September 2024

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2nd - the month still brings warm days but some colder nights certainly fine for outside . Stephen discovers that hand gestures are interpreted when using "Facetime" for video calls
3rd - an apero at friend Lisa and Richard's elegant chambre d'hôte (B&B) delivers new perspectives such as the view from their rooftop terrace . 4th - a catch up with Michael. 6th - Paulie and Stephen head across the channel to spend a few days with James & Keno in Oxford before driving to West Berkshire to house and dog sit.
A walk near Boars Hill For a bit of tree hugging . The path through the fens is somewhat overgrown
Perhaps more than somewhat overgrown James and Keno placing a doormat before their new rug. . Chatting to Olivia
7th- Paulie and Stephen then headed off 40 minutes down the road to a wee village in West Berkshire to care for "Socks". 8th - Stephen was happy to be a country squire for a while so dressed the part Lady Pauline likewise The morning walk. Socks stars in a couple of films that will make their way to the "Film Archive" link on the website.
Socks was helpful with various chores and here helped Paulie with the ironing. On sunny days she chilled And often retreated to the warmth of the glasshouse To rest
9th - Paulie and Socks were off for a walk on the 98 hectare (220 acre) Hungerford Common whilst Stephen shopped at the Hungerford Tesco. . One on the daily morning walks across the local canal. .
To reach home. 10th - out and about again Then off to the late 14th century Donnington Castle near Newbury. James, Paulie and Stephen had visited in 2013 (see the link to May 1st in "Photo Archives" on this site) .
. Back at the house, some harvesting for lunch. A Thai stirfry. Which Socks likes the look of
Interesting chart of low flying flight paths across the UK. Our host was an army afficer and helicopter pilot. 11th - back to the Commons for an afternoon walk . 12th - the regular morning walk from the village.
. . . Socks liked to take her blanket on outings
A short drive to Silchester in Hampshire made for a lovely long walk with Socks. Old Roman walls remain of what was a large town. The ruins of Calleva Atrebatum, a Roman town that grew out of an Iron Age settlement after the Roman conquests around 43AD, included an amphitheatre that still remains. The town was abandoned in the 6th or 7th century. 13th - harvest time .
. 14th - a walk from the village took the trio past Kate Middleton's (Princess of Wales) sister Pippa's estate. Past the estate "Eagle Eye Atherton" spotted 2 wee deer. Hard to spot here. Back home it was time for tennis.
After chasing the ball for 3 or 4 games, a rest was required. The Glasshouse base connects with Adelaide HQ. . .
. 15th - morning exercises can be awkward with a puppy . 16th - In Adelaide Olivia's new home starts to take shape.
. Whereas back in Brisbane, Paulie and Stephen's home becomes home to a local - causing much anxiety for the tenants. Time for a 40 minute drive to visit Keno and James .
Socks enjoys meeting new people. Nearly as much as James and Keno enjoy watching her enjoy the meeting. The lads offer a glass of something special And Olivia sends an Oxford themed message.
In Florence Park the Atherton men work on their yoga and balance . And head back to their new(ish) home before Paulie, Stephen and Socks head back to West Berkshire. 17th - a rare outing sans Socks - the lovely cleaner's weekly visit gave "me" time to Paulie and Stephen. First past the Tudor manor, Littlecote House..
...and in it's grounds to the Roman Villa. In 1727–1728 William George discovered the Orpheus mosaic whilst digging post-holes. After an engraving and drawings were made it was reburied. Rediscovered in the late 1970s. This hall was dedicated to Orpheus as well as Apollo and Bacchus. A quick wander around the manor
. . Back in Adelaide Olivia continues to set up her new home. .
And balances work on her first property with work on her fitness. Whilst back in West Berkshire, there was plenty of work taking care of Socks. . .
The weather changes as Paulie and Stephen's sitting assignment comes to an end And on the 19th, the team hand over their charge to Socks' owner, Nicola and head back to Oxford before their evening flight home to France. Paulie uses the 6 + free hours to bus into town for some chores. Around the same time Olivia runs around the River Torrens with one of her Adelaide running groups.
Late that night it's back to Blagnac airport and the drive back to Saint Antonin N.V. A delayed late flight means the guys didn't get back to Saint Antonin until 1:00 am. Pal Michael kindly offered Paulie and Stephen a room for two nights until their house was vacated. 20th - renters Rod and Sue were in at residence La Cachette. Paulie and Stephen joined them for drinks to celebrate their 8th (we think) year of visiting. 28th -Nick Traynor (brother of Brisbane based Owen) and daughter Anna arrived from their Bordeaux home. Eight year old Anna was Queen of the mountain.
. . . A high visibility jacket is wise given it was hunting season
. A late night, exercise, a busy high-flying work week for corporate Vice President Nick, and possibly the consumption of what was in the bottle in the next photo, meant someone faded. Nick brought some fantastic wines. 29th - Sunday lunch before a cycle and then the return to Bordeaux late afternoon.
. Off on the cycle to Féneyrols Then Paulie and Stephen had Nick follow them in his car to some scenic areas before he then carried on to Bordeaux. Here they stop near La Corniche. Then Penne
And Finally below les Châteaux de Bruniquel before carrying on to the A20 at Montauban and home. Red on red 30th - Paulie and Stephen's Danish neighbours invite them for lunch. The sign was taken seriously by 3 tourists who asked if the cafe was open. Noting the Danish and French flags, the duo brought their NZ and Aus flags
A serious chat with Ebbe, one of the 8 Danes and one Dutchman. An enjoyable 5 and a half hour lunch winds up the month.