Walks, Telegraphs, Steam Boat Willy and Pools

Middle of another long weekend, and the weather is doing its best. 27c in the shade and 42c by the pool, and the water is now a fabulous 25c.

Took a long walk through the Foret de Bouconne this morning, took a few shots and posted here, lovely walking in the trees, you just have to keep an eye out for the cyclists and the odd horse...

Went as far as the old Telegraph Tower about a 7km round trip walk.

The towers were used to signal by semaphore all across the french countryside in the 17-1800's faster than a rider or a pigeon to pass urgent messages from tower to tower.

Chilled out in the afternoon out of the sun as it was just a little too hot.

Went to have a swim and found my very own Steam Boat Willy!

Managed to get a couple of photos and then rescued him with the pool net, although he did try and leap back in at one point. May have to invest in a rescue launch to leave in the pool for the little guys, as there isnt a lot of room on top of the thermometer!!

Took a few more pictures overlooking the pool from under the twisted willow.

Will be looking at the "Picasa" web photo album options that come with the blog to see what I can do with pictures etc.

Enough for now, got to go and treat a few bites that are a bit itchy!

Epiphany

Yesterday was a good day, today is a great day - realisation that life is good and there is too much to see and do to wallow around.


Want some inspiration then watch this http://www.facebook.com/n/?posted.php&id=581406158&share_id=93672051463&post_id=93672051463&comments&mid=88d407G22a78dceG2464d7cGe
For those without facebook account here it is on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu9FPb-TZuk

It makes you realise how lucky you are - what an inspiration to everyone.


So today is the start of the new life, making the most of what France has to offer - starting with a rather nice glass of red!!! A nice French lamb steak, salad and potatoes - fantastic!


Also the cats have now ventured out into the garden, explored the immediate area around the front door and the pool - had to step in and stop Murphy from drinking the pool!


Strange sounds coming from the woods - it could be the monkey... if it is it must be a howler judging by the noises.


24C again, beautiful blue skys with just wispy clouds here and there.

Why is it if you put your iPod on shuffle it selects the most innapropriate music for your mood or situation - damn you Apple...



Mind you what could be more blissfull than Natalie Cole on the iPod and the sun going down over the Gers, whilst banging out a few words on the blog... No nothing I can think of right now.


The shock news it is another three day weekend coming up, with Monday being a day of rest, oh well I guess 5 extra days off in about 4 weeks is pretty good going! Not so good next year as they fall on weekends!

Wondering if I can keep writing until the sun actually goes behind the hill, but I might start(?) waffling a bit...


Off to work on an A380 next week, testing some installation software for the navigation equipment we make, hopefully will get some time to have a better look around this time. I still cant believe the size of the thing - expecially when it hasn't got seats or partitions up 20/20 indoor cricket a real possibility - for definite French cricket!!


Well the sun is now dipping behind that hill so time to sign off and go do something else, now where is the rest of that wine...

Sunset

Just a quick note whilst the pasta cooks.

A couple of pictures taken just leading up to nightfall; has been 25c and the pool is now at 24c - having to treat for a bit of algae and suspended particles - but roll on later in the week.

Wildlife update - two green woodpeckers on lawn, along with two grouse and a redstart (I think) all at the same time.

No sign of the monkey though...

Vintage cars; Monkeys and Bridge days

Well enjoying my first "bridge" day today - the day between a public holiday and a weekend, that isnt worth working... And it is 24c!!

Spent a late morning doing "pool chores", hoovering, testing (quality not swimmability) and then the afternoon in and out of it, cant really see that 22c water temp should feel that much colder than 24c air temp but it is fine once you JUMP IN.

About 20 olde worlde (probably steam driven) cars just struggled up the hill by the house, Rolls, Ducati and Mercedes that I recognised, absolutly beautiful in the bright sunshine - typically I had been torn between rushing up to see them and running in to grab the camera first - decided to just see them and well worth it -not to self keep the camera near by!!!

Ella (cat) had a face off on the balcony today with a magpie, that sat and screeched at her from the safety of the railing, didnt phase her at all, although I do think she thought better of it than trying to catch the bird...

Wildlife update - Green Woodpecker on grass below the house, Nuthatch on birdfeeder, a lark or something with a wonderful song in the woods below the house.

There has been no further sign of the "monkey" spotted by Ms B last week, although we are keeping a weather eye open, although it was in a bamboo thicket so thoughts may turn towards a baby giant panda at some point. If it ever returns will try and get a pic!

I am also a little concerned that next door have acquired a very vocal sheep and lamb for their garden - not sure if either is destined for a life longer than the summer bbq season though!!

The pool is looking inviting again , so may need to round of the day with a couple of lengths and a bit of a bob.

Slowly, hopefully, this may start to become more interesting so stick with it and we will see what happens.

Going to put a link onto facebook and see "what's occuring" as they say in Barry.

TTFN

First post on the blog

First blog on my new life in Toulouse.

Think that I can put pictures here as well -we will have to see...

Ah yes - so this is what I have been living in for the four months since January.

Outside table, plastic chairs and lots of echo!

Then the furniture arrived - and with the help of a brilliant house elf (thanks Sal) it was put straight in a week and is now a home





Will have to see if I can find something more interesting to put here in the future - just checking out the possibilities at the moment.