Newsletter: The harvest has finished
25th October 2009
Well – it's nearly the end of October and the grape harvest has finished and the celebrations have all been had. The weather is still being very kind to us – in fact I have just got back from giving the dogs a walk and it's a beautiful afternoon, with the sun shining on the golden hues of the vines and no wind.
You can hear the birds getting ready to settle down in the trees and the dogs are so busy chasing the ball they don't even stop to bother with them. After the rain yesterday, I even managed to pick some mushrooms and have enough for our breakfast tomorrow.
After lots of family visitors in September and October, we have now started work on the fourth bedroom and bathroom, with the door into the en-suite knocked through a couple of days ago. The wallpaper has been stripped – so the woodwork to tackle next and making good all the plaster work.
Still a way to go but at least it's starting to look like the fourth bedroom. Not sure I'm liking the dust levels again but at least most of that is done now.
We've been really lucky with the mild weather, although we did have a very short cold spell at the beginning of October. I am sure we will suffer for this further on in the year, but for now we are just enjoying our good fortune.
More work carried out in the garden, thanks to Mum and Jean for all the hard work. Bulbs planted, new shrubs installed and old shrubs re- situated but it's starting to look a lot better.
Special Offer for November & December
To celebrate the fantastic harvest this year we are offering our guests the chance to save money on a stay with us at Beaujolais Nouveau time.
This year is predicted to be a vintage year, due to the superb summer, so by offering 50% off the 2nd night you stay with us will give you more spending money to stock up on this years excellent Beaujolais Nouveau wines.
Why not get away for a few days and make the most of our offer?
I've been busy making more things in the kitchen with the bumper harvest we've all had over here with soft fruits and tomatoes etc. Plenty of jam – in fact – the pantry is groaning with the weight of all the jams and I've finished making lots of apple based chutneys as well. Just got the green tomato chutney to finish – thank goodness for the internet and all the different recipes it provides.
I was given a bread maker for my birthday and have finally cracked it – had a few disasters on the way but we are now enjoying home made bread – So now our guests enjoy (hopefully) home made bread to go with the home made jams! Nigella Lawson eat your heart out!!!
We've now had to take down the geraniums as they no longer look their best – such a shame as they have been a stunning bit of colour throughout the summer. Hopefully, next year you'll be able to come and see them for yourselves?
Take care everyone – see you all next month.
Local Events
If you are thinking of a visit, why not take a look at the events section and find out what is going on in this area - at the time of your proposed trip. There is something for everyone in this area - so it wouldn't be too hard to find that something that interests you.
Local customs
We've been made to feel so welcome by the locals in Azé, it takes twice as long to get down to the village as everyone here stops to say hello, with either a kiss or a shake of the hands. It's part of everyday life to be so polite and friendly and we are looking forward to the annual May feast for our commune, where meeting and greeting everybody takes so long but is so pleasant you don't mind. The food is great and conversation is a challenge, you take your own plate, cutlery and glasses but our friends and neighbours have helped us fit in so we don't feel too uneasy at this unusual event.
