I hope everyone had a good Christmas - however you spent it.
We did, surrounded by friends and family. Including the very excited grandchildren for whom the wait for Santa seemed never ending. We had some lovely walks, pony rides, carol singing in the pub (accompanied by a full brass band) and nativity plays. Lots of food was consumed, which we are just coming to the end of now. We are so lucky to be able to enjoy this magical time and although it's hard work the rewards are immeasurable. A bit like running a campsite really.
Now the new year is upon us and we find ourselves halfway through January. Traditionally this is a time of planning, sorting out what needs to change in our lives, what needs to stay the same and which things we can get rid of without a backwards glance.
It’s also a time to think what would we like to achieve this coming year. I had a great feeling on New Year's eve about 2026 and was full of excitement and hope. I am convinced it will be a great year despite the news reports and the rubbish that is going on in the world fed by greed and narcissism. The feeling keeps running through me making my senses tingle. I have no idea why I am so optimistic but will take the feeling while it lasts and continue to be hopeful.
We probably have 6 or 7 weeks left to spend in the UK before we get back to Brittany to prepare the campsite ready for guests as we open on the 1st April just before Easter. This of course depends on the birth of the newest grandchild due on the 18th Feb. Fingers crossed it will arrive on time! A new addition to the family.
We have plenty of things to keep us occupied in the meantime. Although I must say that I have been a bit lazy and taken it easy this winter. And why not? We work hard enough during the season and have earned some time off. This doesn’t mean that we are lying in bed languishing for hours on end, it just means we can please ourselves which is a very privileged position to be in. We still have campsite admin, bookings to be taken, equipment to buy and of course writing blogs!
We are having to get our head round the VAT system in France now as we have had to become registered for that. It does mean that our prices will have to increase a bit to cover our costs with all that, but we are still very reasonably priced and will keep it that way.
So before we return we have baby showers to organise, grandchildren to look after and play with, girly weekends away, birthdays, dinners out and plenty of tip runs. I am still trying to sort out our garage in the UK. This has been on my “winter list” for many years. Maybe this time I will manage it.
Whilst I love being in the UK with friends and family in the winter I also look forward to the return to the campsite, our special place, that we are so fortunate to be the custodians of. I am excited to see what bulbs have grown, to hear my first cuckoo and woodpecker. Say hello to our friendly Robins who will follow us around. I look forward to our first walk round the lake, first apero at Au Lac restaurant and am looking forward to trying the Route Du Lin which has at last reopened and I am sure plenty of our campers will enjoy it.
Then of course there are our lovely friends who live in Frace and who I miss all winter too. We are so lucky to have them in our lives and I can’t wait to catch up with them.
Call me greedy but I like to have the best of both worlds and despite Brexit and all that came with it maybe I have!
See you all in paradise and I am looking forward to it.
