Summer Catch up
Geoff Kidd
Our new Wooden Sign fashioned from pieces found in the Loft.
So the summer 2015 really flew past!
Once we had finished all of the decorating we wanted to do, we accepted our first guests of the season. Just a few friends to begin with, all of whom have contributed to our project in small ways.
May saw us cater our very first wedding. Vic cooked gallantly for 2 days prior to the event and that only got us prepared for the starters and desert. And I’m sure that Laura won’t want to see another Ribbon Salad ever again. Thankfully the food was very well received and everyone had a wonderful time.
Starters ready to serve.
Later that month, we spent a long weekend with Emma and James tidying the garden and planting a Veg patch which has borne lots of fruit. We’re intending to expand on this next year and might even run a volunteer week in the Spring to get the garden going again. Watch this space for more info.
Plenty of supervision in the Garden
Looking back, it was March when we realised the weather started turning away from winter. It was only a few weeks ago that I removed a coat I had discarded in the cellar because I was too warm, I just didn’t need it again – until yesterday!
Summer season officially started for the town on the 24th June with the festival that celebrates the traditional and all things burning. A night of local music was followed by Dr Fire and his group of brave pyro-dancers. Lastly the ceremonial burning of the Brandon took place as the town watched on. A 10m high split tree is set alight and allowed to fall naturally once burnt through and the direction it falls dictates whether the summer will be successful for everyone.
The first ‘Burning of the Brandon’ we saw in Luchon
Mid July, of course saw the Tour de France mooch through the Pyreness. And although there wasn’t a stage start or finish in Luchon this year, we did manage to get out to watch the peloton climb the Col de Portet d’Aspet in the glorious sunshine.
Perfect day to watch the Peloton pass through the Pyrenees
August brought more avid walkers and cyclists to our doors. But the highlight of the month is the nationally renowned Fetes des Fleurs, An important summer festival that celebrates all things flowery and summery. The town was at it’s vibrant and colourful best for the whole weekend.
The fabulous Fete des Fleurs Weekend.
And when we did get a little time to spare, we were pressing on with the remaining decorating. Victoria set about creating our top floor library and freshened up the Dishwashing area, whilst our lovely friend Benoît used his carpentry skills to create our Bar Area and shelves, the Outdoor Sign and repair the many pieces of antique furniture we now have.
Recently finished Library