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Hello Folks Well after months of rain and slightly chilly weather we have leapt to the other end of the thermometer spectrum and are battened down for 40 degrees tomorrow. I am determined not to moan about the heat as we seemed to spend all spring moaning about the cold and really at some point one needs to break the cycle. So get your coolest frock/shorts/t shirt/ pants on and chillax to the sound of panting dogs and heavy breathing sheep or if you are super lucky splashing pools, lakes,seas or rivers. Don't forget to drink alot.......preferably with water/tea inbetween and chuck some meat on the barbie. Enjoy.  Our American student, Hayden, turned out to be happy to helpout, easy going, handy with the camera when they were out and about and good fun. It was nice to exchange information and experiences and we were enlightened by the knowledge that not all Americans eat out all the time some do actually cook in their own houses and were surprised to discover how little English pop music is played in the USA and that no not everyone lives like Dallas;) (To any Americans reading this I am only joking in case you don't get my English sense of humour) We learnt a lot about pigs and barbecues....not sure what he learnt but I like to think it was something. He is off on his next adventure now touring with his band The Blisters back in the states and back to uni in the autumn. I think he may have left with the impression that all we do is go out on the razzle as we have had the most exhausting but enjoyable social life for the last couple of weeks. In fact in case anyone is interested we are available for bookings again ;) Gavin has been dabbling in the fine art of sheep shearing with some very helpful assistants and has discovered, happily, that he is not as shearing unfit as he thought he was. Although the groans today about the achy shoulders may belie that fact.
See you all soon Helen
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 Hello All What a very interesting return to the markets I had. It was the first time I had spoken to everyone since the fateful Brexit was thrust upon us a couple of weeks ago. I am struggling to find anyone who thought that this was a good idea so I am assuming that either a)everyone knows how I feel and doesn't want to start an awkward political discussion, b)everyone is in agreement with me and doesn't need to start an awkward political discusion or c) everyone thinks this is a bad dream and hopes that Batman really is going to come and save the day. I am curious to know which political figure would make a good Batman in this epic movie. There are not many (if any) that would look good in spandex, pleather, and a cape!!??**  Brantôme "So British" Market During my time away from all you lovely people I have had a marvellous time being occupied with my more culturally integrated side. My biggest promotion this year was realising that I was the Mum backstage at the local dance club that did actually know what was going on and was being relied upon to make sure that things happened smoothly and quietly. Which then led to being included in the "of course you are coming back for aperos at the clubhouse later". What a delightful change that was especially as I have every intention of asking France if they will have me and my family as citizens. And who could turn down a family with such great baking credentials..... We have attended several end of year functions and we were delighted to rediscover that our girls are still as talented as ever.
We have had, once again, a breakdown with our Butchery equipment. This time the lid on our big vacuum packer decided to crack and split with a nice big bang, which led to a trip to Perigueux and some stressful days worrying about whether the parts would arrive in time for the return to work. I haven't had the bill yet but seeing as just the purchase of the new lid cost 390 euros I may have to rethink my abandoning the 3rd market sometime in the future. Yes sadly Saint Astier has not worked out for us but we will be sorting out a delivery run in that direction in the near future. I have to say though that I am very relieved to get my extra day back for preparation which ha releaed the presure on lack of family time. I had not realised how tired and distracted I had become, and how much pressure had been building at home through lack of presence. However situation rectified and tranquility is restored. Weeeellllll mostly ;) We have acquired some help for a couple of weeks from an American student. Always nice to have some new energy around the place to remind you that it is a bigger world than your own back yard but pretty much you all have similar problems to resolve. See you all soon Helen |
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February 2024
Helen FranklinI am farming sheep and goats on the Dordogne/Gironde border with my husband and our 3 children. We have an on farm butchery and sell our meat direct to the public via the markets and delivery points in our local area |
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