My, how tempus fugits. It's a week ago already that I waved au revoir to Georgie and Helen at Limoges airport after their long week-end visit. They'd popped over to celebrate their birthdays (two days apart) but unfortunately Donnie couldn't make it due to nasty work commitments. Crikey, they were lucky with the weather. Brilliant sunshine for four out of five days. We were even able to have breakfast outdoors. Unheard of for mid-October. Nights were chilly though. Especially for Helen up in the loft. Needed an ice-pick to get her out of bed on the first morning. So we decided to go on a shopping expedition to Aubusson in search of an electric blanket.

Raided a few shops and drew a blank. Maybe the French don't use 'leccy blankets. Then tried a couple of biggish supermarkets. No luck. Then tried a 'leccy shop on the edge of town. Re-emerged in semi-triumph clutching a hot water bottle. Having thus solved the problem of keeping Helen alive at night, we didn't really need to continue our search. But continue we did. We had one shot left: a tiny shop in the middle of Aubusson. Bingo! Spotted one in the window. A double sized one for sixty quid. Bit pricey but needs must. Went inside and asked if they had a single. Lady disappeared out the back and came back with exactly what we'd been searching for. Mission accomplished.

Later that evening, assisted by the French-English dictionary, Georgie read the 'use of blanket' instructions. Apparently it seemed to be an overblanket. Far as I was concerned, this made no difference. Just stick it under the bottom sheet and underblanket as normal. However, the girls seemed somewhat concerned that this might result in Helen being roasted alive due to body pressure compressing wiring - all too technical pour moi. In the end Helen decided to just sling it under the duvet but above the bottom sheet for half an hour before beddy-bos. Worked a treat, with the aid of the hot water bottle. Does anyone know the ins and out of 'leccy overblankets versus underblankets? Maybe it's not designed for beds after all. Maybe it's intended for old people to sling over their knees when watching telly. Must admit I'm a complete novice in such matters.

Anyway, I digress (as usual).

For Georgie's birthday we took things easy. Very relaxing day just pottering. Had planned on booking a table for dinner at the 'Lion d'Or' restaurant in Aubusson (highly recommended by Monsieur Petit the local insurance agent who is a gastronomic expert, despite being spotted doing a six hour shift barbecuing sausages in blisteringly hot conditions at Felletin's recent antiques market day - a nightmare experience that not only turned him into a shadow of his former self but also put him off sausages for life), but, that night, they were having a special six course nosh-up costing 35 euros which would probably last five or six hours and result in a doubling of Georgie's body weight. Also, garlic snails were on the menu. Personally, I love 'em but Georgie doesn't. So, instead, we decided to just stroll the streets of Aubusson and see what happened. Ended up grabbing the last table at the very pleasant gallette (pancake) restaurant up one of the back alleys. Had a marvellous meal and a splendid time (see photo on exiting said restaurant). Driving back through Aubusson and Felletin at about 11pm on a Saturday night, we were quite amazed at how few lights were on. Everyone goes to bed at about nine. Either that or they have very heavy curtains.

P1030779

For Helen's birthday we had a day trip to Lac Vassiviere. Took a Thermos and the dogs. Lovely day; bright, warm sunshine. In the middle of the lake, there's an island with a chateau, a caff and a modern art gallery (well worth a visit). The girls visited the gallery while I walked the dogs outside. Apparently the exhibition featured works by some architect. Not exactly my tasse de the (pronounced 'tay' but I don't know where the accents are). Then we all sauntered around the woods checking out various modern art thingies. Jock insisted on wee-ing on most of 'em. An excellent judge. Perhaps the most interesting exhibit was an Andy Goldsworthy curved rock wall structure (circa mid-'80s?) at the water's edge. Well it would have been at the water's edge had the water level not dropped twenty feet, thereby leaving the wall thirty yards inland. Rain sorely needed. Would have taken some stupendous photos but..., left camera at home.

Next day, Limoges airport. As I said at the start, that was a week ago. Seems longer.