Holiday Snaps

I am slowly starting to cross things off my list. The house is under control and the unpacking done. There is nothing like inviting guests for dinner to get you motivated there. I have placed more orders for ribbon stock and just about finished updating my website. I'm even contemplating some summer dresses to sew!

It is probably about time a share a few pictures of my travels. I don't want to bore anyone so just skip this post if you don't like travel reports. The snaps below are just of France (we'll save England for another day).

By the pool in Bordeaux - our first stop.



The seaside town of Archachon - a beautiful day



The beautiful town of St Emillion




Chenonceau - a magnificent castle.
I really love this photo.



The little villa we stayed in, on a farm in the Loire valley. It was so French, so lovely.


I don't think I could ever tire of the French architecture or their countryside.
A quiet town called Turenne in the Dordogne region.




Lastly, a couple of pics of Paris, sure you have seen or have plenty of your own of this stunning city.
I loved the architecture of the Musee d'Orsay almost as much as the art.

A view from the Eiffel Tower before the rain clouds covered the city.

These are just a few of our gorgeous shots. Hope you've enjoyed them.

Youre Invited

To a special little dinner on a balmy spring night. We will be eating outside, by candlelight, a bit of cool jazz playing in the background.

The Menu
Roast Vegetable Salad
Beetroot and Orange Salad
Fatoush
Slow cooked carrots in cumin and spices
Lamb fillets marinated in Moroccan seasonings
Kofta meatballs
Couscous served with mint, garlic and peas
Desert
Tiered Meringue Cake with summer berries


Guests
Close friends, one of whom you know.

It was our first proper weekend home and we decided to have a bit of a dinner party(sounds so 70's doesn't it?) I can tell you, the menu wasn't 70's at all. The food was delicious. I am allowed to say that because I only cooked half of it. Our guests are wonderful cooks. Cathy or course brought the meringue and assembled this delight.





Half the fun of a dinner party is setting the table and if the weather allows we always eat outside.

The weather was magical What a magical night.

All You Need Is The Kit...

Kate turned five whilst we were away and when we returned one of my closest friends had sent her this gorgeous little doctors kit from Early Learning Centre. Both the girls have loved playing "doctors". I love the colours.

As Kitty and I lay on the beach last Sunday, watching some surf lifesavers training, the conversation went like this:

Kitty - What are they doing mama?
Mama - Learning to be surf lifesavers.
Kitty - Oh, I don't want to do that when I grow up.
Mama - No?
Kitty - No, I won't have the time.
Mama - Why not? What will you be doing.
Kitty - I'll just be busy doing other things, like being a mama. (Pause) And being a doctor...now that I have my doctor's kit.

If only it were that easy. You just realise how simple their little world is. Such innocence.

Springtime

Although Autumn is my favourite season, spring comes close behind.

When we arrived home it was almost midnight and not much of the garden could be seen. But, early the next morning, still suffering from jet lag, I arose at five. It was so very blissfull watching the sun rise over the garden, sipping my tea whilst everyone else was slumbering.

We go away every year in September or October and exploring the garden on our return is one of my favourite joys. This time, the foxgloves were out, as well as the bearded irises and roses, including my favourite Paul Cezanne.

As you can imagine, I quickly filled the vases with blooms from my garden.

Roses and parsley gone-to-seed.


Roses, hippiastrums and lillies. The lillies were a welcome home present from my man.

I love all the vases on the table like this, the flowers all different styles and forms but the same colour. What a beautiful sight to open the door to, it almost feels like a florist.

Home Sweet Home

And how sweet it is! Papa picked us (myself and the three children) up at the airport after 30 hours in transit. What a wonderful and very welcome sight he was. He had brought presents and snacks for us all.

It was so wonderful to be in our home again. All the little things we had missed; my teapot, good water (not hard European water) and my lovely, proper shower.

We had a wonderful, wonderful time in England and France. They were both so beautiful and we enjoyed some wonderful food.





And gorgeous sights.




Spending time with my parents was a wonderful part of the trip. The children just loved that special time together.



I have been home for a few days now but I am struggling to get into the swing of things. It feels like one step forward, two steps back...So many tasks I want to achieve; update my website, plant the vegetable garden, finish unpacking and of course my retail orders.

I will give you some photos over the next few weeks. I am not sure how much detail anyone wants. I can tell you this though, many happy memories have been made.