La Mare aux Fées

22/09/2020

22/09/2020

Pyrrhon de L'Escane Crabe 9 mois

22/09/2020

Pyrrhon de L'Escane Crabe 12 mois

03/11/2019

08/10/2019

28 septembre 2019

I am writing with a tear in my eye and a pain in my chest - literally. I cracked a couple of ribs yesterday morning, whilst vacuuming my sitting room at 7.15.

I was waiting for clients to come down for breakfast and thought, what the hay, so I brought out my beloved Dyson Animal stick vacuum cleaner and told the Bear to stay back for a couple of minutes, whilst I vacced his 'area'. I was happily, vacuuming (I do enjoy my Dyson - Crazy, I know), almost dancing to my tone deaf singing, when I took a step back, only to find the Bear had parked himself right behind my feet! I started to fall backwards and as I didn't want to fall onto him, I pitched forward with Dyson still in hand into the padded wooden armrest of my lovely 2 seater leather sofa. OAF!!!! l fell to my knees (I know, I cannot even touch my right knee without wincing, but there I was, on my knees) with my Dyson in hand. I was moaning quite loud with Henry beside me not knowing what to do. The Bear, however, had moved to along side me and was oblivious to my moaning.

I didn't faint, but everything seemed in slow motion. I stayed like that, on my knees, moaning, with trusty Dyson in hand for a few minutes to make sure I wasn't badly injured, wondering if I could get to the telephone, if need be. Anyway, I let go of 'D' and very gingerly pulled myself to my feet and very slowly hobbled into the kitchen, looking at the time - yes, there was still enough time to take the dogs for a walk before the couple descended for their petit déjeuner.

I felt a bit of pain, but was probably in a bit of shock, so thought I had better act as if I was 'looking good and feeling fine', sort of.

We did our walk and went to the bakery and gave and received from the client their breakfast and payment for their stay. Off they cycled into the morning mist just after 8.00 local time - little joke there. I was starting to wonder (debating, really) by that time, if I had broken or bruised my ribs, as the pain was still there. As I needed to go to the tax office and the doctor's office was on the way ....... kill two birds? Why not.

So, at 8.25, I left a note for Toune and off I went on my errands for the morning. After waiting for about 1 1/2 hours for the doctor, he confirmed that I had either cracked or broken a couple of côtes, but could only give me either morphine (no thank you) or codeine. I was already taking anti-inflammatory tabs for my arthritis, so codeine was good. No need for an x-ray, as I hadn't punctured a lung. He could give me a band, but with rather droopy ‘mams’, it would be a bit painful there too.

Anyway, off I went with my ordnance in hand to the tax office and back home to take to my bed for the afternoon, then off to a friend's house for dinner. I was feeling ok, a bit of pain, but it was livable. Came home and went to bed, after phoning Toune to confirm that I was ok and didn't need any help. Slept reasonably well.

Jumped (?!) out of bed this morning, realising the plumber is due to come today, only to find I was in incredible pain. Oh my days, how am I going to manage a house and dogs for the next X amount of weeks until I feel better - what is better? Anyway took my anti-inflammatory and codeine tabs and as I am writing, feel a bit light headed but in less pain.
So, with that, I can now greet the plumber, smiling and hope for a nice new boiler with HOT water and more pressure than a trickle.

Have a great day y'all.

08/10/2019

Knock at the door just after 11 this morning and there stood two women - one small grey haired and the other young and dark haired. I thought they were guests and opened the door and greeted them. They flashed their government cards at me and said they were from the Control of B&Bs in Rennes and that they wanted to inspect my B&B. OK, I said, "Come in". (They were already in) They asked if my rooms were free and could they see them. Yes, they were available for viewing and then they saw the Bear and noticed that I put him in the kitchen with the gate across. Good, they said to each other. The older one seemed to be the 'boss', whilst the younger one took notes on a couple of sheets of unlined paper sitting on top of a magazine (I notice these things, I do). They asked where the 'welcome' area was and I said that it was in the hallway. Ok. Did I have a tariff inside the house? No. You must. Ok. Then I took them upstairs and apologised, as I was still cleaning. The 'cat's' room was first. Ok, fine. Then we went upstairs and they saw that two of the three rooms had only a sink and toilet - no shower. And that the third bedroom had no facilities whatsoever, but was adjacent to the bathroom. This was not good at all. I must have private facilities in all rooms! Since when, I asked - is this a recent requirement? No, it has been effective for a long time - how long? I asked. A long time. Well, I said, I have never received anything in the whole time I have had this establishment. We went back downstairs and into the dining room. Where do the guests eat? Here. What do you serve them for breakfast. I told them .... and yoghurt. Do you have a pot available for inspection? No. I do not have guests tonight. Well, make sure the yoghurt is well within the use by date. OK.

Next she asked to see my licence from the Mairie. I had to go upstairs to find my file and came back down. She looked at the licence and then the drinks licence and then the updated food licence and other documents. She then asked again, how many rooms do I let and said I had to go to the Mairie to tell them to amend my licence. Then she started to pull my tariff sign out of the window. I have it hanging and a glass bird hanging on the side of the sign. It was banging against the window as she tried to pull the sign out of the window. I shouted at her to stop and not to touch my things! She kept pulling. I grabbed her hand and pulled it away. The wing broke on the glass bird my grandson had made me.

Then she started again about me having four rooms and only one ensuite. She said I could only let two rooms. She asked about invoices, so I showed her one I had just prepared in advance for a guest. She noticed that there were 7 adultes and one child on that invoice. I said they were a family. She said not necessarily and that I could not accept them. I said they had already booked with Booking.Com and I could not cancel the booking and that I would have to find them alternative accommodation or reimburse them in full. She said they couldn't share the bathroom. I said they were a family. No it was not possible. I said what about all the other bookings I had taken for the summer. I could not reimburse them the money. It was not possible. I again asked how long this legislation has been in place and she would not tell me, just that I could only let two rooms. She showed me her file with typed pages, but nothing official (with government logos, etc) on them. She did not give me her card or leave me with any papers or ask me to sign a document to say they had been, just that she would write to me. I again, stressed that I had never received any documentation that all rooms must have private sanitary facilities.

I was really upset. I left a message with Joni and she phone me straightaway. I was crying the whole time, not being able to speak, stuttering. She told me to go to the Mairie to find out exactly what this was all about.

They only flashed their cards when they knocked at the door. Didn’t give me one to keep for reference.

I then had to collect Toune from the Arboretum and spoke to Sarah (she was a government employee for health and safety in England) and she gave me some pointers and told me to go the Mairie also. I then spoke to Malo and Olivier (Olivier used to have gites). Malo had a look on the internet straightaway and could not find anything that stipulates the obligation for private sanitary facilities in each room. It was really kind of them to take an interest. They suggested I ignore this inconvenience for the moment and wait to hear from the Control in Rennes. Another lady - Brigitte - also said to leave it until they write to me.

I came home still in tears and within a few minutes, Sarah had sent me an email to give me European guidelines for a government employee when they come to an establishment. They should have given me a card and a telephone number to speak to someone (by the way, they did not speak any English and when I said I did not understand she said I did!)

I then decided to go to the Mairie, despite Toune, Malo, Olivier and Brigette asking me to wait and not do anything rash. I just wanted to know if this was legitimate or a hoax. As I was leaving the house, I saw my neighbour from across the road and asked if they they had a visit. No. Ok, so I walked down to the Mairie and as I was turning into the road to the Mairie, Toune was coming up the road with the dogs. He said he had spoken to my next door, but one, neighbour who has a B&B and he said, he too, had a visit and that he saw the list of B&Bs they were to visit in the area. The Mirabel and Marie-Rose also had a visit. So, I knew this was a legitimate call. So, I didn't go to the Mairie. Just as well, as I learned later that the Mairie was closed that afternoon.

I came back home and sent an email to Rachael (O'Brien - O'Briens on the bridge)

About 45 minutes later, Rachael phoned me. Come to find out she hadn't seen my email, but asked if I had a visit. She hadn't, but she knew somebody who had. We talked about it and she said that her son was working at the tourist office and that she would ask him to speak to the prefecture to find out what was what.

Then she sent me some documentation dated March 2017 and I have looked through it and translated it and no where in the document does it state that it is obligatory for B&Bs to have private sanitary facilities, just that the rooms have access to a bathroom..

I may still go to the Mairie to find out what is what and I asked Rachael to keep me informed if her son, Alfie, has any information from the Prefecture. I may just go into the tourist office tomorrow and ask him myself.

I was thinking that there is no way in hell I could afford to have two showers installed in the rooms. They would have to be completely re-jigged and cost at least 6,000€ each, probably more and then I would have to sacrifice a bed and not be able to recoup the money, ever.

I mean, look at all the traditional B&Bs in tiny villages. Not many of these have ensuite facilities. New conversions, yes probably.

22/05/2019

Had a funny experience this morning.
Woke up at 7h30 and still feeling a bit (a lot) tired proceeded to get myself together. Whilst pulling up my knickers (not having my glasses on), noticed a largish oval yellow mark on the back of my left calf. It had red marks in the centre. Oh my god, what is this, I thought, panicking. Bending down as much as I could (well, I am nearly 70 and can't bend down, love), I tried to feel this mark. What the Fudge?! It was dry! I tried to scrape it with my nail (freshly cut and filed, yesterday, without my glasses, I might add!), but it wouldn't budge. What is it? It doesn't hurt. When did this wound occur? I sat down, but couldn't turn my leg around enough to see it. Joni was trying to get the children to brush their teeth and Jonathan had just left for work. Oh dear. Ok, I thought, take a deep breath.
So, I stood up and tried to swivel my upper half round and bent down to have another look at this 'thing, growth, wound, bite' on my left calf. By this time, my eyesight had cleared a bit. Well, what do you think! It was a child's sticker!!!!!! How in hell it got stuck to the back of my left calf is a complete mystery! I don't wear shorts (no self-respecting sticker would want to stick to my legs!) and don't roll up my trousers. So many questions and not enough answers. So, after deeply exhaling and shoving all the plans for my funeral to the back of my mind (again), I tried to get this little bu**er extricated from my leg. Nothing doin', it wouldn't budge. Hey, what kind of glue to they put on the back of these things, anyway!? I tried to scrape a corner and squeeze my leg, but nothing. After a few minutes (well, it seemed like a few minutes), I straighted up a bit wobbly and thought hmmm, will I need surgery to have this child's sticker removed from my calf or will I sport it like another tatoo? After a bit of deliberation and getting myself together, except for my trousers, I thought I'd give it another go. Holding onto the bed and bending down, I grabbed that bu**er by the corner and voila, it came off, just about knocking me on the floor (makes for better reading, doesn't it). It tried to stick to my fingers, but managed to fold it up in toss it in the bin. The little critter managed to leave a red mark on my leg, which I should take a photo of, (but can't swivel and bend down with my camera or phone - would probably end up taking a photo of the floor) Anyway, I would soon forget it and wonder what the fudge is that bad photo of?
So, having gotten myself all ready to face the world, I jauntily made my way downstairs only to be confronted by several of these stickers sticking firmly to the hall carpet. Giggling, I thought the cleaners are going to have fun today - then remembered they have children too.

13/05/2019

Toune said my microwave died last week, so have been doing a lot of research to get another one. Chose a couple, one was too expensive, one wouldn't arrive here until between 3 june and 3 july. And then there was the question of whether to get a combination or just a microwave. Decisions, decisions. I hate to make them. Joni thinks I am mad to get one at all (theirs died a couple of years ago and haven't replaced or missed it). We used my one every day for making hot chocolat to warming the evening meal. Sometimes I use the convection part, so I decided on a combination.
Anyway, next was to decide which one. They now have a 'flat bed'. Which doesn't have a turntable and, therefore, a larger casserole can fit inside - more expensive, so that was out. I wanted a white one, as well.
Well, this afternoon, Joni decided to take a jaunt to Welwyn to John Lewis. We had a look in the kitchen section and I selected a few items, then she decided she wanted to to to the bra department, as there was a sale and she needed more nursing bras. So, off she toddled and left me with little 'Ned', fast asleep in his pram. I made my way to the microwave department and had a nosey. A nice man passed by and asked if I needed assistance and I said no, just looking, thank you. After a few minutes, I saw him pass by again and hailed him, 'excuse me sir, could you help me, please? My pleasure, came the quick reply and in a thrice, he was by my side. I asked about the microwave with grill facility and said I wanted to sometimes make baked potatoes and would that do it, but alas, no he said, I would need a combination microwave. He said that at home, they cook the baked pototoes in the microwave and then finish them off for 15 minutes in the oven. Defeats the purpose, he said. He then snapped his fingers and said 'wait a minute, I may be able to help you. Ah, yes here we are (a couple of steps away in a corner, were two rather large boxes with a print-out on each one) These are on special offer.' One was a Panasonic combination microwave marked down from 199 pounds to 149 pounds. He said a customer ordered it, but cancelled it, so it was on special offer. That one only. The other one was a Samsaung, but alas, it was only a microwave, marked down from 134 pounds to 96 pounds. Oh god, decision again! I wanted white, but the Panasonic was black. He offered to take me for a walk inside the box, but I declined the offer, not wanting to disturb the wrapping. He showed me one on display that was white, so I knew what it looked like. The other one, I dismissed straightaway. So, much to my surprise, I asked if he delivered, but he said that as it was a special offer, it was a pay and take away offer. Hmmmmm. OK, I said I will have it. And within two minutes, I was the proud ? nervous owner of a Panasonic Combination microwave owen.
Several minutes later, Joni arrived back proudly sporting one of her new nursing bras. When I told her I had just bought a combination microwave owen, she was not a bit surprised.
Also, good news is that I had been looking at that model on the internet. Just disappointed that it is black. Maybe I could paint it white?

30/06/2018

Well, it has been a mixed 6 months, today being the 30th June. From January to May, I was really depressed. First time the winter depression has ever hit me. Some days, I just didn't want to get out of bed. I didn't know the reason for this depression. Rain, rain and more rain, but when the sun came out, and I felt good, I realised what it was. I will never again laugh off when people say they go south for the winter. My animals helped, gave me a reason to get up and move. June has been good. In fact, it is really hot. Now at 5.00 in the morning it is 22° in the kitchen. Cloudy outside, but may clear up. Too hot for the Bear and me. Never satisfied. Either too rainy, too cold or too hot! Mannnn, get a grip! Enjoy life, take each day as it comes. Had some 'Great to be Alive' days, though and it makes it all worth while. Walks with Henry and the Bear in the forest are really great times. No sounds of cars or people, just the dogs, nature and me. Wow. Business is not too bad. Starting to get busy. This time last year, I was so busy, I didn't leave the house for 3 weeks - cleaning, washing and ironing. My talking books kept me going through the nightmare of ironing. Love my books. Thank you Audible.co.uk. Made crepes for a weekend at the Arboretum. Great time, even the wind and rain could not put people off from visiting the beautiful peaceful arboretum in Huelgoat. I will again make crepes for the Festival du Jazz at the end of July. That is always fun and to be able to listen to some great music. Really looking forward to that - it is my 12th year there as a benevole. My arthritis has travelled down to my feet now and I find it hard to walk, what with my bad knee and foot. Kine, paracetamol and ice packs help. How I loved to walk (?) - well I did sometimes, but I loved sports and being able to move without pain, now that is a thing of the past. Oh, the joys of getting older.
Have a great summer. Love and kisses.

19/08/2017

A day in my life
Well, it has been a hectic couple of months, what with all the great guests staying at La Mare aux Fées B&B in Huelgoat. Last week was the highlight, with 13 guest staying the night, 9 of which were Spanish. Nice lot. But having said that, it has taken its toll. I am completely spent - going to bed at about midnight and getting up rather early each morning around 6 - 6.30 feeding the cats and dogs, go to the bakery, give Henry and the Bear their second breakfast and make sure the table is set and ready for breakfast (orange juice, yoghurt, café, milk, thé, hot chocolat, Breton butter, jam (sometimes homemade), croissants and baguette, newspaper, radio and books on Huelgoat, adorn the table) . Guests stagger in from 7:30. Chat to the guests, make sure all is ok for them, ask about their visit, etc. I quickly eat my own breakfast and read the news. Then, make sure the guests have paid and send them on their way with a cheery Adieu. After that, clean the breakfast room and the whole of the ground floor (including giving an early lunch to the Bear), before thinking about 10 minutes to rest and have a look at the guest list for the day and start on the bedrooms, plus putting the washing out on the line, loading the machine for the 2nd time of the morning and then the mountain of ironing. In between time, giving the Bear his early dinner and making sure he and Henry are taken for a walk, either by me or Toune. By this time, it is time to think about something to eat - what? Bread left over from breakfast? Why not. Followed by a piece of fruit and then bring in the washing and take another load out to the garden and load the machine for the nighttime wash. By this time it is about 3h and the 4 bedrooms are still in a partial state of readiness, having thrown the linen downstairs and emptied the bins. Looking at the internet for the 4th time today, I notice that there is an 'instant booking'. AAAHHH. Rush upstairs put on my talking book and re-start ironing with a vengeance. Then go upstairs, look at the rooms and try to choose (I have great difficulty making decisions) the colour of the bed linen. Make the beds, vac and wash the sinks, toilets, place the bottles of water and close the door. Make my way downstairs and Oh Dear, forgot to put a new dusbin liner in the bathroom. Up again, to re-check the rooms. OK, finished. Make my way downstairs - it is about 6h. Think about what to cook for dinner and then sit for two minutes - the doorbell goes - Bonjour bienvenue....