So we are back from France and I have lots of photos to share with you. We had a truly wonderful two weeks in the Charente Maritime. Even the 8 hour drive in car with the girls (age 2 and 4) wasn't that harrowing although the youngest did insist on singing "Jingle bells" all the way - clearly its never to early to start getting some practise in!

Anyway we all had a wonderful holiday....including.......

.......Pony rides on the Ile de Olereon.

.......visiting lots of fabulous markets. The shellfish was amazing I just wish I had had my own kitchen to cook in (the gite was ok but its just not the same as having all your own basic ingredients and cookbooks for help!) Anyway, seeing all the seafood has inspired us to go on a course sometime later in the year.

.....we visited Talmont on a beautifully hot sunny day. The church and cemetery with all its hollihocks looked so pretty.

Now we are back to reality. The house is as chaotic as ever - still no dining room or sitting room and for some reason I decided this morning it would be a good idea to repaint the kitchen while I wait for the latest delivery of F&B paint for other areas. Must be mad. Photos of all the hard work to follow.