Joe was not that impressed with the advert on the back cover for the funeral directors! Fortunately he had taken the large dictionary with him and this proved invaluable when we wanted to know what he was eating. His meals came piping hot with a list of what it was and a little "bon appetit! at the bottom - nice touch! A linen serviette came with the meal and the room had a table and chair so you could sit to the table to eat. Cutlery was metal! There was a starter, main course, cheese and dessert and the obligatory bread - 3 pieces of "flute" 3 fingers long for each piece! Coffee was served after the meal and in the evening a "tisane". Monitoring of Joe's blood sugar went on 4 hourly throughout day and night. He also had numerous other tests-cardiograph (he has the heart of an athlete - slow beating!). His stomach, kidneys and pancreas were scanned by ultra sound, His urine was tested, the back of his eyes was photographed. He was given cream to sooth his feet. In addition there were group sessions for all on the ward who were diabetic. By Tuesday Joe was asked if he would mind(!) moving into a single room as two friends were being admitted and wanted to share! He moved to the other side of the corridor and had a panoramic view over the Roche de Solutre and beyond towards the high Beaujolais hills. The ward was made up of single and double rooms and it was calm and peaceful and orderly. The patient staff ratio was high and everyone seemed to go out of their way to be helpful.
Together we went to 2 sessions on food - what was good and what was bad - and even in French I gleaned more than I had ever learnt in England when I was diagnosed almost 4 years ago. Water is you best friend - tap water. Drink loads. If you use mineral water do not stick to the same brand as they all have different minerals in them and you need a balance - change them each week! Red wine is OK - only drink it with a meal not on its own when it boosts fast acting sugar and can lead to a hypo...and so the advice went on...just so amazing. In addition the dietitian came to see Joe each day and wrote him a diet sheet which we are following at home - bread with every meal, cheese (yes cheese yippee) at lunch time and in the evening (30g each time)! Tea coffee and tisane when you like....even as a treat a vanilla eclair!!!! It was about balance, about not eating between meals and quite honestly after eating with Joe and preparing the food I can tell you that there is no space to eat between meals!!! And so the week went on...Joe is going back for an MRI scan on his kidneys to check for stones - just pop into the office on your way out and book an appointment Joe was told - and he did - how long is the wait - only 3 weeks....staggering.
What also I noticed was the level of hygiene - several times Joe's bed was changed and as to the way they cleaned well, I am astonished. The floor was mopped and swept regularly; when the patient sharing Joe's room had been discharged the bed was stripped, the mattress was washed with a disinfective on both sides as were the two pillows. The table over the bed was also wiped and not just the top, but the legs and underneath the table too. The upright chair was wiped down - back seat and legs, the table, and even the comfy chair for visitors.
When we left we were given the dietitian's mobile number at the hospital and told to call her anytime we had a question! Follow up with her is booked for November and follow up with the doctor in January!
What an experience! I have no fears about being in that hospital and being looked after so well.  Another new experience of life in France and another positive one! We are so grateful!

The sport of Queens and Princes......

I'm almost 60. I remember that my parents seemed to almost visibly slow down in their 60s, but I keep finding new experiences that have passed me by in the past. Today was another!
During the time that we have visited the nearby town of Cluny we knew that there was a national stud  - one of several in France. There are the most beautiful, graceful and attractive horses grazing in the fields around the Cluny area and today Joe and I were introduced to another aspect of the local passion with horses when our dear friends invited us to the races in Cluny. This was a first for us - and a fascinating afternoon although it was very warm sitting in the concrete grandstand overlooking the course -but the view was amazing!

I don't think there are many race tracks with such a lovely backdrop!

We sat in the grandstand and began to study the programme of races!

It wasn't that busy so it was possible to relax(as much as one can sitting on warm concrete) and work out what was going on!
There was a mix of races this afternoon, a flat race, trotting races and steeplechase. We were so near the track that we felt very connected with each race.
The first race was a flat race and the horses started to our left, each horse and rider being put into the starting stalls.

And they're off!
They really galloped past us at full tilt!

It was all quite exciting and as the horses had ridden past us en route to the start we were able to see them and comment on them.

Next I was very surprised to realise that there was a trotting race. The driver sat on a small two wheeled carriage which looked very light-weight but when at full trot they really moved! It was easy to identify the drivers and horses not only by the numbers on the horses but by the colours of the drivers. This was the same with the flat racing.
I really enjoyed the trotting - it requires such control for horse and rider because if the horse begins to gallop then it is disqualified. That happened to some today.

After the trotting race we had a steeplechase to watch. There were only 3 riders and horses in this race and it was very interesting to watch the race officials putting one of the jumps in place.

Then the 3 horses appeared.

It did not take them long to get to the other side of the course! And it was there that the horse in third place did not make it over the jump and the first aid officials rushed across to see if the rider was injured whilst the horse continued to gallop along. I must admit that my regard for the riders went up - it can be a dangerous sport... But I am pleased to report that about 10 minutes after the end of the race the rider walked back from the First Aid post back in front of the grandstand looking unhurt! A stable hand had the task of catching the horse and bringing him back.

What an interesting experience this afternoon has been - thanks to Chris and Mary!

the joy of sharing...

I wrote in a blog a while ago about the wide variety of people who cross our threshold and come and stay in our Burgundy home. For the most part they are expected, and we have blocked the availability calendar and are prepared for their arrival...But sometimes we have surprises!

Last week our beloved and beautiful daughter came to stay and celebrated her birthday with us. We had not seen her since the beginning of May and although we have been very busy the week before we were able to give her a great birthday clothes shopping with lunch by the river Soane in Macon

It was followed by a meal at our favourite brasserie in Cluny. We had forewarned the patron Nicholas that it was a special meal and we were greeted with wishes for Hannah and a complimentary aperitif of the restaurant. This was followed by a wonderful meal and when it came to dessert:

the waiters appeared and we all sang to her! She was suitably embarrassed!!!
However, when she left for England on Saturday evening we realised that we had no further guests due. That gave us mixed feelings - we love having guests  but we also love being alone and we knew that the plums needed harvesting! Last night we were invited to our friend Ton's bed and breakfast which is a stunning Burgundy stone coaching inn to share a meal with him and his guests - what a blessing - no cooking to do, no washing up. It was a delight to share the table with a family from Antwerp and a family from the Paris area. We talked about all sorts of things but before we sat down to eat, Ton introduced us to an English couple staying overnight with him. It turned out they live in Bridgnorth near to where our daughter lives and where we lived before moving here. We chatted easily with each other, and to cut a long story short they decided that since they could only have one night at Ton's they would come to us. At lunchtime today they arrived - and settled in the top garden with a cup of tea and digestive biscuits. They have been travelling up from Spain over the last three days and were longing to rest - what better place than our house which is called Le Havre - the haven or the sanctuary...
We  had planned to pick the bountiful crop of plums and our guests were delighted to help us, pruning the branches as we went along. Then the haricot beans were picked and the cherry tomatoes.
With the help we have received I have got on with making some more plum jam - 12 pots this afternoon. I now cook the fruit and then add the sugar, boiling it until setting point is reached. After that I sieve the mixture so that there are no lumps no stones and no skin. It is a long job but worthwhile. I am going to give our guests a pot of jam to take back to Bridgnorth since they so kindly gave us so much help.
Unexpected guests bring us joy and this time a lot of help!!!! Thank you Mary and John.

Those who share our home....

No, we do not have mice! - I'm sure someone will have wondered!
Over the last few days I have been reflecting on the variety of guests who have come to stay with us here.
Our vision was to offer simple comfortable accommodation for people who wanted to visit Taize.For the moment we only have one shower/toilet available so that limits us to small groups who know each other, families and couples although we have 3 twin bedded rooms.
Anyway, this year is our first season being fully open and available and over the last 6 weeks we have had lovely people staying - some returning for the second - or even third time!
We welcomed our lovely German friend whom we met in Taize several years ago before she had her two sons now 3 and 6 years old. She came here for the first time with her husband and boys, and was so pleased to visit Taize for the evening prayers several times. The boys were amazing in the prayers when they sat quietly all the way through.

We opened our home to a couple from the Midlands in England who were visiting us for the first time en route to Nice and thence to Corsica. They were very upset to leave us and we hope to see them again. They took advantage of our local vineyards to try out the local wine and buy some to take back with them. They also visited Taize!
We have welcomed my dear friend who was at teacher training college over 40 years ago, along with her travelling companion who both strayed over the border from Switzerland where they had been on a walking holiday. They were able to notice the changes in the house and in the garden which we have been able to make because we are now resident here.
We were delighted to welcome near neighbours and great friends from Wordsley for a week when they helped us with the Jubilee Tea Party and revealed themselves as ace makers of Pimms!
We had a visit from 2 couples who are amateur musicians - one couple making a return visit and they had invited the other couple to join them.

They were thrilled to be able to go to Taize having played some of the chants in their own parish, and they enjoyed the quietness of the area.
After they left we thought our next visitors would be at the end of the month when we welcome a German family who came last summer - we are looking forward to seeing them and seeing how much their 2 little girls have grown - their youngest was only 8 weeks old when the came last summer!
But then last week we received an email. It was from Kevin who hails from Australia and is embarked on a trike ride from Rome to Paris. He had googled "Taize accommodation" and up we popped! He needed to stay for one night en route to Chalon. He arrived about 10:15am on Thursday on his trike. He didn't even get into the house before he had given Joe a chance to ride on the trike! He gave him careful instructions ...

Then Joe was off - in a straight line and with a lot more confidence than he has had on his attempts to ride a bike!

Kevin's visit was all too brief. We went to Evening Prayer in Taize and took him for a quick visit to Cluny afterwards. He enjoyed watching the Tour de France on British TV and we chatted about our homes and families. He introduced us to Canberra where he lives, via the wonders of the Internet, and then he was on his way again...leaving us wishing he could have been here longer!
Bon voyage Kevin! Bon courage!

A check up for the car!

If you are regular reader of my blog you will know how I described the registration of our car here in France so it now has French number plates(plaques!). In France, car that are 4 years and over have to go every other year to a local testing station where something equivalent to the British MOT is undertaken. We were fortunate that when we got here the car was 3 years and 7months old so we did not have to submit my beloved Scenic to the French system. However 5 months on - well you do the maths....
Thanks to our wonderful friends Chris and Mary we knew what the procedure was and so last week Joe went to one of the centres in Cluny to book the car in. The dy was Tuesday at 11am. Conscious that the car had been much neglected since we have been here, Joe got up really early and emptied the car and cleaned it, blowing up the old vacuum cleaner in the process! (Yes it was that grubby!)
I was very nervious about what might be found. Over the last few weeks I had found myself listening to the engine every time we went out and imagining hearing strange noises.
We arrived at the test centre clutching our Carte Grise - the French log book for the car, and waited for the mechanis to come and see us. I looked at the long list of things that have to be included in the test - a whole A3 sheet of them and wondered how many hours it would take...and how much we would be paying - both for the test and for any resulting work!
What an efficient system. The testing centre is just that, producing a report at the end of the test outlining any problems. Depending on what they are you wither get a list of things that need to be looked at but not retested or things that do need attention at a garage and you then have 8 weeks to put them right and return for them to be retested so that the certificate can be issued and a sticker put on your windscreen and the Carte Grise too. Everything is fine we were told - the car has passed. We only have 3 minor items for attention and they do not need to be retested! Phew! - and the cost 59 euros.
Another hurdle surmounted - and another 2 years before the next test!

The Tour de France

Somethings are quintessentially French! I count among these the Tour de France! Even if you are not interested in cycling the Tour de France is simply so much more than a bike road race! For years we have watched the Tour on TV in England and imagine our delight when we found out that a stage of the Tour was leaving from Macon, our nearest sizable town 40 minutes from our home! Yesterday we went into Macon late in the afternoon to see all the razzmatazz that surrounds the Tour. We had a wander around and purchased some lovely wine glasses inscribed for the occasion and were given vouchers for free wine tastings - not a great idea when you have to drive home again! Frogs' legs were for sale (and no, we didn't!) and there was a real buzz amongst the crowds of people who were milling about!

Shops and buildings were decorated for the occasion which is an honour for those places chosen to be part of the route.

After a wander round we came home and prepared for today - the day the tour was leaving Macon and we had promised to meet our dear friend Ashley in Cluny at 8am. We prepared the ingredients for our picnic and went off to bed.
This morning we were up and off via the depot du pain where we picked up a "flute" loaf of bread and met Ashley. We had researched the route carefully as we had been told that although there is a lot of excitement at the start of the race it was probably better to get away from the start and park the car along the route as we would get a better view.
The riders and their entourage are preceded by the caravan - a series of cars - and I use that term loosely - that pass by throwing free advertising paraphernalia at those lining the route. There is a scramble for them and we were fortunate to get quite a collection.

Here's a couple of examples of the vehicles that passed by us:

The caravan took almost half an hour to pass by Phew I have sympathy with Her Majesty now!
We were thrilled that Bradley Wiggins is currently in the yellow jersey signifying that he is the overall leader so we took our Union flag with us and attached it to a road sign so it was prominent.

It proved a good idea as when the Sky team cars went by (with British number plates) we were given great waves and loud hoots!

Ashley, Joe and I really enjoyed watching all the pre race stuff and the time went by really quickly.
BUT, what we really wanted to see were the riders themselves...that is what we were really there for and I had warned the men that I would be shouting for Bradley at the top of my voice!

And here they come!

The trouble is that they pass so fast and trying to photograph them and shout at the same time proved I could not multitask!

And there they go!

Following the cyclists the cars with all the spare cycles came!

And finally...

gendarmes on motor bikes signalled that the Tour had passed by and the road was now open.

And so it was all over, but what an experience to have in our first few months living here in France! Long live the tour and the best of luck to Bradley Wiggins!!!