I'm not as bad as this usually Ross. Been a long season, and I haven't got the time or energies for idiots either here or in real life. Sorry.

Time for another G&T, I think....

I knew there was something that would keep me here a bit longer! G and T coming up! Looking forward to learning more about Saumur and your patch soon, regards, Ross

Hi Ross
I'm not far from you, just the other side of Carrelles.
Ruby

Pleased ta meet Ya......And Welcome Well if your the Mum be keeping an extra eye on you. Don,t mind the Children fighting in the corner the Sugar rush will wear off soon I keep telling them to mix their vodka and Gin with Fruit Juice not Coke a Cola.

Hi there Ruby, Maybe we shall meet up soon, Carelles isnt so far, it will be nice to see a new face!

Hey ho Ka Ora!
Yep, I'm the mum! Tonight I am relaxing with some red wine (again) and preparing myself to start a big flooring job tomorrow Its hard work but satisfying

What has the season been like in general? Most people say the weather has been lousy this summer. Has it affected the number of people camping? I like camp sites!!! Its a whole other world!

Ross - don't believe what people tell you. We've had a cracking season, and a very good summer down here. The weather's been mainly sunny and the temperature's rarely dropped below 22. The grass all but died off, which (for us) is a good sign!

Because we're a fairly small site (just 12 pitches), we fill up quickly, and because this place is pretty, we get folks coming back time after time. Now, as we've worked damned hard at promoting this place and the area, our season's extending. If we had just the gites, we'd have failed in year one. Because we have the two combined, and it's a unique combination, we're doing ok. Still here after three years, and that's far better than we ever hoped for.

Come on down and have a look? Bring your tent!

Hi Stu, thanks for then invite, could it be a caravan? or do you only do tents??? I love the thought of seeing Saumur again. Many years ago I would have liked to run a campsite, but now I am happy to build my house and have holidays somewhere else. Last week I went to st Briac near St Malo for a few days, it was delightful. Lots of sea sunshine sand and... relaxation! Catch u soon, Ross

Hey there chief nutter! How's the never ending saga of Blanche? My building work takes on a new feel as the rooms start being imaginabubble! I think I should be famous, the mad english woman who is building her own house practically single handed!!! I learn new skills every day. Lovely sunset tonight, watched it go down with the obligatory glass of wine!

Hey Ruby, what do you do in Carelles? Family ? Working? Decadent indolence? Its a good place to do it in anyway. Regards Ross

Caravan/tent/camping car/Tipi/Yurt....we take 'em all! Glad you're enjoying the sunsets Ross. Nice one again tonight, eh?

Tonight's sunset was beautiful, I must say the last few septembers have been pretty good. Tomorrow I can rest from building, going to help a friend with some gardening. I grow tomatoes courgettes cabbages rhubarb and leeks, and through the summer chives blackcurrants gooseberies and lettuce, and a few carrots. Loads of apples falling everywhere now, and hazelnuts just beginning.The sweet chestnuts in the adjoining lane are ready too. Nature is very bountiful! Hope I remember that when the rain and wind are making me curse and cringe.
Enjoy your sunsets, Ross

Hi everyone, well today has been just great again. Lots of sunshine despite dire warnings of north winds and rain approaching. I worked on flooring, putting pine parquet down on small joists across hydrofuge greenboard flooring. Lots of levelling to do, as the original beam placements have been retained, so they are a bit up and down to say the least. The finished floor is level and flat! Then later I walked down the lane to pick up loads of chestnuts, hope to have a feast soon. Going to have a woodburning stove next winter, to complete the idyllic picture Cheers, Ross

sounds wonderful - next meet up is at yours
One of the nicest things I like about living in France is how much each season has to offer. Winter will never be my favourite, but even that is bearable in our part of Normandy - nothing can beat a long walk along the beach in January, with not another soul in sight