July 2025

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The month starts with an Olivia catch up. She continued training for the Melbourne half marathon Her bathroom renovation neared completion Just the glass shower screen to go
5th - it was time to farewell friends before Paulie & Stephen headed to France, so the BBQ was fired up . Shari, Pete, AL, and Jacko (aka the Jacksons) joined Paulie & Stephen .
6th - Later that week the soon-to-be Scotland bound Traynors and Nick came for a late lunch . 8th - It was time. Bags were packed and pal Jacko dropped the duo to the airport Stephen's second road bike was packed for it's relocation to France.
As the duo sat on flight BA 16 in Sydney, they saw said bike loaded 10th - The guys awoke after arriving the evening before. 30+ hours of flying, transiting, and driving just in time to head up to La Halle in the evening. There they raised a glass to friend Daniel Chiquet, Storm's husband, who died the week before. Jumping in their rental car the guys first attended an 8:30am meeting at the Montauban Prefecture to collect their residency cards and then they returned the car to the airport. Whilst at the airport they collected the bike that didn't make it out of the plane in time for collection. The bags never left Sydney and were delivered a week later. : REPORTAGE
A navette (shuttle) to Toulouse, a walk carrying a bike box over the canal, and then the duo jumped on the train to Caussade. As they headed to the village, the duo had to argue with the train conductor that although a carton was sitting in the velo section, it was indeed a bike. A philosophical discussion ensued with his colleague... "when is a bike not a bike"? The "lost" bags were couriered to the guys a week later. A chill in the garden with Storm. 11th - it may have been warm in France
....but in Adelaide a hybrid sleeping bag/coat was required. The guys entered their garage for the first time and made a discovery. Pal Nick Traynor had stayed with Sonia and daughter Anna between Christmas 2024 and New year and had left numerous bottles of excellent Provence rosés, Bordeaux Grand Cru, and champagne. And... a Netspresso machine. Too generous! 13th - the day before Fête Nationale (Bastille Day), a village feast was held 18th - time for leisurely cycling
. One challenge the duo faced (also reported to them by previous renting guests) was bored youths gathering outside the house making noise, smoking, leaving mess and likely dealing dope Stephen ordered a (fake) video security camera that he installed above the front door. His favoured garden tools also arrived. Paulie spoke to the main youth member about their smoking below windows, their mess, and noise and the issue resolved. Mostly. 19th - Stephen caught up with the Traynors in Brisbane who were soon to head to Scotland for a family birthday gathering.
A nap in the garden before heading to pal Storm's vernissage (art exhibition opening) . . Paulie chats to Storm, Alice and Michael.
. 20th - To pal Yolande's farm to tidy up Ruben... ... and to treat his hooves under the watchful supervision of Arthur. ...and to pick fruit
...to trim roses ...to connect an outdoor shower (running to tun on water) ... to test said shower ... and then to cook lunch.
21st - time to do a "serious" cycle on the road bike. 64km that week. NOTE: a wee video of his first ride is on teh "AthoCinema" link. A young feline wanted to be friends and entered the garden. Stephen had banned cats as their toileting manners had caused issues in the past. Junior jumped in anyway and Stephen had to politely carry her out. The tourists are in town for summer holidays and l'aveyron became a kayak highway 23rd- A quick 20km pedal to Caylus and back
Olivia did a beach run And Paulie caught up with brother Pete and Nicky in NZ "Please be my friend" 26th - Olivia arranged a wine tour with members of her book club and pals
Dsepite much needed rain falling, a grand time was had. The Duo in France joined Storm and headed off to all find a car to purchase (the duo having lost their car in the flood of 2021- see Feb 2021 in AthoAlbum). The garage in nearby Verfeil was closed so the trio visited Beaulieu-en-Rouergue Abbey . .
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. . After a wonderful dinner at Michael and Storms, the duo went to see the Pompier's (Fireman's) Ball in full swing. The DJ had the locals up and dancing (except Mam'selle Ice-cream)
A lovely floral view from the lounge. 29th - Paulie coming up a hill on a pedal through the countryside near Le Ségalar Bas 11km from Saint A Nearly there The scenary was, as always, beautiful
. Back home via Féneyrols . Meanwhile in the morning Olivia completed an Adelaide darkened run
30th - after school on Mt Hotham Paulie's great-niece Ella works with mum Kirsten on building an igloo. Stephen chatted with Oxford where plans to visit James and Keno on the way back to Australia were discussed. Done deal - a two night stop over before the long flights to Brisbane on September 3rd 31st - Toni inspected the completed igloo. Snow storm survival 101 test was passed with flying colours! Contemporary art badge being earned at Saint Antonin's town hall (mairie)
. . Nick shows Stephen his pad at his mother's place where he moved 10 days prior. It's coming together well. Meanwhile no alterations for Chateau AthoTurnbull. It was is still on the market whilst the guys were in France. 110 days, but who's counting?
Weekly tidy ups by a gardener, cleaner, and a roof/gutter cleaner ensured that everything was tidy