A day by the pool

I was thinking today as I lay by the pool reading a book that it's been 18 months since it was filled.

Our second season and not a glitz in it's operation.

Because of the cover it only needs two quick runs with the vacuum and perhaps a top up of water from evaporation every week. If you look over the back wall that's covered in ivy you can spot the pile of earth that came out when the hole was dug. That's where our second salt water pool will be built for the next phase of Jardin de Charlotte.

The pool area was the only place to be today. It was over 30C in bright sunshine.

Our new neighbor

Yesterday I spotted the sign showing the business moving in across from the Chateau. I think they'll enhance our location without being noisy! Fleur a Fleur is a flower shop.

Tour de France

The floats came through Olonzac starting at 11am. The Tour itself came through between 12:00 and 1pm. The town was full of people and we had a great view from the Chateau and the scaffold I set up to view it. Hopefully our lone Canadian saw our sign!

Morning walk to Minerve

Yesterday morning before the Tour de France came through town we walked in the hills around Minerve an ancient perched town 10 kilometers from Olonzac. It was raining in the early morning but our concerns about the barbecue and gathering for the tour were unfounded as the day got sunnier and sunnier.

Last night we walked to the lake for the fireworks display celebrating Bastille Day. The fireworks are positioned on pontoons floating in the lake. A great display this year but hard to photograph with my slow camera. Hundreds of people were there. Some visiting Canadians went to Carcassonne were the annual display is only rivaled by Paris

We've had another glorious weekend. I moved a small mountain of stone on Saturday but Sunday was spent on bicycle or walking through the countryside.

Jack and I headed out from Tourouzelle into the hills where we found this 19th century Chateau set in a huge walled park. There is a road at the edge of the property that passes 4 major Chateaus in various states of repair.

Tour de France

The glossy magazine about Olonzac and the region arrived yesterday. Have a look at the cover and imagine what we'll be doing for 7 seconds at about 1:45 July 17th. The approaches to town have been paved anew.

Sunny south of France

Another hot day for sitting by the pool.

Last weekend I did our annual 28Kilometer walk from Spain to France over the high Pyrenees.

My friend Rui threatened to stop a few times to be driven back by the organizers but he soldiered on to the end as usual. Next year we may pick another location in Spain because it's only 2 hours away. The draw of tradition may likely mean we'll do the same trip again.

Ancient ice storage?

This structure sits on a hill just outside of Olonzac. I can't decide if it's an ancient ice storage or perhaps it's for grain. There are also piles of stone on the hill that was once buildings. A place of retreat in times of conflict?

At the lake

June 23,2011

I managed to get away to the lake just outside of town yesterday afternoon to take Arlo the dog for a swim. It takes about 5 minutes by bicycle. The windy conditions meant the Windsurfing crowd was out. The lake is separated into zones for sailing (no powered boats), swimming and fishing. It's another great resource for Olonzac.

1958 Simca Aronde

This is a 1958 Simca Aronde. This was the ultimate in luxury cars in France in those days. I found this one in a barn a few years ago and I am verrrrry slowly restoring it.

My current task is reupholstering it in striped canvas of various colors like pink, purple, cream and beige. I know it sounds cheesy. It is! The original fabric blue and gold fabric was created for Queen Elizabeth's state visit to France in '58. It was used in few Simca cars and a few Air France planes that year. Not readily available.

I've finished hand sewing the lower front bench seat and this evening I'll sit on the terrace and start on the split upper portion while preserving the original precious Naugahyde.

Currently 30C in my office at 7pm.

Tour de France

Tour de France through Olonzac.

The Tour de France is coming through the middle of Olonzac on July 17th 2011.

The route brings the riders up from the Canal de Midi and directly in front of our property early in the afternoon.

Last time they came through the region several years ago they missed us by a couple of kilometers. This year the party will be here. Come and get a good viewing spot at Jardin de Charlotte.

Wooden boat blues

Monday, May 30, 2011

I spent the day hauling broken concrete and other debris around the site. We're starting reconstruction soon so what will happen to the old mahogany yacht launch? We thought it might be a Riva made in Italy in the 1920's but it turns out to French of that era. We contacted a couple of maritime museums but no takers. Who would like a great retirement project?

Tuesday morning market

The Tuesday morning market in Olonzac is one of the best in the region. Earliest to stroll the market are the local villagers to buy the fresh produce, fish and meats for sale. They are followed by people from neighboring villages. They come to shop but often to also to meet their friends for a drink in one of the 4 cafes in town.

Sunday May 15th

Today a group of us went to the horse races at the Hippodrome in Carcassonne.

6 Euros to enter for an afternoon of various types of racing, betting, pony rides for the children with food and wine available. I bet 2 Euros on one horse to win and it came second!

A very casual and relaxed atmosphere. Well worth seeing.

Going to tender

On your mark, get set, GO!

Spring is here, actually some days are very summer like, and it's time.
The website looks great and apparently I must monitor and add to it. I hope it's not too much for a simple carpenter. Email sure, website work, perhaps. My plan is to post images as we go along showing our progress. This can be a trick because often what looks wonderful on the actual site is difficult to view on a website. I'm sure though that I'll get lots of input and help.

Our reconstruction plans are complete and the plans are going out for tender. We can finally get to work on building more beautiful homes for a few special people in our small community.

Planning Permission

Good news!

The first of February our Mayor signed the permit to allow the reconstruction of all the buildings on our site. 6 buildings of various kinds to be converted into 13 new residences with pool, gardens and parking.

The architect Bruno will have the technical drawings finished soon and we'll go out to tender.

Let the work begin!