Stephen & Madeleine Kear's Holiday Gites In France

After Stephen's exhausting years and demanding schedules as a violinist in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra we left it all behind us to run idyllic gites in the Gartempe Valley, La Vienne, France.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Protracted adolescence, Busted and further showers

You know you are suffering from some kind of middle-age crisis when you reach for your children's CD's to listen to while doing the ironing and cleaning and at the same time have fantasies about learning to play the drums and joining a rock group. Whilst doing these most irksome tasks I listened to 'Pink' and then 'Busted' - an album greatly loved in this household about five years ago and one which conjurs up friends much missed from London and what now feels like a different life from a long time ago...

'so she may be thirty-three but that doesn't bother me...
that's what I go to school for...'

Yes, well, it's a good job I do as little cleaning and ironing as is sanitarily possible.

On a more grown up note the marigolds are doing very well and slug pellets are doing the job of keeping off the snails - well killing them actually - while this wet showery weather continues. Lulled into a coma like state by the boredom of cleaning I quickly in between showers jumped into the pool and rather cruelly enticed Stephen to join me for a swim by telling him it was simply wonderfully warm - which it wasn't. But the cold water did stave off the dreaded sense of cleaning fatigue and was revigorating and refreshing. Stephen has vacuumed and cleaned the pool and its looking spectacular. Everything is growing like mad.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Scones in France, Marigolds and Wigwams

I managed to strike a deal with one of the kind ladies I work for in La Bussiere. Last week I brought her some of my zinnias. This week after my morning of work at her house she gave me some of her Marigolds which I dutifully planted out on my arrival home. Wednesdays are never a very profitable day - the girls have only a half day at school and then we go to Montmorillon for music lessons so we never manage to get a lot done. But we did manage a serving of scones at tea rooms run by an englishwoman called Kim which overlook a very picturesque part of the river. This evening I erected the wigwam for my sweet peas. We both worked late in the garden and ended up barbequing sausages for a quick dinner at about 10pm. We sat outside in the company of Maggie and Avalanche, our dogs, Ollie, the cat - and a rather sweet fat old toad. And I'm not talking about Stephen.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Rain, water butts and a tribute

Due to the computer being hospitalised after a microsoft word crash we have been unable to add to the blog recently. But we're back in action and after some much needed heavy rain the garden is looking wonderful and the vegetables are growing at a fast rate. Yesterday we ate another of our delicious lettuces. As a measure to conserve water we bought some butts and now have the capacity to trap 1400 litres of rain water. They are all full to the brim after recent heavy rain and will come in handy when the next bought of hot weather strikes. Even though it has been less hot I have had a few swims in the pool being a stickler for cold water emersion therapy or 'one hell of a good way to wake up' treatment. The temperature of the water has dropped to below 70 degrees due to the cooler weather but a good cold water swim does wonders for the metabolism and clears a lot of cobwebs. Some mornings the sun has come out and it has been really beautiful with the quietness all around and the greenness of trees and grass and the occaisional swooping swallow.

On a very much sadder note I went to the funeral on saturday of a much loved local member of Antigny's community - Jean Maitre - who died last week aged 64 after a struggle with cancer. Jean and his wife Paulette gave us a warm welcome when we arrived in Antigny and quickly became friends. Jean was in charge of the local walking group called the godillots (walking boots) and devoted much of his time organising walks and events including the yearly randonee which involved the entire community in a walk with either horses, bikes or on foot. He had time for everyone and was good natured, good humoured, kind and intelligent. He was a volunteer chairman of the ADMR - the association I work for which supplies care for the elderly in the community and gave tireless support to that cause. The funeral was held in Antigny's local church which has recently had its medieval frescoes beautifully restored and the entire community paid tribute to Jean even following him to his final resting place at the cemetry and each person throwing a rose into his grave. It was both a sad but very moving experience and this small community will never be the same without his presence. He will be greatly missed.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

GM crops and voracious caterpillars

The main news dominating the headlines today is the rejection yesterday of a law supporting genetically modified crops which the right tried to pass in the assembly but which was thwarted by the left. People here in general are suspicious of genetically modified crops and not wholly convinced of their benefit. It is also not known what effects on the environment in the longterm these crops might have which adds to the public's reluctance to adopt suh practices. Here they are less advanced with the production of these crops as they are in UK where laws were slipped in without much publc consultation. Part of the left's opposition is the belief that the french public should be given a vote as to whether they want genetically modified crops or not.

Oher headlines more pertinent to local affairs was the unity of teachers who congregated at Poitiers with parents at the proposed cuts to local schools and colleges. Many small village schools are under threat and many local teaching posts are set to be culled. This will have a disastrous effect on education in the area.

Finally an even more local story which reports of the return of a voracious leaf eating caterpillar called la chenille bombyx disparate which last year managed to deleaf 3000 hectares of woods mainly around Chauvigny and including our local commune of Antigny!! He's hairy and scary!!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

La Faye - the abandoned hamlet

We are frequently asked about the history of the hamlet La Faye by our visitors who are curious about its quietness and isolation. La Faye is full of derelict houses in a ruinous state - in some ways it is a ghost hamlet. Which is why its such a haven for animals and wildlife and for guests seeking refuge from busy overcrowded cities. The geography of the hamlet gives away part of its own story. Apart from the derelict houses one can find an old disused well and the small stone building that houses the bread oven where locals brought their bread to bake. Up until the 60s this was a thriving community of farming people who kept livestock and small cereal crops. Now the huge fields of rape, wheat, maize and sunflower surrounding us give a clue to the changes in farming where large cereal crops in the main are the most profitable for the agriculturers who continually diminish the woods and copses in order to attain more land.

Local people, however, recall La Faye. Dances in our own house after the harvest and a life that has now completely disappeared. In one of the barns here a German soldier was captured and lived out the days until the war finished working on the land before he went back home. There was active resistance in this area against the nazis - the Vichy border is only a few kilometres away. It is hard to imagine that somewere so peaceful and gentle was occupied and under seige. The lists of dead in Antigny's church show the first world war took many young men away. If one thinks of all the small places like this and how many there are and that each suffered loses then the scale of loss can be imagined.

Today some of the news as focused on the troubled history of Algeria and the hurt that still remains regarding that most bitter war. May 13th 1958 is a date with a kind of commemorative power but too turbulent to celebrate as a public holiday. Protesters took to the streets today to publically show their anger at missing loved ones - people who completely disappeared and were never again to be found.

Monday, May 12, 2008

pentecost tornedoes earthquakes and cyclones

We are feeling subdued due to latest news from China regarding the devastation of the southwest from the massive earthquake today. With that and the troubles in Burma and America with naural disasters we count ourselves lucky to have such a relatively stable climate. Another hot day and more swimming after a hard day pruning and clearing out borders. It was yet another bank holiday here due to it being Pentecost so that completes the May holidays of which there are many. The clouds have gathered and we hope for some rain and thunder is rumbling in the distance - the garden is very dry and in need of some good watering.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

sun, swimming and cycling

Today the temperature reached late 20's - and that was in the shade. It was glorious and a real taste of summer. It was a good thing that Stephen vacuumed the pool and gave it a thorough clean as we were all desperate for a swim. After strimmimg I went in at about 7pm and it was simply fantastic. I will be back to my early morning swims tomorrow morning. After eating I took Avalanche out for a run alongside my bike. It was just as the sun was setting so the sky was full of different colours. I saw hares and deer and owls - it was really beautiful. The rape is now seeded but the wheat is at its best. The roadsides have bursts of oxe-eye daisies in patches which are so pretty. The air here is so clean and healthy - it was a real pleasure to get outdoors. When I got near to the house the moon was out and in the distance were some flashes of lightening but as yet there is no sign of much needed rain.

Yesterday we went Poitiers to do some clothes shopping - a quite rare event in this household!! We didn't go to the beautiful centre unfortunately which has some wonderful medieval and renaissance quarters and some elegant cafes and shops but at the children's request hit the huge hypermarket stores on the outskirts. However, everyone got what they wanted and was happy at the end.

Had a visit from our Russian friend Rita and Alicia and their friend Irena. They are here in Antigny for a short weekend visit and came to have some tea and cake with us. They were impressed with all the changes in the property - the new gite and the garden. 'Paradise' they said. It was good to know that people think it is looking good. But it is all looking stunning at the moment and after such a long winter it is such a joy to at last be outdoors.

Friday, May 09, 2008

more sunburn, solar heating, sensible turkeys and pond life

It was so hot on Thursday bank holiday - (8th May which celebrates the defeat of the Germans in 1945) - that we are all looking very burnt. The french call it vanille-fraise when you have the effect of white skin alongside red skin. The pool has been filled and is looking wonderful. Sadly yesterday we couldn't swim because the water is still in the process of getting to the correct PH balance. The solar panel is on now for the year and the woodburner is off. Teresa has been removed fom the nest and thankfully she seems to have recovered from her obsession with hatching eggs. Several interesting frogs and toads have appeared in our pond as has a shy newt. Everything is growing so quickly the landscape is changing every day. We have had some more bookings and look forward to welcoming people very soon in the gite. Our facebook offer is appealing to several people who like the idea of getting a way for a relaxing and pleasant break in the middle of beautiful unspoilt countryside. The rape is going to seed now which is always a pity as the yellow disappears so quickly. The wheat ears are growing. It's a beautiful crop as it moves so fluidly when the wind blows and it has so many different shades of green. Tomorrow Poitiers and the shops - just for a change!

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

handy french terms

but - goal
Vous plaisantez - you're joking!
J'ai aucune ideé - I have no idea
impots - tax
la dinde refuse quitter le nid - the turkey wont leave the nest
grisaille - overcast
je suis arrivé a completer l'impot - I have finished the tax
bourlinguer - to get around a lot
dingue - crazy!
con! - bloody stupid!

Monday, May 05, 2008

Redbush Tea, Kylie and Thyme

After dropping the offspring at school I drove to La Bussiere (10 kms out of Saint Savin) where I look after some very kind people. I inevitably talk about food when I'm there because Madame Renard may have some difficulties getting about but she manages to be an excellent cook and her house is always full of the odour of bonne cuisine. After discussing the merits of thyme when added to sauces, meat dishes and soups she scuttled out with her zimmerframe specifically to dig some up for me to take home and plant. It's no wonder I always leave there hungry but in a happy mood.

After the weekend's spectacular weather today was overcast and humid and I abandoned the garden to finally confront the dreaded tax. It was a welcome distraction from boring paperwork to receive a visit from our friend Chantal and her sister Beatrice who inspected the progress of the potager and garden and were suitably impressed with what has been done. I introduced them to redbush tea and in my indequate french attempted to explain the books of Alexander Mccall Smith and Botswanese Mama Ramotswe and her ladies detective agency in Gaborone and the reason why this tea has now become so popular in the UK. It was one of those many moments since our arrival here when I wished I had never opened my mouth. However confused they were, though, the tea was greatly appreciated.

I restrained myself from visiting Teresa for fear I'm becoming somewhat obsessed. I did survey the chickens a couple of times from a distance when fleeing from the tax and Teresa was nowhere to be seen which means she must still be sat in the nesting box on her now defunct and empty nest. As much as I was trying not to worry about this I am obviously concerned. I don't know whether psychological therapy would be a good thing for her - or for me.

I am pleased as a native to Australia that the French have bestowed an honour on our Kylie. She is hugely popular here and always gets our household vote.

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Sunburn Friends and Birdsong

uThis weekend temperatures soared. We have the sunburn to prove it. From such arctic conditions last week it suddenly became too hot to work in the garden. We planted out leeks, lettuce and tomatoes and even they looked uncomfortable by the end of the day. The ground has dried and the weeds seem to be baked in clay - making hoeing hard, sweaty work. We tried to get the rotivator going but it wasn't being co-operative. Our friends Philippe and Manu came up to try and help fix it but to no avail. So at seven o'clock we had no choice but to open a bottle of chilled Aligote white and sit outdoors and chat. It was such a pleasure to be sat out of an evening and to be with friends. Our days are lengthening, giving us all such wonderful and much needed light. We have stunning sunsets here all through the year - the colours are remarkable and so varied. The sky is a completely domed - you can see all around you to the horizon without any visual interruption. Our friends from England who came to visit us recently remarked on the birdsong which they found really wonderful. The bird life here is certainly healthy and exuberant and likes to let you know about it!!

Teresa has been forcibly removed from her nest and the eggs destroyed. The henhouse was begining to reek even more unpleasantly than usual and one egg had glued itself to her underside feathers. She is still sitting in the box, however, looking somewhat shell-shocked and giving us such sorrowful looks we are feeling like criminals. We brought her food and water - the poor thing was horribly thirsty. We will get her a partner (she did have one but he died last year) and let her do some of her nesting next year with her own eggs. She is a worry.

Next week we fill the pool. Today we all felt like having a swim to cool us down.

Friday, May 02, 2008

pumpkins and bio-fuel

A superb day - no rain at all and it was warm and balmy. The bees were so busy at the front of the house where the ceanothus is in full bloom the air was humming. We are lucky to have masses of bumblebees here. They are enormous and very beautiful. The road sides are full of buttercups and forget-me-nots at the moment. The rape crops are at their best - the air is thick with their sweet smell. The smell will soon not be so pleasant! We notice there are a lot more rape crops this year - far less wheat. It appears this is to serve the agricultural bio-fuel craze. I see the price of the daily baguette rising as wheat crops become more scarce...

One of my elderly friends who is a keen gardener told me as a child he remembers they always planted pumpkins on the fourth of May. I thought I would give it a try this year. Like many of these customs he could offer no good reason why this particular date was chosen but remembers clearly that it was what they did. At 89 his vegetable garden puts ours to shame as far as weed management and neatness is concerned. The vegetable gardens (potagers) are something of a work of art in this area.

Teresa is still on the eggs...

The valley of the monkeys (le valley des singes) in Romaine is one of our major tourist attractions and is celebrating 10 years. It is a wonderful place where several rare species of monkeys thrive in happy conditions and is a great favourite with our family and many of our friends. Recently a seventh gorilla baby was born through their captive breeding programme. It is well worth a visit and in celebration of their 10th anniversary this year will be full of activities and attractions.

Thursday, May 01, 2008

the worker's holiday

'le premier mai' seemed to be on the mind of most of my elderly people I saw today who told me I shouldn't be at work. It is, of course, a paid holiday for workers. I asked about the significance of the bunches of lily of the valley that many display in their houses at this time. It has become synonymous with this 'jour de fete' but no-one can quite tell me why. It is supposed to bring 'bonheur' - good luck - I was told, so I was pleased when one of the ladies I work for gave me a bunch from her garden to take home. In the Macaron shop in Montmorillon (the most wonderful speciality chocolate and macaron shop) they had all sorts of ornate chocolate and sweet parcels adorned with lily of the valley so Mayday is marked here by not just a holiday but the lily of the valley flower and an acknowledgement that this working person's holiday really is something to celebrate and appreciate.

The planting continues as does the effort to battle the weeds. Today was calmer but with continual showers amidst sunshine and was good gardening weather.

I wasn't going to bring the subject of Teresa up ... but - well - she's still sitting on the nest and wont budge.