I haven’t any good excuses for why August has managed to arrive and there have been no new blogs. I could say it’s the hot weather and the Olympics but it more a lapse into holiday mode, c’est bien français.
Also too much has been going on to have time to write about it. Here is a snapshot of a few activities in Cortambert over last couple of weeks.
July 14th - Vide grenier at Varanges
July 14th was celebrated with the annual vide grenier in Varanges. In spite of gloomy weather there was a reasonable attendance. We found some wonderful toys for the grandkids which kept them amused for the rest of their stay.
Later that week was an interesting exhibition of the work of Michel Bouillot at the Cortambert library. His speciality was pen and ink drawings of the old buildings in southern Burgundy. He must have known every stone in the region as he sketched every lavoir and old house, as well as the churches and abbeys. He taught locally for many years and was mentor to PJ, our mayor.
PJ on Michel Bouillot
The highlight of last weekend was the René Alamagny cycle race. RA was once mayor of Cortambert and a keen cyclist, as is PJ who not only organised this event but worked all day at everything from sweeping the gravel off the road and hosting lunch to presenting the prizes.
Sweeping the road in Varanges
The cyclists come hurtling down to our corner of Varanges
Watching the race with our lovely neighbours
In the evening all the helpers were treated to a BBQ at the marie
Florence hard at work cooking sausages
followed by entertainment with our multi-talented mayor and Alain & Florence from Awen, our local rock group.
Entertainment from PJ and Awen
By the way, this is how our neighbours keep their grass down.
Next door's lawnmowers
You’ll see our neighbour in Cormatin also has the same idea as he borrows a horse for his garden. Can someone please lend me a pony?
