We are now in the fourth and last week at Gite Puymule so it is time to reflect on any learnings here. Most points are almost the bleeding obvious but it is good to go through the experience of learning them for yourself. At three bedrooms, the gite size is about right. We could probably get by with just a large kitchen/family room as the “lounge room” has been sparingly used, noting you need a large outdoor eating area/verandah. Under house space provides plenty of junk storage capability whilst removing clutter from day to day existence. I like the idea of a pool if we are to be anything like “country living”. Lastly, we do need to be within easy walking distance to a baguette and a café. Here we are about 7 kms out of both Bretenoux and St Cere which is just that bit too far. The “buy” also needs a view. We have one here and it is great.

On our jogs to the chateau, it is great to glance across the valley to Loubressac and to have the occasional view of Castelnau-Bretenoux chateau as it looms out of the morning. We never tire of the fantastic views along the valley and into the hamlets.

I am starting to believe we need about 4 weeks per location to settle in and to develop living ideas. It will be interesting to see how we look at things when the Lane’s go home to Oz.

We are not missing Australian news and politics at all and it is great to realize that you can live quite well without hearing how George W, his cronies and his lackeys are continuing to stuff things up for millions of people. We are surviving well with the occasional bit of web news and podcasts of a few of our favorite programs.

The weather is now beginning to warm up again as so we have all had a taste of the pool and hope to do more with the remaining days here.

We have enjoyed showing Rachael and family around our favorite part of France.
Outings have included the ‘Fete de Fraises’ where even Jayden enjoyed a few strawberries.