Yesterday was the first phase in the release from confinement. However it would seem that nothing has really changed. Yes the secondary school students have gone back. We no longer need an attestation to drive more than 10km. Everything else remains the same. A curfew at 7pm, no non-essential shops and of course no bars or cafes.
I ended up in a supermarket today, I haven’t been for weeks and try to avoid it if I can. I was shocked to see that all the children’s toys are cordoned off. I want to ask what happens if your child has a birthday at this time. Aren’t they allowed presents. Online retailers can sell anything but shops cannot.
We were further surprised by the washing machine situation. Currently I have a washing machine that came with the house when we bought it four years ago. I have no idea how old the machine was, probably by now it’s 10 years old. The previous owners of the house used it as their holiday home; though my understanding is that once they retired they spent longer periods of time here, so it is unlikely to have had particularly heavy use. The first time I used the machine, the door handle flew off when I tried to open it. For a while I could use the handle, poke it into the gap and work the door. At some point the handle was lost and I took to using a knife. It is necessary for both the opening and closing of the door. The machine has now started to leak most times when I use it so there is often a large puddle of water in the utility room. Whilst we were out and about today we thought we would have a look for a new washing machine. Yet along with the children’s toys these were cordoned off. I could have bought a coffee machine, I could have bought a machine for dispensing beer, but I could not purchase a washing machine. I assume that it comes under non-essential purchasing! If things get really bad I’ll go to the laundrette. Roll on the 19th May when we regain access to non-essential shops.
The bank holiday weekend has provided an opportunity for me to get on with some crochet. The poncho is finally finished. The client has not seen it in the flesh, so to speak, but they’ve seen photographs and I’m pleased to report that they are delighted. Having done two large projects in a row, I’m now slightly thrown and am not quite sure what to make next. I think I shall go back to brooch making and possibly some sun hats; thought they aren’t necessary today! I will keep you posted as to what I am doing next.
I hope you have all had a good weekend. Did you manage anything creative? Do you have any suggestions as to what I should be making to sell?
Tales from the Sheshed France 
I’ve tasted your delicious chutneys – can’t believe they wouldn’t be snapped up! I know the French love their food so that seems obvious to me. Perfect with their cheeses!
I’ve tagged you previously with some ideas as you’ve always been amazingly creative – house names on wood, slate, tiles etc? I would look around for something typically French then ‘rip it off’ creatively.
Now you’ve got your knitting machine going how about beautifully lined knee length knitted coats?
Journals with exciting covers for your guests to record their trips?
You can tell I’m always full of ideas for someone else to work on because I have little creative talent!
I do however have green fingers and continue to work on softening the hard landscape of my rear garden and raising a garden for wildlife – requires lots of constant ‘weeding’ to ensure it a space for wildlife and not just a wild looking overgrown space. Seen several different species of bees, ladybirds and pond life over the weekend. Butterflies and bats and quite a few bird species too. Also been working on trying to preserve the hedgerow on the LHSide boundary which had been dying due to neglect – its coming on now! 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽
LikeLike
It’s funny I don’t associate you with gardening however you are clearly passionate about it and it sounds as though you are making some real progress with your garden. Thank you so much for your ideas.
LikeLike
Wow ! You have done a stunning job with the poncho Zenna. It looks really lovely. The whole confinement situation is a real muddle and all the toys are on click and collect from most of the shops, including the toys shop in Morlaix, but what a fiddle to have to go through to get a present.
On the washing machine front, I have had two second hand ones in 16 years. Both cost about 40 euros and have been wonderful and worked fantastically. Both top loaders. I got them on the dreaded marketplace. I hope you are unblocked by now ?
Darty in Morlaix sell everything electrical and I think they are open but best to check first.
What to sell ???? Yes, a good question isn’t it… The Bretons like cheese, cider and bread mostly but they also drink a huge amount of herbal teas. Maybe you could look at planting some herbs for the longer term thought of making herbal tea blends ? They are also very nature conscious and perhaps something along the lines of bug houses or bird houses decorated in your creative spirit ? Homemade fat balls for the Autumn with different grains for different birds?
How about a little cupboard in you gite with homemade chutneys and jams to sell to guests ? Anything really that adds value to the price of a nights stay. Postcards with your business logo on for sending. They also like pressed flowers. I know it sounds strange but they do. Maybe do some art and frame it with price tags on around your gite ? Applique pictures are beautiful and you are really crafty so could sell those too as gifts. Stamped wrapping paper with something to do with your area ?? I’m exhausted just thinking….. hahaha. It’s all a trial and error really but if you don’t invest too much money and give things a go, something is bound to be a seller. Xxx
LikeLike
Thank you for taking the time to reply. You have provided some great ideas. As for the washing machine, I need something that will be reliable, hopefully it will be washing lots of bedding! I’ll wait until after the 19th. And no I remain locked out of market place. No answer from Facebook!
LikeLike
Ooh, I forgot to mention that children’s clothes sell well in my experience so maybe jumpers or the such for boys and girls ??? Xxx
LikeLike
I shall work on that!
LikeLike