The mild winter continues here in the Ariege!
We have been busy this month starting a major renovation project on the old stables at the back of the house which were in danger of falling down. We are planning to open up the area, put on a new roof and then concrete the floor to create an alternative outdoor sitting and cooking area. This side of the house benefits from the evening sun, so it should be lovely when finished. Photos of progress so far are in our album - just one joint album this month.
Because of the mild weather we haven't been out snow-shoeing very often this winter, but did enjoy one lovely day with friends last week on the ridge above Foix. It might not look it, but it was warm enough for just t-shirts!
Our joint album for this month
I am having a few problems understanding how to use the new 'Google photos'.....so if the link doesn't work on your device, please let me know!
Quite a few snowy pictures this month - but in actual fact the white stuff has been rather thin on the ground as it has been generally so mild and dry this winter. We enjoyed a short snow shoe walk a couple of weeks ago soon after a fresh fall of snow, but we had to go quite high to find it!
We have just returned from a great week skiing in Andorra. The slopes there are so well groomed that the ski area was almost fully open, but they are hoping for more snow soon as its getting very hard and a bit thin in places. However, we couldn't complain as we enjoyed 8 days of skiing under blue skies and with a lot of warmth in the sun. It was more like spring than the end of January!!
Here are our albums for January
Lesley's album
Dave's album
As the end of the year draws near we have decided to send out our blog early. We return to England on Thursday for Christmas and will be back here in France for the New Year.
Here are our albums for November and December.
Best wishes to everyone for Christmas and the New Year
Lesley's album
Dave's album
Well its been a busy and eventful month. We have sold our house in Maidenhead and have just been back there for a busy weekend of packing and organising. This is Lucy's piano being carefully maneuvered onto the removal lorry. Lucy is planning on installing a new digital version in her new home, but we didn't wish to say goodbye to this one after 20 years of service - so its coming to France!!
With all that has been going on, we only have a handful of photos between us this month, so will add them to our December albums. We have enjoyed wonderfully sunny and warm weather down here in November, until just before the end of the month when temperatures plummeted and it didnt stop raining for over 2 days. This fell as snow on the mountains so the ski season has had a good start so far!
We would like to wish everyone a peaceful and merry festive season
Lesley and Dave
We have just returned from a stay in England to spend some time with the family and to sort out our house in Priors Way, which is on the market. During the drive back through France and also here in England we remarked how vibrant the autumn colours are everywhere this year - the best for years!
It has been another busy month, but we did enjoy a few days holiday with friends Julia and Peter at their villa in Spain, and have also fitted in a couple of local walks.
There is no sign of an early snowfall just yet this year - the weather has been mostly dry, warm and sunny!
Here are our albums for October
Lesley's Album
Dave's album
Lots of photos to choose from this month!
We had a few days holiday camping near St Tropez at the beginning of the month. It was busier and more built up than when were last there over 20 years ago(!!) but there was also a lot that hadn't changed - and we still love St Tropez!!
We also enjoyed visits from Clive and Sue and friends in England, and several walks in the mountains.
The garden is producing lots of lovely tomatoes - so we have also been busy stocking the freezer with sauces, soup and chutney
Here are our albums for this month
Dave's album
Lesley's album
Busy busy month! Lots of guests and meals, but all good fun!
The weather has been mixed - some lovely warm sunny days interspersed with a few wet and unusually cool ones. The grass has regained its green-ness anyway!
Struggling a bit for different photos this month - maybe Dave has a few more interesting ones up his sleeve - I haven't seen his album yet!!
We have enjoyed a couple of days out - and some good evenings with friends as well.
However the days are drawing in already. The summer soon flies by - but the Autumn here is lovely as well!
Am writing this on the 25th - am back to England for a few days on Thursday, then we are planning a camping trip near St Tropez next week, which we will look forward to.
Here are our albums for August
Lesley's album
Dave's album
