rainy days in normandy

It didn't rain yesterday ... it tipped down.  How can I best explain? ... the skies opened ... curtains of water fell....  we had monumental storms .... we experienced the proverbial deluge!    

 So what did I do?  ..... I took some lovely guests, visiting from the other side of the world,  out to visit a couple of exceptional gardens!

Yes, that is the way of things in this part of the world.  The elements may not always be with us, but they certainly can't keep us down.  Wellington boots are a vital part of any girl's wardrobe here at the moment, and I packed the trunk of the car with a selection of sizes and set off to find my guests.

 I'll be telling you about the second garden later this week, but for now I just want to show you my favourite pictures from Le Jardin Plume - in the rain!  I have mentioned the Jardin Plume before, but had never had the opportunity to take pictures in this season.

Because of the weather this week, there is also no major loot shoot to report, but I have some fun things lined up for the week to come.

I have to say a huge MERCI to everyone who took the time to leave a comment on my last post about blogging and sharing.  Thank you!  Your comments, were so thoughtful and generous, any blogger would be proud to have readers such as you!

I wish you all a wonderful week ahead, 

and thank you for stopping by today.

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bucolic french countryside

A large part of my blog, and my life actually, is all about seeing the beauty around me.  Not everyone will appreciate the attraction of a herd of dairy cows, but these girls stopped me in my tracks as they meandered down to drink in the river.

Another month or so and they'll be kept in barns for the winter, so nice to see them enjoying the sunshine and green grass.

Wishing you a happy weekend,

 may you also enjoy a little unexpected beauty.

And look at this!   Linda, of the blog All new at 62, was inspired by these pictures, and sent me a copy of her lovely drawing - quite wonderful - thank you Linda!!

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august fairs and modest loot shoots

August is a strange season for fairs here: sparkling dawns in sleepy towns; many people away on holiday; the pace slows down, and if you want to come home with some treasure you are forced to slow down to spot the good things.

But yeserday I still managed to bring home a few goodies, that I combined with last Sunday's haul.  You can see from the terrace where I paused for a café and a croissant, that it wasn't exactly buzzing!!

but once I got home and spread everything out, I was particularly pleased with.....

a beautifully painted tambourine , I am thinking it comes from the South of France

a particularly fine quality old nightshirt, with a lovely red monogram....

the sweetest tea service, from my favourite manufacturer Sarreguemines.....

a birdcage with some other odds and sundries, like the old laundry basket and coat hooks

and I rather like this huge bobbin of linen thread

I hope that you are enjoying my August giveaways, and that your summer is also feeling lazy and slowed down.  Thank you for stopping by ...

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roses galore

We may not have the sunshine this June, but the roses don't mind!  It is the height of rose season here in Normandy, and every tiny village has walls covered in beautiful blooms.

Some of these pictures are from my garden and some are taken at friends homes, 

or simply while  walking to the village shop.

Hope your week gets off to a fragrant and flower filled start!

Just two more days to take part in the giveaway!!

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walking out early

It's  another hot day here today, well hot by our standards at least, I guess we'll get to 80-85° by this afternoon.   There was a heat mist in the garden early this morning, which made everything look rather special.

The best time to walk is early, and this morning, as soon as the children left for school at 8, I was off in the forest for an hour or so with a couple of girlfriends and their dogs.

 I'm not sure there is a better way to start the day, than a brisk walk, laughing and chatting with friends who all have busy days ahead.  Back down from the forest, pause to admire the view, then a peck on the cheek and its back to business.

Hope you manage to take an hour out from your routine today!

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poppies to keep you waiting

I was up early and at brocantes at dawn this morning, but I'm afraid you'll have to wait until tomorrow for my loot shoot.  Why?  Because this is a long weekend and tomorrow I shall go to a couple more!  I shall show you all my purchases on the blog tomorrow.

In the meantime, to keep you happy, I bring you a few photos of poppies that I took this week.  I'm so glad that the weed killers have no effect on this pretty flowers, I love to see them peppering a field of wheat or barley.

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend

thank you for stopping by!

Thank you to Susan and Kris for telling me that tomorrow is Memorial Day in the States.  I have published this poem before, but it seems appropriate again today.    In Flanders Field.

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