TOUR DE FRANCE

Hi everyone. Just thought Id let you know that my husband went to watch the Tour de France on Saturday. He went with two french friends from our village. Basically they sat on the road side with tables and chairs. Cool boxes filled with water and snacks. Got there about 7am and waited for the velos to pass. He said the atomsphere was amazing. He got chatting with 3 Australian guys who had come over to support the Australian cyclists. Its a very big thing for those of you who dont know about it. Greggs never followed it before, however he thinks its something he will try and go to again. We have said we will go as a family next time.

AMBER AND BENSON

Just thought id let you all see the Lopez Familys dogs. Its been a while since Ive taken any photos of them. I am a crazy Boxer lover. I adore them. They are very spoilt and sleep on the furniture. For those of you who dont know the breed they basically stay in puppy mode until they are around 3 years old. A Boxer owner cannot be house proud or believe dogs should know there place. They are very sensitive and most importantly great fun to have around.!! I wouldnt change them for any other.

BASTILLE CELEBRATIONS

Another very busy weekend has been had by the Lopez family. Our village put on such great events.
Bastille Day is the main National holiday for France. Officially the date is the 14 July however celebrations generally go on all weekend.
Our village held a Bar B Que for 120 people. It was great. Tomato and tuna salad starter, lots of meat and sausage, cheese, citron tarte followed by coffee. Absolutely delicious. Oh forgot the most important pleasure. It was all washed down with a combination of rose wine, chateau neuf de pape for all you wine buffs out there. (my fav) Its not the local wine. A french couple we were sat with brought a bottle with them and shared it with us.
At midnight the children walked around the village with lanterns. Must have been twenty five children. They walk behind a car which drives very slowly and plays music.
We finally got home about 1.30am. A good time was had by all.

POOL DAY

I had a great day with my son yesterday. While my husband was working I spent best part of the day playing in the pool. I decided to be my sons friend instead of his Mum. No nagging or telling off aloud. I quite enjoyed my new roll. Id forgotten what being silly and stupid was. Id recommend it to anyone. I had an inflatable airbed and was pretending it was a boat. Danny was trying to capsize me. In between swims played Happy Families and snacked on biscuits and drank Strawberry squash.
Did pot a fuschia which was well overdue. A present from my French friend. x

Just thought id re inform you. The children havent had tattoos it is the parents of my sons friend that have had tattoos. OOps!!!!!!!

SCHOOL TRIP. BELAN FOREST

Yes i survived an 8km walk to Belan Foret and back. It was a great day. There were 33 children. Ages ranging between 6 years and 11 years.
We started off at 9.30am. the sun was already blazing, the hottest day weve had so far this year. The major of Belan village drove his van to a meeting point where we had a cool drink and a piece of cake. By this time it was 11.30am.
we walked for another hour then stopped for lunch. It was frecnh styly for the adults. for those of you who dont know that means white wine, lots of food, cheese, red wine, home made cherry tart and coffee. Tres bien. After a 2 hour brreak we then continued to walk through the forest. This time we were on the look out for mushrooms (The edible kind).
I must be honest by this time i was ready to go home. It was very hot and had become very samey. My son Danny said he was bored!!!! Theres no pleasing some people is there Ha Ha.
The teachers made me feel very welcome.
In the evening our local majors daughter came to visit. She is 18 years and wants to improve her english. She is working in Paris for the month of July so in August she is going to visit and help me with the french language and I will assist her with English. Another positive step for me to help improve my french.
Our french friends also popped in to say hello. The weather was great. Our children played in the pool until 9.30pm. it was still 25 degrees.
They have recently had tattoos done. For the first time in my life Ive seen one i like and would maybe in the future consider having one done!!!