Just in Time for this New Born

You just never know what the day will bring ! Chris decided to take Jess & Bonny out hunting Woodcock this morning, as he crossed a field from one forest to another, he came across this new born calf, motionless, freezing and almost dead. It's mother was by it's side and had been killed during birth by foxes. The morning temperature of - 7 degrees meant this little one didn't have long. Chris was thinking on his feet, he made sure the mucus was clear from its nose and mouth and covered it in his thick shooting coat, after about ten minutes it began to shiver, a good sign he thought. He made mooing noises and to his delight, the calf replied and started to move it's head. With a tear in his eye, he ran for it, as fast as he could, across the fields and to the farm, Jess and Bonny in hot pursuit, he raised the alarm and the farmer quickly arrived and transported this little miracle to the barn where it suckled on a bottle. Chris has named him 'LUCKY'

Chris Bags another Roe Deer

 Chris's luck was once again with him last Saturday, he quickly dispatched this 17 kg Roe Deer with one shot. It was one of five with the bag being completed with 3 foxes, a good day on the shoot ! Beers followed !

Pike Fishing

 Chris tried his look at catching a Pike or Zander for the table down on the local Dam. He didn't have a bite but said just being there was enough !

Hey Ho the Mistletoe

 It's that day when Chris heads off to the woods to find a nice piece of Mistletoe. Joanne was pleased with his efforts and it was sealed with a kiss xx

Turkey Tales

 Well, here he is, one of the finest Turkey's money CAN'T buy. Ludmil the Turkey has been pottering around at La Petite Maison since September but today met his maker. He has had a good life and was swiftly dispatched without any suffering by Chris. We now look forward to our Festive feast with great anticipation, he will taste delicious and shall be prepared with the greatest of respect. He weighed in at 22 LBS.

Madame Bakes Florentines

Joanne has mastered the Florentine, following the series of the 'Great British Bakery' she thought she would have a go at the 'Bakers Dozen' and you know what ? Chris said she won hands down, yummy !!

Quince Cheese

 Quince cheese in the making, now this is special ! A slice of ripe Brie with a slice of Quince cheese, it doesn't get much better than that, Chris knows, he says that about everything, lucky aren't we ?

Service

 A delightful plate of wild rabbit and wood pigeon terrine with a garden salad and a pear, apple & walnut chutney, all you see has been shot or grown here at La Petite Maison.

English Lessons

Our good friend and local farmer Dominique asked if his eldest daughter 'Anais' could spend some time with us to improve her English, of course, we were delighted to be able to give something back to our commune after we have been so warmly welcomed. Chris, Joanne & Anais spent the afternoon with and English lesson, a walk with the dogs exchanging words as we went and  a cup cake baking lesson which as you can see, was a delight !

Autumn Fayre

 Sausage casseroles, shoulder of Sanglier, beetroot, all lovely stuff for Autumn.

Migration of the Grue

The annual migration of the Grue (cranes) is a magical time of year, the noise as they pass is emotive as they chirp away on there long journey South for the Winter. We now look forward to their return, for then, Spring will arrive.

Apres Chasse

 A delicious supper back in the hunting lodge of Sanglier pate with a fresh baked speciality pain and a selection of cheeses, this made for a perfect end to the weekend after bagging three Chevreuil and three Sanglier. There was also a drink or two involved, of course ha ha !!

November 14th

Just glorious, 24 degrees in the sunshine and not a cloud in the sky !

Choucroute Royale

Jacqueline and Gerard treated us to a traditional Alsacien feast of Choucroute Royale to celebrate Joanne's birthday.

Happy Boudin

 We celebrated Joanne's birthday with our annual trip to St Feyre for the black pudding and apple festival. It was great this year due to the fact that our good friends Mick and Tracey were with us. We had a wonderful lunch of black pudding, warm apples, mustard and fresh crusty bread, washed down with fresh apple juice mmmmmmm!