Chateau du Mont, Normandy, France

 For the next six months, we will be living near a tiny town called Saint Maclou in Normandy. After two weeks of living here in a roomy, one bedroom, thatched roof cottage, we are settling into our responsibilities around the enormous property. The duties do not sound like much when listed, but actually have been taking up an enormous amount of time thus far: open/close the gates morning and evening, feed the fountain dwelling fish, walk through the chateau checking for leaks/open windows and set out mouse bait, interface with the gardener, receive deliveries, and unlock doors for cleaner and plumber. Much of our past week has been spent cleaning and decorating the cottage and reclaiming it's overgrown garden.

We have had a few opportunities to explore the area. Jan came for a visit and we met some wonderful friends of hers from Bellingham. We enjoyed a sobering outing to the Normandy D Day beaches, went to a market and had a sumptuous meal at a locally sourced restaurant. Herman, Jan and I also went to a local vide grenier (flea market type sale) in Pont Audemer which is 11 km from here. 

"Our" cottage until the end of April


Château du Mont view from the back


 
At the D Day beaches with Jan, Sharon and Tom

Hat seller at the Vide Grenier


Closing the gates at dusk


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