Another area finished

After several false starts we finally have the entrance hallway skirting tiles in place. They match so well they look as though they've been there for as long as the floor tiles. We've now moved the hall furniture back, et voila, another part of the house is finished. 

A few logs

Yesterday we happened to pass the place where we get our wood for the fireplace, so stopped to order for this coming winter. The minimum amount is now six stairs, which will last us two/three years. They could deliver in the afternoon so we thought why not? This quickly turned to WHY when we saw just how much wood this involved.

Each and every log had to be moved and stacked inside the cave. Stack No.1

Stack No.2. We just got it finished before our last visitors of the summer arrived for a few days. When seeing the amount of wood moved, they were very appreciative of not being roped in to help. At least we'll be warm for the next few winters.

More produce

The pears are on the point of ripening - pretty much all at the same time! We've already had one and it was delicious. For the first time we have pears from the Comice, while the William has  produced great fruit every year, even though it's quite spindly and has very little leaf.

Meanwhile the aubergines continue to thrive, the plants are still flowering and producing new aubergines. Should keep us going for some time yet. Made a fantastic Baba Ganoush the other day and are seeking out new recipe's for aubergines.

Ladies who lunch

Merv, Jane and her mother, Dorothy, recently had a fantastic lunch at Auberge de Combes for a belated birthday celebration for Merv. The restaurant is set in a beautiful mountain village in the Haut Languedoc. Truly superb food, great service and stunning views. Definately will be returning for other special occasion meals.

More DIY done

Painting in the bathroom is now complete. The shower is also complete and is great. Nice view to the hills from it too. Still to do: the door, skirting tiles to be put in, lights, floor tiles scraped and re-grouted, bath exterior painted and then put back in the bathroom (for which we'll need at least 4 strong men to lift). So, a few bits more to do ...

What a difference a clean makes!

Redecoration of the entrance hallway is almost complete. Whilst waiting for a coat of paint to dry, started cleaning the doorways to the other hallways. Discovered a whole different colour underneath! Oops, guess we should have cleaned the wooden surround some time ago. These doors are going to be painted 'antique white,' and we can tell already they'll be very fiddly to do. 

Summer produce from the garden

This is some of the produce from the 'potager' this year. Still a lot more to come too. Not quite sure what I'm going to do with all the aubergines - any ideas gratefully received! 

The jars contain plum jam and green & red tomato relish. Today's cooking is spiced plum and raison chutney. You may have guessed the plums on our tree are now ripe.