Our House

This is the future residence 'en France'. It's not very big (around 60m²) but there is a bit of garden, a chicken coop, 2 bedrooms and a study. There is a lot of work to do, but we're young stupid and ready to go crazy renovating. The view from the street. That's a mini garage in front, that isn't big enough for a car, but bikes, lawnmower and a workbench for me should be fine.

The back door. There hasn't been anyone living in the house for three years, so a lot of things need a good clean. But I promise it will be in order by the time some of you come to visit next year.

I'll cut the grass too.

Cognac

Many thanks to our friends here who earlier this year offered Elo and I a night in a Gite for Elo's belated 25th Birthday. We finally found a free weekend and headed south to the region of Charente, France. Probably most famous for the town of Cognac and the subsequently named sprit that is so famous around the world.
The region is well suited to the making of Cognac because of the type of soil available there and the apparent microclimate that aids the growth of the best grapes for making Cognac, the Ugni Blanc white grapes.


The grapes are distilled to make an eau-de-vie, or water of life, then aged for any period more than two years. They are then mixed to combine flavours and aromas to make a nice tasting Cognac.

Not the best shot, but these two flasks contain an eau-de-vie that was distilled in the year 1800.

Barrels of ageing eau-de-vies.

Enough learning, the tour at the Hennessy Cognac sheds was very interesting, and the taste testing at the end quite enjoyable too. Although I didn't get to taste the Hennessy Eclipse, at about €3000 a bottle or around €200 for the glass, you'll understand.
So instead of the outrageously priced Cognacs, we brought home a few bottles of the more reasonable Pineau des Charente. A great, sweat drink for aperitif.

This was the town of La Rochelle we past through going to Cognac. There are three old towers that guard the old Port.
Calm and Peaceful.

Our wedding

No wedding is complete without a dozen litres of the secret family punch. Tim was quite forthcoming in offering his taste testing services, thanks buddy. Pas trop sucré?

For those of you who check out the Blog for random updates, we are having a church service and reception next year, so we decided to celebrate this ceremony at a lower key. Hence no white dress, tux or huge gathering of family and friends. It was however a very special day for us, and I think you can see by all the smiles and red eyes, happy and emotional.

My wife receiving flowers before the ceremony, with her aunt Pascale(left), uncle and Godfather Jacky(centre) and her Papy.

In the foreground, David, Elo's brother and Tim my close friend, who were my witnesses.

Us

Elo's parents, Robert and Cathy. Many thanks again for everything.

Elo and I have been together for more than three and a half years. They have been the happiest three and half for me. She makes me smile every day, she makes me completely happy. So I am going to do everything that I can do make her as happy as myself for the rest of my life. Therefore there was no doubt in my mind, when the mayor performing the civil ceremony asked me if I was prepared to care for, support and love Elo for eternity, and I said 'Oui'. Even though it came out a little squeaky.

Officially off the market.

Us with the Mayor of Couëron.

Me, Elo and David at St Michel Chef Chef

With the Grandparents.

Our little pride and joy, Flopsy.

Thanks again Tim, I know it's not as far as coming from Aus, but Elo and I really loved having you as part of our special day. Your a very good friend.

The wonderful witnesses. Nat, Helen, Elo, Me, Tim and David.

Ma belle mere et mon beau pere.

The amazing seafood buffet that took all afternoon to finish.

Bliss

Delicious cake, which was finished even after all that seafood.

Us, cutting the cake.

Learning from the Pro.

A regional tradition, Onion soup at 0200 in the morning, just when you think it's bed time. It does hit the spot though.

Yum.

The morning after, the numbers had dwindled, but there were still smiles all around. A big thanks to everyone who help prepare the day, especially the photographers and the the cooks.

The French Cuisine

Over the past eight months I've tried some great french cuisine.
Here are just a few meals I mananged to take a photo of.

Oysters cooked in butter and persley.
This time ina white wine sauce with garlic.
A real Ratatouille.
Smoked ham on the BBQ
Fosters, just like in Australia mate.
Gesiers, or in English, Duck Gizzards
Clams, cooked in butter and Persley.

Our catch, about 6 kilos of pippy's.
Fresh Oysters.
Fressure, anything left on the pig after you take off all the 'real' meat.
Melted Camembert on the BBQ
Aussie beer Vs a very nice brew from Belgium(It was my last Fosters)

THE DANCER!!!!

During our holidays, M discovered the "Fest Noz", concert with traditionals dances from Brittany and he loves it!!!! Unbelievable....

Le Moulin - The Water Mill

I just wanted to show you another beautiful place where we go for the week end. This is my grandad's water mill. He bought it with three friends when he was young and he come here at least once a week for fishing. It's an incredible quiet place, in the middle of nature!! I love it. But the water mill doesn't have lots of confort, but for one day sometimes, it's refreshing. That's the place, very old, no electricity, no tap water, just a torch and cheminey to see inside and for the water, there is a fontaine with fresh water just behind!!! Perfect....

It's as well, an awesome place for fishing and taking a boat ride!!! So everyone's welcome to come and see it....