Presents!

We recently returned from a trip to the UK where we also picked up our lovely wedding presents. Very exciting to unpack them although there did seem to be a wine-related theme to many of the gifts!

Wellington always loves a box so he was in heaven. Lots of different-sized boxes for him to try out.

Return to DIY

Back into doing some DIY and continuing with the bathroom - which does seem to have taken a while! We've de-grouted the floor tiles as the grouting was very old, discoloured and uneven. Now giving the tiles a good scrub with wire wool and white vinegar. After trying various cleaning products, we've decided the old ones are the best and give a better clean. 

The tiles on the left have been cleaned and those on the right haven't. It really does make a difference! Next we will re-grout and put a sealant on the floor. 

Winter Woollies

Our more 'sensitive' plants now have their winter fleeces on to protect them from the cold. So far, the winter has been very mild and dry, however that may change in February, when we often get a cold snap.

 And we are still getting some roses to brighten up a winter's day.

Wedding Part II

Friends and family, speeches, cake (made by Jane's mum) and the beautiful peonies from Jane's eldest sister and brother-in-law's 'farm' in Wanaka. More photos of our wonderful wedding day in November 2013, in New Zealand

Christmas at Causses

Season's Greetings everyone and best wished for 2014. This year we've foregone a Christmas tree, but have still displayed some of the favourite baubles and decorations.

Meanwhile, Shadow and Wellington aren't showing much interest in Christmas. Since our return from NZ and Cambodia, most of their time has been spent sleeping, either on our bed or in front of the fire.

Wedding: 23 November 2013

Our marriage. An absolutely wonderful day in Wellington, New Zealand, with family and friends. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day weather-wise; warm, sunny and no wind! The wedding was at Zelandia, a beautiful native bush and bird sanctuary. Guests could take a boat ride on the reservoir to see the birds and native bush while there was champagne, canapes and some photos on the lawn. We then moved indoors - unusually for November in Wellington an escape from the heat - to a cocktail reception. More photos of that to follow. A great day.

Autumn activity

Today we cycled via the Orb river to Valras Plage - a lovely beach on the Mediterranean coast. Stopped for coffee in the sunshine - 25C in November! Then along the coast to the Aude river, heading back inland. Lunch (omelette & frites) at Colombier by the Canal du Midi and back to Beziers. A 50km round route in superb weather.

Yesterday afternoon we went for a walk in the garrigue, surrounding the village. Gorgeous autumn colours in the vineyards and lots of berries, rosehips, acorns etc.