Newsletter: Spring has sprung!
23rd March 2010
At last – Spring has finally made an appearance. Like you in the UK, we have had a long, cold and white winter and as much as I like the white stuff even I got fed up with it! Mind you the dogs loved playing in it and chasing the snowballs. Unfortunately, the snow has a big impact on our plans over Christmas and New Year with both Steve's parents and my brother and his girlfriend having their flights cancelled – at the last minute – so disappointment all round I'm afraid.
New for 2010
We have used the quiet period to create our fourth bedroom – the Lavender room. This is a double room with an en-suite bathroom and is large enough for an additional child bed or travel cot, if required. We are very pleased with the final result and the feedback so far has been very positive.
We have also made good use of the extra pair of hands – in the form of Linda's mum –
and re-decorated the entrance hall to create a warm welcome.
The Garden
Work on the garden has started – I have been digging over the veggie patch and have just planted my early crop potatoes. It has been a real pleasure to be outside, in the sunshine, planning what to plant and actually getting my hands dirty after months of just staring at the rock hard soil. The blossom is starting to form on the trees, especially the cherry and peach trees, so fingers crossed we will get another very good year for soft fruits – you can't beat eating fruit fresh from the garden.
The Hot Tub
The Hot Tub is getting it's Spring Clean – so that will be ready for our guests as soon as the weather allows. Steve has been making new window boxes for the balcony and these are now ready for the hanging geraniums we plant every year - May can't arrive quick enough to get them bedded in to their new homes!
It's starting to get busy!
Bookings and enquiries for the year ahead are coming at a nice rate. Even with the extra bedroom, there have been a couple of weekends where we have had to decline reservations as we are already full. So for those of you who would like to stay with us this year, either for the first time or as repeat customers, please look at your diaries as soon as possible – as we would not like to disappoint you.
Website improvements
We are currently working on a 'blog' for the website – James (our web designer) is putting it together now – so I will be able to keep you all more up to date with what's going on over here in Azé.
Also, if you use Facebook why not join our Burgundy Blue facebook group so that you can be instantly updated with news, pictures and events?
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.
