5th November 2012 Family News: Sarah came home for half-term, then dutifully returned to university on Monday. Sue, ever the stand-in, had her company to Kate Crawford’s 60th birthday bash at The Angel. With over 70 guests in attendance, it was the sort of event where one wonders whether the champagne was cheaper by the barrel.… Continue Reading

29th October 2012 Like clockwork, one of the British homeowners arrived in the village on Saturday and, true to David’s prediction, the weather collapsed. It’s become something of a tradition: the moment they show up, the skies darken. Before their arrival, we had enjoyed golden sunsets, hot sunny days, and balmy starry nights. No sooner… Continue Reading

21st October 2012 Visiting David usually means diving headfirst into a series of projects he’s dreamed up over the summer. This time, the top priority is sorting out the collapsed walkways around the pool, followed by finishing the barn roof, which was originally erected by a couple of Bulgarians, and then replacing the section of… Continue Reading

17th October 2012 Family Curry Night on Friday the 5th was a cause for celebration, with Sarah absent, back at university, and Ellis managing to keep his dinner firmly where it belonged, unlike last week, when he spectacularly redecorated Charlotte just as we were about to leave. Jamie, on the other hand, gave the welcome… Continue Reading

2nd October 2012 Things have settled down a little in the family, and a degree of normality has crept back in, though whether it’s here to stay is another matter. Jobs are getting ticked off around the house in readiness for winter: the balcony has been stripped and repainted, the hedges and trees trimmed and… Continue Reading

18th September 2012 On 8th September, everyone except Jamie trotted off to Lubenham to inspect their scarecrows. It turned out to be an absolute scorcher, and having been lulled into a false sense of security by the cooler weather in the days before, we all dressed as though autumn had already arrived. I, in particular,… Continue Reading

5th September 2012 Sarah and Charlotte returned from their Parisian adventure, claiming they’d seen everything there was to see. Charlotte, ever resourceful, managed to masquerade as a student with Sarah’s Union Card, meaning they both enjoyed discounted entry to all the sights. They were especially smitten with the Eiffel Tower, and brought me back a… Continue Reading

25th August 2012 Roger Woolnough and I enjoyed a week-long vacation in Italy to visit our friends, Joan and Phil. Escaping the rainy weather in the UK, we had a sunny and relaxing trip. Upon arriving in Ancona, we were greeted by Joan and Phil, who drove us to their charming home in Santa Vittoria… Continue Reading

5th August 2012 The so-called heatwave was nothing more than a flirtation. It breezed in, flaunted its sunshine for a week, and then vanished without so much as a goodbye. Now we’re right back where we belong: soggy days, endless drizzle, and a nation collectively wondering why we ever bother with barbecues. Still, at least… Continue Reading

22nd July 2012 At long last, the weather gods have decided to take pity on us! After what felt like an eternity of drizzle and damp socks, the sun has finally made an appearance. I’m so giddy with excitement, I might even dust off my shorts and sandals. Of course, two days of sunshine do… Continue Reading