The River

Port Sainte Foy last summer - the boat ramp to the left and the river
path at the base of the house walls

During the summer we were complaining about the lack of rain and the river was suffering. For a few weeks the water level was so low that the bed was exposed. For the first time since we’ve lived here there where water restrictions. 

this is the river bed, normally underwater

the river became narrower as the summer progressed

Now we look forward to any day with a bit of sunshine. We have had so much rain that there is serious flooding further south. The river level has risen so far that the waterside path, the picnic area, the roadway and the boat ramps have disappeared.There have been days when the wind is up and trees are uprooted. Many of our friends are complaining about roof tiles lifted off and damaged . Winter has arrived early.

the walking path has disappeared

there is a group of "oldies" who usually sit in this area ,
discuss the problems of the world and watch the river go by - not this week

the road underwater

the picnic tables looking lonely

Of course, that also means lots of hot chocolate, vin chaud (hot mulled wine). I make my own crumpets because they aren’t a french thing and we can’t buy them here. It’s also perfect weather for making big pots of vegetable soups – minestrone, french onion, chicken and corn. Our meals move from summer salads to traditional french winter dishes – choucroute, pot au feu, coq au vin, porc aux lentilles, lapin à la moutarde ou aux prunes. I’ve noticed that even fondue has reappeared for some this year.

vin chaud in the making

The christmas markets are everywhere. Each village holds one in the village hall on a weekend leading up to christmas. The larger towns hold them for a couple of weeks and the whole town centre is lit up. One of the carparks in the centre of town has a collection of chalets selling christmas craft and food, and an ice rink for the children.

Thinking of everyone suffering in the heat and bushfires in Australia. Hope you are ok for christmas.

meilleurs voeux

(best wishes)

christmas market in Bordeaux