Happy Easter to you all. I hope this blog finds you all fit, safe and well and enjoying the fabulous weather Easter has brought us. Isn't it great to be able to meet up with family and friends, be it only in groups of 6, but its a start. France continues to struggle seeing us back into yet another lockdown from yesterday. This has made Darren make numerous trips to the builders merchants in preparation.
As we all know, 2020 wasn't a great year and 2021 hasn't started great either, however with the vaccinations commencing we are hoping things will start to improve as the year progresses. I'm not sure where this will leave us here at Finders Keepers France. We have decided once again to hold off on the Glamping site due to restrictions and for the safety of the guests, plus we have cancelled this years 'Open Gardens'. Marcadis Gite continues to be a safe haven and is already proving popular for this year; however, despite the difficult times we are all enduring, life continues here and things still need to be done.
Here's what has been happening since we last chatted.
Darren remains home alone in France whilst I continue working for the Military in the UK. Being apart has been very difficult therefore we have tried to remain positive and keep busy to pass the time. WhatsApp has been a god send and I thank its inventers from the bottom of my heart. Sitting together on a Friday night having a beer over WhatsApp, before gardeners world hits the screen, has been the highlight of our week. Chatting about the changes made to Finders Keepers France and setting new goals and dreams.
Walnut Grove Glamping - We have decided once again to delay the opening of the Glamping site for the safety of the guests. I'm afraid that our current waiting list of guests will have to hold on a little longer; however, we promise it will be worth it in the end. May 2022 will see the arrival of 3 Glamping tents. The Luna gold with its gold king size French bed and many Luxuries; the TIPI Silver with its double bed and many accessories; then the Star Belle Bronze which has 2 single beds and some accessories. Plus, drum roll, we have another little surprise for the brave ones amongst us. We will be placing 2 scout style tents near the lake for those who want to get face2face with nature and witness the animals visiting the lake late in the evenings and overnight. This is certainly not one for the feint hearted and will be 'Rural Lake Side Camping' at its best. Each tent will accommodate 1 person and will have the basic requirements for a spot of rural camping with nature. More details and photos to follow.
La Shoppe and La Reception - Due to the extra time Darren has found on his hands he has decided to make a start on the small rustic Camping shop and Reception area. This will offer basic necessities for the Glamping/Camping guests plus sell home made crafts, eggs, milk, books, ice cream, etc. and be home to the business reception. The task has been a tiresome one but Darren is slowly getting there. A hand carved 'Moon Gazing Hare' has taken pride of place above the door whilst all signs have been lovingly hand painted. Our vision was to retain its charm and quirkiness whilst adding shop and Reception practicality. Still lots to do but we envisage it to be open around September time.
Spring - The warm weather has finally arrived bringing my favourite time of year 'Spring'. Darren has been on bulb patrol, snapping photographs of every little change that is happening just so I don't miss out on yet another glorious spring display. Sadly, once again, we have removed ourselves from the Open Garden scheme this year. Despite the gardens looking the best that they ever have, both Darren and I are in the agreement that this will always be a joint affair. If either of us are missing, it will never go ahead. We have our fingers crossed for 2022. Here is this years Spring display so far.
Well it is still early days around the grounds therefore my blog will remain short.
I am hoping my next one will bring good news and we will all be out and about. I am very excited for May. Despite not opening for the Garden open day I will certainly be showing off the garden display to you all.
For now, enjoy what freedom you may have. Stay safe and thank you for listening.
See you all again in May.
Soyez prudents et à bientôt.
Darren et Paula