Wine tasting and buying ducks in the Loire

Trying new things is something I am trying to get into the habit of, so we went wine-tasting for the first time. Paul Braithwaite, our excellent host, with whom we are staying took us to 2 local vineyards in the Loire Valley. It was great fun swilling, sniffing and tasting whilst learning a lot. I did not realise that from one grape so many flavours and tastes could come. The other new adventure was the local Friday morning French market. We have returned home with the customary strong French cheese, sausage, bread and 2 ducks! The 3 teenage girls in the party could not resist rescuing 2 ducklings from the very cramped basket in the market. So along with a various mix of Landreth-Smith, Caddick, Gubb, Lenton and Craig we now have Joey and Jemina too!