Christmas 2009

My first Christmas day at Enmatte and thanks to one plumber prepared to be late for his family festive celebrations we have a working cooking stove in the main house giving us oodles of hot water, a warm house. It was great to steam the pudding on the hob and I’m looking forward to using the oven. We are all busy learning how to manage the fire –the technique seems to be lots of flame. It all seems a little unnecessary in today’s warm sunshine but will be very welcome as darkness descends. 

and then it snowed ..

The forecast was correct- we have a light dusting of snow and at just past 1pm the sun is starting the meltdown. From a comfy vantage point in the stables, close to the burner, I can see blackbirds and blue tits enjoying the red and yellow pyracantha berries. Its a day for inside work, my jobs include putting the almomd paste on the Christmas Cake and the challenge of making madeleines that don't stick to the pan!

Returning in December

Its great to be back here once again -there's lots of changes, its rather cold and snow could be on its way. The two front rooms are now one great space with the hall an intergral part of the house and on Monday we are promised the fitting of the burner!! Paul and Tracey's space is very cosy with their new burner: it sits in the middle of the lower stables and rotates -very posh and an example of how the very modern goes well with the very old. Upstairs now has a wooden underfloor without holes to possibly fall down and a cupboard for the hot water tank.

The chai is doing well as a temporary kitchen -and I'm looking forward to some baking tomorrow and sharing cooking festive meals with Paul. James arrives on the 24th thanks to a rebooked flight with easyjet.

Dagga, Cookie and I went for long walk in the sunshine this morning, we could see Paul's bonfire of the old wood from miles away -he is busy transforming the 'builders yard' into a garden (again).

... and we are all thinking of John on this special day. He would have so enjoyed sharing all this with us -we miss you so much and its wonderful that your DIY genes (amongst others) live on.

Absent but ....

Well. Marilyn is in England but has news that the burner has now been installed in the stables and beams have been found for the work at the front of the house. The main event here was Bev and Andy's wedding - such a happy, fun time by the sea and in the sea for some of us! Lots of photos on James web albums.

Time to leave for a while ..

Its been a wonderful summer here for me: family, friends, sun, sun and more sun. Plus places to walk,, Sunday village fetes and car boot sales, and so much done in this wonderful house. All have inspired quite a few poems -material to be workshopped with my new seminar group this term and at Mole Valley Poets. My room is all but empty -just the bed for one more sleep and ,of course, the indispensible internet radio left now. I've grown fond of the patchy plaster, dreadful lighting, and continued dust and have done some good work here. That said, I look forward to moving into the first floor space -perhaps this time next year? And to making this room with its fresh lime plaster. new floorboards and ceiling into a room for more friends to enjoy when they visit. Now I leave this blog in others' hands until I return in December.

Moving out and in

We are nearly there with the move out of the front of the house ready for the last of the major building work and installation of the burners ... and the hot, dry weather continues. Fingers crossed that when the rain eventually comes its the gentle sort that will soak the hard cracked clay. School has started so Tracey is back at work, Viv has been here for a few days now and is planning to drive back to UK on Monday. Sadly, I also leave then but I'll be back early in December.

Lectoure Firework Festival

From Lectoure Fireworks 2009

A short drive to Lectoure - normally famous for being only blue - but tonight many colours would light up the sky... At least that was the plan. Viewing the fireworks from above the stadium where the fire show was taking place lead to a different view – still fairly impressive. And being able to sit and eat pizza and watch the display for free was a pleasant way to spend a late summer eve. I even managed to capture some of the firework effects – but the noise is missing – even from the distance of the city ramparts each burst of light was accompanied by a bang…