Settling in

Well folks here we are again. Sorry for the long silence but internet installation problems, and getting the house in order have kept us pretty much occupied for a while. Fortunately we found enough time to receive our first visitors, explore the beautiful countryside and to just enjoy being here. we've taken lots of few photos to record our day to day happenings– so here we go!

We arrived in Brantome on a rainy day but the sun was soon shining again and has done so mostly ever since.

Our goods from the US arrived a few days later in a huge 20 foot container – major overkill as it was less than half full and struggled to negotiate our narrow country lane and driveway. However, the guys who unloaded were great and we were soon surrounded once again by boxes. Then it was down to work unpacking, assessing what needed doing on the house, finding tradesmen, sorting paperwork to get us into the French medical system, shopping for electrical appliances and a used car, etc., etc. But, no, it was nothing like "A Year in Provence" because we've found the local people very helpful and welcoming, the tradesmen prompt and competent and everyone appreciative of our willingness to do our best to communicate in French – and our first visitors - French, English and American have all been delightful.

Yesterday we gave a Thanksgiving dinner for seven of our French friends. Jeanne cooked the tradition turkey dinner and Dan made apple and pumpkin pies. A good time was had by all as we ate heartily, drank good wine and conversed merrily in fractured French and broken English. And with just a little translation help from one of our guests, Dan even managed to tell his talking dog joke in French!!

Unexpected problems with the roof are being dealt with by a local English builder so our guest room is now watertight. The rest of the house is taking shape slowly but surely and we already have an attractive living room, a well functioning kitchen and a comfortable bedroom. Next week we begin work on refurbishing our offices– so maybe by the end of the year we will not only have attractive work spaces but also the time to get back to our writing.

Watch this space!