a beautiful morning in our normandy valley

Stunning is the word that came to mind early this morning; the valley was shrouded in a light mist that augured well for a fine day ahead, a real treat at the end of October.

Shot up to the field early to feed the horses and the dogs had to agree with me that it was just lovely to be out and about enjoying that very special light at the beginning of the day.

Of course Gibson and Ghetto always come up with me, and tear around at breakneck speed .

  No prizes for guessing which one comes back first when I call them to go home  ....

 Couldn't resist asking them to pose in the sunshine this morning,

 but it was asking a lot ... especially of little Ghetto ...

"This is so-o-o tedious, she wants us to sit down again for another picture ... life is just too short for this sort of rubbish..."

"At least let's use the time to see what else is going on.  You look that way and I'll look my side..."

"So what did you see your side?"

 "OK, we've sat here long enough, don't say anything, just creep past her, she won't even notice ..."

.... sigh ....

Love it when the village is emerging from the mist like this;

 the same mist that highlights every detail on our path

 hope you have a sunny moment to enjoy today, thank you for reading me.

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.

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!!

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 ...

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!!