To quote - "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"

There are decorations everywhere in the towns and villages and the last Christmas Fairs are taking place this weekend in the smaller locations.  The big Christmas Fairs in major cities will carry on for a while yet, but the ones that last a weekend are nearly over.  During the week, we went back to Chinon and saw their decorations at night - we assume that they get a bit of a bung from the nuclear power plant close by and will have a bit of cash in the coffers after hosting both men's and women's Tour de France in the summer.  The Place Mirabeau looks like something out a Disney film, it is so pretty.

Santa and chums are in the main square near the Mairie, overlooked by the Chateau and its floodlights.

 Last weekend we enjoyed the Christmas Fair at Chinon, with its food and craft stalls.  The first weekend of Advent, we went to a small local Christmas Fair in the barns attached to a local market garden and direct sales shop.  That was enchanting as the venue was a bit different, the stalls were clearly run by the people who produced the things for sale, and there was a lovely mixture of things to nibble, decorations and affordable presents.  Today we went to our last Fair of the season and found it rather disappointing - there are only so many woollen scarves and fake pashminas, leather wallets and handbags, and crystal necklaces and bracelets that can be gawped at.  Few were produced locally although the vendors had shops in the department.  The wines weren't particularly local, and only three of the food vendors were very much of the area.  It is also difficult to create a festive atmosphere in what is essentially a concert hall.  Perhaps the most disappointing of the three.

Having been snide about the provenance of some of the goodies on sale today, the cats' Christmas treats turned up from China this week - a sunflower for when a collar of shame is required, and a "golden snitch" for when Rebus needs exercise.  The latter has already produced hours of fun and exercise for a boy cat.

It is tricky being an over-energetic cat at this time of year, as the days are so short (although they get longer from today - yey!).  I discovered Rebus likes to guard the chickens when they are eating - I guess when they stop stuffing their beaks he runs away, as they are quite aggressive towards cats!

And on that note, I will wrap up for today.  Tomorrow we are moving into the 21st Century with fibreoptic internet, assuming all goes well.  If it doesn't, we are back to the happy days of dial up I fear.  Experiences of the switch over vary, and I am hopeful that we have managed to stagger the pain, by changing internet box before the line changes so that any problems can be clearly identified as the line and not the box.  I've supervised one installation for a chum, which went smoothly, but you hear such horror stories...  Wish us luck!

And in any case, Merry Christmas to you and yours!