It's not that far away now; our little hide-away cottage is calling us, and we're 'champing at the bit' ready to go.
Our gardener will have made sure that everything is in good order, so it remains for us to open the pool, dust-down the BBQ, and once we've visited our nearest Leclerc supermarket to re-stock, we'll be ready to relax and enjoy ourselves (which we do back in Brighton as well).
I love our little cottage, it has everything I want in a home. It is very old, built of stone, and still contains all those features from when it was built 300 years ago. It overlooks beautiful open countryside, and the woods are home to plenty of delicious mushrooms. Lovely.
Sadly we have some very annoying new neighbours but we shall do our best to ignore them. That wonderful feeling of camaraderie that we knew for over 50 years has now gone, and has been replaced by a feeling of tension. These people should not have left their urban homes. They have no idea about country life. We were warned about the worst of them before he arrived; those warnings have proved to be correct.
I do have some concerns about our visit. My mobility problems have not gone away, and although I finding driving OK, I'm not sure how it will be over 700 kms. We shall see.
Rory, our ride-on mower, has been serviced and is ready to go. The drive belt was slipping at the end of last summer but now is fixed, and the cutter blades have been replaced. I can hardly wait; my big toy is ready and waiting for me.
Hope you have a peaceful summer in France. We payed a visit to our park, Darley Park .Its next to the river Derwent. Later in the afternoon there was the sound of cricket being played on the other side of the river. Felt like high summer already.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful here this morning, we even slept with our big bedroom glazed double-doors open last night. So refreshing.
DeleteBack in 1985, my brother Paul and his wife bought an old school residence near a rural crossroads in County Clare, Ireland. They did it up and for the first few years lived there peacefully and happily. Then somebody bought the old school that was twenty five yards away and started to do that up. It was a rich French couple from Paris. Though the old school was just a holiday home for them, their presence created tensions that were not there before. The list of issues was long including many complaints about noise, parking and property boundaries. The French were in Ireland but not in Ireland if you see what I mean - they didn't want to fit in or be part of the local community apart from playing golf at Lahinch.
ReplyDeleteI cannot understand why anyone would chose to live somewhere, then be determined to make themselves disliked; or worse. It doesn't make sense, yet it happens!
DeleteEnjoy - I know you will.
ReplyDeleteWe will.
DeleteThe older I get, the more I find myself breaking long drives into shorter bits, taking three days to cover what I used to do in two (or one.) It is okay, it has taken us decades to earn these battle scars.
ReplyDeleteWe do the 700 Kms in two goes. 350 Kms in one day is enough! It may even prove to be too much, we'll see.
DeleteI enjoy this part of your blog SO much. Your ideal place would also be mine.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could find/hire someone to drive you there OR a son/wife or grandson and friend may be willing. It could be enjoyable for them. They could stay with you ,help open the pool,swim and whatever else you may need help with ,then be off to further adventures. Enjoy a steak from the grill with wine. You know how you like to do things like that.
Shop with grandfather/father see how the other half lives(the elderly).
I think , I may even now offer you my services,I have made it sound so good. And it will be, no doubt. Let me look into fares/flights ...what date would we leave?
We will be having visitors this summer, and I have had offers of help with the trip. However I really want to do it at least one more time by myself. If in the future..... !
DeleteI thought you were off on your travels. You would always be very welcome to join us.
We have no set plans that is the great thing. We hope to be wandering and discovering. But won't be connecting to my usual reading blogs on internet, may need it to look up places we plan to head to, but not with a desktop(set place) to be. We do hope to be on the road shortly, just wanted to give you a heads up before, I am without my desktop and info on it. Hugs. If I happen to get to computer where I have time and can find you on it. I will check in.
ReplyDeleteIf not, I do hope you and Lady M. a very pleasant trip...even if it takes 2 stops on the way. And enjoy the rest of your life. I am planning on new adventures and lots of learning a new person.
I forgot, love to you my dear friend, I have never met, but consider you a friend and I feel you consider me your friend,as well!
DeleteI certainly do. You are one of my most pleasant commentators, and I always look forward to your visits. Don't quit for good; I would miss you! xx
DeleteHere, let us dream. Your neighbor sells for a price I can afford we could visit have grill outs swim to our hearts content and you could have benefit of the orchard and come visit us when you wished and are living out of country for the admonishment of living in one place to long. Stay with us as long as you need then return to Brighton when you wished. We could shop together prepare meals together you could show me all the best places in France you go to. Doesn't that sound like the ideal life! Yes, yes it does. So we dream so it may happen. I so enjoy your blog.
DeleteIf only! I dream of him moving and being replaced by someone more pleasant. But, I suspect it will remain just a dream.
DeleteNever say never. If not me then I hope someone who is kind and loving moves next to you . I have the feeling he won't stay, doesn't sound his "cup of tea" and he isn't happy there.
DeleteIf you see it go up for sale, choose your neighbor , have them in mind already and as soon as it goes up for sale contact them. I am serious. The best to you and Lady M. I am trusting her to make you mind!
A few extra stops might make the long trip to France easier. A cold drink or coffee/tea and a bit of fresh air along the way can be enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteA new neighbor can disrupt the once very pleasant atmosphere. They usually don't stay long term. There is hope!
One of our new neighbours is so completely out of his depth, that we wouldn't be at all surprised if he sells-up quite soon. Tant mieux!
DeleteThe anticipation is just as enjoyable as the arriving. Wine to be bought, mushrooms to find. All those wonderful pates bread and olives. Glad to hear you're going again
ReplyDeleteYes, we're really looking forward to it now. It's quite hot here today. I'm wearing shorts, and have cleaned all the windows. What a good boy I am.
DeleteYour 'hide away cottage' is calling I'm sure. Sounds wonderful to have a place to go for a bit and enjoy. If we won the lottery (which we can't because we never play) I'd love to have a vacation home to visit when the Texas heat arrives. Enjoy your summer and continue to share with us here!
ReplyDeleteYes, you can't get rid of me, I continue daily in France as well. The lovely weather we're having is making me long for our pool.
DeleteCro, on that long drive, do make certain to stop every 1-2 hours and walk around for a few minutes. You'll recover more quickly from so much sitting.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was planning to do that. After driving for a while, my hips do tend to seize-up a bit. A short spell of exercise usually does the job!
Delete