THREE first time experiences.

I didn't have a nightmare last night, but I woke up THREE times because of a stupid dream that just wouldn't go away. It's the first time it's ever happened to me.
Fortunately, I managed to have a snooze in the recliner outside in the warmth this afternoon, so I'm not all that tired.

The second 'first time' experience was at church today. I was scheduled to be the final speaker (I have to speak every twelve weeks), and I was hoping I'd have enough time to give it (I needed fifteen minutes). The first speaker finished very early, and the second speaker finished early, too. By the time it got to me I had almost forty minutes!

To fill the time, I gave an off the cuff talk in English which was translated into French and then I gave my scheduled French talk which was translated into English for the English speaking visitors. It was unexpected but really quite pleasant.

Anyway, as Bev is in the UK, I thought I'd show her that I'm eating okay. This is not, of course, a first time experience, although it's rare for me to be cooking of late.

All my own work. The pork steak had garlic and a touch of black pepper cooked with it. Really enjoyed it. Loved the ice-cream, too...and I love the gravy granules you've bought, Bev.

I managed to do a little more slating on Saturday...nothing new there.

The third first time experience wasn't the colony of moles that have decided to plague me again, but how many birds of prey I saw above me as I woke from my snooze in the garden.

We've only ever seen one 'Billio Eagle' at any one time. This time, fairly high in the sky, circling in a very tight bunch were more than THIRTY! They wouldn't keep still, so I can't confirm exactly, but definitely more than 30. I was transfixed as I was torn between staying to watch them and dashing off for the camera. I stayed watching them for almost five minutes.

That's about it.

The weather has been horrible, but it doesn't stop them from having fun.

Suscinio, after dropping some paintings off in Sarzeau. It's raining again, ao we'd better get inside and see what's on offer.

They aren't really into the history of the place but it was interesting for us adults.

Now, that's more like it!

More playtime with the Cryers.

All packed and ready for the flight home.

After all that, Buffalo Grill doesn't open for another hour.

But McD is always open.

Over-aged Danny taking advantage.

They loved it!

I dropped them off at Dinard airport and had a leisurely drive back home.

It's weird being on my own (and for the next week). Had a nightmare around 2am.

The nice weather returns and I'm on my own, so I made a start with the slate.

The place is really quiet even though Helen and the family are still here.

Colette, Harry and Helen are the only people I've seen all day.

I wasn't able to spend too much time on it, but I'm pleased I've made a start.

Had a really nice bike ride before calling it a day.

Quand Les Calvaires S'Illuminent...

Starting a jig-saw puzzle...

...and finishing a jig-saw puzzle.

Abs, preparing the area for the winter wood store.

The perimeter stack was starting to topple a little. It's time to remove it and clear the area for a proper fence. Hollie was magnificent.

They even helped with the splitting.

Friday at 9:15am at Le Bono to help a family move into their new home.  They now live on this road with this view.

It's not often Danny is smiling while doing jobs.

Even Hollie and Abs get in on the act...

...and create instant friends.

Le Bono is quite a nice place.

We had a mystery trip on the way home and came across this village of thatched cottages.  Every single cottage had a thatch and the place was immaculate and full of colour.

Danny has a special way of getting into the walnut tree. It requires a leap from the wall and swinging up on the branch he catches.

Still Friday and we've just enough time to eat before the missionaries come to help us with some jobs. We normally feed them, but they will have already eaten.

Abs in oak.

More logs to shift.

Abs catching up with her reading.

Hollie joins her for a well earned break.

Getting rid of the knotty trunks at last.

Thanks for your help!

All split and stacked inside ready to use, with plenty of space for storing other things over winter. The bread oven is actually being used at last. The roof isn't totally waterproof yet, but the slate won't take too long to do before everything is totally dry for the winter months.

An unusually late night at Guehenno to see the Les Calvaires S'illuminent. The above group is Cecile Corbel...celtic harp. When it gets really dark we'll wander over to the church to see the illuminations. Guehenno is the seventh village to show the illuminations and it will last until Sunday evening.

Karen, Hubert and Marthe are amongst the crowds. It was a carnival atmosphere with singing and lots of stall-holders.

We're on our way to get a good place.

The kids managed to crawl into bed around 11:30+...but it was worth it.

It was a very long day.

Today the chain saw was in use and the trailer crammed for another trip to the tip...the last before it closes for renovation.  It opens again in January.

We also had a little mystery trip, did the shopping, cut the grass and generally chilled. We were too tired to do much more.

I can't believe we only have five more days with our grandkids...its going so quickly and there's still so much to do.