Our property empire expands

Today is the reason we are in the Ardeche this time as it is the day we sign for the Malcles house. All went smoothly, although the Notaire (Notairess?) went through everything at a breakneck speed. A drink with the Malcles' afterwards and there must have been some sadness at selling their house that had been in the family for at least four generations. That said they still have some land around us so I am sure we will see them.
In the evening we had been invited to the "Soiree" - a monthly event where several non-French locals - if such a thing is possible - get together to eat, drink and talk. Dutch dominated, there were several Brits there we had not met.
Amongst those was a ex-colleague from Wellington. A small world. Back then to Sablieres after 10pm and it was good to see the Bar Communal open and doing a brisk trade under its new management. We helped by having a couple of glasses of wine.