Category Archives: Uncategorized

We get a lot of contrails, and some beautiful clouds, in our quiet corner of the Limousin. Sometimes I take photos, and sometimes I can’t resist a little spoof. How’s this for a pic of a UFO (Objet Volant Non-Identifié … Continue reading →

Are you looking for ways to practise and improve your French? Talking to your neighbours is an obvious start, but what if they don’t share some of your interests and hobbies? What if you live deep in rural France and … Continue reading →

Well, we’ve had plenty of snow, but the weather got warmer yesterday. Most resorts open properly on 11 Dec, although some had a few lifts open this weekend, but off-piste skiers will have been taking advantage of the heavy snowfalls … Continue reading →

For centuries, oysters have been traditional fare during the Christmas season. In France, 70 percent of oysters are eaten at Christmas and New Year, and there is a historical reason for this. People have eaten oysters in France since the … Continue reading →

When I visited John Harries-Harris soon after he had taken over and renovated the village bar in Bonen, near Rennes, I spent an evening a few Km down the road at a Celtic evening in a little hall attached to … Continue reading →

OK. I’ve known Olly Lambourne since he was at school with my sons 20 years ago. My younger son Joce and his wife Zoë, complete with very young family, have spent several Facebook-filling snowboarding holidays at their chalets. Olly and … Continue reading →

The French met office site does seem to be a bit underpowered. More than once I’ve seen it default to a minimum-function site when severe weather strikes, so I got a bit worried today when I ended up on the … Continue reading →

I can’t vouch for the whole of France, but in my home Region of the Limousin, wood is abundant and cheap compared with the UK. I have no hesitation in specifying really massive wooden beams in oak or chestnut for … Continue reading →

Shanties were the work songs of the days of square-rigged ships. You would never hear sailors singing them in dockside pubs ashore. Those days are long gone, so something had to be done to preserve them. In the English-speaking countries, … Continue reading →

Marin Marais was a noted viol player and composer who lived in Paris from 1656 to 1728. I’m sure everyone knows who James (now Sir James) Galway is. Michala Petri is new to me, but I’ll be listening to more … Continue reading →