Le Ruault gîtes

30/05/2026

The previous owners must have enjoyed yuccas - once they’d outgrown their pots, they planted out at least six of them along the edge of our stream where they’ve thrived. Every now and again, one bursts into flower. Stunning!

29/05/2026

Just taking a quick break from cleaning the swimming pool cover, sitting listening to the delightful cacophony of birdsong!

26/05/2026

On an early walk before (a) it gets too hot - currently 27° at 9am - and (b) I start presenting the revision course for my CIPFA audit and accountancy students, I noticed that new vines have been planted on a hitherto non-descript parcel of land on a route I walk less often. It’s lovely seeing the local landscape change over seasons and years.

26/05/2026

22/05/2026

Now, that’s more like it!

And wonderful news for one set of neighbours who are renting both our gîtes for the weekend to accommodate family and friends for a joint birthday celebration and another set of neighbours who are hosting a big party (to which we’re invited) in the Salle de Fêtes in Bouillé Loretz to celebrate their 60th birthdays and 30th wedding anniversary!

Quite the holiday weekend! Woop woop! 🎉🍾🥂

21/04/2026

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! No, not Christmas…but the annual pressure washing of the tiling round the pool. Tiring, yes, but so, so satisfying!

15/04/2026

Life in rural France is not always rosy.

Today, we were very grateful to a man from Aeos Gaurit who came with his truck to empty and rinse not one but two of our septic tanks!

When we lifted the covers, it was no wonder our toilets weren’t flushing properly - but I’ll spare you the details 🤣🤪

It’s something you only need to get done every five years or so. All sanitation now back to working order. Phew!

12/04/2026

My desk looks out on our beautiful wisteria - it’s been a joy seeing it flower this spring.

27/03/2026

While our son was at basketball practice, we filled the time by visiting the 77th Salon des Vins in Thouars - over 105 vignerons, free tastings, and a chance to discover some scrummy, different wines.

Well, it would have been rude not to, no?

15/03/2026

Hey, here’s a clever ruse! My iPhone records my steps, which is good to ensure I keep moving.

But today, the steps from our usual walk (45 mins) have been nearly doubled by an hour on our sit-on mower bumping around the grounds doing the first cut of the season 🤣

To top it all, the chickens have been following me around hoping that the mowing might yield a few more bugs and worms. Lucky Lucia, in particular, is completely unfazed by the noise and potential danger! To quote the late, great Bruce Forsyth “she’s my favourite”!