The Wonders of Spring

Here are the Grape Hyacinths, which are the first meadow flowers to show their heads. 

 

                       The Apricot blossom bravely showing it's beauty against the clear blue sky.

The most impressive for me is the Daffodil Wood, I had never seen them wild until we moved here.

 Every Spring it is like the first time.

At last, after a very hard winter, it is suddenly spring. 

It seems that one day it is winter & the next the first Swallow appears , then the Hoopoe & now the Cuckoo.

 All the flowers have kicked into action, what a delight !

  Here are a few photos of the flora we enjoy.

Freeze over, at last

Well that was a bit of a shock to have such arctic temperatures. Most people were house bound for about 2 weeks, maybe not stuck in the house but without transport due to treacherous driving conditions. A time to appreciate good neighbours to discuss the last time it was this cold & for how long. Although it was cold in 1985, it was nothing compared to 1956 when even the walnut trees split with the incredibly low temperatures. Ah oui !!! The main roads were fine down in the valley, but getting to them was a bit of an effort. Anyway it's over now &, I'm not sure if it's the relief of the cold having gone or just optimism on my part, but I would say that spring is in the air. The sun is so bright & clear this morning. The brave orchids have thrown open their leaves to store us some solar-energy ready to burst open their blooms in the coming months. The grape hyacinths are the first to come, so I shall wait eagerly for the first signs. The swallows will be here in just over a month, usually about 24th March. How easily spirits are raised....

2012

Wishing all past & future guests a

 Very Happy & Healthy 2012.

 Best wishes from Steve & Tessa.

2011

16th-30th July 2011
Thank you for your welcome & help during our stay here. Despite the forgettable weather, the house has been a wonderful place to stay & a great base for visiting the area. We highly recommend the market in Montcuq & the town itself-even if you don't get the 'joke'. ! Cahors is well worth a visit too. Ruby's visits were a great pleasure.
The Wilkinsons Fontainebleau.
ps We also recommend the Cafe Atelier 'Le Caillau' in the Vire-sur-Lot area. It was really such a great place to enjoy a restful afternoon with a drink & a few cakes. Despite not actually eating there, the menu looked delicious & wasn't over priced. The 'atelier' is pottery painting/decorating which is loads of fun. A wide selection of pottery to choose from !! In case you want more info, we have left the brochure along side all the other ones.
29/07-13/08 2011
What a wonderful holiday-many lovely memories & lazy days interspersed with manic activity-Biron + Bonaguil + Gavaudun + Penne d'Agenais, Moissac, Villeneuve, Tournon, Puy L'Eveque for markets. Recommend the 'routiers' either side of Fumel, although 'Le Soierie' is the best. Canoe at Puy L'Eveque very easy & a good way to spend a lazy day-take lots of water & suncrea, ! The house has been a great anchor-would appreciate more hooks ! Some where to hang things-we've left some pegs as we travel light & wash as we go ! Also left glasses, aware there is not much call for medium size vessels. Avoided feeding Ruby (who we love !) & the inherant cat (panther) & spend time playing in the meadow, badminton, cricket, knights & explorers, sunbathing, boule, & of course wine & food. Bonne vacance & a l'annee prochaine ! Nick, Polly, Tom & Jessica Paine, Staffordshire UK. Thanks so much for a fab time xx & Emma, John & Elliot Lynch xx

2010-the first year

24th July-7th August
Dear Steve & Tessa,
Thanks for providing such a great house in such a beautiful & peaceful spot. We have had a really restful time here. You asked for some constructive criticism about the house but there is very little to give-it's confortable, beautifully decorated & well provisioned. My only suggestions would be:
* Some parasols by the pool
*A bit more cutlery
*Some information about local supermarkets etc. Thanks again & we may be back if you'll have us ! Thank you, Rachel & Alyson
Suggestions acted upon 
7th August 2010
Dear Steve & Tessa,
Thank you so much for having us all for the week !! We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay in your beautiful house. The house, pool & surroundings are all beautiful ! The children loved the pool (and grown ups too )! Thank you so much for all the ifo you gave us & your hospitality on our last night with you ! Very kind ! Hopefully see you next year ! The Browns, Paul, Dana, Josh, Ellie & Macy-Gary, Sam, Jacob & Isaac. Ellie & Macy want to say goodbye to Petal & Ruby ! xx
7th-21st August 2010
Thanks ever so much for the house-we had huge fun both in the pool & surrounding area. High lights were the beach & lake at Montcuq, Le Vert Restaurant, The Hotel De Quercy restaurant in Lauzerte & all the local markets- Lovely area !
Thanks again Tony & Claire Morput.
21st August-4th September
We have had a lovely 2 weeks in a restful, peaceful location, all set in a beautiful region of France. It's been good seeing the sights especially Montcuq lake/beach & a memorable experience horse riding at the Cheval Blanc-Fantastic ! Also our lazy days by the pool, which the children especially enjoyed, the weather has been just brill !!! Thank you-Darren, Jayne, Jessica & Hannah.
Brilliant 2 weeks lovely house & area. Pool is really good. Ditto all the above, Sue & Bob.