Family & Friends Page (links to photos are on the left of this page)

February 2009 rene celebrates his 60th birthday in Tournon. Once again his son Mike and daughter Anna didn't remember it. (and they wonder why I'm not prepared to provide a free holiday destination in Normandie for them?!) Happily, brother Peter and sister Maggie braved the snow piles in the UK and made the journey by train and taxi to Tournon. Managed to keep this a complete secret from him! We all stayed in the local Chambre d'hote and had a wonderful meal at a little family run restaurant in Fontgombault. I spent January ducking and diving (and telling porkie pies) to get it organised at this end. Well worth the effort to see his face when he realised that we hadn't really been invited to M et Mme Simonnet's house for aperitifs on our way to the restaurant, and, the people singing happy birthday were Peter, Gerry, Margaret and Bob!

January 17th We now have a shower, inside loo, hot water and a functioning sitting room with wood burner. Just as well, because Mum and Dad arrive on the 19th. Happy 75th Birthday MUM!!!! great week spent with them. No DIY to do, we just chilled out!

November 2008 Finally closing up La B to go down to the house in Tournon and continue with the renovations. Cold winter ahead!!

August 2008 Back to France after seeing the family. Found the garden overgrown and in dire need of some TLC. Looks like our two week stay will be longer.....

April 08 Set up a blog about our travels - www.blogspot.com/laboutinais

March 24th We've decided on Malaysia/Borneo/ South China Seaand we're leaving April 12th

March 19th We've already started receiving positive replies and are now looking at 'where and when' not 'if'

March 18th Placed our 'profile' on:

 

and applied to a few owners/skippers.....

March 15th 2008 Back to La Boutinais to cut grass for clients, we're handing over our business at the end of the month to friends who are making the move to France. Planning to do some sail training in Gibralter in June then we'll look for a boat that needs crew. perhaps we'll be on the water before the end of the year??

January 2008 We're freezing our ***** off in Tournon St Martin, renovating the house there!

September 2007 Lesley survives a week at sea, sailing around the Brittany Coastline! Now officially 'RYA Competent crew' !!

August 2007 Rene says he wants to sell up, buy a boat and sail the world. I'm just getting used to the idea!