Week 9 2014

Hello,

What do cranes look like? From http://www.anura.it/

For a couple of weeks now we have been hearing the unmistakable sound of the cranes flying overhead.  As you look up, scouring the sky for the distinct ‘V’ of the birds heading north, you know that spring can’t be far away.

A beautiful afternoon yesterday with clear blue skies saw me out in the garden craning my neck to see the cranes!

Spring is just around the corner.

Whatever you do this week in the Gironde and the Dordogne regions, have a good time.

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 9 2014

Monday 24 February

24 February 13h45, 19h45 & 21h45 : Only Lovers Left Alive is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.
Adam ('Tom Hiddleston), an underground musician reunites with his lover for centuries (Tilda Swinton) after he becomes depressed and tired with the direction human society has taken. Their love is interrupted and tested by her wild and uncontrollable little sister (Mia Wasikowska).

24 February 20h15 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO (Original Version English) at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

Tuesday 25 February

25 February 13h45, 19h45 & 21h45 : Only Lovers Left Alive is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

24 February 20h15 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO (Original Version English) at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Wednesday 26 February

26 February 14h, 16h, 19h30 & 21h45 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne
GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.Starring Ralph Fiennes, F.Murray Abraham and Edward Norton

Thursday 27 February

27 February 14h, 16h, 19h30 & 21h45 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

27 February 16h :  August : Osage County is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.
A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them.  Starring Meryl Streep, Dermot Mulroney and Julia Roberts.

27 February 20h15 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

27 February 20h30 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at La Breche cinema in Ste Foy.

Friday 28 February

28 February 14h, 16h, 19h30 & 21h45 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

28 February 21h45 :  August : Osage County is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Saturday 1 March

1 March14h, 16h, 19h30 & 21h45 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

 

Sunday 2 March

The first Sunday in the month is car free Sunday in Bordeaux

2 March 10h30, 14h, 16h, 18h15 & 20h30 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

2 March : Vide atelier loisirs creatifs et puces des couturieres at the Salle Polyvalent in Pomerol.  That just about covers everything…

 

2 March : Brocante Vide grenier at Saint Denis de Pile.

2 March : Marche des Puces at Rauzan

2 March : Vide Greniers at the Ancien Gymnase - rue Foix de Candalle, Montpon Menesterol

2 March : Brocante Marche aux Puces at Place Cayla, Place de la Myrpe et rues à proximité in 

Bergerac.

2 March : Vide Greniers at Monestier

2 March 20h30 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at La Breche cinema in Ste Foy.

2 March 20h30 :  August : Osage County is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Coming up…

3 March 20h15 :  August : Osage County is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

3 March 20h15 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

3 - 4 March 14h15 & 20h15 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

 

And finally…

It’s that time of year when you need to dust off the hornet trap and hang it in the garden.  The hornet queens are waking up from hibernation and are out feeding before starting their new nests and swarms.  We were especially vigilant last year and caught quite a few queens, leading to significantly less hornets last summer – which was good for our bees.

I wrote about the importance of hornet (frelon) traps last year http://notjustfortheholidays.blogspot.fr/2013/02/week-8-2013.html

 

Checking the beehive on the roof

Please have a go and hang a trap in your garden.  Traditionally they are baited with a mixture of dark beer, white wine and grenadine syrup, but I read this:

“INRA researchers have found that a trap with a hornet inside attracted more hornets than an empty trap. Based on this observation, it would be interesting to empty the bowl bait from the capture of the first hornet and continue with this trapped hornet as bait.”  (from http://sanitaire-apicole17.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=125&Itemid=160

Week 8 2014

Hello!

Snowdrops in the garden

This week is an extremely quiet week… not much on but the cinema and even less going on round and about!  The sky is actually blue today, and there’s colour from spring flowers that have made through the saturated garden.

Perhaps now is the time to wash away the winter cobwebs with a new hairstyle, Lizzie Fairhurst is a hairdresser with 25 years experience and she has set up a little salon not far from Gensac offering a full range of services for ladies, gents and children.  If you want to find out more you can contact Lizzie by email lizziefairhurst@hotmail.com phone 06 52 49 56 58 or on her Facebook page.

If you hear of any events in the area, or are holding an event that you would like listed please don’t hesitate to let me know, otherwise we should take a leaf out of the school children’s book and take off on holiday these next 2 weeks!

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr 

Week 8 2014

Monday 17 February

17 February 20h30 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO (Original Version English) at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

Tuesday 18 February

18 February 20h30 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Wednesday 19 February

19 February 13h45, 19h45 & 21h45 : Only Lovers Left Alive is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.
Adam ('Tom Hiddleston (I)'), an underground musician reunites with his lover for centuries (Tilda Swinton) after he becomes depressed and tired with the direction human society has taken. Their love is interrupted and tested by her wild and uncontrollable little sister (Mia Wasikowska).

19 February 20h15 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Thursday 20 February

20 February 13h45, 19h45 & 21h45 : Only Lovers Left Alive is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

20 February 20h15 : American Hustle (American Bluff) is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.
A fictional film set in the alluring world of one of the most stunning scandals to rock our nation, American Hustle tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia that's as dangerous as it is enchanting. Jeremy Renner is Carmine Polito, the passionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and Feds. Irving's unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down.

 

Friday 21 February

21 February 13h45, 19h45 & 21h45 : Only Lovers Left Alive is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

21 February : Le Jazz Club at the Grand Café de l’Orient in Libourne.  The concert starts at 20h15 and the Café opens for food at 19h30.   Go in and upstairs to enjoy an evening of Jazz.  Reservations recommended 05 57 51 17 59

Saturday 22 February

22 February 13h45, 19h45 & 21h45 : Only Lovers Left Alive is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.  

22 – 23 February Bourse Autos Motos Anciennes.  Organised by Les vielles automobiles du Perigord and held at the site de Picquecailloux it includes all things car… old and new.

Sunday 23 February

23 February 13h45, 19h45 & 21h45 : Only Lovers Left Alive is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.
 
23 February : The weekly covered flea market at Rauzan.

23 February 20h30 : American Hustle (American Bluff ) is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

23 February 20h30 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne. 

Coming up…

Vendredi Club

Open Day

14 March 2014 10.30 am - 3.30 pm

in the Salle de Fete, Bournel (between Castillonnes and Villereal)

Demonstrations, Sales and Exhibition of Craftwork

Tea/Coffee and Cakes

Come and See What We Do!

Everyone welcome, Free Entry

We meet fortnightly to share our knowledge of various craft skills in a relaxed atmosphere, with occasional demonstrations and outings on our agenda.  We are hoping to encourage new members of any nationality and, at the same time, showcase some of the skills we have been working on since we first met in 2009. 

And finally… 

Butterflies...

...and bees...

...in the garden.

Week 7 2014

Hello!

Did you know that French local elections are just around the corner, and EU citizens can vote in these elections?  If you are interested in voting all you need to do is take your passport and a utilities bill with your name and address on it down to your local Mairie.  They should be able to provide you with a registration form and help you fill it in (if necessary). 

Theoretically you should have applied before the end of last year, but often in the smaller communes around here it’s just a question of the Mayor rubber stamping the application, and as s/he’s angling for your vote it’s not usually a problem.

Finally when you actually come to voting, you must remember to take your newly acquired voting card with you! (I could well be speaking from red-faced experience!!)  To find out more about the voting procedure go to http://dordogne.angloinfo.com/information/moving/voting/

Have a good week in the Gironde and Dordogne regions

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 7 2014

Monday 10 February

10 February 14h15 : Philomena  is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

When former journalist Martin Sixsmith is dismissed from the Labour Party in disgrace, he is at a loss as to what do. That changes when a young Irish woman approaches him about a story of her mother, Philomena, who had her son taken away when she was a teenage inmate of a Catholic convent. Martin arranges a magazine assignment about her search for him that eventually leads to America. Along the way, Martin and Philomena discover as much about each other as about her son's fate. Furthermore, both find their basic beliefs challenged.  Starring Judy Dench and Steve Cougan

10 February 14h15 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

Tuesday 11 February

Hello All

I will finally be in St Méard de Gurçon on Tuesday 11th February between 1.30 and 2.30 outside the church.
In case you have forgotten, seeing as I have been away for so long, the website is www.franklinfarm.fr
If there is anyone who would prefer to meet me in Castillon-la-Bataille or St.Foy La Grande then please let me know as I will only go there if I have orders.

If you know what you would like please let me know so that I can reserve it for you. It is easier to email me but if you would like to talk to me directly then please phone between 7 and 9 in the evening it doesn't matter what day.
See you soon
Helen
0553823771/0609106284
franklinwz@orange.fr

11 February 20h : The Wolf of Wall Street is showing in VO at La Breche cinema in Ste Foy la Grande

In The Wolf of Wall Street DiCaprio plays Belfort, a Long Island penny stockbroker who served 36 months in prison for defrauding investors in a massive 1990s securities scam that involved widespread corruption on Wall Street and in the corporate banking world, including shoe designer Steve Madden.  Starring Leonado DiCaprio

11 February 20h15 : American Hustle (American Bluff) is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

A fictional film set in the alluring world of one of the most stunning scandals to rock our nation, American Hustle tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia that's as dangerous as it is enchanting. Jeremy Renner is Carmine Polito, the passionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and Feds. Irving's unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down.

Wednesday 12 February

12 February 20h30 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Thursday 13 February

13 February 19h : Jeudis de Jazz.  The Espace Cultural de Creon continue to hold their Jazz Thursdays.  This week Carole Simon dues with William Lecomte witht eh wine tasting from Chateau les Anguilleres.  To find out more go to http://www.larural.fr/spectacle/carole-simon-en-duo-avec-william-lecomte/

Friday 14 February

14 February 20h30 : There is a show of 100% Chansons Francais at the Salle des Fetes in Gensac featuring Colibri and her organ.  Free entrance.

14 February 20h15 : Don Quichotte is being shown at the Grandecran in Libourne.  Featuring the stars and soloists from the Royal Opera house Ballet see http://www.grandecran.fr/libourne/film/don-quichotte-2013-2

14 February 20h30 : 12 Years a slave is showing in VO at La Breche in Ste Foy.

Saturday 15 February

 

15 February 18h30 : A terre a Cheval.  An evening of Right Bank Wine tasting and regional cheeses.

15 February 20h30 : Grande Soiree Peyrolle at the Salle Polyvalente in Mouliets et Villemartin. €18 includes the meal and the wine – don’t forget your crockery and cutlery.

 

15 February : Grande Soiree Magie in Rauzan.  Dinner and Magic in Rauzan.  Call for more details 05 57 84 07 73 or 06 10 93 73 31.

15 February : Celebrate Valentine's Day with a Dinner Dance in Pujols.  Live music from Jean-Claude Francois orchestra.  For reservations and more information call 05 57 40 57 57

Sunday 16 February

16 February : Vide grenier Brocante in Bergerac at Picquecailloux.

 

16 February : Rauzan Marche des Puces in the Covered market in the centre of the village.

16 February 20h30 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Coming up…

 

On march 15, at the Hotel du Commerce, will be an evening with live music.

A new set up, OSE Blues express, will be playing pieces from the repertoire.

Olivier, Stephane and Edouard are going to sweat for the pleasure of the audience.

Drinks, tapas, free entrance.

Hotel du Commerce : 05 53 82 35 86

24 rue Michel de Montaigne

Villefranche de Lonchat 24610

And finally…

If the weather is getting you down ... where's one of these when you need one?

 

Please drink responsibly.

Week 6 2014

Hello,

A rather damp week, but we did go to Bordeaux to have a dose of ‘city life’.  We saw the waters that flooded the waterfront under the Pont de Pierre.

We looked at the antiques on the quay at St Michel and the bricobrac at the foot of the church.

We had coffee in an amazing café on the waterfront, inside it’s like an underground grotto – I just wish I could remember the name…

 

 

Lots of films up and coming and a chance to get a valentine gift at the 1ere Marche des Createurs et de la Gastronomie in La Reole.

Whatever you do in the Gironde and Dordogne, have a great week,

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 6 2014

Monday 3 February

Tuesday 4 February

4 February 14h15 : Philomena is playing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

When former journalist Martin Sixsmith is dismissed from the Labour Party in disgrace, he is at a loss as to what do. That changes when a young Irish woman approaches him about a story of her mother, Philomena, who had her son taken away when she was a teenage inmate of a Catholic convent. Martin arranges a magazine assignment about her search for him that eventually leads to America. Along the way, Martin and Philomena discover as much about each other as about her son's fate. Furthermore, both find their basic beliefs challenged.  Starring Judy Dench and Steve Cougan

Wednesday 5 February

5 February 20h30 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

Thursday 6 February

6 February 20h30 : American Hustle (American Bluff – why translate an English word into another English word…?) is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

A fictional film set in the alluring world of one of the most stunning scandals to rock our nation, American Hustle tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia that's as dangerous as it is enchanting. Jeremy Renner is Carmine Polito, the passionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and Feds. Irving's unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down.

 

Friday 7 February

7 February 14h30 : American Hustle (American Bluff) is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

7 February 19h : Castillon Amicale Laique invite you to join them in an evening of ‘Soup and Song’ at the Cultural Centre in Castillon.  Go along and try some soups and listen to the music.

7 February 18h : Invitation to the Vernissage for the Exhibition 'Quand les Bastides se devolient' at the Vitrine de Pays Foyen. The exhibition runs from 4 - 27 February - pop in the next time you're at Leclerc!

7 – 8 – 9 February : Horse jumping in Bordeuax at the Parc Des Expositions. For more information go to http://www.jumping-bordeaux.com/

Saturday 8 February

 

8 February : Libourne celebrates the Chinese New Year with a procession through the streets including a Dragon Dance.  This year is the year of the Horse.  To see more go to

http://www.assojingang.blogspot.fr/

8 February 20h : Soiree Dansante Jimboura at the Salle des Fetes in Castillon.  Jimboura is a cross between a stew and a soup and the main ingredient is Boudin Noir (black pudding) and is a Perigourdine speciality.

8 – 9 February : 1ere Marche des Createurs et de la Gastronomie in La Reole.  You can find some information on http://ilove.manufacturelareole.fr/
we also have a facebook page : manufacture et compagnie

On Saturday afternoon, there will be trips on ponies for kids (weather permitted)

Sunday 9 February

9 February : Flea Market in Rauzan

9 February : Don't forget the 1ere Marche des Createurs et de la Gastronomie in La Reole.

9 February 17h : The Wolf of Wall Street is showing in VO at La Breche cinema in Ste Foy la Grande

In The Wolf of Wall Street DiCaprio plays Belfort, a Long Island penny stockbroker who served 36 months in prison for defrauding investors in a massive 1990s securities scam that involved widespread corruption on Wall Street and in the corporate banking world, including shoe designer Steve Madden.  Starring Leonado DiCaprio

9 February 20h30 : Philomena  is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

9 February 20h30 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

 Coming up…

10 February 14h15 : Philomena  is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

10 February 14h15 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

11 February 20h : The Wolf of Wall Street is showing in VO at La Breche cinema in Ste Foy la Grande

11 February 20h15 : American Hustle (American Bluff) is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Hello All

I will finally be in St Méard de Gurçon on Tuesday 11th February between 1.30 and 2.30 outside the church.
In case you have forgotten, seeing as I have been away for so long, the website is www.franklinfarm.fr
If there is anyone who would prefer to meet me in Castillon-la-Bataille or St.Foy La Grande then please let me know as I will only go there if I have orders.

If you know what you would like please let me know so that I can reserve it for you. It is easier to email me but if you would like to talk to me directly then please phone between 7 and 9 in the evening it doesn't matter what day.
See you soon
Helen
0553823771/0609106284
franklinwz@orange.fr

And finally…

I did make pancakes…