And, we’re off!

Well that’s a surprise I’m off for a lie down

And, we’re off!

We’re packed. I’m pretty sure the new Focus is smaller than the old one, which I know is unlikely. Although, we do have the kids’ ski kit and some of Henry’s toys. So that may be the problem. And we have to make allowances for three extra sets of skis should, during half term, we have to go anywhere which isn’t covered by the skibus. As a result we have put the top box on … which meant getting a new set of roof rails (Ford originals for £75 from FB marketplace, which I was really happy with). Anyhow, we’re set. We’re staying with R&C tomorrow night (thanks again, guys), catching an early Tuesday ferry, overnighting in a b&b in Dijon and should arrive in Chatel on Wednesday. Notwithstanding catastrophe we’re there for four weeks. And the snow is great. And the weather has settled. Absolute bliss.

winter tyres off the old, onto the new

The past week has been a muddle of work and sorting. The sorting is the house. We just about have it where we want it, although there are a good deal of things we would like to make happen over time. I have to say that C has made it really cosy and it has quickly felt like home. I love it. C loves it more. She’s already talking about not going away in the summer so we make the most of the place. We’ve walked and run. The walk took us across the fields to the village (about half a mile). There we abused the local cafe which is fab – pricier than Greggs, as you’d expect, but v convivial. By chance I spotted a chap wiring what looked like a manuscript. Low and behold, he’s a writer! We had a chat about things writers talk about. It was a brief but wholesome interlude.

The running is much better than expected. C is managing the hills. And I’m loving the constant x-country opportunities. The views are pretty exceptional and, now the rain has gone, it’s just perfect being out in such clean air. Long may that continue.

working … in my study

The writing is motoring along. First, Guy liked chapter 1. And he has passed it around some of his pals and there’s a general thumbs up. That is such a relief. He came and saw me on Thursday (it was great to see him) and we had a Zoom call with his niece, the publicist, and Rob, the film maker. From there we were all given our marching orders and Guy and I got on with devising the right sort of synopsis (which Tori, Guy’s niece could use to find a publisher). And then we explored chapter 2 … which I have just just finished. What a story. I’m absolutely loving the job and it’s much more fun than I thought it would be. But, at about 8 hours a chapter (of which 1.5 hours is with Guy) spread over three days, and 20 chapters long, it’s going to be a tight fit to finish by mid-April. But we’re on it.

And we’ve already had people round for supper (P&K) and been to them (which was lovely, as we met some new people), and C is lining up a host of visitors, which is great. On the downside our letting agents had found a tenant for our Bradley Stoke property, only for them to pull out. Mmm. It shouldn’t be that difficult. Don’t worry we won’t be coming to any of you for a sub. But the sooner the place is let, the better.