tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-240389576683971072024-03-07T09:39:21.932+01:00the other side of edenalisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-77514194783549597922016-02-05T17:37:00.005+01:002016-02-06T13:51:04.649+01:00My new life as a female ninja....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not for nothing is this blog is called The Other Side of Eden. The prospect of gloomy winter days is matched in awfulness only by the reality. So, take heed all you folks seeking to 'live the dream'. Winter, in the heart of the Normandy countryside, can make you wonder whether you selected the wrong button on the dream machine.<br />
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Preparation is key if you hope to beat the winter blues. In my case this does not mean stocking up with tasty treats to see me through the dark days. Like the neighbourhood squirrel, which has been dashing to and fro between it's nest and it's food store at frequent intervals since September, I would very quickly be surrounded by abandoned packaging and an empty larder before the clocks even changed for the winter.<br />
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No. The answer is to take up a new hobby ( hence my <a href="http://orchardgites.blogspot.fr/2009/12/lost-for-words.html" target="_blank">brief thespian</a> phase when I first moved to France). This winter, ready for a new challenge and filled with the inexplicable desire to emulate Lara Croft, I enrolled on a Martial Arts class at our <a href="http://www.artsloisirstinchebray.fr/accueil/" target="_blank">local leisure centre</a>. The Vietnamese discipline called Viet Vo Dao looks easy when somebody else is doing it. Unfortunately, like all the other apparently effortless activities I have participated in, (Scottish dancing and Step among them) a degree of co-ordination is required if you want to avoid embarrassing yourself.<br />
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The studio, where the class is held, has large windows which overlook the road and I have sometimes wondered whether passing motorists ever glance up into the illuminated room and marvel if they happen catch a glimpse of my nimble manoeuvres. The answer would have to be no. They might catch sight of my head as I am much taller than some of my opponents; Dorain who is 6 and Oc<b>é</b>an who is about 11. What they wouldn't realise, is that the rest of me is moving in the opposite direction to the rest of the class.<br />
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Despairing at my inability to master the necessary steps my teacher, the ever patient Sondrine, tries out her English, 'left Alison, left!!' Unfortunately, the problem is not that I can't distinguish between 'gauche' and 'droite' but that I just can't memorize the sequences of moves. Practice makes perfect, so when the dog and I go out for a walk I take the opportunity to try out my kicks (which has incidentally, the added benefit of firming up muscles which might otherwise have given up in the fight against gravity.)<br />
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The other evening we were making our way down the lane towards home in the damp, grey twilight. I had forgotten the dog as I was engaged in defeating imaginary assailants with a series of deft kicks and punches. Then I heard the beep of a horn behind me. Turning, I saw Fudge caught in a car's headlights. She was ambling along the middle of the lane. With failing eyesight and equally poor hearing she was unaware that she was holding up the traffic. Just as I had been unaware that the driver had also been treated to the vision of a lunatic woman attacking invisible demons. Turning to retrieve Fudge I smiled weakly at the driver but he he didn't smile back. Hopefully he was scared!<br />
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If I could only get the hang of it all, I would be so happy. I wonder whether a key element to success is getting kitted out in the correct attire. The rest of the class have now bought themselves the necessary black pajamas and they all look as if they mean business. I am on the brink of investing in a pair but have just discovered the Bolivian Cholitas. These fearsome, South American, wrestling women are decked out in colourful skirts with frilly petticoats, How much more interesting it would be to dress up in a flouncy skirt and bright blouse, safe in the knowledge that beneath my deceptively feminine appearance there lurks an intrepid ninja warrior.<br />
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<br />alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-66574032623867506152015-08-03T13:20:00.000+02:002016-02-05T21:22:58.367+01:00Farewell Sweet Fig<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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After a long wait, the time has come...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMTmqOJOgTlMWDgS0qoGwgiVUPkdWnHEtTmVAVfqM07JUdXnEpFhKb9uUkKIe41sLyIgbtIbERBifjTzWHTnIrJ43R01F6gbs-NUxu-CrWnWF9XuR7_oRPZL-kKW2x-ltEDf7-uIlFw/s1600/farewell+sweet+fig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMTmqOJOgTlMWDgS0qoGwgiVUPkdWnHEtTmVAVfqM07JUdXnEpFhKb9uUkKIe41sLyIgbtIbERBifjTzWHTnIrJ43R01F6gbs-NUxu-CrWnWF9XuR7_oRPZL-kKW2x-ltEDf7-uIlFw/s320/farewell+sweet+fig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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to harvest the (one and only) fig,</div>
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to be served with creamy marscapone and redcurrants</div>
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<br />alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-60447054296534053042014-08-25T18:13:00.000+02:002014-08-25T18:13:32.996+02:00It's that time of year again....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
......when the end of summer is drawing near.</div>
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One compensation is that it's time to look out for edible fungii in the fields on our morning walk. </div>
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Yesterday I spotted this lovely giant puffball, </div>
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which amazingly had avoided being squashed by the resident cows.</div>
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The flesh of the giant puffball has a lovely 'mushroomy' smell </div>
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and a sweet, delicate flavour when cooked.</div>
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<br />alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-46506486433287514152013-07-01T23:50:00.002+02:002013-07-02T15:32:02.886+02:00Balade Gourmande<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Each summer some of the local food producers in the Bocage region of Lower Normandy get together and organise a 'gourmet walk'. It's an opportunity to explore this beautiful area and to sample some of the local produce. This year the walk began at an 'escargot' farm near to St Georges de l'Odon, which is just off the A84 motorway.</div>
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The idea is that you walk through the countryside <em><u>and</u> </em>enjoy a gourmet meal en-route. We arrived a little bit early and were able to see how the escargots, which were going to be served as aperitifs, were reared. I'd noticed some polytunnels near to the farm and thought that perhaps this was where the snails were kept but rather unexpectedly, inside the polytunnel, was this lovely vintage car!</div>
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So where were the snails?</div>
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Well they were all hiding under wooden planks in beds of tasty mustard plants.</div>
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They didn't look all that appetising 'al fresco' but were quite delicious dished up with herbs and garlic, piping hot from the oven!</div>
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After snails and cider we set off along a footpath through the woods and after a couple of kilometres arrived at our first stop for starters of pigeon pate and ...more cider!</div>
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We walked through a pretty valley where charolais cattle were grazing by the river bank... </div>
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...and continued to follow the track uphill and there, up on the ridge, the main course was being served. Tasty duck and beef kebabs served with a courgette sauce.</div>
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It was starting to get hot and the path was getting steeper </div>
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but the views across to Aunay sur Odon were worth the climb.</div>
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We walked through cornfields studded with poppies and cornflowers</div>
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The track, which had taken us through the fields of crops, swung down through </div>
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a tiny hamlet of pretty houses. This one looked like a cottage from a fairytale.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNmorg8XOg956xcl4H5PYmTUB-F4hdpMk8NwvVimdSn3jjKyvvxI8Bv8tp50oxOKlFoLl4w7Atxra_bRTAB_rlh6Dio7ylQi83JvIu8R1gn3G7teL0PI2evl3dxKpiIsQ5OzKJmLjsg/s756/artist's+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNmorg8XOg956xcl4H5PYmTUB-F4hdpMk8NwvVimdSn3jjKyvvxI8Bv8tp50oxOKlFoLl4w7Atxra_bRTAB_rlh6Dio7ylQi83JvIu8R1gn3G7teL0PI2evl3dxKpiIsQ5OzKJmLjsg/s320/artist's+house.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It turned out that this was the home of Dutch born artist Annemarie Janssen.</div>
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It was so unexpected to come across her studio when</div>
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only minutes before we had been walking through cornfields! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqk09ZTblm1Yx8QPk1M5Si4U6fd_hqIYvrdCCx5fwm_nNwHpNEikdIDSiVyJdMpkKPqyYaoxltAlJaLgPv4_4e1OfzMBQRE-C-y1qjqrgVvIkEBSDdgMG4vpo_ZTMa4fytXfKeXVYBQ/s756/The+artist's+studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqk09ZTblm1Yx8QPk1M5Si4U6fd_hqIYvrdCCx5fwm_nNwHpNEikdIDSiVyJdMpkKPqyYaoxltAlJaLgPv4_4e1OfzMBQRE-C-y1qjqrgVvIkEBSDdgMG4vpo_ZTMa4fytXfKeXVYBQ/s320/The+artist's+studio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We left the studio and her lovely garden and followed a shady track and said hello to ......</div>
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......maybe I had drunk too much cider?</div>
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Just around the corner the cheese course was being served</div>
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5 different kinds of delicious, locally produced goats cheese</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRt6obbs_rK1gKuPd83oYJLQdZ9jyvBDMgMrynyqpwvGB-BcOwa4md4DM_YUCdYktjpGxWZaDvJNdzqVU7pPvGOTXJKKOvZW5hRzuwb6P82pjglcgfKaAtyWhAStESyBu90QOAaADVA/s756/cheese+course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRt6obbs_rK1gKuPd83oYJLQdZ9jyvBDMgMrynyqpwvGB-BcOwa4md4DM_YUCdYktjpGxWZaDvJNdzqVU7pPvGOTXJKKOvZW5hRzuwb6P82pjglcgfKaAtyWhAStESyBu90QOAaADVA/s320/cheese+course.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We set off again along a woodland path</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnLlI2NFI5UuFlj6Rk240yLCdJNDfhYElJutB308Hri5gx1CY6w6CPGUZAFwGwJnArDTK34rP-UZ2fvfvh543atkdF578YzbokroqbHi9y9Fz-VXVsQiv7ekIdmKyq_yVa-0JpEWRMA/s756/leaving+the+cheese+course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnLlI2NFI5UuFlj6Rk240yLCdJNDfhYElJutB308Hri5gx1CY6w6CPGUZAFwGwJnArDTK34rP-UZ2fvfvh543atkdF578YzbokroqbHi9y9Fz-VXVsQiv7ekIdmKyq_yVa-0JpEWRMA/s320/leaving+the+cheese+course.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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and then out onto a paved lane. </div>
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We were now going back downhill towards .....</div>
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dessert! Delicous apple cake and rice pudding (a Normandy speciality)</div>
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Now for the final stretch of the walk - thankfully it was cool and shady under the trees but I would really have liked to put my feet in the stream...</div>
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Almost 5 hours after we had set off we arrived back at the 'escargots' farm for the best cup of coffee ever! This had been a brilliant day out in the countryside, everyone we met was so friendly, the day was very well organised <u>and</u> we had the opportunity to buy some produce to take home.</div>
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<br />alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-7570097377932003102013-06-28T10:53:00.001+02:002013-06-28T10:53:42.166+02:00The show's over ......<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9jtUMgvGyENMxjhtX73wI64LtWhtsvu2CbFsZHG9MnbKq4t8zWNI1NzTzy712aVMLXtcddR1_bMAol6-8F0veOwiXds4z4Cqq_HMetGzN4lmnMGuUoAtNpOHZXjyfYzvLdGVYwQjPg/s756/the+passing+of+the+elephant+lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9jtUMgvGyENMxjhtX73wI64LtWhtsvu2CbFsZHG9MnbKq4t8zWNI1NzTzy712aVMLXtcddR1_bMAol6-8F0veOwiXds4z4Cqq_HMetGzN4lmnMGuUoAtNpOHZXjyfYzvLdGVYwQjPg/s320/the+passing+of+the+elephant+lily.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">amorphphallus konjac</td></tr>
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alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-4438503322906621062013-06-18T11:27:00.004+02:002014-06-18T21:29:14.904+02:00A (dead) elephant in the garden.....?If you google 'Elephant Lily' you will come up with lots of lovely photos of this dear little baby elephant....<br />
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<a href="http://media.oregonlive.com/oregonian/photo/2012/12/11974063-standard.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Elephant lily" border="0" src="http://media.oregonlive.com/oregonian/photo/2012/12/11974063-standard.jpg" height="276" title="Elephant lily" width="320" /></a></div>
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but this wasn't quite what I was searching for when I tried to find out more about the curious tuber I'd planted in a pot in the garden two summers ago. </div>
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I waited in vain for a spectacular plant to appear......the pot got tucked away in a corner over winter and it wasn't until this Spring that I realised that something interesting was sprouting.<br />
By May the large, tightly wrapped flower started to unfurl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnv9vUupqBLsxsY8cNa8I3TPkCkBrE36q3Qd6Hmh9YHQxQlr0CU34z5K6tLBQ4JAifsxuHnaF611rI7QGtn_xrwbUPp6m_NDhtfUJNn908L1P9qMxUFrjAGHv8-6Erg7KjOJiD2L0c1g/s1600/amorphophallus.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnv9vUupqBLsxsY8cNa8I3TPkCkBrE36q3Qd6Hmh9YHQxQlr0CU34z5K6tLBQ4JAifsxuHnaF611rI7QGtn_xrwbUPp6m_NDhtfUJNn908L1P9qMxUFrjAGHv8-6Erg7KjOJiD2L0c1g/s320/amorphophallus.jpg" height="320" title="amorphophallus konjac about to flower" width="240" /></a></div>
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A few days ago the waiting was over...</div>
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This amazing plant is an <em>amorphophallus konjac. </em>It has even more impressive relatives....</div>
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<u><span style="color: #0066cc; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.tropenmuseum.nl/">http://www.tropenmuseum.nl/</a></span></u></div>
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This is the<em> amorphophallus titanum</em> more commonely known as the Titan Arum or The Corpse Flower because of the stench of rotting meat which it gives off . </div>
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The <em>amorphophallus konjac</em> is also fairly pungent and might be more appropriately called 'Dead Elephant Lily' ! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhew-_cv62ny0WYk_2blyRb07mpBsO19LHsXIWb9bZnS-_83nw-_Bt2GkIrHmTS3lI9o5TKaksIuxcz_sYf7Tck1eTSBz6N1ojHjP0QmxLeOB3FGaHm1TZdrQmymthkE5vTmznrlMddkA/s1600/amorphophallus+konjac+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Orchard Gites in Normandy amorphophallus konjac" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhew-_cv62ny0WYk_2blyRb07mpBsO19LHsXIWb9bZnS-_83nw-_Bt2GkIrHmTS3lI9o5TKaksIuxcz_sYf7Tck1eTSBz6N1ojHjP0QmxLeOB3FGaHm1TZdrQmymthkE5vTmznrlMddkA/s320/amorphophallus+konjac+1.jpg" height="238" title="Orchard Gites: amorphophallus konjac" width="320" /></a></div>
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I decided to move it away from beside the door of the gites to a spot in the garden where it can be admired but not smelt! A corpse-like smell might be rather unnerving for the guests.....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fawlty Towers - The Kipper and the Corpse</td></tr>
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alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-67406587154344503502013-05-19T11:17:00.002+02:002013-05-19T11:17:40.924+02:00Apple blossom in Normandy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohaEyhW0paP-dCbOnjWsMk6b2RpIA9zK8NYUtXDdC533Nc-XCRxVibo0zuD9WuWkgJGAjTYl2RYz9z6HJ4CIajejfDevnmGhtKnoU9jiu38I2JOi-AUETzmKtt6O5US966upzbka7Og/s1600/apple+blossom+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohaEyhW0paP-dCbOnjWsMk6b2RpIA9zK8NYUtXDdC533Nc-XCRxVibo0zuD9WuWkgJGAjTYl2RYz9z6HJ4CIajejfDevnmGhtKnoU9jiu38I2JOi-AUETzmKtt6O5US966upzbka7Og/s320/apple+blossom+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's that time of year when the countryside in this part of Normandy is at it's prettiest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOvwotJaZBQ-ncozA48NqFfkOZ60Ydt6rjw0DPaMyBKLxtgiReba34zvFm-Q1hFy-DgBUvQgZtqC4H6ScgKJpDaIhfFQHOl_ZBWVJ0LeMFWJZHul9gFF7gBaFaOyZkj4RfpreLGArfA/s1600/apple+blossom+at+Orchard+Gites+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOvwotJaZBQ-ncozA48NqFfkOZ60Ydt6rjw0DPaMyBKLxtgiReba34zvFm-Q1hFy-DgBUvQgZtqC4H6ScgKJpDaIhfFQHOl_ZBWVJ0LeMFWJZHul9gFF7gBaFaOyZkj4RfpreLGArfA/s320/apple+blossom+at+Orchard+Gites+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The cider apple trees in the surrounding orchards are a froth of pink and white</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjv54Zds_A2KuGfkRjcn1OrjlQh1GFT3r6HVQs3YUQK77_NiaSxep1oSTTOV_T2wdzpE9kTmEeYEUQXELKbPgtKNL7wYpi8XQ3MzMCTjU7G3VjEGlW7ZSeiV_9QWgjJF75u3WzghlGg/s1600/apple+blossom+at+Orchard+Gites+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjv54Zds_A2KuGfkRjcn1OrjlQh1GFT3r6HVQs3YUQK77_NiaSxep1oSTTOV_T2wdzpE9kTmEeYEUQXELKbPgtKNL7wYpi8XQ3MzMCTjU7G3VjEGlW7ZSeiV_9QWgjJF75u3WzghlGg/s320/apple+blossom+at+Orchard+Gites+6.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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and the delicately scented flowers never fail to delight!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2_8gDoqenULNJRj14VJfG_PzdTYfY80lNe2ylxbTJ0gEmJIK132ujhX-vY16mwawl2Nzx-TsaqgrnTa4O9gCGFSvWNlq2eaQbXGMI8UKic7wnfnY5EkJ4grKq1t0hyphenhyphensLVOHDYl67Ow/s1600/apple+blossom+at+Orchard+Gites+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2_8gDoqenULNJRj14VJfG_PzdTYfY80lNe2ylxbTJ0gEmJIK132ujhX-vY16mwawl2Nzx-TsaqgrnTa4O9gCGFSvWNlq2eaQbXGMI8UKic7wnfnY5EkJ4grKq1t0hyphenhyphensLVOHDYl67Ow/s320/apple+blossom+at+Orchard+Gites+10.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Some of the flower buds are the darkest pink </div>
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whilst others are much paler depending on the variety of the apple.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQN9egiGH1OmjP_d-vzb7sqa8O_xHQFsWetZ7LWfE5PPg7Qj7XZeMwF8M1QLnPC7Dc6VQ0X4OH_QuBWBEmfWlKpF4GzGsIx025WYXqEV4vqWce7Qh3PIi524hwQa8eBEXBYDThk81wbA/s1600/apple+blossom+at+Orchard+Gites+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQN9egiGH1OmjP_d-vzb7sqa8O_xHQFsWetZ7LWfE5PPg7Qj7XZeMwF8M1QLnPC7Dc6VQ0X4OH_QuBWBEmfWlKpF4GzGsIx025WYXqEV4vqWce7Qh3PIi524hwQa8eBEXBYDThk81wbA/s320/apple+blossom+at+Orchard+Gites+12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some of the trees here at the gites are old, heritage varieties which are less commonely found these days. Not far from here is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parc-naturel-r%C3%A9gional-Normandie-Maine/367541586635248" target="_blank">La Maison de la Pomme et de la Poire </a> at Barenton where you can find out more about the heritage varieties and learn about the process of cider making as well as having the opportunity to sample some local cider. </div>
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<br />alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-15102811205183067462012-10-11T10:06:00.000+02:002012-10-11T16:39:49.979+02:00Add a touch of French Vintage Charm to your life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXICIwzFDDDt9Nz4JmfbcrppgOzWTnFpnVzoK2Pj5SHIeueityP2Rts5FT38eGZJN4Zczpu1dpBdQsi-MBpsj5bQ4iGU88s-oxoF83a9aQpK6j9MLu484SS1a4Te4LdtQCj4GlVix5Yw/s1600/banner+4+distressed+with+white+flowers+at+res+300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXICIwzFDDDt9Nz4JmfbcrppgOzWTnFpnVzoK2Pj5SHIeueityP2Rts5FT38eGZJN4Zczpu1dpBdQsi-MBpsj5bQ4iGU88s-oxoF83a9aQpK6j9MLu484SS1a4Te4LdtQCj4GlVix5Yw/s320/banner+4+distressed+with+white+flowers+at+res+300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It has been really exciting this week as <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CheekyLemur" target="_blank">Julia </a>and I have opened </div>
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a new Etsy shop called</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageBelleEpoque" target="_blank">Vintage Belle Epoque</a> </div>
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which sells all the lovely vintage treasures we find at flea markets and attic sales. </div>
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Also part of the team is Celestine, who is 'our girl in Paris'. Celestine has been the inspiration for the shop and she adds a touch of her Parisian flair to Vintage Belle Epoque.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkJzoMOn1l2KYgjG0cu-1vhfPW7_211BxiDJU7lvXcY2v0JDBE5lfz9uPMBkAqx2QV0RO8g4b9Ze-DIGxWY3TMrqsLkZJfpyW-PIVIsJ0f2x9l-tSruV9hWAEghqm6ht-t7FG-2NJcQ/s1600/Celestine+cameo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkJzoMOn1l2KYgjG0cu-1vhfPW7_211BxiDJU7lvXcY2v0JDBE5lfz9uPMBkAqx2QV0RO8g4b9Ze-DIGxWY3TMrqsLkZJfpyW-PIVIsJ0f2x9l-tSruV9hWAEghqm6ht-t7FG-2NJcQ/s1600/Celestine+cameo.jpg" /></a></div>
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We have got off to a fantastic start as one of our items was selected to be in a 'treasury' on our first day of trading. We couldn't believe that our lovely blue enamel Number 7 had been spotted so quickly! These French house numbers are not easy to buy as they are not available in French hardware shops so if you want a new one you have to apply to the local mayors office. Julia spotted this in a 'brocante' near Villedieu les Poeles. It was one of our first purchases and so far this Number 7 has been very lucky for us as lots of people have looked at our shop via the treasury, which was compiled by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GOBonEtsy" target="_blank">Val</a> who is a Canadian textile artist.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3vgKWp9FiLA0HyE7-KwNLkGYaxjFtcn8BOZWhD4iWHzR9NhKrwZ1PheVaH47or2pRaPIzawpENthr80diW0ZeH2T_OpXtPeSPjEoqYfrPoH6xme2ZRV7NVS0Rde9yxxHGmZW3iP8Sw/s1600/enamel+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3vgKWp9FiLA0HyE7-KwNLkGYaxjFtcn8BOZWhD4iWHzR9NhKrwZ1PheVaH47or2pRaPIzawpENthr80diW0ZeH2T_OpXtPeSPjEoqYfrPoH6xme2ZRV7NVS0Rde9yxxHGmZW3iP8Sw/s320/enamel+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On Day Two, we sold our first item to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CafeBaudelaire" target="_blank">Wendy</a>, a lovely Australian lady who adores all things French. We packaged this brioche mould 'toute suite' and it is now on it's way to the other side of the globe. I love the way that <a href="http://www.etsy.com/" target="_blank">ETSY</a> links buyers and sellers from all over the world!</div>
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If you have a love of vintage 'shabby chic' French style do pop in to our shop and see what we have listed at the moment. We are adding to our stock all the time and listing items as quickly as possible so we hope you find something to treasure!</div>
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<br />alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-60548197062329946762012-06-25T12:39:00.000+02:002012-06-26T17:22:17.605+02:00Tasmanian Talent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiv1WoUQmXQEC2i0tsjqZj9ge-23Cl7tQ1fC6QKUQUHPJpNecsCcDeXQ3tiS7-fVntv3rfe-e1fZXgi7h76qPHwqQCVHIUny93a3aI6QtAkZ6NsQx-QUiH5jz3XGpMcCyWP_WvnKmyg/s1600/carved+wooden+songbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiv1WoUQmXQEC2i0tsjqZj9ge-23Cl7tQ1fC6QKUQUHPJpNecsCcDeXQ3tiS7-fVntv3rfe-e1fZXgi7h76qPHwqQCVHIUny93a3aI6QtAkZ6NsQx-QUiH5jz3XGpMcCyWP_WvnKmyg/s320/carved+wooden+songbird.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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This hand-carved songbird perches on my windowsill. </div>
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It was made by a guest who stayed at the gites in the Spring</div>
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- just when the the birds in the garden were singing their loudest! </div>
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Chris who has a small farm in beautiful Tasmania, </div>
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carves these little birds from old pieces of fence-post. </div>
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There is a label attached to the bird which reads </div>
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' <i>from a sunny garden in Tasmania to sing to you each day.</i>.' </div>alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-23309058707309148482012-06-23T09:27:00.000+02:002012-07-20T17:47:01.268+02:00Chicken of the Woods: a-foraging we will go....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIzcFO32vHv9W_T7_OXtdHBHnFqyNBJq3Rr7amyabsQ5mRep4DqlGe3sd1I-QH41PYk11YU-IRykXmPCNxqHY5KP7jlNEvxyrXzHxf7PiPPuBTk-k-TlliPrICv3NKLgfgCzDFFjyFg/s1600/chicken+of+the+woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIzcFO32vHv9W_T7_OXtdHBHnFqyNBJq3Rr7amyabsQ5mRep4DqlGe3sd1I-QH41PYk11YU-IRykXmPCNxqHY5KP7jlNEvxyrXzHxf7PiPPuBTk-k-TlliPrICv3NKLgfgCzDFFjyFg/s320/chicken+of+the+woods.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Wednesday morning saw us (me, my neighbour <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CheekyLemur" target="_blank">Julia</a>, fledgling forager Libby and Fudge, who is a trainee truffle hunter ) marching off down the lane with our foraging kit i.e. a basket and sharp knife. Julia had spotted a plump juicy chicken nestling by an old tree trunk. This was no ordinary chicken but a large, free range fungus!!<br />
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Undeterred by electric fences, inquisitive heifers and numerous cow pats we crossed the field and collected several chunks of the large bracket fungus, which is otherwise known as <a href="http://www.mushroomexpert.com/laetiporus_sulphureus.html" target="_blank">Laetiporus sulphureus</a>.<br />
The sulphurous yellow colour of the underside of the fungus doesn't look particularly appealing but it smelt deliciously mushroomy. So what did it taste like? Well - a bit disappointing really. It was quite dry and hard so maybe our 'chicken' was a bit old although it looked young and fresh. I cut it into pieces and fried it in butter and garlic. I then added tomatoes to help soften it but although the resulting sauce was tasty, the 'meat' wasn't. I think we have to find a younger fungus next time!<br />
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Fudge thinks she will stick to a nice chunky stick!</div>
<br /></div>alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-59238172112817613092012-06-10T18:19:00.000+02:002012-06-23T09:28:53.710+02:00Sea Kayaking in Jersey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_WLqQW_o2umL23I4wt3g1W-qgwVrZzuZ6einhYxwotpuAFhWR4qJa8rLAsGFensXNebBVANiYOLjSVaD_FXVG2Oxeq28OwgNjUQHKGPnuBQZRVGgZlixrHP7f6v7YJSusn1zoWtefw/s1600/St+Catherines+bay,+Jersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_WLqQW_o2umL23I4wt3g1W-qgwVrZzuZ6einhYxwotpuAFhWR4qJa8rLAsGFensXNebBVANiYOLjSVaD_FXVG2Oxeq28OwgNjUQHKGPnuBQZRVGgZlixrHP7f6v7YJSusn1zoWtefw/s320/St+Catherines+bay,+Jersey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you haven't squeezed into your swimsuit for quite a while, the experience of exposing tender bodyparts to the elements might be too much of a shock for the less than (fool)hardy. Sea kayaking seemed like a good idea at the planning stage but I needed a bit of convincing when told to go down the slipway and put on a wetsuit fully exposed not only to the elements but also to any unfortunate passer by who happened to taking in the sea view.</div>
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I tackled the task of getting into the damp, impossibly tight neoprene in stages, so that no part of me was exposed to the rain for an unnecessary length of time, only to be told by Caz, our instuctor, that I'd got it on back to front.....already I was wishing that I had opted to stay in the nearby, cosy cafe eating freshly made doughnuts. </div>
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The waves were slapping menacingly against the concrete as we hauled the kayaks down to the water's edge. The brief transition from landlubber to seafarer was daunting but suddenly I was bobbing off towards the open sea trying to remember what exactly we had been told to do with the paddle. Surprisingly, it seemed calmer on the water than it had done on the shore and the kayak was a lot more stable than you might expect.</div>
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Caz was an entusiastic instructor and as we paddled along the rocky shoreline he was telling us how he collects seaweed from the North coast of the island to sell to local restaurants. 'Foraging' for wild foods is suddenly trendy but Richard Mabey was extolling the virtues of eating nettles and other 'weeds' 30 years ago in his book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Food-Free-Collins-Natural-History/dp/0007247680">Food for Free</a>. I had a brilliant idea out there at the mercy of the waves - why not hold 'Foraging week-ends' at the gites so that people can come and collect wild foods and cook them.......watch this space - first of all I need to try them myself.</div>
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Back to life on the ocean wave. We explored St Catherines Bay and headed back to shore wishing that we could spend more time messing about on the water. I'd love to try 'coasteering', which involes making your way around the coast on foot, both in and out of the sea. All of these activities are organised by <a href="http://www.jerseyadventures.com/">Jersey Adventures</a> and are great value for money.</div>
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We finished off our adventure with a late breakfast at the <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/CafeBreakwater">'Breakwater Cafe'</a> overlooking the sea. Steaming mugs of tea and food that has never tasted so good!</div>alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-18857325653192067112012-05-16T12:52:00.000+02:002012-05-16T12:52:01.882+02:00Back to France...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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.............mmmmmmmm....it smells so good!!!</div>alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-30749878836725437222012-01-01T12:27:00.008+01:002012-01-01T12:49:09.077+01:00Careful Tiger......!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAH1fT77RyBQ9s5ZhBZ2tW0vdPfVSiDvIBVnhtPkdl9xkMSNwZYcsifOjfLdoZvhiM0n022ZpFNb9fG_6l2G-PoEsIFv-0At8SZOwViqHLypHI15vuAIeSIc2dVeQKQYXJguo4Cm0DA/s1600/Will+thieving.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692629177320451410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAH1fT77RyBQ9s5ZhBZ2tW0vdPfVSiDvIBVnhtPkdl9xkMSNwZYcsifOjfLdoZvhiM0n022ZpFNb9fG_6l2G-PoEsIFv-0At8SZOwViqHLypHI15vuAIeSIc2dVeQKQYXJguo4Cm0DA/s400/Will+thieving.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's New Years day and winter jasmine, daffodils <em>and</em> roses are flowering in the garden at Orchard Gites!<br />The unseasonally mild weather has the wild life confused too.... not only are the red squirrels out and about but there was a sighting of the rare Normandy tiger in the potager a few days ago. Usually shy and timid, mid-winter hunger has forced this hungry creature out from his lair to forage for sustenance. Sadly not very good timing as it is now hunting season in this neck of the woods and spit-roast tiger would be a welcome addition to any huntsman's table.alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-48383592710838964162011-09-20T12:07:00.029+02:002011-09-20T13:13:48.115+02:00Fungus ForayIf you go down to the woods today...<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654396646737045506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Sdt_TJd1y_yXkiNs8qh8NIKfGHZa4aJpOLsGs0QVej-jRhyGXSnfYGC7HWYgP9f2ZfeQrHdP67-vIlIcfwrNqNFNN69LGwBjh4NevLY-7f15TIMUG1FrHV4SkN7yFPTqBkcuS5mZJA/s400/Will+and+Julia.jpg" border="0" />be sure of a big surprise...........<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654382067739127394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhts7mVBhFN4ZoHk2ujhnHRNP82kFyf5FOZMDnzmFybO0qil7IxfLsIlPnNXQ58YU61RFBxl3ZJZ9MoMHucS1yNxzkHHF4Lcn7g9sgEqtJ-5vRQN4TpatS01oDjPq3a0CdK1PFs7Zsg/s400/will+in+woods.jpg" border="0" />you might find some tasty treats...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654382575784499778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 337px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 275px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWWtjTyXtEtQ7GQqMllaGb781c8dSwK67fRsepCDGzy9dea_ALh-RLTIgDjXFor8KInrlj32WxJUUg5mTDjF_JoF97ATzo1wFgFw_aaZsTYCyjqrP1bI-RmXRJNmOY9kbHnhQJ5EnBw/s400/Will+picks+mushrooms.jpg" border="0" />In the gloom of the forest we bumped into.........<br />a frenchman with a basket full of.......... little mushrooms like this .............</p><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654383383611188946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 343px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfpIYVEy1nimCWOiiWAXGg6uJVsD2YZvFQHnO1P5QV5z_tR7v8wuSWsqX9eQiH-rJwqitgx6c8F7O9Lcq4_xQ_DmRldPUcjtzNJofuzWT-n_iGrySzWjfEavHnnnwgfLcVMT-or94PA/s400/Chanterelles+2.jpg" border="0" />which he said were very tasty (hmmm. Those little one's look like toadstools to me!).<br />Nevertheless, it narrowed down the search a bit as we had been picking anything that looked plump and juicy. (We were consulting our mushroom guide book I hasten to add!)<br /></div><br /><div>Of course, looks can be deceiving so .................<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654384861495154786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 329px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNEmxx6cFIKxPE4x1H3lEaw2otOKYXH8rxLomVL8HDuqvUPPHX2apv0cAHDZvTsGqjbrMciDREvS2TXbJ2JkIb747yv5ZezhGdi_trMef_pCdhkPsf-pFvm6WMxa6G4DNnrPunNHDQw/s400/pharmacy+.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654388985861766306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 321px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cYlr9-w5XfMzvYk6UTccWaRF-UOBC1c88WfMc54wDHjsk6boL_lE4mCzWPnntHAM2xhWIA9BjjR5-z39tzT-xIG4sSoBO3BFAed_lfwNgkZ1oCJJtt-mg421LtO2J1PRxM0pUnMnBQ/s400/pharmacist+1.jpg" border="0" />The pharmacist confirmed what the frenchman in the woods had told us...... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654389676386044722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FAW94vLy32K_oJfPLsFi8_Vg_QvjbjpkyiGWNnyr_hhWP_4vPL6-0TgQ0SnxpUdWfNv6Pzmne69zO8fIfUKeX-9MN0Y1HZRreCYXdDn6sgri_ClXhUKMCSBzT39-CrBKl4T75cfr6Q/s400/sizzle+sizzle.jpg" border="0" />that the common chanterelles and the larger girondelles were really good to eat. In fact I think we could have sold them to several of the customers in the shop who were keen to know where we had found them! Sadly, we were told that we couldn't eat these..........<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654390490624908066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmOJjWZE1K_hMFLqRHprS0UMmfvOt0k-yxUan7jRs1EM57nRuT7tg9UjPRyX3EiQaanhvgWLPmvCCeLPeb0zNHemEmEeCWLIKteCGi3_xmd7LnT1dwPld24UZeHdAZFm25jeMD7xLLA/s400/The+ones+that+got+away.jpg" border="0" />They all <em>looked</em> pretty good to me, but in amongst them was a poisonous boletus, which because it had been in the basket with the others, may have tainted them so we were told to throw them ALL away!<br />The moral of this tale of course is, <strong>'Never put all your mushrooms in one basket'</strong>!alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-13970282604602149652011-09-11T21:45:00.007+02:002011-09-12T14:41:03.842+02:00Krispy Kreme comes to NormandyFortunately my neighbour passes by a Krispy Kreme shop on his way to catch the ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-EHadZId8hag6ewrsZ2XxE7nyIi33m4DF4lirTgLWz7xfPG6t0wQThgQPGhh2nMVKdlqE4D4frmvENsXfy2OBc41qqy7tV13XZKi99W3QTx8cqUjAtEHV5jEioVhWkkl8Epy7CTT1g/s1600/Krispy+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651190605301694450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-EHadZId8hag6ewrsZ2XxE7nyIi33m4DF4lirTgLWz7xfPG6t0wQThgQPGhh2nMVKdlqE4D4frmvENsXfy2OBc41qqy7tV13XZKi99W3QTx8cqUjAtEHV5jEioVhWkkl8Epy7CTT1g/s400/Krispy+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>We are all standing by the gate waiting for him when his car makes that final turn along the windy lane to La Foucaudiere! </div><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651196330548281266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKctQXJSHH27Wav3ArNBSdDF1tEUrnNlOyEokiVlWoUUmlCzWNSzrnHjCWkESqfkg8KlZzEc_GxtYOGHuMDT029jXT0lgtP6g7KNE9fcU8eodNJvxhb0ofXzkUIRuGse2LWYyiXDINg/s400/Krispy+3+jpg.jpg" border="0" />Julia has the coffee pot on and the girls have the plates on the table in a flash....</div></div><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651194310891880850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTU81Wdefrj8vc06eXR94bbE692K3M6Yc6puZzRawwRVOjkGkbf2iYyhFVQ9B3g_LzHCDSUgf2ygOeVFCCTWjriU_ZKU1BqclfUct5yFWlvzdsNDT8CazDIH17FAgcks7zkOIWrpsLA/s400/Krispy+2.jpg" border="0" />Which one's your favourite?</p>alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-14157218489536143942011-08-31T23:24:00.009+02:002011-09-04T23:06:41.235+02:00Bed and Breakfast for horses!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZy-a0FCl9vyprrNdQq1gKZonkjz8js1EdPSPzTJIIjtcxS6-PBIw1Lnad13EJiDRKMoBg5AhfAzkaCRQIt6E9h7HYsUbtLiP37bres_EDnG7uh1qysFhe-vniAzHxYKZYq0T8uui3w/s1600/3+horsemen+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647625141514623906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZy-a0FCl9vyprrNdQq1gKZonkjz8js1EdPSPzTJIIjtcxS6-PBIw1Lnad13EJiDRKMoBg5AhfAzkaCRQIt6E9h7HYsUbtLiP37bres_EDnG7uh1qysFhe-vniAzHxYKZYq0T8uui3w/s400/3+horsemen+3.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwp8uEIUXBrbD7EeRsNNH1n4bZP6QWU8EiBYazgW9qtIlHykMtM9P7pPHMAGNrrD0tg-MF-McuHFX3NZBkmAfbv0TLp_bt2VMovbglb0urHC4reh4cMiO0JaQkYdyeUcdQowXUhp_9w/s1600/3+horsemen+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647135417179008914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwp8uEIUXBrbD7EeRsNNH1n4bZP6QWU8EiBYazgW9qtIlHykMtM9P7pPHMAGNrrD0tg-MF-McuHFX3NZBkmAfbv0TLp_bt2VMovbglb0urHC4reh4cMiO0JaQkYdyeUcdQowXUhp_9w/s400/3+horsemen+2.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647134600005184082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKrURDdM-eBlhhRiZ2Y6rklNHRBICdYoStSp5r-bP38jNDMWOOPAzmptwSkx1_vflKfxvm83e5XK2gkL_2x1tm6sSyfo2nctipBFwOBiOJ9OGSc86nNLvqIa7dKsy7kT46pHJSTzeOg/s400/3+horsemen+1.jpg" border="0" />
<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647134600231722578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeaSDoQXZOsZAsV7SEIXN5UUdYzuk5MSqnVTpHctdEHAgw59NZ19pnPR6ekrxZbti6ajbyH7HGCx_mzEMFaewKlzJCYCikWW3UjmxjR_HL2DgpA-20eQ0nsJxgx9602ZvxJqydfhyphenhyphen3A/s400/3+horsemen+4.jpg" border="0" />On Monday our first equine guests came to stay. Three lovely horses spent the night in the orchard - not only did they trim the grass but they kindly left some manure for the vegetable plot. A whole barrowful - thank you horses!</div></div>
<br />alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-31372514302535360662011-07-12T10:18:00.007+02:002011-07-12T11:00:18.068+02:00French Apricot Jam<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieerpGrSWY5JDr-VeMHZvF2OY2ScK-Zohbkfo-D41btbqFTe91LttydadH6F9Kx1m4ATSUaT4WPidK4GWdvYMTERVwAyXmIpK5BLSgZGe-pdOb-P4Vj7QOMbpOamZAQhuyBLGzKQXF4Q/s1600/jam+and+lily+small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628379041628471746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieerpGrSWY5JDr-VeMHZvF2OY2ScK-Zohbkfo-D41btbqFTe91LttydadH6F9Kx1m4ATSUaT4WPidK4GWdvYMTERVwAyXmIpK5BLSgZGe-pdOb-P4Vj7QOMbpOamZAQhuyBLGzKQXF4Q/s400/jam+and+lily+small.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sometimes it's worth paying a little bit more to get just what you want. This year's batch of apricot jam has turned out just right thanks to the special sugar I used, rather than my usual more frugal option of ordinary granulated sugar. I followed the recipe on the bag and the result is deliciously fruity.<br /><br /><em><strong>Apricot Jam Recipe</strong></em><br /><em>950 grams of washed and quatered apricots</em><br /><em>1kg of Jam Sugar (I used the French brand of 'Teva' sugar but any similar sugar which has added pectin will be fine)</em><br /><em>several apricot kernels. The skins can be removed by blanching in hot water</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>1. Mix the fruit with the sugar and leave to stand until the sugar has dissolved. I left it overnight.</em><br /><em>2. Pour the fruit and syrup into a large pan and bring to the boil, stirring to prevent the syrup burning.</em><br /><em>3. Boil for 7 minutes. Count the time from when the jam is properly boiling. Stir whilst the jam boils but beware as the hot sugar syrup can splash out !</em><br /><em>4. Skim off the foam</em> <em>and pot into sterilised jars.</em>alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-88395093794034510012011-06-05T16:05:00.009+02:002011-06-05T20:31:06.595+02:00Strawberry Bowl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmc9BJjgG6AlPzJXJDASlRCGO7YnRqDjh8_TrsHrqKUjyQYo9O6ac2vJlEmBECKAnOB_jODjs1k7JYfZduNZQrqhJCjni4yNgdaOVCudhsw9afFpBZg59d1fl00t2s6IvWJyyyQ-JwA/s1600/Trinket+bowl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614736997829727650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmc9BJjgG6AlPzJXJDASlRCGO7YnRqDjh8_TrsHrqKUjyQYo9O6ac2vJlEmBECKAnOB_jODjs1k7JYfZduNZQrqhJCjni4yNgdaOVCudhsw9afFpBZg59d1fl00t2s6IvWJyyyQ-JwA/s400/Trinket+bowl.jpg" border="0" /></a> Whenever I visit my neighbour Julia there are pretty trinkets to admire. This luscious little bowl was glinting enticingly on the kitchen table the other day. Perfectly capturing the sparkling June sunshine and the bumbling of the bees in the strawberry patch outside.<br />Tempted?? See more of Julia's beautiful work in her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CheekyLemur">Etsy shop</a> - it is guaranteed to bring out the magpie in you...alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-88652981873322234602011-05-05T22:57:00.010+02:002011-05-08T10:13:08.797+02:00Jewellery from the Heart of the Normandy countryside<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8hdQKZ7F10G7fdKSvR7RHrZiVpSmTFKuB0PJ2yS1b8jBnMr-3VkHCChQsmvmVSpiIC5cQ_md5SWhsIa0S-NPHoJb6ILQY87qM9isjPNhEakrIAxMaBi7F7H0Y1IIohHwot_iNzwKsQ/s1600/Cheeky+Lemur+earrings.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 290px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 383px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603339735557785186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8hdQKZ7F10G7fdKSvR7RHrZiVpSmTFKuB0PJ2yS1b8jBnMr-3VkHCChQsmvmVSpiIC5cQ_md5SWhsIa0S-NPHoJb6ILQY87qM9isjPNhEakrIAxMaBi7F7H0Y1IIohHwot_iNzwKsQ/s400/Cheeky+Lemur+earrings.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_f2WaCw4SHewwmnDFkQ6FDiNjrUUsiyDESrodSwBZ-OTm-FOKqVmnj1gsm6fCgZbdmRuR9vWfkwG0EulzRxtW92dpOp4kPPq5Ev8rlPq5t4KgXQFzS9UUZQ_pbFYxrhcXDWpxn2BIg/s1600/view+from+lane+with+moon.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 287px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 385px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603339500167281426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_f2WaCw4SHewwmnDFkQ6FDiNjrUUsiyDESrodSwBZ-OTm-FOKqVmnj1gsm6fCgZbdmRuR9vWfkwG0EulzRxtW92dpOp4kPPq5Ev8rlPq5t4KgXQFzS9UUZQ_pbFYxrhcXDWpxn2BIg/s400/view+from+lane+with+moon.jpg" /></a> Discover<br />Julia Quinn's lovely jewellery at her online <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CheekyLemur">Etsy shop<br /><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><u><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></u></div>alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-59988181973195658042011-04-27T22:55:00.003+02:002011-04-27T23:01:10.007+02:00Left a bit, right a bit...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600370193266377186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 404px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbOPbuqGh5qoE0XMZMEW4pxL7MijB42DxTSbG32364tT3_dqD-E7fnRMnhys9wd9XRTH8adYk0Wgu-JRPHAkNUMMFTiq7aLkQhquHvcKqKpz-LXIEyZ3-rcurLKfaLDpiWQe2whfnQA/s400/ball+1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwHrJF8_aTPuTt133vL_vfTmvxFXsoUmSSVCA-gHVGw6wFVt_Wpiu3rBxw94LilhcLyE9B9Xkx2E1SdsMRr_2ml24cqYe4CSM8SCVrwfa2ptLzE_cHuYmxY_lZ7Dut0xwfWVgsoZmAw/s1600/ball+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600370319683509490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwHrJF8_aTPuTt133vL_vfTmvxFXsoUmSSVCA-gHVGw6wFVt_Wpiu3rBxw94LilhcLyE9B9Xkx2E1SdsMRr_2ml24cqYe4CSM8SCVrwfa2ptLzE_cHuYmxY_lZ7Dut0xwfWVgsoZmAw/s400/ball+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600370479433535122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeeY_KSxOR93CkxD0ZMamMofLb2mqUX_XFExZzkSLma6eT0rEYt4OX2xR1cQ6Ai7zohSxavpCojyu7KP-2AbX1Khf_eqK48msMHlklbdAORxWmyvrp9ITFeWzs5aFk_0zjIW7g4F3nA/s400/ball+3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-86097385574906597682011-04-20T08:05:00.007+02:002011-04-21T08:05:13.352+02:00Early Bird<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7LmleoAC1z4-YtHh5Xjpja_-Xp42-OsuKzf9WCwl2k-CFWBk_BmSja7WbpTDegyKlJ9-A8bqltyaljZEN8ttep7mL6tpYWjzTPm69ZUVAa_kXHGrgXOCBeJt_ZGiADWFM6jIguMKQA/s1600/2010_1030Easter0070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597543994023263666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7LmleoAC1z4-YtHh5Xjpja_-Xp42-OsuKzf9WCwl2k-CFWBk_BmSja7WbpTDegyKlJ9-A8bqltyaljZEN8ttep7mL6tpYWjzTPm69ZUVAa_kXHGrgXOCBeJt_ZGiADWFM6jIguMKQA/s400/2010_1030Easter0070.JPG" border="0" /></a>Easter came a week early to La Foucaudiere this year. On Sunday my neighbours' daughter Libby, appeared on the doorstep with a lovely chocolate chicken for me!! "We have just been into Tinchebray and have got you this....HAPPY EASTER!! And we have just had an Easter Egg Hunt !"<br />Well, I have been bit a confused this year too, as Easter is so late in April, but I was was sure that Libby was a week early with her choccy offering. Never mind - it's never a bad thing to have the chance to celebrate Easter twice.<br />Meanwhile the sun is shining and all the apple blossom is out and the Normandy countryside is looking it's best. Fudge was feeling the heat yesterday and had to have her winter coat trimmed so she now looks super sleek and summery!alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-32864540791275922362010-01-01T13:18:00.007+01:002010-01-01T14:05:09.618+01:00Fledgling Hours<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs46Ai-YFNoO3xaDmg91vZ-4mjSe-OcDJeb2Ds123oajCRKpNanoF-a01_YNlW37wRbwjDvmaQClDu4sCrA8cwrfHcqYzDmUZZ4bx4Woc-WScxaO2N4G2HwcdSWHo-UrYlDwzxdQYhQ/s1600-h/sunrise.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421744992219591058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 344px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs46Ai-YFNoO3xaDmg91vZ-4mjSe-OcDJeb2Ds123oajCRKpNanoF-a01_YNlW37wRbwjDvmaQClDu4sCrA8cwrfHcqYzDmUZZ4bx4Woc-WScxaO2N4G2HwcdSWHo-UrYlDwzxdQYhQ/s400/sunrise.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pamela Terry's beautiful writing <a href="http://fromthehouseofedward.blogspot.com/">From the House of Edward</a> never fails to inspire. Each of her posts is a delight and today's is no exception. In her description of the passing of the old year and the coming in of the new, she writes of 'a fledgling congregation of hours'.....'every one a sparkling second chance.' Pamela's words seemed so apt this morning when I went out for an early walk. The air was cold and still, the countryside was hushed. A heron flapped slowly along the valley and we disturbed a huge buzzard, which rose up to take shelter in the nearby copse of trees. As we made our way along the lane the sun crept over the horizon, tinting the clouds with an orange glow. Within a few minutes the sun was up and the colours had fled leaving the 'unwritten' new day, new year and new decade stretching out ahead.<br />Magical moments but now it's back to reality and I am getting 'Le Pressoir' (one of the gites)ready for it's next occupants who are due to arrive tomorrow. Mr Lemur and family are moving over here permanently and will be staying in the gite for a little while until their house is ready, so this is really an exciting new year for them. You can follow their progress on <a href="http://mrlemur.blogspot.com/">his blog</a>, and for a different perspective look at what <a href="http://cheekylemur.blogspot.com/">Cheeky Lemur </a>has to say!<br />So.... I must get back to work!!<br />A Happy New Year to all visitors to the other side of Edenalisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-71664718758054261042009-12-28T10:04:00.004+01:002009-12-28T10:16:53.293+01:00Just the outfit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RTyOroMyq-f7J8XsaOXVB1u7HUWtUCjeYcjCbbOM1zRKUjK4PmngUVwMwGlEuS9OyD7hJhas1AMN9vKvQI4gtxNO5_p2gEmcsU4TrZ3F-A7yiUPGDRE7I5WwX-P2bIQKMOPLTWIJ7A/s1600-h/snow+wear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420210545550644274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RTyOroMyq-f7J8XsaOXVB1u7HUWtUCjeYcjCbbOM1zRKUjK4PmngUVwMwGlEuS9OyD7hJhas1AMN9vKvQI4gtxNO5_p2gEmcsU4TrZ3F-A7yiUPGDRE7I5WwX-P2bIQKMOPLTWIJ7A/s400/snow+wear.jpg" border="0" /></a> Fortunately I have now kitted myself out for the winter weather and having purchased a few pretty ponies I am ready to rescue anyone from the deepest of snow drifts. Thanks as ever to <a href="http://dustjacketattic.blogspot.com/2009/12/joyeux-noel.html">Dustjacket Attic</a> who is always ready with suitable style advice. How lucky it was that photographer Solve Sundsbo was passing and happened to spot me trudging down the hill - obviously he just couldn't resist taking a snap. He certainly knows how to give a girl a touch of class!alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-89595294201006500112009-12-27T11:21:00.007+01:002009-12-27T12:19:45.842+01:00Desperate guests attempt to leave Normandy Gites<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GXyFIS4q9tohS5leagtM04g4QlO0vsTjDumSu07jWdxYTg0bJDOJmVdU6cOL4N30t5YplGLvZmg8HRsHYGZu38E2ksMacLiPcjCWBLjdCrmIQi_2FNjPGD7UeTHZoaR4joL8jTtV3Q/s1600-h/out+in+the+snow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419859419836487282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 334px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GXyFIS4q9tohS5leagtM04g4QlO0vsTjDumSu07jWdxYTg0bJDOJmVdU6cOL4N30t5YplGLvZmg8HRsHYGZu38E2ksMacLiPcjCWBLjdCrmIQi_2FNjPGD7UeTHZoaR4joL8jTtV3Q/s400/out+in+the+snow.jpg" border="0" /></a>The snow fall just before Christmas made access to the gites just a little bit tricky. The normally picturesquely winding lane that leads to our hamlet became almost immediately impassable much to the horror of my captive guests, Dave and Lynn. Finding themselves potentially stranded for an indeterminable period with inadequate food supplies was not quite the Christmas they had planned. Dave kept asking whether I had a turkey, imagining no doubt that I had a larder stuffed to overflowing with hearty treats. I didn't like to disillusion him but Fudge and I do survive on fairly meagre rations...no bulging store cupboard or jam-packed freezer. </div><br /><br /><div>The romance of the peasant life-style held no allure for Lynn who kept pointing out that she had to go home for a PARTY!! A party? As it turned out a <em>rescue</em> party materialised in the form of the Mairie and his deputy driving a big green tractor with monster, snow-crunching wheels. Dave and Lynn had their bags in the boot of the car and were hooked up to the tractor and ....they were away with scarcely a backward glance!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419869220355252738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgba08kvhEm5gr-G5SBj7osmWWBCVKhx5QGOoqGhEju69QckaT_OJCzqy6XTKPUZNvkGKkZFavCxpnGnHf2hhroKUzBDXtfMnRGWRUEDkW9g_vPPuUqXIhUss5UH_NK_1IEEchRe92N3A/s400/Dave+and+Lynne+4.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419869939524842722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlsCu4O_rh9dckwWFPtXP8gkE6xTLTTjP3WiCe2F_aA_4dHyxsHZ7CWhuxTBgxC7VZA_208AXYEwUfAt-EKW2XY__fBUDBdxNkUA6jfPOsmxVTWpkVBILh_u9K5lRUz-UIBaF3Ta_Tg/s400/Dave+and+Lynn+3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419872945169168626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuC0hP7Sh9W8n1H-4wMgamn5Q4wvVcP4B8yncVCRQijw6ToSVpr6jqZTDldKWnO5wLKJqKkx2FtCAg1vqKTJCm9n80SmlTm_gPrcPFktOb3c-s9GXOPhARLBmAVkPY7maR_86Cj0vcQ/s400/2009_1220decsnow0057.JPG" border="0" /> Fudge, who had been rather anxious about the whole situation, breathed a sigh of relief!<br /><div></div>alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24038957668397107.post-63341506576860946472009-12-25T11:29:00.001+01:002009-12-25T11:31:10.349+01:00Yay!!! It's Christmas!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_krbYNLRtom-mhyD56qt-_tc6G6wGjXES2GKvq1bcg1m7QhsKpcl_mUamkfHz3rvfsHW_aV8jraQPkyAKn-jp1N_H_NDerziAPlmjz5ZlT9bjDv2OlIIG_5GtisiirOKv1uBcBq02g/s1600-h/fudge+lights+medium.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419119190354302978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_krbYNLRtom-mhyD56qt-_tc6G6wGjXES2GKvq1bcg1m7QhsKpcl_mUamkfHz3rvfsHW_aV8jraQPkyAKn-jp1N_H_NDerziAPlmjz5ZlT9bjDv2OlIIG_5GtisiirOKv1uBcBq02g/s400/fudge+lights+medium.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603861640418668005noreply@blogger.com3