It is, I'm sure you would agree, the perfect time of year for a sharp exit from Europe, and a swift arrival somewhere warmer. Somewhere like the Seychelles. Europe, after all, whilst wonderful in many ways, is not known particularly for offering tremendous piles of warmth in winter. At least, not in the parts I'm familiar with. My parents have reached the same conclusion, and today marks their departure from our French abode, on a sunshine bound flight to the Seychelles. Unfortunately,  someone has to stay behind and mind the chickens. Who have, it seems, noticed that chicken does appear fairly regularly on our menu, and have started to actually produce eggs. Which is a surprising turn of events, given that chickens aren't generally expected to lay eggs in Winter. Still, one can't complain about free eggs. Even if the price of said eggs is an entirely decimated garden. So I'm not off to the Seychelles today. (Although I see no reason not to fill this post with pictures from the Seychelles anyway). I got as far as the train station in nearby Angouleme, from whence my parents were whisked off in style by France's high speed rail network. Which was running a little late. It's nice to know it's not just the English who have trouble with their rail networks. I am, therefore, not going to be spending my Winter somewhere warm and sunny. No. I'm going to be tucked up by a log fire, with three foot thick