Ooops!!!!

Take one man and one mini digger and the result - NO MAINS WATER. Ooops

Two Tanks and a Digger

Posted by Simon

Today I planned to get the 'fosse septiques' installation started, but the starting part seems to be taking a bit of time. This was not helped by the gravel for the filter beds turning up - four 10 tonne lorry loads throughout the day. Also a neighbour wanted to borrow my ladders so I had to sort that out. Then due to the chickens being confined at the moment and having to get the digger through their enclosure I had to get everything across to the work area before we could let the chickens out. All this took some time.

Then I had to plan where the tanks and pipes are going. Easier said than done. I had an outline plan but this went to pot because of all the old systems and pipes that are all over the place. Although I had some idea where most of these old works are I have not been able to find the all essential toilet waste - and I do not want to end up a certain creek without a paddle! Well after digging around I find an old cesspit and in true French style the manhole cover was under the ground by 40cms - at least it was covered by an old plastic fertiliser bag and a bit of rusty corrugated iron. And it definitely needs emptying!

So I then spent the rest of the day planning where everything could go, but each idea I had would not quite work or there was a problem with the old system being in the way. And I did have to spend half the afternoon repairing the dishwasher which had blocked up. Anyway, eventually I came up with something which I hope will work. I checked out my plan with the person who did the initial report on what we can or cannot do and after a couple of tweaks I'm finally ready to start - well tomorrow maybe.

BBQ Time

Posted by Rosie


We had a BBQ today - for breakfast. Or rather we had had a BBQ last night, cooking on the half metal drum and the embers were still warm this morning so we added a bit more wood and were soon cooking bacon, eggs, tomatoes, beans and fried bread out in the warm sunshine. The mechanic who had come to fix the digger must have be quite pleased he didn't make it yesterday as he tucked into his Full English !

Afterwards we went up to the beach where the boys played happily for hours and we adults enjoyed the late September sunshine. No photos however, as in our rush to pack spades, cake, books and towels etc, we forgot to take the camera.

Confined to Barracks

Posted by Rosie

We have possibly the most unhappy chickens in Calvados - in fact probably the most unhappy chickens in France. Today they have been confined to the hen houses and half a field rather than having the run of the place and the farmer's field. And it is the latter that has caused their internment. Yesterday, when I went to collect the boys from the bus stop, a rather embarrassed farmer's wife asked if we could possibly stop our chickens going in to the neighbouring field as they were eating all the Colza (Oilseed rape) that her chef has sown.

Now it has to be said we get on very well with our farming neighbour - he helped clear the hay from the gite and has given us 2 large bales of hay without accepting any payment. Over the summer his children spent a lot if time over here and we buy milk from him a couple of times a week. There is no way therefore that we would want to upset him so we needed to think of a way of keeping the chickens in.

Temporary fences were put up, other fences were raised, holes under fences and gates were blocked. Had we done enough to retain the 2 flocks? With trepidation we let out both the white chicks and the hens/ducks. Less than 5 minutes later 2 white chicks were out but a quick check of the gate revealed their escape hole which was swiftly blocked and they stayed put for the rest of the say. Cross, but confined.

Mrs Black was the first to attempt an escape from the Hen House - up onto the to sheep-proofing fence and a hop and a skip out was her normal means of escape. Only today this route was blocked by extra high fencing. She looked a tad confused and tried again. And again. FOILED!!

Mrs Black Tail was the first to actually escape - and managed to lay an egg in the barn during her few moments of freedom. But how had she managed it? Simon and I watched for a while, but all seemed quiet so we went in for breakfast. Half way through toast and blackberry jelly Simon looked up and saw Mrs Cross Beak escaping under the sheep field fence. How the heck had she got in there in the first place? Ah ha - under the gate between the hen house and sheep field. Gate duly blocked and Mrs Cross Beak and Mrs Black Tail were FOILED.

For a while all was without incidence and then I espied a fast moving chicken in front of the house. We had another escapee. Mrs Black was out and within seconds of returning her she was out again ...... through the unblocked window from the hen house to the toy shed . Clever - but a couple of cushions used to block the window and yet another escapee was FOILED.

During most of the afternoon the flock behaved itself although every time I went near the hen house they rushed up to the gate expecting to be let out. It was all rather pityful but at least when the farmer came to check his field the chickens were were all where they should be. It was only later that I saw Mrs Gold in the adjacent field and as yet I have no idea how she got there.

And whilst all this has been a bit of a pain it is not without its compensation. Hopefully after a few days of confinement those hens who have insisted on laying their eggs anywhere except the hen house will realise the hen house is rather a good place and Simon and I will not have to spend hours combing barns and hedgerows for stashes of eggs.

Help Exchange

Posted by Rosie

We have signed up today to be a HelpExchange Host. As taken from their webpage, Help Exchange (HelpX), is an "online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation."

There are several reasons why we have decided to do this. First and foremost it will give us (well Simon really) some much needed help around the place and notably in the gite. It will also give us the chance to meet people from all over the world, exchange cultural views and both give and receive experience and advice.

If you want to find our host information we are Host number 6198.

Reasons to Visit Lénault in September

Posted by Rosie

A clue:-

Now I know it might look like I have been murdering some-one - but the truth is that my hand is coverered in a combination of elderberry and blackberry juice. Yes, September is the month for picking hedgerow fruits.

Today I also got some more sloes to add to those I found earlier in the week and I've seen some easy to pick haws and rose hips, although the latter are not yet ripe.

Now I must decide what to do with this bounty. Simply stewed, blackberries are wonderful on pancakes or eaten for breakfast with a dollop of yoghurt and Blackberry + Apple Crumble is a must. Hedgerow jelly sounds nice and this year I have enough elderberries for Pontack Sauce and maybe some Apple and Elderberry jelly. Years ago I made Elderberry Chutney which Mum insisted she liked but I felt she may just have been trying to be nice to me: I thought it was horrible. Perhaps it's time to give that one another go. Sloe Gin is a must too; I've never made it before having been put off after tasting a really sickly one made by a flat-mate. However I tried some-one else's recently and that was scrummy. The rose hips need to ripen a little before I can make Rose Hip Syrup but the blackberries are perfect - with so many to be had I may have to have a go at the Blackberry Liqueur Colour It Green is tempting me with. Oh and then there's Haw Sauce/Ketchup.

Oh - so many recipes. It's just as well it's a bountiful year so I do foresee a few more days of stained fingers as I forage for these wonderful free fruits.

In For A Blowy Night?

Posted by Simon

The builders have made the final break through on the window at the back of our bedroom. It was not the choicest of days as the wind decided to make it's presence known. Just as they took the last few stones out the wind blew a really strong gust and all the plastic covers flew off. Having kept the main part of our bedroom sealed off and dust free we now are the proud owners of a first floor interior vegetable patch. My now, not so white, towelling dressing gown taking the brunt.

Now the winds are blowing from the north (on to the back of the house) and the black clouds are gathering over Lenault. As there are only two flimsy sheets of tarpaulin covering the hole the prospects of a quiet night is highly unlikely. So we have decided that the sofa bed in the living room will be a better option. Well it beats sleeping in a 'veg patch'!

Ahhhhhhh!!

Posted by Rosie

Well it says it all in the title really doesn't it?

After the "Harold not being a Harold hiccup", our friends, who have an excess of ducklings asked if we would like have the ducklings who were due to hatch earlier in the week. Daft question really.

So today J arrived with Angel, the Mum, and her ducklings. They are just so cute; 6 little bundles of yellow and black fluff. But not so cute that I've not been thinking of duck recipes this afternoon!

It's a great game

Posted by Simon

Ben is running forward with the ball, Tom and No 3 are ready to make the tackle. Ben is running right down the touch line and is about to be either tackled or pushed over the line. I'm not quite sure where the lad to the right of the photo is going but you never know it could be a defensive ploy.

Yes, Tom and Ben starting playing for Flers Rugby Club today and had their first training session. Ben was keen to go as his school friend Baptise was also starting today, but Tom was a little apprehensive. Well they both had a great time and played well. The training given was excellent for young children, with a mix of learning the game and playing games which teaches them different aspect of rugby. So we now have two keen trainee rugby players - who cannot wait until Wednesday afternoon for the next session. And both boys did much better than we expected and we all had enjoyable afternoon - although we did have to go to the sports shop afterwards to buy the necessary kit!

And as for Ben - he shrugs off his two tacklers and continues his run for the goal line - number 17 now makes his move and runs to cut off Ben and make the tackle, but Ben side steps him and scores his first try. One really happy lad - and Dad, and Mum

Roof. Windows and Walls

Posted by Simon

Work has been moving forward on the gite. The builders have completed the work on the roof and nearly finished the two new window openings for the gite. They have made a start on the opening in our bedroom and will hopefully be finished by the middle of next week - well to a point. The point being that the window units are not available until the 15th October, so we could be in for a draughty time.

As the French workers can only do so many hours per week they were not here today. This gives me three clear days and so I have started on the centre wall. . This is slowly going up - not helped by builders/my tools and rubbish in the way. Nor having to help my neighbour whose car had broken down and needed moving. Anyway I'm quite pleased with the result so far especially as this is my first attempt.

Once the builders are gone I think we'll need a mega tidy up. Everything seems to be in the wrong place or covered in dust. And I also conquered a fear. Roofs are not my favourite of places but a urgent repair was needed on our future house. So I borrowed the builders ladders and made good. Another one of those little jobs I have been putting off can now be crossed off my list

Busy in the kitchen

Posted by Rosie

I have now (almost) cleared the backlog of harvested fruit and veg that was cluttering up the kitchen. Tomorrow I will pick a load more and get on eating, freezing, pickling etc yet more fresh produce.

I took this photo a couple of days ago when I had made Tomatillo Relish, Pickled Runner Beans and Pickled Cabbage, Chilli Piccalilli and Marrow and Ginger Jam. After today I can now add to this list: - Tomato Ketchup, Hot Chilli and and Courgette Pickle and Bread and Butter Pickles (i.e. pickled cucumber, pepper and onion). I do like laying down supplies for the months to come with a few extras I hope to sell. In fact, one of the builders bought some Marrow and Ginger Jam and Chilli Piccalilli and would like to buy some more soon.

It wasn't just preserves though - there was a couple of skinny leeks and a rather root-fly eaten carrot; they went in tonight's mince with the passata left over from the ketchup recipe. Simon barbecued some custard marrows in an oil and herb dressings for lunch and I made a salad from tomatoes, rocket, mizuna and a bit of left over feta (all lurking in the fridge). The beans were a bit tough so they went in the pig bucket with a few sad-looking apple cucumbers. A neighbour had given me a bag of late plums and they've been stewed. Everyone was too full for pudding tonight but at least that means I can have them for breakfast.

But I didn't manage to completely clear all the harvest - I picked a cabbage to go with the mince and only afterwards remembered I had some broccoli in the fridge. That'll have to be eaten tomorrow. I also still have a bowl of physalis or cape gooseberries. I did dip some in chocolate to decorate a friend's birthday cake but the rest are sitting on the side. Somehow though, I don't think they are going to last very long! They really are delicious and with British supermarkets selling them at £8.40/kg, whilst I may not have a lot, I reckon I do have a bargain treat there.

Gite Progress

Posted by Simon

We are having a very hot spell at the moment which has meant the builders have been able to get on - although by late afternoon they were flagging due to the heat. The roof has virtually been finished today and they have now started installing the granite surrounds to the windows. I managed to get the foundation done, at the weekend, for the wall on the split level ground floor. Otherwise I have not been able to get much else done in the gite as it is impossible to get in there whilst the builders are here.

I have managed to get one or two other jobs done in the mean time. We acquired some concrete rabbit hutches which needed putting up. We have no intention of keeping rabbits, but the hutches are very useful to house hens with chickens or to isolate sick animals. Hopefully they will not have to be used for the latter. I have also been meaning to finish making a gate for a sheep pen in our other field and this afternoon managed to get that done. Tomorrow I'll get the gate hung.

Well it's off to heat the BBQ up as we are taking advantage of this lovely evening to dine outside.

Poor Nellie Grey

Posted By Rosie

Last night when I went to close the chicken house door I couldn't find 4 of the hens - 3 were in the toy shed but Nellie Grey was no-where to be found. I scouted around a few possible hiding places without luck so came in, hoping she had found a safe place for the night. Just after Simon and I had got to bed, Saari really started whimpering at the door so Simon went down and let her out, thinking perhaps she had a dickie tummy. She ran off, disturbed the cat but was back a few moments later - no barking, no rushing across the garden.

This morning, Simon went to start mixing cement and found poor Nellie Grey, the missing chicken, dead on the pile of sand. Our immediate reaction was fox but that idea was quickly dismissed as on closer inspection she appeared completely undamaged; there were no feathers scattered around and no obvious injuries. There was however blood and she seemed to have hemorrhaged internally.

Poor Nellie Grey - she was a lovely chicken - our only grey one, with a funny lopsided comb and beautiful markings. But to be honest she had never been popular with the other girls and if there was any pecking to be done it was Nellie who got it. But lately that had stopped and everyone seemed to have accepted her. We will probably never know why she died. She wasn't egg bound but perhaps a fox could have been around and she died of fright? Unlikely though, as Saari neither barked nor made chase and a fox would surely have come back and taken Nellie. She was quite fat (Nellie was always first out of the door in the morning and last to leave the feeding area) - fat birds can die of a heart attack but that would not really explain why the dog was whimpering so much (if that had anything to do with her death anyway).

Quel mystère.

That might explain things

Posted by Rosie

Remember poor Hilda and her infertile eggs? Well we think we may have worked out what went wrong. Harold, it would seem, is not a "Harold" after all, but another female. His, sorry - her face, did initially look like an immature drake but has stayed that way, not developing the typical alien-look of drakes. And the clincher - every morning for the last few days I have found him, I mean her, sitting on any available egg and hissing like a demonic female when I tried to move her.

So today a friend brought over a spare drake she had, complete with alien-looking face and we introduced him to "the girls". They huddled together like a couple of school-girls who had spotted a boy from the neighbouring school for the first time. Lots of the duck equivalent of giggling whilst he played it cool and went off and to have a bath. Harold - could of course remain Harold but I feel she needs to gain her true female identity as soon as possible: a bit of re-naming has thus taken place. Harold in now Matilda and the new, previously un-named drake is Harold (Mark II). May this threesome be very happy and may we hear the paddle of tiny webbed feet soon.

Continuing the subject of birds, their wild cousins are on the move as well. The swallows are gathering on the telegraph lines in preparation of their great flight South. I just hope the second brood our birds have raised in the toy shed will be big enough to survive this epic journey. Other birds have already started their migration and over the last few days I have spotted two migrants - on Saturday a black stork (the first I have ever seen and extremely rare in this region) and yesterday morning, on the way to school, an unmistakable hoopoe. I have only ever seen this fantastic bird in the Canary Islands and from quite a distance, so to see one on the telegraph wire here, so close, was a real treat. It must have been on it's way south from either the Cotentin Peninsula, north of us, or was one of the 100 or so birds that spend the summer in England. It was a rare and beautiful site and one I was glad to share with the boys.

But one question still bugs me. Just where did the swallows gather before the advent of telegraph lines?

P.S. This post was supposed to publish tomorrow but Blogger decided otherwise, hence 2 posts in one day you lucky readers!

Rain Stops Play

Posted by Simon

Unfortunately the rain did not stay away and the builders made frantic efforts to keep everything covered. It was one those days where it would stop, so they carried on, then it suddenly rained again and they covered up again. At lunch time they eventually stopped work on the roof, covered any gaps, and started work on making new holes for the windows. I'm surprised they stayed on the roof for so long as it must have been very slippery and with the wind very unpleasant.

Anyway they are progressing very well despite the weather, although I seem to be getting nowhere fast. When they started work in the gite I was in the way but did get a bit done in there. I think it will be easier for me to work at the weekend rather than get in the way of the builders.

And last night I did not sleep that well as I was concerned about the covers being blown off in the wind and could hear them flapping around. I had visions of me at three in the morning up on the roof trying to get it covered again. The covers did stay put but I'm now a little tired.

But getting to bed to night could be interesting because apart from new windows for the gite we are having one put in at the rear of our bedroom, for a future bathroom. So there is plastic sheeting and dust covers everywhere so finding my way in may be an adventure!

Typical Labrador Pose

Posted by Simon


Well the weather is changing. The rain is on it's way and the wind is gusting. This is what we really need whilst the roof is being worked on. The builders are taking great care and are only removing a section of tiles at a time. This evening, before they left, they covered the gap with tarpaulins but I'm not sure they are going to last the night, as some of the gusts have been quite strong. We'll wait and see.

I've, eventually, finished helping the neighbour fill in their pond, a week later than planned. The digger ended up needing the Hydraulic Ram completely rebuilt - all ending up rather expensive - but is at least fully operational again. So I'm hoping I can progress with the gite again.

And we have assured the builders that we fed dogs - honest.

I need rain - just not today!!

Posted by Rosie

Here in sunny Calvados we have not had any rain for several weeks now - the water butts and well are dry, I'm fed up with watering the polytunnel and it is a long way from the water tank by the house to the pigs who insist on up-ending their water bucket several times a day. The veg patch is looking very tired and all in all I need a really good downpour to put things right .......... just not today!

Why?

This is why:










The builders are in taking off the roof tiles and replacing the rusted hooks and when that is done they will be opening up three holes for new windows. Yesterday, as they took the tiles off, it was glorious sunshine, today as the gite stands there somewhat bear above, rain is forecast. So I am very glad to see there are four men here, working at great speed to get the job done. Hopefully we will have a roof covering before the rain arrives - if the rain arrives!!