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.