A weekend in the Charente-Maritime

Friends Kate and Louise came to spend a few days with us at La Verderie and we were lucky enough to have some sunshine! Friday morning we had a visit to Cognac, a wander around the shops, stopping to buy some chocolates for Kate to take home.

 

 

In the afternoon we went for a tour around the countryside starting with a visit to the beautiful church at Aulnay. A wealth of inspiration for knitting designs with textured stonework and beautiful stained glass windows.

 

Then on to the donkey sanctuary. The Poitou donkeys are huge, standing at around 16 hands with enormous ears, dreadlocks and gentle, inquisitive faces. Kate wants to take one home as a companion for her horse Bob.

 

Then on for a tour of the gorgeous Chateau at Dompierre

 

 

Saturday morning was a trip into St Jean d'Angely market, then in the afternoon a long walk with BeBop to Egreteau our local Cognac distillery for a tasting session and a few purchases of Cognac and Pineau.

On Sunday we went to the brocante at Varaize, it is always a good one stretching through all the back streets of the village. I bought two mirrors and some plates, Louise bought a table and Kate bought a little settee.

 

In the afternoon we drove down to Royan and had lunch in the sunshine at the marina, then back home for apero's in the garden. A lovely weekend.

Bix's Birthday

Bix the dog was 11 yesterday, which according the chart in our vets means he is 105 in dog years as large dogs age quicker than the standard 7 years to 1 of ours. Anyway he looks pretty good for it and had a good long walk through the woods with his dog club mates.

I managed to get the final samples for my latest book in the post on Monday, which was deadline day. It is so lovely to be able to relax a bit for the first time in the last 7 months. I am now on a major blitz on the house and sorting out the stock for Kangaroo. We have had b&b guests for two nights this week, which was great, hopefully with the lovely weather and Easter approaching there will be more bookings soon.