A Walk on the Wild Side

When we're out walking we're always on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary: the Peacock Butterfly we spotted flying in early February, or the cowslips in autumn.

Yesterday's walk was more out of the ordinary than usual and we were glad to have Gaynor and Tim with us to confirm our story....

Our walk was one we have done several times, through the forest at Guesnes...  but never before had we seen one of these by the forest path..

We couldn't believe our eyes...

Colin was the first to go for a closer look...

 Tim noticed the foaming at the mouth stage prior to spitting???

Of course, Gaynor and I were more sensible and detoured past this typical woodland creature...

We went on to enjoy the sculpture trail...

 

It was at this point I noticed Tim's posture had changed somewhat..

Could it be that the camel had "turned" him in some way??!

We admired the incredible height of the Pines...

and took a look in the hunting lodge, where I tried my hand at the sling-shot. Suffice it to say that Colin's coat was sufficiently tough to withstand the force of the stone as it rebounded off the wall with surprising speed.

Then there were more surprises in store..

And as we approached the end of the walk the whole thing became clear..

The circus must be using the area to overwinter...

Whilst we found this little goat rather endearing..

we were mighty thankful we'd not met with the occupant of this cage..

Not your usual walk through a forest in rural France; but then again.......

The points...

Today has been 2CV service day (1), it is usually done in November, the anniversary of its purchase, so it is a tad overdue...

Oil and filter change was no problem, especially now I own a €5 oil filter wrench...

We have had the 2CV for over two years now and I have never checked the points!!! I am used to just taking off the distribution cap... Not with the 2CV: it's a full dismantle job!

The exposed points!!

To rebuild... First the points box cover...

Then the waterproof rubber thingy...

Then it's replace the fan and fan guard...

and finally re-tighten the alternator belt...

Yes, they did require adjustment from 12 thou to 16 thou...

And now for something completely different... How many times have you thought 'A hook would be very useful for that, if only I had one'

Well get yourselves to Lidl...

One of this weeks offers, at €2.99 well worth keeping on the shelf... The biggest problem will be remembering I bought them!!!

We're Back!

We arrived back in Braye this afternoon and the first job was to light the fire, have a cup of tea and then unload the car.

It was such a lovely afternoon we decided we'd be better off going for a walk in the sunshine whilst the house warmed up a little...

Our usual route through the local woods was of even more interest than usual as we've been away for a couple of months. The snowdrops looked just as they should - in a natural setting..

We were surprised to see Celandine out and in some cases, past their best..

These bright hazel catkins stood out against the muted shades of the tree branches...

Monsieur Bourreau has been at it again.. Just before we left he had started to clear another area of dense woodland. Today there was not a log out of place. This truly is the work of an expert, who has most likely been doing this job for many of his eighty plus years..Nobody stacks wood like Monsieur Bourreau!

In an untouched area a fallen tree had split in two. It was obvious from looking at it that the woodpecker had been at work. The centre of the log  had been hollowed out and very neatly too. This first photograph shows the two halves of the log, with the hollowed out centre...

Here you can see the "entrance" to the hollowed out section..

 And finallly a close up of the entrance..

The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed the animal droppings on the second photo. So as a special treat, here's a close-up..

Any ideas, folks??

In an English Country Garden...

Although we are not strictly in the countryside we've had quite a few visitors to the bird feeders here in Fulwood.

The nuthatch comes on a daily basis and takes over the peanut feeder...

This bluetit held on for grim death in a strong wind...

The lovely long-tailed tits arrive in groups and quickly feed before flying on..

I can't help thinking that they have an uncanny resemblance to a small mammal. I think it's the small beak which does it!

The Jay sneaks onto the bird table when it thinks no one is looking..

This male Bull finch was fine having his photo taken - as long as it was either blurred...

.... or hiding his head!

And, of course, the robin fiercely defends his territory....

We feel so lucky to have a wealth of bird life to watch whether in France or England and long may it stay that way. It certainly cuts down the time spent on house work!

Caty's Eighteenth Birthday Party

We were invited to my Great-Niece's 18th Birthday party yesterday and despite a bit of an "ify" start to the week, I was determined to be fit enough to go.

Caty had put the celebration on hold until her exams were out of the way, so yesterday she was able to let her hair down and enjoy the party...

The guests spanned several generations, from Caty's Great Grandma at 93, to these two little chaps who didn't quite know what to make of each other.....

After a first class meal, Caty's mum, Jane, brought in the cake. The design is based on Caty's choice of present..

If you need any help with the cake, Caty, I think Daniel and Holly will be willing to help you out!

And back at their house later, the biggest treat of all came when Caty played several piano pieces for us.. (apologies for the lack of lighting on the video; I was that keen not to miss a note that I forgot to alter the camera setting!)

I could have listened all night..

Caty you've grown into a gifted and beautiful young woman! And Holly there, sitting next to you, is certainly following in your footsteps!

RSPB Birdwatch 2015

Over this weekend we took part in the RSPB Birdwatch for 2015. (For full details, just follow the link.)

We are lucky to have a constant stream of feathered visitors to the garden in England as well as back in Braye. One of  our favourites is the wren. Usually so hard to catch on camera because of its speed, today it was happy to feed just outside the study window. The first photo shows the white of the window-sill, so you can see just how close it was!

It stayed around long enough for us to get a number of close up shots.

 

 

What a delightful little bird it is!

Kitchen update - English Version

Being in England for a little longer than usual has given us chance to catch up on some much needed decorating jobs. First of all we "refreshed" the bathroom and then it was time to tackle the kitchen...

Before..

 After... evening shot

 daytime shot..

Feels like a new kitchen! 

When we said we were starting the New Year with paintbrush in hand, we really meant it!