La Bloggerie

View of part of the lake - 11 January

There was a time when the words ‘lake’ and ’side’ meant a trip to Essex’s favourite shopping centre – oddly not something that I have missed.  Recently, however, it has meant a very pleasant three quarters of an hour out with the dogs walking around the edge of a very well-kept secret. 

We know of people who have been told by locals not to tell others where this lake is, so desperate are they to keep it from becoming too popular.

I was first shown this lake the day before we took over the Tannerie by the previous owner.  We were out taking rubbish to the dump and on the way back Liam decided to take a detour to show me his ‘favourite place.’ 

Now, no disrespect to Liam, but I expected it to be a bar at the very least!  But no – through some winding country lanes we eventually pulled up beside a peaceful stretch of water surrounded by hills and trees.  Total silence was all you could hear, and I got the impression as he gazed over the water that Liam had brought me so that he could take one last look.

Five years on, and with the excuse that we needed somewhere to walk the dogs, we eventually found the lake again round the back of the village of Rioux Martin.  Still as peaceful,  the footpath winds its way around the edge with steep paths up into the woods for the more adventurous. 

The dogs, of course, love it.  Any mention of the words ‘in the car’ and they leap up, desperate to be off.  Much like me leaving Lakeside.

One of the streams feeding the lake

The lake - with much of it frozen over

The dogs at full speed

More photos can be seen on the La Tannerie Facebook page

La Tannerie in the snow - 6 January 2010

We may have missed out on the last round of snow that brought England to its knees, but we woke to a good covering this morning.

Because it’s a pretty rare occurence in these parts there don’t seem to be many gritters about.  So whilst coming down into town this morning had presented few problems for shoppers, it was a different story for those trying to get back up the hill on the Aubeterrre road.

However, during the afternoon there was a noticeable rise in the temperature and by dusk there was little snow left.

Maddi snorting snow

Minty confused by ice

The start of the school term, and a new ring tone for the lesson change bell.

Anyone who has stayed here during term time will be aware of the rather novel approach the Chalais school has to school bells.  Not for them the ring of a standard bell.  We have had electronic hooters, military music, and for the past year some strange twinkly music that one of the teachers told me would be instantly recognisable by the students as music from a popular film.  Not one I have ever seen.

And now, for some bizarre reason, we have 2 and a half bars (not 2, not 4) of what sounds like an accordion waltz crossed with a Cossack dance.  I can’t wait to find out which film that comes from.