My mummies would have you believe they have been very busy “working” in a chalet over the summer, as if that excuses their tardy approach to my blog!

Spain went by in a blink as we journeyed towards our summer residence. MJ had hatched a cunning plan to lure MN to her old stomping ground of Lourdes…and it worked! It was a pawfect place to pause and think about loved ones, especially as MJ was about to fly back to England to say goodbye to our dear friend, Cliff.

This meant I was MN’s wingman on the drive from Montpelier airport to Landry in the French Alps. Landry is a small village near Bourg Saint Maurice and about 40 minutes from the Italian border. Mummies’ tasks at the chalet included helping with general cleaning, gardening, room changing, and breakfasts, whilst I was second in command to Fauvette, chief chalet girl. To say she was immune to my charms is an understatement – something I have never experienced before!

Being in the Alps in summer gave us all a new perspective, as we had only ever experienced these mountains covered in snow. We fell in love with the views and the endless possibilities in regards to hikes, days out and property purchases (which sadly didn’t come to fruition!)

We were also also lucky enough to see the Tour de France on two days and a championship kayak and canoeing event!

We had a wonderful visitation from Scoob, Fred and Rosa off of Geneva including a scrummy lunch at Le Petit Hibou and leisurely walk at Rosuel.

Our trusty car required its annual MOT which necessitated a trip back to the U.K. We travelled via Auxerre and The Baie de Sommes – a very thought provoking area.

An added bonus was the opportunity to share good laughs and good times with Jacqui, James, Alex and Maggie, which ensured we arrived back in the U.K. in, and full of, fine spirits!

We had a wonderful short stay in Deal and got to catch up with some more of our lovely Chums before heading back to France. Alas, we were so busy catching up that there are no photos of Phil & Richard (thanks for driving all that way for the evening and the paperwork 🤣) Jo & Ab (thanks for dinner & the skis ⛷) and Sam & Mark & Betty ( thanks for the Beef Wellington and wine 🍷)

My mummies excelled at chalet maiding so much,they were asked to return! But not before we had a chance to visit Le Mans, (twinned with Bolton!), catch up with the Montbron Massif, and go camping near Biarritz!

Back at the chalet, the seasons were changing and there was a chill in the air. We had fun days hanging out with Sam (cheese lady extraordinaire) Jerry (Boss Baby) and Fav (she didn’t miss me) as well as the chalet owner’s dogs who actually LOVED me!

The Alps are a very special place and we were so lucky to have spent the Summer of 2018 with Sam and Jerry, who made our stay so wonderful – the World Cup, Black Mirror, Avengers, rosé, ball, sticks, more rosé, and estate agents!  Sad, though we were, to leave, more adventures beckoned and it was time to say “Au Revoir, France” (well, “á bientôt”) and “Buongiorno Italia!”.