Summer camp at Aucun

  On Thursday we returned home from the camp des  Aines at Aucun. We had a splendid ten days seeing most of our old friends and enjoying tasty meals we didn't have to cook. The weather was fine most of the time, if a little hot at times, and we were able to take several strolls with the two dogs, which we took with us. Ian looked after the remaining livestock, so we had no worries about them.
  The van ran well, using very little fuel for a comfortable vehicle, it shows little wear for the very considerable mileage covered, never shows any sign of giving up, despite the high temperatures outside. It's been baking hot since our return, though we had a heavy shower this morning, while I was walking the dogs, with thunder which much alarmed the dogs so they turned tail and ran back to the van.. The sun came out almost straight after, most changeable weather.
  Bye for now having afternoon tea and brioche.

Excellent news

We recently visited our cardiologist and our bowel specialists. In both cases, we were given a clean bill of health and told they didn't need to see us for a year! We were both overjoyed, and returned home rejoicing.
   Kim is at present en route to the U k to visit the family, especially the grandchildren, she is very nervous, as she doesn't like flying... I hope to contact her soon to see if she had a pleasant flight.

Bye for now.

Good news from Niort hospital

  I spent a week in Niort hospital after having my illiostomy bag removed and my small intestine reconnected, a much shorter op than the removal of my cancerous rectum. Kim visited every day, which mad her very tired. Aft r a blood test, it was confirmed that no further treatment would be necessary, terrific news!

Christmas at Lille

  As is our habit, we went to visit our friends in the north. However, we broke our journey near Orleans at the gate managed by Laeticia, the Pasteur at Matha. The gite is spacious and luxurious and the dogs are allowed in, although not on the furniture! We take in their car rug so as they can lie down.
  The next morning, we drove on to Wattignies, to Cecile and Patrick's large house. We had hesitated to go, as Cecile was really not well, having lost the hearing in her left ear and suffered from vertigo but Patrick had insisted on our coming, as he was on leave , and Elise and Dimitry were also there to help with the copious meals cooked by Eric. We ate loads of delicious food and must have gained pounds. The Gilets Jaunes didn't hold us up much , about five minutes near Orleans, so we had an uneventful trip, despite rain and fog patches.
  Coming back, we did the trip in one day, arriving back home tired out and went straight to bed. The animals had been cared for by Agnes and Phllipe and seemed pleased to see us back. Settling down to warming the house by stoking up the fire...A smashing way to spend Christmas. I forgot to say we went to early Mass on Christmas Eve at St Lamberts church which we both enjoyed very much.

Christmas greetings to all my readers

.   I would like to extend to all my readers my heartfelt good wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! I will send a further blog later to say how we spent the festive season.

A fantastic visit to Ark79

.  On Tuesday we visited the Ark79 shop at Ste Soline, which Hope had said was closed. It was absolutely packed, all Emma's faithful clients had heard the news that the shop was in fact open, widely spread on line, and here was a line of people carrying in new stock and departing with their purchases. We came away with several items as usual, most satisfactory. Kim in particular was delighted with her new duffel coat. A glass of free fizz plus a nibble was on offer and Emma confirmed that she had restocked the shop. So pleased to hear and how dismayed Hope must be! All the doors and windows removed by Hope had been replaced and repainted and the shop was as good as new. A most satisfactory result!

Good News!

  This morning, we attended an appointment with the surgeon , who had carried out my operation to cut out the cancer from my lower bowel and create a stoma. We went with some apprehension but in the event, he gave us the news that all was clear and there would be no need for any further treatment.  My plumbing can be reconnected early in the new year and the stoma closed up. We could scarcely believe how lucky we have been! The operation will require a weeks stay in hospital but after that I will be as good as new.
   We celebrated with a cup of coffee in the tea shop before making the necessary arrangements and driving home rejoicing.