Autumn, in full flow, flourishes,
flaunting her beauty in fiery hues -
flames of yellow, orange, red, glow;
her dress and tresses light the scene,
reflect the soft sun that bows to her command
holds Winter at bay with a grand gesture;
she whistles and in the breeze
leaves in free-fall flight drop to the ground,
turn brown to provide a crisp, crackling crunch
for footsteps on the forest paths
Thursday 28 September 2017
Wednesday 27 September 2017
Autumn afternoon at Les ballastières
A moorhen is keen - his missus quickly swims to the edge. You’re too late, mate - this is autumn sun - not spring!
Daffodils are also fooled -their little-sun faces gleam golden in the grass.
We stroll on the leaf-strewn bank between two lakes. Crisp leaves crunch beneath our feet, a breeze riffles the tree tops and other leaves tumble down onto our heads and shoulders. The path leads us to a splash of autumn colour.
In the past we have walked all around this big site. Now, even with our sticks, a ten-minute stroll is enough for aching backs. My husband has been busy, wielding a paint brush and he is tired. A flash on my cheek…the TN shrieks “Hello! I’m still here.” What? Now a walk not only wakes my back but my trigeminal nerve too?
We head back to the car; set picnic chairs on the decking of an anglers’ old swim. It has become a favourite corner.
Youngsters’ conversation drifts from beyond the far side of the lake. We hope it means the training college has again taken on the care of this valuable nature reserve, preserving this refuge for fish, birds, animals, the community - and us.
A donkey brays from a nearby field. A moorhen calls from the lake - somewhere between a squeak, a quack, a hoot and a honk - though not a mouse, duck, owl or goose is he. Maybe a ‘silly goose‘. Maybe his luck will change.
We enjoy the mellowness of this autumn day and push aside thoughts of the coming winter of our discontent.
Daffodils are also fooled -their little-sun faces gleam golden in the grass.
We stroll on the leaf-strewn bank between two lakes. Crisp leaves crunch beneath our feet, a breeze riffles the tree tops and other leaves tumble down onto our heads and shoulders. The path leads us to a splash of autumn colour.
In the past we have walked all around this big site. Now, even with our sticks, a ten-minute stroll is enough for aching backs. My husband has been busy, wielding a paint brush and he is tired. A flash on my cheek…the TN shrieks “Hello! I’m still here.” What? Now a walk not only wakes my back but my trigeminal nerve too?
We head back to the car; set picnic chairs on the decking of an anglers’ old swim. It has become a favourite corner.
Youngsters’ conversation drifts from beyond the far side of the lake. We hope it means the training college has again taken on the care of this valuable nature reserve, preserving this refuge for fish, birds, animals, the community - and us.
A donkey brays from a nearby field. A moorhen calls from the lake - somewhere between a squeak, a quack, a hoot and a honk - though not a mouse, duck, owl or goose is he. Maybe a ‘silly goose‘. Maybe his luck will change.
We enjoy the mellowness of this autumn day and push aside thoughts of the coming winter of our discontent.
Tuesday 26 September 2017
Finale
Yesterday, there were few takers for the offered attractions of the funfair which opened at 4 p.m. By 7 p.m. everything closed and the rest of the evening and well into the night was spent in loading and packing up. Some vehicles left through the evening, the rest departed this morning and by midday centre ville was back to normal.
A few days’ respite then it will have to be cleared again to make way for the town’s Autumn Fair when the centre and many streets will be lined with market stalls, including part of the main road with diversions for through traffic in place…but for one day only, Sunday.
Now we can get the car back for a few days, the overflowing bags of recycling can be loaded and emptied. Recycling is almost a full-time job - how quickly the packaging piles up!
A bit cooler today but still plenty of sunshine.
It may be the finale of the funfair, until next September, but not for our problems.
We still do not have a definite day and time for the central heating to be fixed, just that the work is on schedule for "some time" this week.
No sign of workmen to do repairs to the empty house next door but, for a few days, no rain so no water coming into the garage.
Still no word on when our new shutter will turn up - we will chase that, when we have the energy.
Still no enquiries re our house which is up for sale on-line, which is perhaps just as well until these problems are resolved.
On the plus side, with the improvement in the weather and my usual pacing myself with household jobs, my arthritis has improved and my TN seems to have gone back to sleep. Long may that - and the sunshine - last!
There are still challenges to be met and I need to pick myself up by my boot straps and face them.
Onward and upward…or summat.
A few days’ respite then it will have to be cleared again to make way for the town’s Autumn Fair when the centre and many streets will be lined with market stalls, including part of the main road with diversions for through traffic in place…but for one day only, Sunday.
Now we can get the car back for a few days, the overflowing bags of recycling can be loaded and emptied. Recycling is almost a full-time job - how quickly the packaging piles up!
A bit cooler today but still plenty of sunshine.
It may be the finale of the funfair, until next September, but not for our problems.
We still do not have a definite day and time for the central heating to be fixed, just that the work is on schedule for "some time" this week.
No sign of workmen to do repairs to the empty house next door but, for a few days, no rain so no water coming into the garage.
Still no word on when our new shutter will turn up - we will chase that, when we have the energy.
Still no enquiries re our house which is up for sale on-line, which is perhaps just as well until these problems are resolved.
On the plus side, with the improvement in the weather and my usual pacing myself with household jobs, my arthritis has improved and my TN seems to have gone back to sleep. Long may that - and the sunshine - last!
There are still challenges to be met and I need to pick myself up by my boot straps and face them.
Onward and upward…or summat.
Monday 25 September 2017
The continuing saga…
The funfair was very well supported yesterday, Sunday, afternoon but there were very few people around in the evening. The fake loud announcements stopped at 9 p.m. and many attractions closed or started to. The music quietened and the last one closed at 10.30. when a blanket of silence spread over the town.
Some of the vehicles left during the day but others remained to squeeze another day out and re-opened, with music, at 4 p.m. The centre and linking roads are still full of parked vehicles and stalls.
We received an email this morning - the central heating is to be fixed “this week” and the beleaguered receptionist/secretary will give us a day and time when she knows it.
It is a beautiful, sunny day and 26C. We needed a few things from Bricomarché - the DIY store and head for the Stenay one.
From there we drove through the town to Port de Plaisance. The camper-van site and little marina were busy with late holidaymakers and we watched a boat with an Australian flag enter the port from the River Meuse.
We took a stroll along the river bank and spotted two red tints of Autumn.
On the way back, we again went in search of that missing monument I wrote about recently, this time taking the first and nearby Juvigny Forest road on the left.
About a mile-and-a-half later we came to a dead-end turning space and returned.
Still no sign of the monument…apparently it is one to the resistance in WW11. Ron said it was a hidden camp. I said “It still is”.
When we got back to our little town, we were grateful that the space we had left in La Poste car park was still available.
Time for a cuppa.
Some of the vehicles left during the day but others remained to squeeze another day out and re-opened, with music, at 4 p.m. The centre and linking roads are still full of parked vehicles and stalls.
We received an email this morning - the central heating is to be fixed “this week” and the beleaguered receptionist/secretary will give us a day and time when she knows it.
It is a beautiful, sunny day and 26C. We needed a few things from Bricomarché - the DIY store and head for the Stenay one.
From there we drove through the town to Port de Plaisance. The camper-van site and little marina were busy with late holidaymakers and we watched a boat with an Australian flag enter the port from the River Meuse.
 |
| Just the right-sized space left to moor! |
 |
| A light breeze stirred the leaves which shimmered in the sun. |
 |
| Shiny red apples. |
On the way back, we again went in search of that missing monument I wrote about recently, this time taking the first and nearby Juvigny Forest road on the left.
About a mile-and-a-half later we came to a dead-end turning space and returned.
Still no sign of the monument…apparently it is one to the resistance in WW11. Ron said it was a hidden camp. I said “It still is”.
When we got back to our little town, we were grateful that the space we had left in La Poste car park was still available.
Time for a cuppa.
Sunday 24 September 2017
Lull
Saturday and Sunday, mornings and early afternoons - the town is eerily quiet. No occasional cars, lorries, tractors-and-trailers or motorbikes to break the bubble of silence - the funfair vehicles completely block centre ville to through or local traffic.
It seems strange and yet a welcome relief from the noise of Saturday night. True, not as much conflicting music this year, just two, and one drowns out the other…the loudest, with "ecky-thump" music and recordings of announcements, chatter, laughter and girls screaming on the non-existent high-flying 'thrill' rides.
But, thanks to double-glazing and television, for us it becomes more distant, unless we go into other rooms away from the T.V. - and, still without central heating, that is not often or for long! We watch some drama programmes and then the 25th anniversary show of Later - with Jools Holland., The Foo Fighters compete well with the funfair but we are able to enjoy the quieter moments of Paul Weller, Van Morrison and Gregory Porter accompanied by Jools.
The loudest noise over their p.a. stops at midnight, the quieter one continues until 12.30. The “punch bag” and two slot-machine arcades are the last to close. A few excited youngsters continue their conversation for another few minutes, then silence settles on the town. We sleep.
This morning, I picked my way, over many trailing electricity and water pipes which drape over the pavements and roads alike, to the boulangerie for our ordered bread and Sunday-special croissants and return home unscathed.
We appreciate the lull.
It seems strange and yet a welcome relief from the noise of Saturday night. True, not as much conflicting music this year, just two, and one drowns out the other…the loudest, with "ecky-thump" music and recordings of announcements, chatter, laughter and girls screaming on the non-existent high-flying 'thrill' rides.
But, thanks to double-glazing and television, for us it becomes more distant, unless we go into other rooms away from the T.V. - and, still without central heating, that is not often or for long! We watch some drama programmes and then the 25th anniversary show of Later - with Jools Holland., The Foo Fighters compete well with the funfair but we are able to enjoy the quieter moments of Paul Weller, Van Morrison and Gregory Porter accompanied by Jools.
The loudest noise over their p.a. stops at midnight, the quieter one continues until 12.30. The “punch bag” and two slot-machine arcades are the last to close. A few excited youngsters continue their conversation for another few minutes, then silence settles on the town. We sleep.
This morning, I picked my way, over many trailing electricity and water pipes which drape over the pavements and roads alike, to the boulangerie for our ordered bread and Sunday-special croissants and return home unscathed.
We appreciate the lull.
Friday 22 September 2017
By the window.
The car has been moved to the small car park not far from the house. It will have to stay there for a few days because if we take it out there may not be a space on our return.
An improvement in my back problems this morning, but the TN is acting like Jake Lamotta.
In the afternoon, I sit at an open window in our first-floor living room and soak up the very warm sunshine. The view here is now somewhat limited so I read my book.
Later, another ray of sunshine when a friend pays us a surprise visit and brings us jars of her home-made jam.
The boss-man of the central heating repair company came last evening at 6.00. (only an hour late) and said he would be in touch today. It‘s now well past 6 p.m.. - no visits, no phone calls, no emails. Our patience is getting thin…
Time to light the log fire again.
An improvement in my back problems this morning, but the TN is acting like Jake Lamotta.
In the afternoon, I sit at an open window in our first-floor living room and soak up the very warm sunshine. The view here is now somewhat limited so I read my book.
Later, another ray of sunshine when a friend pays us a surprise visit and brings us jars of her home-made jam.
The boss-man of the central heating repair company came last evening at 6.00. (only an hour late) and said he would be in touch today. It‘s now well past 6 p.m.. - no visits, no phone calls, no emails. Our patience is getting thin…
Time to light the log fire again.
Thursday 21 September 2017
All the fun of the fair…
Yes, I know, it’s traditional. Yes, it’s only once a year and thank goodness for that…
But for most this is just the preparation!
Maybe it seems worse this year because we are besieged with other problems. We have problems with our central heating boiler and have been somewhat let down by the repair firm we contacted. For the past few days - and still - no central heating…and if somebody eventually attends I hope they don’t need a van to work from as they won’t be able to get it near the house now or for the next few days!
It didn’t help that a radiator in our bedroom on the top floor leaked, water dripped from our office ceiling, underneath, and now that ceiling needs repainting.
And we’ve had water problems in the garage due to work not getting done yet on repairs in the empty adjoining house. When we have heavy rain - and we’ve had more than our share just lately - it pools in the garage. That water at the far end, the boiler water when a pipe leaked and also when the system was drained, at the near.
Water, water everywhere and I need a drink!!
It hasn’t helped that I’ve also been suffering from back spasms, sciatica and a nasty attack of trigeminal neuralgia. Luckily we do have a log fire (and jumpers and cardigans!) so at least one part in which to keep warm. We’ve been somewhat tied to emails (when we didn't have internet connection problems yesterday morning) and phone calls trying to get it sorted out but took a break this afternoon for a drive in pretty countryside to lift the spirits - and to get warm in the car and in the sunshine.
At least the outing helped smooth spirits and ease aches and pains. Now, where’s that log fire…
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| From just inside the open front door. |
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| Just outside the front door - looking right... |
 | |||||||
| ...and looking left. |
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| From the corner looking down the side of our house...the garage is at the end of this strip of garden. |
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| From just inside the open garage door. |
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| Outside - ahead... |
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| ...to the left... |
 | |||||||
| ...and to the right. |
 |
| Our house in the middle distance. |
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| Centre ville is filling up. |
 | ||||
| Our house overlooking somebody who has already set up for business! |
Maybe it seems worse this year because we are besieged with other problems. We have problems with our central heating boiler and have been somewhat let down by the repair firm we contacted. For the past few days - and still - no central heating…and if somebody eventually attends I hope they don’t need a van to work from as they won’t be able to get it near the house now or for the next few days!
It didn’t help that a radiator in our bedroom on the top floor leaked, water dripped from our office ceiling, underneath, and now that ceiling needs repainting.
And we’ve had water problems in the garage due to work not getting done yet on repairs in the empty adjoining house. When we have heavy rain - and we’ve had more than our share just lately - it pools in the garage. That water at the far end, the boiler water when a pipe leaked and also when the system was drained, at the near.
Water, water everywhere and I need a drink!!
It hasn’t helped that I’ve also been suffering from back spasms, sciatica and a nasty attack of trigeminal neuralgia. Luckily we do have a log fire (and jumpers and cardigans!) so at least one part in which to keep warm. We’ve been somewhat tied to emails (when we didn't have internet connection problems yesterday morning) and phone calls trying to get it sorted out but took a break this afternoon for a drive in pretty countryside to lift the spirits - and to get warm in the car and in the sunshine.
 |
| Old windmill at Azannes. |
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| A favourite spot - the river-fed pond at Azannes-et-Soumazannes... |
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| We take a short stroll along a nearby path... |
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| ...and back to the willow by the pond. |
 |
| We lingered a while in the sunshine. |
At least the outing helped smooth spirits and ease aches and pains. Now, where’s that log fire…
Saturday 16 September 2017
Between the showers
We found a little sunshine between the hail and rain...
how beautiful the hills look on the Woevre Plain
how beautiful the hills look on the Woevre Plain
Friday 15 September 2017
More new discoveries!
Grey sky and frequent showers today but, early afternoon, we decided to go out, if only for a short ride and a break. The sky was lighter to the north-west and we headed towards it.
On the road towards Jametz, we passed the turning to Peuvillers and took the next left marked Lissey. We have passed through Lissey before - but not by this road - another new-to-us one! It’s pretty countryside - and soon the clouds cleared to blue and sunshine.
From Lissey we took the Breheville road and, then, we followed another “new” road. It climbed up through twists and turns with thick forests each side and suddenly a clear patch on our left with stunning views - but nowhere to stop…the road was empty but narrow and one never knows what may be headed in our direction! But…just a mile or so further - a small area had been cleared and a picnic table and benches added, the hedge cut down and there a view of the magnificent Woevre Plain.
Further on, we followed the signpost to Haraumont, which we came to from yet another different route! And we thought there were no roads left near to home to explore!! On the heights of Haraumont we saw a buzzard - but he immediately flew away so no chance of a photo. We descend the hills and arrived at Ecurey-sur-Verdunois, took the Peuvillers road and stopped for a photo shoot with some of the locals…
…and thus back home, bringing the sunshine with us and a very pleasant 20C.
Another enjoyable round-trip and a lucky break in the weather.
On the road towards Jametz, we passed the turning to Peuvillers and took the next left marked Lissey. We have passed through Lissey before - but not by this road - another new-to-us one! It’s pretty countryside - and soon the clouds cleared to blue and sunshine.
From Lissey we took the Breheville road and, then, we followed another “new” road. It climbed up through twists and turns with thick forests each side and suddenly a clear patch on our left with stunning views - but nowhere to stop…the road was empty but narrow and one never knows what may be headed in our direction! But…just a mile or so further - a small area had been cleared and a picnic table and benches added, the hedge cut down and there a view of the magnificent Woevre Plain.
Further on, we followed the signpost to Haraumont, which we came to from yet another different route! And we thought there were no roads left near to home to explore!! On the heights of Haraumont we saw a buzzard - but he immediately flew away so no chance of a photo. We descend the hills and arrived at Ecurey-sur-Verdunois, took the Peuvillers road and stopped for a photo shoot with some of the locals…
…and thus back home, bringing the sunshine with us and a very pleasant 20C.
Another enjoyable round-trip and a lucky break in the weather.
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