More Dremont

More views of the farm at Dremont.

There is a pool and under the little roof, visible in the top photo, a lavoir. I was asked what the English was for that, but I just think such a thing wouldn't exist. Except I suppose in the days of a wash house and privy in the backyard of communal houses, but not a purpose-built pool. There are various statues around the place too, as it seems there was once a religious order living there. We do recommend a visit, for yourself and to encourage our friends.

Adventure in France

We have just got back from a free-wheeling holiday in France. Well, relatively. HoF wanted a trip where nothing would be booked and we'd just wander down to the med, gipsy-fashion. But in reality he likes to be rather more in control than that. So we booked some Formula Ones for cheap stays and splashed out on rather more attractive surroundings by staying with this old friend who is a farmer and runs a B&B in mid-France. We do recommend it, so look up Domaine de Dremont, next time you fancy a holiday in France. Although it is a B&B there is also a kitchen so you can self-cater for the rest of your meals which balances the costs. It is a beautiful area, rather like Herefordshire. They are near the pilgrim route to Santiago di Compostella, so plenty of walks and beautful towns and villages to see.

Another Saga event

I'm way behind with blog. I got caught by the message about secure and non-secure items and so my bloggings failed abnd I rather gave up. So now for a big catch-up when I can find time. This photo is from a Saga Day goodness knows how long ago, I rather lose track of dates. We went to Gloucester Cathedral to see a sculpture exhibition which even HoF enjoyed (maybe it was the company) and then to Westbury-on-Severn gardens. This tree is the oldest holm oak in the country. Good day out. This is the sort of fun that is possible when friends invite you to play at the Saga age.

Sculpture at Gloucester

Had a nice day out with big brother and sister from Evesham. We went to Gloucester Catherdral for the sculpture exhibiton. Even HoF enjoyed it although its not his sort of thing. I reminded him it's not the doing so much as having the original idea that is the creative part.
This one was called Message. I wonder if the sculptor could have been thinking of 'how lovely on the mountains are the feet of....'

Vulcan

Moa Bike

Happy Birthday

to the baby in these pictures, who is 21 today.

My boys

I am still getting over this photo of HoF and sons in Africa. I spent several weeks saying 'but that's not a bit like you'. But just recently I've looked more closely at the original and come to the conclusion that yes, he is getting old (which means having to admit I am too) and after all it would be a bit odd if he looked the same age as his offspring.
And then we sat in bed this morning discussing what to do about our funerals! And we couldn't decide what we would want. Where would we have it, who would we want to speak, what to do with the empty shell? Am I trying to deny that hint of autumn in the air with the same vigour as I'm trying to deny the advancing years?
OK, enough morbidity. Who knows where we'll be when the time comes. Only One. Now to get one with life. Just now all our offspring are abroad and may in the future continue to be so. Maybe we'll end our days in BongoBongoland, as an old friend used to say. As long as we go on being in God's will, what does it matter.
Speaking of which, have you seen the Amish programmes on TV. We've seen them online as you know we don't have a Box and they are truly amazing. They were recommended by an atheist friend, who was dismayed at the state of British youth in contrast to the right-living Amish teenagers with their godly and wholesome values. I hope the stark contrast will speak to many who recognise the emptiness of materialism but don't yet know the answer.
Someone who did know the answer is William Haslam and I have been reading his books lately. A plain speaking clergyman who was converted during one of his own sermons! There's even a website about him now. Political correctness seems to have invaded modern Christianity so much that we can't even use words like 'converted', 'saved', 'hell' anymore. Reading his books is so refreshing, and he had a great sense of humour too. Recommended.

Scarecrow Sunday

The annual scarecrow day in the next village was very well attended this year, probably because castle tours were advertised on local radio. The theme was 'chefs'.