Out and about in Août

The first 2 weeks of August 2015 were full indeed... full of guests with Sam Atherton, Nick and Elena, and friends the Longs (who we haven't seen for some time). Full of tourists with school holidays en France and the U.K. Full of fairs including: a noisy fun fare 200 metres up the road with dodgem cars and kiddie delights. Full with a farmers gig with tractors and other gizzmos, night markets, and fire-walks. Next year we might just be elsewhere when the population explodes. Despite a shifting demography it was lovely to see family (although Nick & Elena were unwell) and friends. Next stage... self-eviction for a month whilst La Cachette is rented.

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Sam heads up the hills to write & exlore (and light banned fires) Aug 2 - the team wake to the sound of ancient tractors rumbling down the steet ... only to recall that this Sunday is an historical fete for farmers - LesBattage
Which brings the street alive with visitors... ... familiar farm animals for farm girl Turnbull... ... and farm machinery that pre-dates her father. Very cool
down rural memory lane... To the unfamilar millinery world care of locals from near-by village Septfonds The team at work sewing
And pressing with heated mold Ancient machinery included this hay bailer which required much wisdom of the elders to get going overseen by local rural types.
It seems to be all about alignment of belts ... .. which is a precise business. . Farmer Alexndre et Pierre share fond memories of the Demanch DS38
Whilst the ladies bring the old laverie across the road back to life The very same day 300 meters away it's regular market day. St Antonin is in full tourist swing. .. so Sam & Stephen head for some quiet .
. 2nd - That evening Stephen collects Nick & Elena So the guest numbers grow at La Cachette 4th- abandoning all, Stephen finds himself in Oxford
.. and heads on missions such as buying bike brake pads on Cowley Road : Stephen Atherton Hard working James returns home. Stephen has little time there as he heads to Milton Keynes for the real purpose of the 2 night visit - a job interview. Whilst Stephen was away, Paulie collected visitors- our pals Phil & Maryann long now based in Austin Texas Sam headed to a music festival in Vaour for a few nights. Elena was unwell but...
... Nick nursed her back to health only to leave on the 10th. . Sam leaves the same day to Berlin, Elena & Nick to Italy.
So La Cachette is down to 4 occupants who check out the sites .. and tastes ... ... and tackle 6 papers that have to be reviewed On their last day, whilst Paulie helps friends prepare their new chateau ...
... Stephen & Michael take a Long drive to Albi . . .
On the 12th the guys head to Toulouse for a few days so La Cachette can be prepared for guests- Stephen & Paulie's self-evicton for a month.