tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33810871916429084892024-03-13T03:31:16.014+00:00Made in a MuddleFionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.comBlogger358125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-5593120908897880882016-08-22T07:41:00.000+01:002016-08-22T07:47:16.116+01:00Part Deux*<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My recent holiday in France already seems like a distant memory. Once home, domestic matters, work and other <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">stuff</span> ha<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s</span> occupied time, then recently I had problems with my internet connection. Now th<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">i</span>s</span> seems resolved I thought I'd better chronicle the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">second part</span> of this holiday otherwise it probably won't happen. I do like to look back at posts from time to time to remind myself what I've done with my life in recent years....do you?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-INpwgt7vCRo/V7S92Bk5PbI/AAAAAAAAHF4/IDob-xk2ANc2bz8dzFI9c6sMNrkuph7xQCLcB/s1600/20160725_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-INpwgt7vCRo/V7S92Bk5PbI/AAAAAAAAHF4/IDob-xk2ANc2bz8dzFI9c6sMNrkuph7xQCLcB/s640/20160725_3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't imagine that I will forget our day at <i>Autrefois</i> in the streets of Challans, in a hurry. Described in the programme as <i>a real immersion into the beginning of the 20th century</i>, participants dressed up in regional costumes of the time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDwuux0OKHU/V7CZ3CkAdVI/AAAAAAAAHDk/7D8aL0sc5TA-Q9OsaeZaP_Oysl-mza6mgCLcB/s1600/20160725_119.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDwuux0OKHU/V7CZ3CkAdVI/AAAAAAAAHDk/7D8aL0sc5TA-Q9OsaeZaP_Oysl-mza6mgCLcB/s640/20160725_119.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Artisans demonstrated their crafts.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--__zpP298rg/V7CaWohoJaI/AAAAAAAAHDo/xpO7I_FOtfI-sDN7qBzsjMfmpqhbIti5wCLcB/s1600/20160725_108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--__zpP298rg/V7CaWohoJaI/AAAAAAAAHDo/xpO7I_FOtfI-sDN7qBzsjMfmpqhbIti5wCLcB/s640/20160725_108.JPG" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg1RjOTOmaA/V7CbKVizANI/AAAAAAAAHDw/72ey_-5PXRATe1PVDFaxg8QgQJjFEWqzgCLcB/s1600/20160725_130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg1RjOTOmaA/V7CbKVizANI/AAAAAAAAHDw/72ey_-5PXRATe1PVDFaxg8QgQJjFEWqzgCLcB/s640/20160725_130.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were entertained by traditional folk music and dancing...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UiJn23VtCKE/V7CbpJjaX9I/AAAAAAAAHD0/jRGQ8wVc37wuznI-sLi-W_sevUVxPTOBgCLcB/s1600/20160725_118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UiJn23VtCKE/V7CbpJjaX9I/AAAAAAAAHD0/jRGQ8wVc37wuznI-sLi-W_sevUVxPTOBgCLcB/s640/20160725_118.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">which </span>provided much amusement. When the caller instructed the couples <i>'Messieurs, Dames, embrasser'</i> one <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">old dear</span> unsuccessfully tried to d<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">odge</span> her partner's kiss, then in a glaring display of disgust, grimaced and wiped her cheek with the back of her hand. It was hilarious!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course there were sideshows and rides for the kids.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5I6i000mv0/V7CcIT1ipjI/AAAAAAAAHD4/X4lahVYldD410aKacuyzEn9U1ruNWRMqACLcB/s1600/20160725_112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5I6i000mv0/V7CcIT1ipjI/AAAAAAAAHD4/X4lahVYldD410aKacuyzEn9U1ruNWRMqACLcB/s640/20160725_112.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">( French politicians are obviously as popular as their British <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">counterparts</span>.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">)</span></span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KEy2V7aUSw/V7Ccs9CoDWI/AAAAAAAAHEA/oNAobdBEd0cqQuC-3bLdF6h50LOuipvAQCLcB/s1600/20160725_113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KEy2V7aUSw/V7Ccs9CoDWI/AAAAAAAAHEA/oNAobdBEd0cqQuC-3bLdF6h50LOuipvAQCLcB/s640/20160725_113.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9znspXglWM/V7CdNYQpEmI/AAAAAAAAHEE/T7I6Y4QtQtIGP7wUTih9U3nbOkKXS4LiQCLcB/s1600/20160725_110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9znspXglWM/V7CdNYQpEmI/AAAAAAAAHEE/T7I6Y4QtQtIGP7wUTih9U3nbOkKXS4LiQCLcB/s640/20160725_110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TfvWwplhuzU/V7CdjsG_F5I/AAAAAAAAHEI/zGrQAc2WKKs3YdACQvbY8aJlvvUacXa_gCLcB/s1600/20160725_139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TfvWwplhuzU/V7CdjsG_F5I/AAAAAAAAHEI/zGrQAc2WKKs3YdACQvbY8aJlvvUacXa_gCLcB/s640/20160725_139.JPG" width="494" /></a></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(and who doesn't love to slid<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e</span> out of a giant chicken's arse?) </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was a procession of vintage cars </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CoHDM049xV0/V7CeFDQnRaI/AAAAAAAAHEM/hnoaJw4XmGU2od8QNdEuShx0HMhuY_YngCLcB/s1600/20160725_121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CoHDM049xV0/V7CeFDQnRaI/AAAAAAAAHEM/hnoaJw4XmGU2od8QNdEuShx0HMhuY_YngCLcB/s640/20160725_121.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And displays of animal husbandry...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SClq0nb2KtU/V7CejghKXxI/AAAAAAAAHEU/TmGBrmN9aEwG3Im4Ftv2urCiFYPl7UZ8gCLcB/s1600/20160725_138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SClq0nb2KtU/V7CejghKXxI/AAAAAAAAHEU/TmGBrmN9aEwG3Im4Ftv2urCiFYPl7UZ8gCLcB/s640/20160725_138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46hVrSCfjeE/V7Ce7dnX77I/AAAAAAAAHEY/igqW-pPNz-8sXgoCWfjbdikwqZy3CQaswCLcB/s640/20160725_135.JPG" width="428" /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">....these baby ducklings were adorable.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SL107aaOc8/V7CfTUm5w4I/AAAAAAAAHEc/5IHa9cqdZCIAY5tup5zc34kMuYAaxO9HwCLcB/s1600/20160725_136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SL107aaOc8/V7CfTUm5w4I/AAAAAAAAHEc/5IHa9cqdZCIAY5tup5zc34kMuYAaxO9HwCLcB/s640/20160725_136.JPG" width="541" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The festivities climaxed in a heroic d<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">isplay by <i>les pompiers.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjJlfo7By00/V7Cf6ULNhMI/AAAAAAAAHEg/ANuKbfXwQ5MUgp8ObsGu3rYDJ4Dst4EQQCLcB/s1600/20160725_127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjJlfo7By00/V7Cf6ULNhMI/AAAAAAAAHEg/ANuKbfXwQ5MUgp8ObsGu3rYDJ4Dst4EQQCLcB/s640/20160725_127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">whereby <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'</span>they came to the ai<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d of a young Vendeéne girl in peril'.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1e9DEQe5rg/V7CgkWS0lKI/AAAAAAAAHEk/5HLSppfrAPEHfeROynn40tYz45i_dOXiwCLcB/s1600/20160725_147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1e9DEQe5rg/V7CgkWS0lKI/AAAAAAAAHEk/5HLSppfrAPEHfeROynn40tYz45i_dOXiwCLcB/s640/20160725_147.JPG" width="578" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Apparently <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the fire service<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">put on <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a</span> show</span> e<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">very</span> year<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and e<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ach time</span> it gets more and more <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ridiculous. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-pYT_2qRy8/V7ChpB-JflI/AAAAAAAAHEs/sadU-ph7sVsngypuBIMvDtkf4VlX0EgPACLcB/s1600/20160725_151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-pYT_2qRy8/V7ChpB-JflI/AAAAAAAAHEs/sadU-ph7sVsngypuBIMvDtkf4VlX0EgPACLcB/s640/20160725_151.JPG" width="578" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The story<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> told of </span> a <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sauc</span>y <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lady</span> who was up to 'anky panky' wiz 'er <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">b</span>eau<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just as the fireman arrived, so did her father <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and</span> so the beau hid from sight, but the father so concerned about his precious <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">daughter risked life and limb to climb into the 'burning' building and found the boyfriend in a state of undress with his daughter. Zut alors!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xpdIitsJsg/V7Cjx3qly4I/AAAAAAAAHE4/HlSdpr7fhgoAiRZEAaa6plOZjOPNIUQ_QCLcB/s1600/20160725_154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xpdIitsJsg/V7Cjx3qly4I/AAAAAAAAHE4/HlSdpr7fhgoAiRZEAaa6plOZjOPNIUQ_QCLcB/s640/20160725_154.JPG" width="460" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Here the father is throttling the boyfriend...and the fireman laughing in the background!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You won<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'</span>t be surprised to hear that</span> it all ends well with the girl being rescued over the shoulder of a fireman, the hose soaking her bloomers <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">which</span> become transparent, and the father being dumped unceremoniously into <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the firemen's</span> water supply. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x32IvJE1tDA/V7eA2e49RoI/AAAAAAAAHG0/2pQm8hGhowAp9DOiblpsoeZSPh-z1sLFwCLcB/s1600/20160725_158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x32IvJE1tDA/V7eA2e49RoI/AAAAAAAAHG0/2pQm8hGhowAp9DOiblpsoeZSPh-z1sLFwCLcB/s640/20160725_158.JPG" width="403" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoYDqiKpM7c/V7Ck1SnapII/AAAAAAAAHFA/7-Lf6zaMxxQmXRBkS-Bu1z5ddtC9EcKPQCLcB/s1600/20160725_160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoYDqiKpM7c/V7Ck1SnapII/AAAAAAAAHFA/7-Lf6zaMxxQmXRBkS-Bu1z5ddtC9EcKPQCLcB/s640/20160725_160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course a holiday wouldn't be complete without a trip to the seaside and a few ice creams, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and</span> the beaches were far from crowded, even in July.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDnOU1hT6-w/V7CmBslKezI/AAAAAAAAHFI/8VRLBwk9PvIbGJ--ewEpH1VdlSzYVwZQQCLcB/s1600/20160725_42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDnOU1hT6-w/V7CmBslKezI/AAAAAAAAHFI/8VRLBwk9PvIbGJ--ewEpH1VdlSzYVwZQQCLcB/s640/20160725_42.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1oWNJIQZ6I/V7S-yGPSkHI/AAAAAAAAHGA/ANiwSVmEZPopdER3vgt_1GfNBU9yYcdgwCLcB/s1600/20160725_56.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1oWNJIQZ6I/V7S-yGPSkHI/AAAAAAAAHGA/ANiwSVmEZPopdER3vgt_1GfNBU9yYcdgwCLcB/s640/20160725_56.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rGAiWVlNNtU/V7TCJhkn_qI/AAAAAAAAHGk/S40OHPMRm4oklp80DN-AGs5fv9RKg4eXgCLcB/s1600/20160725_52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rGAiWVlNNtU/V7TCJhkn_qI/AAAAAAAAHGk/S40OHPMRm4oklp80DN-AGs5fv9RKg4eXgCLcB/s640/20160725_52.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOOEDV1gohc/V7S_ie_fI6I/AAAAAAAAHGI/18wOpX-1t-4lc16Rd0iOq8-GEx84LvrrwCLcB/s1600/20160725_46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOOEDV1gohc/V7S_ie_fI6I/AAAAAAAAHGI/18wOpX-1t-4lc16Rd0iOq8-GEx84LvrrwCLcB/s640/20160725_46.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After walking along the front in scorching sunshine we watched the activities of the sailing school from the shade of a beachfront café and listened to a family from Birmingham (or thereabouts) discussing the merits of Korma versus Madras.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fH0rqAy8Klo/V7S_3cjuMCI/AAAAAAAAHGQ/2PpUPbxiZR8trGyxd-OLT942u2RitJbkwCLcB/s1600/20160725_54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fH0rqAy8Klo/V7S_3cjuMCI/AAAAAAAAHGQ/2PpUPbxiZR8trGyxd-OLT942u2RitJbkwCLcB/s640/20160725_54.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pE8gcOWxKac/V7TAMPHcjBI/AAAAAAAAHGU/R1ZqH_FEfbU1qc2uD6pTD4RGOAo27FvkgCLcB/s1600/20160725_58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pE8gcOWxKac/V7TAMPHcjBI/AAAAAAAAHGU/R1ZqH_FEfbU1qc2uD6pTD4RGOAo27FvkgCLcB/s640/20160725_58.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As is the way with lovely holidays in France, or anywhere else for that matter... they finish all too soon, but <i>c<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e n'es</span>t pas grave</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">...</span> I'<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ll be back there <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">before long</span></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*Post Title kindly <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">supplied <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">by </span></span><a href="http://vintagevixon.blogspot.co.uk/">Vix</a></span></i></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-14283859229781751252016-08-14T07:52:00.001+01:002016-08-14T07:55:50.517+01:00Sunday Photo - Sweet Pea Pickings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOEnRH1Hjls/V67eFlAO_-I/AAAAAAAAHDA/af6JYa6TF8Yrd_AlzwxcaxAm6eageeSUgCLcB/s640/20160813_2.JPG" width="428" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks to you all who kindly commented on my first link-up with last week's<a href="http://photalife.com/my-sunday-photo/"> Sunday Photo.</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I'm posting a small posy of sweet peas that I grew from seed. (yes it's been an uneventful week!) The foliage has succumbed to a nasty mildew disease but happily the flowers haven't been afflicted.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Enjoy your weekend. </span></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-44436591852701922462016-08-07T08:51:00.001+01:002016-08-07T09:14:28.954+01:00Les Balles de Foin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAYdCz_JMwA/V6ZEMTWTCpI/AAAAAAAAHCw/2JHegekXL4kLrQ7mJb1elPBJiYNjFbK_wCLcB/s1600/20160725_161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAYdCz_JMwA/V6ZEMTWTCpI/AAAAAAAAHCw/2JHegekXL4kLrQ7mJb1elPBJiYNjFbK_wCLcB/s640/20160725_161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My inaugural link-up with<a href="http://photalife.com/blog/"> Sunday Photo</a> at Photalife.</span></span></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-71195891894584559042016-07-25T22:07:00.002+01:002016-07-28T22:51:08.220+01:00French Leave<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, I've been on hols to my favourite place again...Vendée in France. We stayed in a tiny rural hamlet, where I'd rented a gîte, which in a former life was probably a pig sty or cattle shed. The view from the garden was superb...just miles and miles of corn fields.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dT-KIl9tyxU/V5ZyJ437ruI/AAAAAAAAG_0/_f4jdnB9fhoZv2BLYkvemYb-WvOd2D23wCLcB/s1600/20160725_103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dT-KIl9tyxU/V5ZyJ437ruI/AAAAAAAAG_0/_f4jdnB9fhoZv2BLYkvemYb-WvOd2D23wCLcB/s640/20160725_103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Agriculture is a significant source of employment in Vendée.
Among the departements, it has the second highest level of revenue from
agriculture in France. The major arable crops grown are corn, rapeseed,
wheat and sunflowers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kb9wCAPxXfk/V5ZyWkNT8ZI/AAAAAAAAG_8/xXOYT9QItWA54OpV5Odrq-XOReASbuYUQCLcB/s1600/20160725_39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kb9wCAPxXfk/V5ZyWkNT8ZI/AAAAAAAAG_8/xXOYT9QItWA54OpV5Odrq-XOReASbuYUQCLcB/s640/20160725_39.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1Cx2iccCkE/V5pgQD0h05I/AAAAAAAAHB4/977sPvf0zBguVaM7MYFTOOtoG7Lb1t4YwCLcB/s1600/tournesol1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1Cx2iccCkE/V5pgQD0h05I/AAAAAAAAHB4/977sPvf0zBguVaM7MYFTOOtoG7Lb1t4YwCLcB/s640/tournesol1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a very lazy holiday, with lots of lounging around in the sun, reading and knocking back the odd bottle of wine of course. Some familiar places were revisited....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciz7uycf6ow/V5ptPDggvTI/AAAAAAAAHCI/vg1yIf_pzx4WlwAvQ3oTSj96VP9CWfcJACLcB/s1600/20160725_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciz7uycf6ow/V5ptPDggvTI/AAAAAAAAHCI/vg1yIf_pzx4WlwAvQ3oTSj96VP9CWfcJACLcB/s640/20160725_7.JPG" width="429" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">St Gilles Croix de Vie....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">...and Apremont, where we took a guided tour and learned of the history of the village and chateau. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LANLpU4Q_KU/V5pt6nzqdfI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/VMIFor2VutAmzpziqx3wljoUIU61GLmHACLcB/s1600/20160725_25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LANLpU4Q_KU/V5pt6nzqdfI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/VMIFor2VutAmzpziqx3wljoUIU61GLmHACLcB/s640/20160725_25.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The castle, built around the 12th century was later besieged by Bretons who wanted to free a prisoner being held captive there and suffered much damage. The two surviving towers were part of a renaissance chateau built in the early 1500's by Phillipe Chabot de Brion, Admiral of France and a friend of King Francis I. Louis XIII was later to stay at the castle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5RaIavhrvQ/V5Z3R1ERlrI/AAAAAAAAHAQ/9ubBtlQnSTgxc6_aka1sW93P7JGZaKk2ACLcB/s1600/20160725_33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5RaIavhrvQ/V5Z3R1ERlrI/AAAAAAAAHAQ/9ubBtlQnSTgxc6_aka1sW93P7JGZaKk2ACLcB/s640/20160725_33.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We later visited the chateau itself and climbed to the top of the East <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span>ower where magnificent views of the surrounding countryside can be seen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWp_fqroqWc/V5Z-0MPyIQI/AAAAAAAAHAs/R_oSpqjnKG4-fFcqAVK_ukPsvWM1o6smwCLcB/s1600/20160725_32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWp_fqroqWc/V5Z-0MPyIQI/AAAAAAAAHAs/R_oSpqjnKG4-fFcqAVK_ukPsvWM1o6smwCLcB/s640/20160725_32.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No daft Health and Safety here..they rely on you to use common sense...how refreshing.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gj7wjA2daNo/V5Z3YrI_4ZI/AAAAAAAAHAU/JBfMXW5wk0wGzSFRV5X8tfQLTJn0K7zTwCLcB/s1600/20160725_27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gj7wjA2daNo/V5Z3YrI_4ZI/AAAAAAAAHAU/JBfMXW5wk0wGzSFRV5X8tfQLTJn0K7zTwCLcB/s400/20160725_27.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rE629CU87ME/V5Z3d7ZBdhI/AAAAAAAAHAY/UJCxXaB2bgksNv3Vfxb_hZgObmPLpfPlQCLcB/s1600/20160725_28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rE629CU87ME/V5Z3d7ZBdhI/AAAAAAAAHAY/UJCxXaB2bgksNv3Vfxb_hZgObmPLpfPlQCLcB/s640/20160725_28.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Included in the ticket price was entrance to the nearby Chateau d'Eau (water tower) which we visited later on in the holiday.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hfXN3Oh208s/V5dzwDxUQsI/AAAAAAAAHA8/bRylxZnWXGIX60K7SNdJGRGMoJnMJDcVwCLcB/s1600/20160725_92.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hfXN3Oh208s/V5dzwDxUQsI/AAAAAAAAHA8/bRylxZnWXGIX60K7SNdJGRGMoJnMJDcVwCLcB/s640/20160725_92.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The water tower and nearby dam were built in 1966 to provide for the burgeoning tourist trade.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We took a lift to the very top, where an interactive visitors centre was located, complete with funky graphics.....not at all what I had expected. A very pleasant young chap accompanied us up and as we were the only tourists at that time, we got chatting. He explained that we would have to descend after 10 minutes to observe a minute silence for the recent horrific terrorist attack in Nice, which we did with the two other employees there. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2tIGJ9wivY/V5d2zRUIo4I/AAAAAAAAHBM/SoLlIa6KiAY1MyL0l7_rztOJdM_5ogPIgCLcB/s1600/20160725_91.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2tIGJ9wivY/V5d2zRUIo4I/AAAAAAAAHBM/SoLlIa6KiAY1MyL0l7_rztOJdM_5ogPIgCLcB/s640/20160725_91.JPG" width="428" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2tIGJ9wivY/V5d2zRUIo4I/AAAAAAAAHBM/SoLlIa6KiAY1MyL0l7_rztOJdM_5ogPIgCLcB/s1600/20160725_91.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Afterwards we went up again to take a few snaps. Visitors are able to walk around the outside of the 125 metre high tower ...you can just glimpse the sea in the distance.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2tIGJ9wivY/V5d2zRUIo4I/AAAAAAAAHBM/SoLlIa6KiAY1MyL0l7_rztOJdM_5ogPIgCLcB/s1600/20160725_91.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--aYoTvxz214/V5d2tVHyjkI/AAAAAAAAHBI/0gprpKGAzjwFshRL-8PZqSySKXQBk9RJgCEw/s1600/20160725_90.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--aYoTvxz214/V5d2tVHyjkI/AAAAAAAAHBI/0gprpKGAzjwFshRL-8PZqSySKXQBk9RJgCEw/s640/20160725_90.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2tIGJ9wivY/V5d2zRUIo4I/AAAAAAAAHBM/SoLlIa6KiAY1MyL0l7_rztOJdM_5ogPIgCLcB/s1600/20160725_91.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, there were also new places to be discovered such as Commequiers where we attended the spectacular 14 Juillet fireworks display at the castle ruins. We were advised to go early thank goodness, as crowds later swarmed the seating areas surrounding the castle and at 2230 when the fireworks commenced there wasn't a space to be had.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AJrIy0Iyv_o/V5p2iDKd6RI/AAAAAAAAHCg/alqcDALz4nA3a869vwzg3zzBbIV-iHtEgCLcB/s1600/20160713_215739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AJrIy0Iyv_o/V5p2iDKd6RI/AAAAAAAAHCg/alqcDALz4nA3a869vwzg3zzBbIV-iHtEgCLcB/s640/20160713_215739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also visited the neighbouring village of St Christophe du Ligneron where Les Puces were held one weekend. Even though it was scorching it would have been rude not to go! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWHGhgk2oBI/V5d7UqAuroI/AAAAAAAAHBY/lNTy4veY7zIgLUOi7REMGX4JHdB6UiOAgCLcB/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bbrocante.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWHGhgk2oBI/V5d7UqAuroI/AAAAAAAAHBY/lNTy4veY7zIgLUOi7REMGX4JHdB6UiOAgCLcB/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bbrocante.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I purchased just one milk bottle... in general the prices were outrageous.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tr0UKQqaVE0/V5d7u2hYTiI/AAAAAAAAHBc/PAPMfFjq-7whV1dBBZa-o_JAT0N56SETQCLcB/s1600/20160725_82.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tr0UKQqaVE0/V5d7u2hYTiI/AAAAAAAAHBc/PAPMfFjq-7whV1dBBZa-o_JAT0N56SETQCLcB/s1600/20160725_82.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tr0UKQqaVE0/V5d7u2hYTiI/AAAAAAAAHBc/PAPMfFjq-7whV1dBBZa-o_JAT0N56SETQCLcB/s640/20160725_82.JPG" width="634" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGg_WVOZymI/V5d8M3lK1aI/AAAAAAAAHBg/ZhQFcrQROXY4fBYUebuVcTwJtrdIqlnoQCLcB/s1600/20160725_80.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGg_WVOZymI/V5d8M3lK1aI/AAAAAAAAHBg/ZhQFcrQROXY4fBYUebuVcTwJtrdIqlnoQCLcB/s640/20160725_80.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can make up your own captions for this one!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are able to bear a few more holiday snaps I'll be back soon to share the rest of the trip. In the meantime I'll leave you with French singer and songwriter Christine and The Queens, who I'm pleased to hear is now being played on British mainstream radio. Enjoy.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9RBzsjga73s" width="560"></iframe>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-42749290203924997202016-06-24T16:09:00.000+01:002016-06-24T16:15:57.340+01:00Five On Friday - The Brexit<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh dear, I'm barely able to cobble together a post these days, I know I'm a slack blogger and if you bogged off and didn't read my infrequent <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">scrib</span>blings ever again I wouldn't blame you. I'm quite sure you won't find this post riveting but I felt it was time to put in an appearance. Here's a snapshot of my life recently.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Winchelsea</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After
working five shifts back-to-back, (60 hours) I had eight days off last
week and was invited down to Winchelsea one day, where a colleague was
staying in her static caravan. It was an ideal opportunity to look
around at static vans and site facilities as, until this morning, I h<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ad a dream of buying one in France. (...</span>.now this plan will be placed on a back burner for a while) After sniffing around several luxury vans and a few priced <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">more modestly</span> we strolled around Rye Harbour and ate freshly caught fish
with chips in this pub. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsiupB_1TTo/V2bTKnWmTjI/AAAAAAAAG9c/LBeP6YdfFmEdJoN_8E3Xg6JLyKfnHZ8LACLcB/s1600/20160617_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsiupB_1TTo/V2bTKnWmTjI/AAAAAAAAG9c/LBeP6YdfFmEdJoN_8E3Xg6JLyKfnHZ8LACLcB/s640/20160617_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ge2gjcSAkfU/V2bTY_b1vmI/AAAAAAAAG9k/sIScP1jizZAf8PThHpEvwX_csRArzIhNgCLcB/s1600/20160617_4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ge2gjcSAkfU/V2bTY_b1vmI/AAAAAAAAG9k/sIScP1jizZAf8PThHpEvwX_csRArzIhNgCLcB/s640/20160617_4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xEW0c3UVqZ0/V2bTlBxOtEI/AAAAAAAAG9s/-xOTh9BbJngkYEjDeeQ57BxrIf8L2-rjgCLcB/s1600/20160617_5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xEW0c3UVqZ0/V2bTlBxOtEI/AAAAAAAAG9s/-xOTh9BbJngkYEjDeeQ57BxrIf8L2-rjgCLcB/s640/20160617_5.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On our way back to the van site we had to stop abruptly whilst two
extremely inept shepherds tried to move a herd of sheep into a new field
a hundred yards up the road. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hMC8V9SDSXI/V2bUeKWG7RI/AAAAAAAAG94/KGrVqsT8n7E8x-ztxIwuVARwdnh-Av9RQCLcB/s1600/20160617_8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hMC8V9SDSXI/V2bUeKWG7RI/AAAAAAAAG94/KGrVqsT8n7E8x-ztxIwuVARwdnh-Av9RQCLcB/s640/20160617_8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It was chaos... everywhere sheep ran amok. Eventually a farmer in a Land Rover
arrived and heated words were exchanged...it almost came to fisticuffs.
The tailback of traffic was colossal. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2. Stool</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ULUzE7UYqPw/V2vk5aR3fTI/AAAAAAAAG_Y/_gmQp90i6qUYfqfq-T43aar1PokK9LEKQCLcB/s1600/20150614_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ULUzE7UYqPw/V2vk5aR3fTI/AAAAAAAAG_Y/_gmQp90i6qUYfqfq-T43aar1PokK9LEKQCLcB/s640/20150614_2.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I finally got around to recovering the jumble sale stool I bought a year ago...I don't like to rush </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> these things you know.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3psRq2Kz0I/V2bEj48iBlI/AAAAAAAAG68/pTU8twopiskN30JbEEykma7A9LZRykN3wCLcB/s1600/20160617_1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3psRq2Kz0I/V2bEj48iBlI/AAAAAAAAG68/pTU8twopiskN30JbEEykma7A9LZRykN3wCLcB/s320/20160617_1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> A few weeks ago I found a remnant of material in a posh interiors shop for a <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">couple of </span>quid and as it resembled what I'd had in mind, I didn't hesitate. After respraying the legs with some radiator paint I already had, I covered the seat re-using the forty year old foam, added a pom-pom trim bought in Walsall on a bloggers day out (how I wish that market stall was nearer) and covered the staples with some upholstery braid.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnFlQauyqsE/V2vhnYQAdQI/AAAAAAAAG_A/lplWsW7eHEEmzgWGN3eXZlbJ7S7SsynwgCLcB/s1600/20160623_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnFlQauyqsE/V2vhnYQAdQI/AAAAAAAAG_A/lplWsW7eHEEmzgWGN3eXZlbJ7S7SsynwgCLcB/s640/20160623_5.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLT_cbX64AU/V2vhzl3VUcI/AAAAAAAAG_I/MIWbVTekm1k5-ATCfLz0TyTOJYQVxWHCQCLcB/s1600/20160623_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLT_cbX64AU/V2vhzl3VUcI/AAAAAAAAG_I/MIWbVTekm1k5-ATCfLz0TyTOJYQVxWHCQCLcB/s320/20160623_6.JPG" width="214" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's enough fabric left for a few other projects but no doubt I'll leave those to another year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiVLWXrJMCI/V2bVwWhFZKI/AAAAAAAAG-E/OLNYiM5AJNcV_WKl1TL1d07Rl_kVJqXVQCLcB/s1600/20160617_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Craft Fair</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiVLWXrJMCI/V2bVwWhFZKI/AAAAAAAAG-E/OLNYiM5AJNcV_WKl1TL1d07Rl_kVJqXVQCLcB/s1600/20160617_11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiVLWXrJMCI/V2bVwWhFZKI/AAAAAAAAG-E/OLNYiM5AJNcV_WKl1TL1d07Rl_kVJqXVQCLcB/s640/20160617_11.JPG" width="428" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6VxEE8JsVA/V2bSDNTKxpI/AAAAAAAAG84/4V-aR-Qaj-Emsqwd-bbDxKzeXu8kGK_dACLcB/s1600/20160619_8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last week I attended a craft fair hosted by Clarity Stamps and the very talented <a href="http://barbaragrayblog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/one-down-one-to-go.html">Barbara Gray.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The venue was Crowborough Rugby Club and it was packed out with middle-aged women and a few husbands who seemed resigned to their lot. There were lots of demos taking place but unfortunately it was too busy to see them very easily. I did however manage to get <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">this </span>snap of Barbara in action.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HO2ckhd1W8U/V2vC70c4arI/AAAAAAAAG-w/Eqn179_dhQ0KqdyXnd88tTfmWX9LMDwqQCLcB/s1600/20160617_15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HO2ckhd1W8U/V2vC70c4arI/AAAAAAAAG-w/Eqn179_dhQ0KqdyXnd88tTfmWX9LMDwqQCLcB/s640/20160617_15.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course I was powerless to resist a few purchases.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. London to Brighton Bike Ride</span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6VxEE8JsVA/V2bSDNTKxpI/AAAAAAAAG84/4V-aR-Qaj-Emsqwd-bbDxKzeXu8kGK_dACLcB/s1600/20160619_8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6VxEE8JsVA/V2bSDNTKxpI/AAAAAAAAG84/4V-aR-Qaj-Emsqwd-bbDxKzeXu8kGK_dACLcB/s640/20160619_8.JPG" width="488" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now don't get the wrong idea here! I could never attempt this annual event, I am far too unfit, but every year the<a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/get-involved/events/bike-rides/london-to-brighton-bike-ride"> British Heart Foundation organized bike ride</a> is routed through my village. I felt I should go and show my support and admiration to the riders along with other villagers. This ride, not for the faint hearted, is 54 miles long and takes the cyclists up nearby <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ditchling-beacon">Ditchling Beacon</a> one of the highest points on the Sussex Downs. Hats off to all who took part, especially those in fancy dress.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqz5MhgFXf4/V2bSjSqIweI/AAAAAAAAG9A/g8i7CtR9158fVm0JUoFmjWMlmBdYZNXMwCLcB/s1600/20160619_13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqz5MhgFXf4/V2bSjSqIweI/AAAAAAAAG9A/g8i7CtR9158fVm0JUoFmjWMlmBdYZNXMwCLcB/s640/20160619_13.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WED1fqEd75w/V2bSu6GJtqI/AAAAAAAAG9M/W8OoDGAVrMwCvlPFvz2IHWCRwyIgAlQyACLcB/s1600/20160619_14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WED1fqEd75w/V2bSu6GJtqI/AAAAAAAAG9M/W8OoDGAVrMwCvlPFvz2IHWCRwyIgAlQyACLcB/s640/20160619_14.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCKeR3kRlmU/V2bS4b-xWMI/AAAAAAAAG9U/WcRK6LNxm0Y2_-LUDdZbxKoJB4j341KPACLcB/s1600/20160619_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCKeR3kRlmU/V2bS4b-xWMI/AAAAAAAAG9U/WcRK6LNxm0Y2_-LUDdZbxKoJB4j341KPACLcB/s640/20160619_11.JPG" width="532" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Brexit</span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UmP3DDED3CQ/V2vAU247hHI/AAAAAAAAG-k/XzahU1k6SHQI3kUcLqF0V45J0kGGkzL5gCLcB/s1600/20160623_3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UmP3DDED3CQ/V2vAU247hHI/AAAAAAAAG-k/XzahU1k6SHQI3kUcLqF0V45J0kGGkzL5gCLcB/s640/20160623_3.JPG" width="614" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How could I post this week without mentioning the British referendum on the European Union? Yesterday was an historic day. After weeks of listening to politicians, economists , businessmen and celebrities (WTF?) pontificating about what would become of Britain if we left or remained in the EU, the nation has spoken. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLeOcsfjHyY/V2vlyaXRG7I/AAAAAAAAG_k/yLeTiy4UBu8lU2k3hFQyRbSbzIRlzV9mgCLcB/s1600/20160623_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLeOcsfjHyY/V2vlyaXRG7I/AAAAAAAAG_k/yLeTiy4UBu8lU2k3hFQyRbSbzIRlzV9mgCLcB/s400/20160623_4.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was on night shift last night and without a telly, was glued to the online news whenever possible...I even made a cake with Brexit and Remain flags for my team. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span>he referendum result was not what I was hoping for and the future will be uncertain for a while but we must now get on with building a different Britain, hopefully without the mud slinging of<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> recent</span> weeks.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Linking to Amy's <a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/five-on-friday_24.html">Five O<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n Friday</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e</span>njoy your weekend!</span> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-57968458126767166942016-05-20T09:57:00.001+01:002016-05-20T16:52:28.151+01:00Five On Friday.....The Dresser Reveal<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a while hasn't it? I've been so busy lately that my blog has been neglected but I recently finished tarting up my dresser and thought it was worth documenting along with a few other things. I'll be linking to<a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/five-on-friday_20.html"> Amy's <i>Five On Friday</i>. </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<b>1</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">am beside myself with</span> excite<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ment</span> at the moment as I have managed to get tickets to this man's forthcoming El<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ectronica </span>tour.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Image result for jean michel jarre 2015" class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR1H8_M1Df9IQtpAqcsya0BpQHHZ5VDoapv0NnzePPxdiCKAwM3YA" data-sz="f" height="613" name="StPzZ6_XteqiiM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR1H8_M1Df9IQtpAqcsya0BpQHHZ5VDoapv0NnzePPxdiCKAwM3YA" style="height: 160px; margin-left: -1px; margin-right: -3px; margin-top: 0px; width: 167px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=jean+michel+jarre&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjC_sz_pePMAhVCWRoKHQPADxYQiR4IoQE&biw=1600&bih=776#tbm=isch&q=jean+michel+jarre+2015"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> source</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I discovered musician <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jean-Michel Jarre </span>in the seventies, a<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> pioneer in the electronic genre, I</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">instantly loved his musi<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">c. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I bought his first LP's and remember playing them over and over in my bedroom....<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">h</span>is melancholic melodies accompan<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">yin<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">g</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">whatever</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">teenage angst</span> I <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">imagined</span> I was <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">going through</span> at the time<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">! </span>He was so handsome<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> back then</span> and even now at the age of 68 </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I reckon he's still a bit of alright</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. He's well known for his impressive o<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">pen air</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">spectacles</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">featuring lights, lasers and fireworks, check out Youtube to see his <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">stunn</span>ing millennium show at Giza. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 </span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although it is cold and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wet</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">as I write</span>, the weather has taken a turn for the better <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">recent</span>ly and I've been able to get out and about o<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n my bike with my camera. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I</span>n case you've not quite seen enough pictures of bluebells in blogland lately...here's mine<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jfMutm5xx0/Vzw9OTsYewI/AAAAAAAAG5Q/GKq-_nppS-M9WhR0LiOSk1Mg6Cw2ahBcQCLcB/s1600/20160513_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jfMutm5xx0/Vzw9OTsYewI/AAAAAAAAG5Q/GKq-_nppS-M9WhR0LiOSk1Mg6Cw2ahBcQCLcB/s640/20160513_1.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The fragrance, as I cycled up the track flanked by swathes of bluebells was <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wonderful.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <b>3</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The fields of rapeseed have been photo worthy also. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJJMWIfQnT4/Vzw-LgrxbBI/AAAAAAAAG5Y/ezRFOacb_fo1G-qimb9m26WjnfXFNtMQACLcB/s1600/20160513_17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJJMWIfQnT4/Vzw-LgrxbBI/AAAAAAAAG5Y/ezRFOacb_fo1G-qimb9m26WjnfXFNtMQACLcB/s640/20160513_17.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqh1BC77LxU/Vzw-YDXyXsI/AAAAAAAAG5c/-TCjhHxRgv0LznN2_u4HkvRTlNoMVtYxwCLcB/s1600/20160513_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqh1BC77LxU/Vzw-YDXyXsI/AAAAAAAAG5c/-TCjhHxRgv0LznN2_u4HkvRTlNoMVtYxwCLcB/s640/20160513_12.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Regular readers might</span> remember that old<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Dutch </span>dresser that I bought a while back? <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My intention was to transform it with chalk paint...however <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the makeover</span> was not without it's problems! <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But</span> thanks to perseverance and advice from <a href="http://paintedstyle.blogspot.co.uk/">Paint Guru Emma Kate</a> I can now reveal it... in all it's glory.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpMHGoz8moc/VzxB50403jI/AAAAAAAAG5s/cWr0puAWcl0L81LCOb978Lpm57SLda0GwCLcB/s640/dresser.JPG" width="374" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After chalk paint and dreadful wax job</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmlOXasbr6U/VzxCN-uHfDI/AAAAAAAAG5w/Lo36u1UK8KITWb4Bno4kpeU61_opCjCxwCLcB/s1600/20160311_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmlOXasbr6U/VzxCN-uHfDI/AAAAAAAAG5w/Lo36u1UK8KITWb4Bno4kpeU61_opCjCxwCLcB/s640/20160311_6.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">try again and....T<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a dah!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCHWVkflIuQ/VzxHgqGLRyI/AAAAAAAAG6Q/sS9yoIdLkBAUpVL6GDG1eb3LcdkNUsDmACLcB/s1600/20160518_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCHWVkflIuQ/VzxHgqGLRyI/AAAAAAAAG6Q/sS9yoIdLkBAUpVL6GDG1eb3LcdkNUsDmACLcB/s640/20160518_5.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After all my graft I wasn't sure I liked the colour, but I think it's gradually growing on me. Anyway I'm certainly not painting it again...not this year anyway. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I painted it with eggshell th<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e second</span> time, added some cup hooks and gave it a light distressed finish as I thought <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was bound to scratch the paintwork sooner or later...lo and behold I managed to do this <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">whilst attempting to reunite the top and bottom. Oh well, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">just as well</span> I'm no<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>perfectionist!</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I've dressed it with <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">an <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">i</span>ncohesive collection of my nan's china, jumble sale bric-a<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-brac, and junk shop finds.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOylMu-SF90/VzxKC21Df0I/AAAAAAAAG6g/fZjC4wVGpBQpvSqqcwxu6mgM7GepuYyxwCLcB/s1600/20160518_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOylMu-SF90/VzxKC21Df0I/AAAAAAAAG6g/fZjC4wVGpBQpvSqqcwxu6mgM7GepuYyxwCLcB/s640/20160518_6.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You'd think I<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> would have had</span> enough of revamping <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">furniture <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">but recently <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">round at an elderly friend</span></span> of mine I saw a Lloyd Loom ottoman in her garage and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">remarked</span> how u<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">seful they are. The next time I spoke to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">her, she offered it to me</span></span></span>, saying that her son will 'only t<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hrow it on the tip after I'm gone'</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I couldn't turn <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">i</span>t down could I?</span></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxrK-BH5WYU/VzxG96J4FLI/AAAAAAAAG6E/P3DDvK8qjqgN_3IqFL1g-WXW5c4Gtbf7wCKgB/s1600/20160518_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxrK-BH5WYU/VzxG96J4FLI/AAAAAAAAG6E/P3DDvK8qjqgN_3IqFL1g-WXW5c4Gtbf7wCKgB/s640/20160518_10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It needs quite a bit of work but I'<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ve got a few idea<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s,<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span> I just need to find some fabric at a jumble sale....</span></span> </span> and get rid of a few dead spiders.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><b> </b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT0A_8uCMcM/VzxHOU-FqEI/AAAAAAAAG6I/sx_vPLWZvFgKUUdg49hnc2DW1j-Dvsd2wCLcB/s1600/20160518_9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT0A_8uCMcM/VzxHOU-FqEI/AAAAAAAAG6I/sx_vPLWZvFgKUUdg49hnc2DW1j-Dvsd2wCLcB/s640/20160518_9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Right, I'm off now<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">,</span> a huge pile of ironing <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">awaits but I'll leave you with the <i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">marveilleux</span></i> Monsieur Jarre. Enjoy! </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fpWNimba344" width="420"></iframe>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-40876891170065645622016-04-25T12:41:00.001+01:002016-04-25T13:15:21.634+01:00Instagram Colour Lovers Photo Walk<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was lots going on last week. Not only did we celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday, it was also the 400th anniversa<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r</span>y of Shakespeare's birth, St George's Day, Earth Day and the <a href="http://blog.instagram.com/post/140739792852/160309-wwim13">13th World Wide Instameet,</a> which I'd signed up for a few weeks ago. (even though I'm not even on Instagram... shush, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">mum's the word!</span>)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0MtYdteW4E/Vx3z5X64IwI/AAAAAAAAG2M/HWTdV8UnnsUzoRJbsXxWAWZQIPJPWWluQCLcB/s640/20160423_31.JPG" width="454" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been reading photographer<a href="http://www.xantheberkeley.com/"> Xanthe Berkeley</a>'s blog for some years now and when I saw she was organizing a colour lover's photo walk, I jumped at the chance to take some <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cool</span>, vibrant photos in hip, happening Shoreditch. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7lr1IOFiYM/Vx304BSgoqI/AAAAAAAAG2U/w7LPBh7fe-IDJODbJXYxtcgBUdwh1SqGwCLcB/s1600/20160423_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7lr1IOFiYM/Vx304BSgoqI/AAAAAAAAG2U/w7LPBh7fe-IDJODbJXYxtcgBUdwh1SqGwCLcB/s640/20160423_2.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lots of like minded ladies and I met at the Hoxton Hotel for a quick cuppa before heading off around the local area which is awash with colour and street art. Most of my fellow photographers were professional bloggers and Instagrammers equipped with the latest phones and cameras and to be honest I felt a bit of a fraud tagging along with my trusty ancient entry level Nikon. Lots of techy jargon went straight over my head... 'boomeranging' and 'stride by's'...what the hell were these? But by the end of the walk I was beginning to understand. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uquKV9lu52Q/Vx31NbVYtUI/AAAAAAAAG2Y/DNSHTmbr8TYcC8Ndrwia6-4p6mPl2zScgCLcB/s1600/20160423_54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uquKV9lu52Q/Vx31NbVYtUI/AAAAAAAAG2Y/DNSHTmbr8TYcC8Ndrwia6-4p6mPl2zScgCLcB/s400/20160423_54.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0MJy_1Pq7c/Vx31_fP7rgI/AAAAAAAAG2o/Ojkv-karXvAdvCIpkvmrPFyOAUfru4iBgCLcB/s1600/20160423_17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0MJy_1Pq7c/Vx31_fP7rgI/AAAAAAAAG2o/Ojkv-karXvAdvCIpkvmrPFyOAUfru4iBgCLcB/s640/20160423_17.JPG" width="466" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Xanthe provided some amazing colourful balloons as props and these featured heavily in the shots taken...... we created quite a spectacle for passers by to observe!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vj7Fl_CKgUE/Vx32W_pJeuI/AAAAAAAAG2s/NV83EO0Ky6cuIX9aq_ltMZcw4IVkBiQuACLcB/s640/20160423_26.JPG" width="429" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJBmNNqav7w/Vx327wNzfrI/AAAAAAAAG20/scfsvaJL0dIbDjDwJcZMOIWFjSTegD8oACKgB/s1600/20160423_29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJBmNNqav7w/Vx327wNzfrI/AAAAAAAAG20/scfsvaJL0dIbDjDwJcZMOIWFjSTegD8oACKgB/s640/20160423_29.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1u6ZSOESBsw/Vx33RRqBB_I/AAAAAAAAG28/ilCPzI2MXEEy28sYFxmtWER1wlfzwE0PwCLcB/s1600/20160423_30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1u6ZSOESBsw/Vx33RRqBB_I/AAAAAAAAG28/ilCPzI2MXEEy28sYFxmtWER1wlfzwE0PwCLcB/s640/20160423_30.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-287e3weWDZk/Vx33jz93NLI/AAAAAAAAG3E/V_2SyJVZe6ElOm70ho4JQfM8FfKDnjuxQCLcB/s1600/20160423_34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-287e3weWDZk/Vx33jz93NLI/AAAAAAAAG3E/V_2SyJVZe6ElOm70ho4JQfM8FfKDnjuxQCLcB/s640/20160423_34.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYb6EMUipAc/Vx332bxQNvI/AAAAAAAAG3M/nbd67TlV80kUEb1RW5Cy4jZWCvhbR9bzACLcB/s1600/20160423_38.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYb6EMUipAc/Vx332bxQNvI/AAAAAAAAG3M/nbd67TlV80kUEb1RW5Cy4jZWCvhbR9bzACLcB/s640/20160423_38.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YebuSX3nZ-4/Vx34GjkCiLI/AAAAAAAAG3U/mItNCGC3m5o16R14n7ggktGUqDGqq026wCLcB/s1600/20160423_45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YebuSX3nZ-4/Vx34GjkCiLI/AAAAAAAAG3U/mItNCGC3m5o16R14n7ggktGUqDGqq026wCLcB/s640/20160423_45.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_CPsNJN_jE/Vx34ZCmdPCI/AAAAAAAAG3c/UJVwaJM01z0VizKWpmf5wvcVpyOqj9Z3wCLcB/s1600/20160423_47.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_CPsNJN_jE/Vx34ZCmdPCI/AAAAAAAAG3c/UJVwaJM01z0VizKWpmf5wvcVpyOqj9Z3wCLcB/s640/20160423_47.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwEVcscpx0s/Vx34wW-nDRI/AAAAAAAAG3k/ONdqVTVPo7s8H3w1X7chhX-PYO-dmZY6gCLcB/s1600/20160423_50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwEVcscpx0s/Vx34wW-nDRI/AAAAAAAAG3k/ONdqVTVPo7s8H3w1X7chhX-PYO-dmZY6gCLcB/s640/20160423_50.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S6Gtrgt14lA/Vx35r6bv6-I/AAAAAAAAG30/pzOGJ0atx8Q77BWXGoVb2OTtPOlsniAzACLcB/s1600/20160423_64.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S6Gtrgt14lA/Vx35r6bv6-I/AAAAAAAAG30/pzOGJ0atx8Q77BWXGoVb2OTtPOlsniAzACLcB/s640/20160423_64.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPUfkIQDFLk/Vx358SuzfxI/AAAAAAAAG38/t1SbFURXHTUYmu8eD4MSvoF4VXpd59aBgCLcB/s1600/20160423_62.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPUfkIQDFLk/Vx358SuzfxI/AAAAAAAAG38/t1SbFURXHTUYmu8eD4MSvoF4VXpd59aBgCLcB/s640/20160423_62.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfj1TEn9UDw/Vx36MUWRE7I/AAAAAAAAG4A/7-EKHdc8Q7o1Ip211xbFQUY1HLhFAVsPACLcB/s1600/20160423_67.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfj1TEn9UDw/Vx36MUWRE7I/AAAAAAAAG4A/7-EKHdc8Q7o1Ip211xbFQUY1HLhFAVsPACLcB/s640/20160423_67.JPG" width="504" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-KNUrgkmeg/Vx36imDLpQI/AAAAAAAAG4I/DiooaOYlLgo90IWykpNkg--G5CKUlrdoQCLcB/s640/20160423_66.JPG" width="428" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFrmnKOJ2hU/Vx360RXr-HI/AAAAAAAAG4Q/UO0lB1SWPYUFa92Ev0OFwPF-7PGjU-qXQCLcB/s1600/20160423_79.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFrmnKOJ2hU/Vx360RXr-HI/AAAAAAAAG4Q/UO0lB1SWPYUFa92Ev0OFwPF-7PGjU-qXQCLcB/s640/20160423_79.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It was a fun morning and top marks go to Xanthe, so dedicated to her craft that she stoicly removed her jacket, in what felt like sub zero temperatures, in order to showcase her gorgeous pink frock for the snaps. Me, I kept my hat, coat and gloves on!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbcNoDvcgzA/Vx38Icd4KNI/AAAAAAAAG4k/crlcFHSPPzcs_NalhebrKgGuiePiQI6HQCLcB/s1600/20160423_84.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbcNoDvcgzA/Vx38Icd4KNI/AAAAAAAAG4k/crlcFHSPPzcs_NalhebrKgGuiePiQI6HQCLcB/s640/20160423_84.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruDIjrx9SdU/Vx371aCkxoI/AAAAAAAAG4g/Z97rX9l9GOs1yrN_5LH7HKQoV62zYq6jACKgB/s1600/20160423_81.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruDIjrx9SdU/Vx371aCkxoI/AAAAAAAAG4g/Z97rX9l9GOs1yrN_5LH7HKQoV62zYq6jACKgB/s640/20160423_81.JPG" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Are you on Instagram? I'<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">m deliberating about getting involved.</span> I don't do facebook or Twitter, do I really need another account? Is it easy to manage? (...for a luddite like me) I'd appreciate any thoughts on it below.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IeWqJHFV7VM/Vx39F21d-hI/AAAAAAAAG40/LsHbJIk6IhE54uC23HNIMgqKMwdaaWJSgCLcB/s1600/WWIM13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IeWqJHFV7VM/Vx39F21d-hI/AAAAAAAAG40/LsHbJIk6IhE54uC23HNIMgqKMwdaaWJSgCLcB/s640/WWIM13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">pic courtesy of Kat Molesworth (@thatkat) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for looking and have a great week!</span></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-22241501186560773322016-04-01T09:33:00.000+01:002016-04-08T04:46:14.051+01:00Scavenger Hunt - March<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been more organized this month and with the exception of <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">two</span>, all photos have been taken for the March hunt, instead of raided from my archive. Thanks as ever to <a href="http://suzzie43.blogspot.co.uk/p/scaerngera.html">Greenthumb</a> for hosting the challenge. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Local</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a2VAvq9WBOY/VuWRC6WfPQI/AAAAAAAAGzo/9cJdJPgWPjssel83egKtF879TFwfADK3w/s1600/pub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a2VAvq9WBOY/VuWRC6WfPQI/AAAAAAAAGzo/9cJdJPgWPjssel83egKtF879TFwfADK3w/s640/pub.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>My</i> local</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">City</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUOQcbevSh8/VvA-hLzAAkI/AAAAAAAAG0A/3SAbMUywKpUrqLf2e_V6K9AkoVCwYu9uA/s1600/20160126_52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUOQcbevSh8/VvA-hLzAAkI/AAAAAAAAG0A/3SAbMUywKpUrqLf2e_V6K9AkoVCwYu9uA/s640/20160126_52.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Stripes</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bLJ6YxNNTc/VtipRL1SgVI/AAAAAAAAGx0/UHWrGOT17ZA/s1600/20160303_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bLJ6YxNNTc/VtipRL1SgVI/AAAAAAAAGx0/UHWrGOT17ZA/s640/20160303_4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> A Tudor <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">residence</span> in a nearby village, Lindfield, West Sussex</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Crisp</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHCbbgF_aIU/VvFonIriYNI/AAAAAAAAG0o/vwYstiLJrcoy_xCxD4Cvpqnr0uprk0-4w/s1600/20160322_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHCbbgF_aIU/VvFonIriYNI/AAAAAAAAG0o/vwYstiLJrcoy_xCxD4Cvpqnr0uprk0-4w/s640/20160322_5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Street art</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJV0bgmkq00/VuMPh2hSMiI/AAAAAAAAGzY/48USd0VbR8s1ZbRAlqh81vfY-OiQ6JUkQ/s1600/eg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJV0bgmkq00/VuMPh2hSMiI/AAAAAAAAGzY/48USd0VbR8s1ZbRAlqh81vfY-OiQ6JUkQ/s640/eg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> A groovy hoarding in East Grinstead...not sure what's <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">with</span> all the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">spec</span>s<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> </span> Maybe a new opticians is going up behind?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Tiles</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TY6_KU2krrk/VvFkZXVjMOI/AAAAAAAAG0c/U9UnpvpQtxYIwvSDRItXVxPaVqzaVXopQ/s1600/20160322_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TY6_KU2krrk/VvFkZXVjMOI/AAAAAAAAG0c/U9UnpvpQtxYIwvSDRItXVxPaVqzaVXopQ/s640/20160322_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Rock<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">s</span></span>tairs</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGf2b8rfXqM/Vtipc4_tBUI/AAAAAAAAGx4/iBQme2O2PCY/s1600/20160303_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGf2b8rfXqM/Vtipc4_tBUI/AAAAAAAAGx4/iBQme2O2PCY/s640/20160303_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not exactly rock, (mostly concrete by the looks of them) but they probably were when the bakery in Lindfield, was established in 1796.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Hair</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PM7GEQtJby0/VvBCIcVbJPI/AAAAAAAAG0M/wRu-4ZBTXvYujYKoe3khjcGbYN5Z1TKpA/s1600/20160321_143156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PM7GEQtJby0/VvBCIcVbJPI/AAAAAAAAG0M/wRu-4ZBTXvYujYKoe3khjcGbYN5Z1TKpA/s640/20160321_143156.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">M</span>ine was</span> under Bacofoil a couple of week<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">s ago</span>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Measure</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttU1CrpJ2Ak/VvF_K73ipdI/AAAAAAAAG04/bOPm7zeMzYcU1MglC_WbnUqz1wzNCqQnw/s1600/20160322_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttU1CrpJ2Ak/VvF_K73ipdI/AAAAAAAAG04/bOPm7zeMzYcU1MglC_WbnUqz1wzNCqQnw/s640/20160322_12.JPG" width="530" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Preparing the sauce for</span> sticky apple puddings <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for</span> lunch with<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> a </span>friend. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Large</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUb7P2nvfdU/Vv0q1k_pCoI/AAAAAAAAG1M/xjx39a0b8Fg9P8i1ELARPnPaPtIapXwnw/s1600/20151025_143212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUb7P2nvfdU/Vv0q1k_pCoI/AAAAAAAAG1M/xjx39a0b8Fg9P8i1ELARPnPaPtIapXwnw/s640/20151025_143212.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> The <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Bay of Biscay</span>...taken in France last autumn. <i>Le large</i> in French means the open sea<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For one</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUuh3f_Ow98/Vv4w69WkiVI/AAAAAAAAG1o/JygG1yCP9FAHg22kxR6OIpCpEwgACt7Hw/s1600/20160401_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUuh3f_Ow98/Vv4w69WkiVI/AAAAAAAAG1o/JygG1yCP9FAHg22kxR6OIpCpEwgACt7Hw/s640/20160401_3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Scraping the barrel here<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">! </span>I usually take a <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">home cooked meal into work but sometimes when I can't be arsed I take a meal For One. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Landscape</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAv2FC-G3_c/Vv0vNVr8NgI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/_KMU0ccT26IgUVAU2b5dnLFTVjx2oJvPQ/s1600/20160331_133402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAv2FC-G3_c/Vv0vNVr8NgI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/_KMU0ccT26IgUVAU2b5dnLFTVjx2oJvPQ/s640/20160331_133402.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> I featured this view last month.... this was taken six months later.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for looking, pop over to Scavenger Hunt to see other interpretations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have a great weekend! </span></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-58363622668540889632016-03-11T16:44:00.000+00:002016-03-11T19:42:32.758+00:00Five on Friday and The Great Chalk Paint Disaster<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For this week's<a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/five-on-friday_11.html"> Five on Friday </a>I thought I'd give you a brief summary of my week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Reader alert...it's been an unexciting one so you are excused if you've something more interesting to do...... cleaning the lav, for instance. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Jumble Sale</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QM4aD1Pe-gM/VuLi0Cuac_I/AAAAAAAAGyg/DvARA419GVsOaT8AjeFeZTV94ZbjJB7wg/s640/20160311_2.JPG" width="478" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last weekend there was a jumble sale nearby, so good friend Juliette and I hot-footed off to it despite the dark threatening skies. I managed to survive the scrum at Bric-a-Brac and bought this glass ink well for 30p as I really need another receptacle for flowers....NOT. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Reading </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another jumble sale purchase was this paperback at 20p. I'm a big fan of Lisa Jewell's books, usually about dysfunctional individuals and have read quite a few, so when I saw this one that I hadn't read I snapped it up. I started reading a couple of days later and couldn't put it down. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo3tN-wYRow/VuLlRWcYIhI/AAAAAAAAGys/GS9ihwQRz94gomo4HwwcRtmRk8N8DLfXg/s1600/20160311_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo3tN-wYRow/VuLlRWcYIhI/AAAAAAAAGys/GS9ihwQRz94gomo4HwwcRtmRk8N8DLfXg/s640/20160311_11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Washing Out at last</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XK3vK35qcJc/VuLl5PU86WI/AAAAAAAAGy0/5RvQh_2V3HEuNs74RvKI0l2tL2dvJ4Z_g/s1600/20160311_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XK3vK35qcJc/VuLl5PU86WI/AAAAAAAAGy0/5RvQh_2V3HEuNs74RvKI0l2tL2dvJ4Z_g/s640/20160311_10.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How sad am I? The sun made an appearance and it cheered me that I was able to get washing out on the line instead of draped all over the rads. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Mortgage</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image result for images for mortgage" class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQv2zmA0wxRAAHa7FYQPaO4EL_TvnhGonORYtUhIRcTGnu9vCoMhw" data-sz="f" height="469" name="l6U5ju95ks_SnM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQv2zmA0wxRAAHa7FYQPaO4EL_TvnhGonORYtUhIRcTGnu9vCoMhw" style="height: 182px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 248px;" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I managed to make a large over payment on my mortgage this month which has taken the balance under</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the next big round number....a nice feeling. With continued regular over payments I should be shot of it in a few years.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5 .Chalk Paint disaster</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izkVvLsFxvE/VuLnUldl3vI/AAAAAAAAGzA/hIKnyCglhTQ8-Llh-t3y8o-lYIXVUgcBQ/s1600/20160311_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izkVvLsFxvE/VuLnUldl3vI/AAAAAAAAGzA/hIKnyCglhTQ8-Llh-t3y8o-lYIXVUgcBQ/s640/20160311_6.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some readers may remember my recently bought dresser that I featured in <a href="http://madeinamuddle.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/five-on-friday.html">this post.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At
that point I was umming and aahing about using chalk paint, I'd never
tried it before, was it tricky? or should I use my tried and tested
eggshell? <i>No, try something new </i>she thought, nothing ventured etc .... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After reading lots of advice online from individuals who (mostly) raved
about it and thinking <i>surely all these</i> <i>people can't be wrong</i>, I went down
to the hardware shop and bought a can.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A40rDOuL_Kc/VuLnfvF0sxI/AAAAAAAAGzE/0FJbXEa98sEk9Th2AYIxlZ_0T495YRjcw/s1600/20160311_7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A40rDOuL_Kc/VuLnfvF0sxI/AAAAAAAAGzE/0FJbXEa98sEk9Th2AYIxlZ_0T495YRjcw/s400/20160311_7.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can see the results above. I painted on two coats mostly with a roller and then waxed as advised.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a blotchy mess. The wax is sitting in all the nooks and crannies (perhaps I was heavy handed or used the wrong wax) and some of the paintwork is lumpy. I've been scouring the web hoping to find a solution...I'm so disappointed as this dresser is perfect and I'd been after one for ages. Will deffo be using eggshell on future pieces.<br />
<br />
So that was my week, hope yours was better. Wishing you all a cracking weekend. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<i> </i>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-21069939955163568502016-03-01T14:39:00.003+00:002016-03-01T14:43:23.909+00:00Scavenger Hunt - February<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a less than exciting month here in West Sussex but nevertheless I have managed to cobble together a collection of snaps for Scavenger Hunt. Some were taken especially for the challenge but as usual I failed to get them all (I'm blaming the weather) and so a few have been selected from my archives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium; line-height: 18px;"><b style="font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>Green</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2naUUth4_yw/VtRk2_FrOCI/AAAAAAAAGww/hzn7pCylkhI/s1600/20150926_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2naUUth4_yw/VtRk2_FrOCI/AAAAAAAAGww/hzn7pCylkhI/s640/20150926_20.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">This gr<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">een and pleasant land...<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">a </span></span></span><span style="color: black;">local view taken last summer.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>2</b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXvKy88aVMg/VtA639ruMII/AAAAAAAAGvM/mTyYR0iIOzw/s640/plimsolls.jpg" width="360" /></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">I s</span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">aw these abandoned plimsolls in the stairwell of a multi-storey car park<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> and thought </span></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">t</span>hey looked incongruous. Who left them there and why? They appeared to be brand new. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>Cool</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJh1laq5Zrw/VtA7pGl1LgI/AAAAAAAAGvU/6zeNPzOLyYo/s1600/merc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJh1laq5Zrw/VtA7pGl1LgI/AAAAAAAAGvU/6zeNPzOLyYo/s640/merc.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This Mercedes was in Aldi's car park (seems to be a theme going on here!)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love vintage cars and thought this one was especially cool.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>Somewhere you went</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8m_ZijHeec/VtA8bzgUq3I/AAAAAAAAGvY/BGiig7BF5r0/s1600/eastwell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8m_ZijHeec/VtA8bzgUq3I/AAAAAAAAGvY/BGiig7BF5r0/s640/eastwell.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b> </b>Whilst staying with my aunt last month we popped in to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastwell_Park">Eastwell Manor</a>, Ashford, Kent for coffee and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">re<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">l<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">axe<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">d with it in this lovely wood panelled lounge.</span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>Up</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGeWp9u4Pf4/VtQ7kPu4Z-I/AAAAAAAAGwI/7lMYGyxNfH0/s1600/20151031_202103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGeWp9u4Pf4/VtQ7kPu4Z-I/AAAAAAAAGwI/7lMYGyxNfH0/s640/20151031_202103.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b> </b></span>A smart-phone shot of a neighbour's fireworks on <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Guy Fawkes</span> Night</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>Frame</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NSbXILUfppM/VtRja_FwyDI/AAAAAAAAGwc/zdn-5W7kpVs/s1600/20160229_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NSbXILUfppM/VtRja_FwyDI/AAAAAAAAGwc/zdn-5W7kpVs/s640/20160229_6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>From a low angle</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuKbef24B6M/VtWjiv9voEI/AAAAAAAAGxQ/vbwXkmcqt-s/s1600/20150217_80.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuKbef24B6M/VtWjiv9voEI/AAAAAAAAGxQ/vbwXkmcqt-s/s640/20150217_80.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b> </b><span style="color: black;">Taken at Hastings last year</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>On the shelf</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlCeM9ssyRg/VtRwwPuAuDI/AAAAAAAAGxA/TYILCz9HJCQ/s1600/20150909_31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlCeM9ssyRg/VtRwwPuAuDI/AAAAAAAAGxA/TYILCz9HJCQ/s400/20150909_31.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Me...ha!</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>Writing</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9r9YXCeak80/VtRjlBERlcI/AAAAAAAAGwg/tvoeTilux5c/s1600/20160229_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9r9YXCeak80/VtRjlBERlcI/AAAAAAAAGwg/tvoeTilux5c/s640/20160229_10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mes devoirs...mistakes an' all</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>Inside</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tn-_x4_7v3I/VtWkDreSJLI/AAAAAAAAGxU/nEuRnGY27zY/s1600/20140921_17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tn-_x4_7v3I/VtWkDreSJLI/AAAAAAAAGxU/nEuRnGY27zY/s640/20140921_17.JPG" width="392" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b> </b><span style="color: black;">Dad checking out a re-purposed phone box in Leigh, Surrey</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>Line</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFq2babkU2w/VtBAY_3RDBI/AAAAAAAAGvo/BbZAJmTvU7Q/s1600/20160118_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFq2babkU2w/VtBAY_3RDBI/AAAAAAAAGvo/BbZAJmTvU7Q/s640/20160118_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> <span style="color: black;">Th<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">ree gerberas lined up on the mantelpiece. Their long stems had bent so I cut them short and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">displayed</span> them in these small stone bottles.</span></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b>Shape</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3h046PQmWO4/VtWlbXbJVSI/AAAAAAAAGxk/30ENVxDhk2k/s1600/20151029_72.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3h046PQmWO4/VtWlbXbJVSI/AAAAAAAAGxk/30ENVxDhk2k/s640/20151029_72.JPG" width="531" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><b> </b><span style="color: black;">Bike racks at St Gilles Croix de Vie, France</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have a week off work now so I'm hoping the weather will improve and I </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">will be able to make a start on March's list which you can find <a href="http://suzzie43.blogspot.co.uk/p/scaerngera.html">here</a>. Big thanks to Greenthumb as usual for hosting my favourite photo challenge...<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">why not</span> pop over <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">and</span> see the other entrants fab interpretations. </span></span> </span></span></span></span></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-24458179095613418912016-02-19T16:43:00.001+00:002016-02-19T16:48:51.910+00:00Five On Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
We've had a few nice days this week, the sun has made an appearance and there have been glimpses of blue sky .....well, it's galvanized me into action. I've been aware for a while that Chez Moi has been looking tired and was in need of a shake-up, (rather like the owner) a few changes here and there and a deep clean of several manky cupboards <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are five things that will make a difference</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. Daffs</b><br />
The addition of a 90p bunch of daffs always brightens the place up and gives a whiff of spring...what's not to like?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RaLF9c-xFIY/Vsc5s9nuMcI/AAAAAAAAGuU/5_1V0dUyiWk/s1600/20160219_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RaLF9c-xFIY/Vsc5s9nuMcI/AAAAAAAAGuU/5_1V0dUyiWk/s640/20160219_1.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2. Dresser</b><br />
I recently came across this dinky dresser in a damp draughty poly tunnel, it had a covering of moudly 'bloom' and was looking rather sorry for itself. When the proprietor told me he only wanted twenty five quid for it I snapped his hand off. It's perfect for a narrow area in my kitchen/diner, I've had my eye out for a small dresser for years, but you know me, I didn't want to pay<i> proper</i> money for it. It's drying off in my conservatory before I give it a paint job. I'm considering chalk paint which I've never used before, so if any of you have any tips or advice about it, I'll be glad to hear them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkxP9MhGc4Q/Vsc6b2svVqI/AAAAAAAAGuc/e2_MR-A4Mm4/s1600/20160219_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkxP9MhGc4Q/Vsc6b2svVqI/AAAAAAAAGuc/e2_MR-A4Mm4/s640/20160219_3.JPG" width="374" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3. Welcome sign</b><br />
Last year my garden table fell to bits, well it didn't owe me anything...it was a Wilco job that I'd had for over ten years but I didn't want to chuck the wood away. The table top now conceals my compost bin and I asked my dad to saw other bits into smaller pieces for me... he looked at me as if I was barking when I said I wanted to make a sign with it. Here's what I did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdM4jXpbaBs/Vsc7BVlVcQI/AAAAAAAAGuk/s51HCed32O4/s1600/20160213_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdM4jXpbaBs/Vsc7BVlVcQI/AAAAAAAAGuk/s51HCed32O4/s640/20160213_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2x2lfcc-MRk/Vsc6zHEIiwI/AAAAAAAAGug/LUaHIuhrtpE/s1600/20160219_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2x2lfcc-MRk/Vsc6zHEIiwI/AAAAAAAAGug/LUaHIuhrtpE/s640/20160219_6.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's not quite finished yet, it needs sanding down around the edges and I may drill a couple of holes in the top and add some wire to enable me to hang it. I painted the word with a tester pot of emulsion and then sanded over it...not bad for nothing eh?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZJcwbMpLVI/Vsc7TWk9I2I/AAAAAAAAGus/BLMI27umnnw/s1600/20160219_8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZJcwbMpLVI/Vsc7TWk9I2I/AAAAAAAAGus/BLMI27umnnw/s640/20160219_8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4. Upcycle</b><br />
I've been trying to come up with ideas for my conservatory, so that it looks less like a dumping ground and more a chic garden room.... without spending a shed load of money. Ha! '<i>Upcycle things you already have</i>' thinks I, so I took an old faded box frame of seed heads and updated the background paper with a wallpaper sample. I've got more ideas (thanks Pinterest!) but until the dresser has been painted and moved, they'll have to wait.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-NYGv3stuA/Vsc-IE_FLaI/AAAAAAAAGu4/Zx7y7R6CQwI/s1600/20160219_9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-NYGv3stuA/Vsc-IE_FLaI/AAAAAAAAGu4/Zx7y7R6CQwI/s640/20160219_9.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>5. Bulbs</b><br />
I bought two trays of bulbs in Aldi for a fiver and have planted them up in small baskets I already had.<br />
Some will be given as small gifts when I go to lunch at friends homes, (I've several invitations looming)<br />
the others will provide more spring colour and fragrance to Muddle Towers. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcWYsVvlTng/Vsc-iy3CsdI/AAAAAAAAGu8/TASOcWF2EuA/s1600/20160219_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcWYsVvlTng/Vsc-iy3CsdI/AAAAAAAAGu8/TASOcWF2EuA/s640/20160219_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hopefully these small things have a positive impact at home and help to create a cheerful, homely ambience.<br />
I can't tell you how glad I'll be to see the back of this winter and the interminable grey skies.<br />
I've a few other projects going on at the moment, some crochet and a small stitched bit of nonsense that I will show you another time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm linking up for the first time with<a href="http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/five-on-friday_19.html"> Amy's Five On Friday </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a wonderful weekend!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-17183768485233374762016-02-04T09:14:00.000+00:002016-02-04T09:14:17.311+00:00Best Budget Beauty Buys<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a no-frills kind of gal when it comes to beauty products and as we are bombarded daily with images of high end toiletries and cosmetics I thought I'd share with you my best budget buys.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWPlcVAJDhU/VLUGZspdlbI/AAAAAAAAFsU/ASPVK-fxEyY/s1600/20141130_1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWPlcVAJDhU/VLUGZspdlbI/AAAAAAAAFsU/ASPVK-fxEyY/s640/20141130_1.JPG" width="427" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been using this Garnier Micellar water for about a year now in favour of my tried and trusted cold cream. I first heard about it on one of<a href="https://mrsmsmeanderings.wordpress.com/"> Caroline's</a> beauty posts and have to say I've been very impressed with it. It removes make-up and grime thoroughly and the price for this bottle was a reasonable £2.66 at Tesco.<br />
And there's less mess than the cold cream. A 400ml bottle will last me ages, anyone else tried it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FyBpyreXQOI/VLUJYKE2O-I/AAAAAAAAFss/3ZbyqvKEi1w/s1600/20141130_8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FyBpyreXQOI/VLUJYKE2O-I/AAAAAAAAFss/3ZbyqvKEi1w/s640/20141130_8.JPG" width="275" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrjq4_vQ2II/VLUHo6hu5mI/AAAAAAAAFsg/yhdi7hY3muA/s1600/20141130_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My hair has always been fine and fairly thin and now I'm a certain age it's even harder to manage and that's without mentioning the damage I've inflicted on it from over a decade of highlights. I'm loving this Avon shampoo, another recent discovery that really does 'big up' my hair...(well, as much as it's ever gonna be bigged up!) I use it with another Avon product,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrjq4_vQ2II/VLUHo6hu5mI/AAAAAAAAFsg/yhdi7hY3muA/s1600/20141130_3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrjq4_vQ2II/VLUHo6hu5mI/AAAAAAAAFsg/yhdi7hY3muA/s640/20141130_3.JPG" width="233" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
their Argan Oil hair mask which is
brilliant at leaving my otherwise lack lustre locks soft and shiny. I buy both of these products on offer, which is pretty often. This is usually priced around the three quid mark.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Fj4lWXXzSs/VLULOE5iyxI/AAAAAAAAFs4/v-HZ_EuWc8A/s1600/20141130_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Fj4lWXXzSs/VLULOE5iyxI/AAAAAAAAFs4/v-HZ_EuWc8A/s640/20141130_5.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Until I started using this Aldi serum I'd never been faithful to any particular moisturiser, but since discovering this, I buy it in bulk. Recommended in a magazine, I thought I'd give it a try and at £3.49 it was a no-brainer. I have been very impressed with this product and saw an improvement in my skin within weeks. One of my dad's cohorts even told me I looked younger. (mind you, we were in the pub at the time, perhaps he was wearing beer goggles!) It absorbs into the skin easily without leaving an oily residue and has a pleasant, expensive fragrance. I have also heard that Lacura beauty products are cruelty free, although they are not CCF accredited.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPJ0sJqq6aE/VrDFB0O9ROI/AAAAAAAAGt8/yxFZMcNcgrE/s1600/20160202_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPJ0sJqq6aE/VrDFB0O9ROI/AAAAAAAAGt8/yxFZMcNcgrE/s640/20160202_2.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
Another product I use for moisturising is this almond oil which I slap on before the serum.....(I'm never sure which I should apply first?) I've previously used olive oil and I don't think there's much, if any difference but the size of this bottle was handier for the bathroom. As you see, it's multi purpose too, not only for cooking but also as a hair conditioner. I rub some into the ratty ends of my hair before going to bed and wash it out in the morning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D03HwQbjcgQ/VLUPdw_auXI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/KN8-mStjjUs/s1600/20141130_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D03HwQbjcgQ/VLUPdw_auXI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/KN8-mStjjUs/s640/20141130_4.JPG" width="294" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This next product is only budget because I bought it in a charity shop for 50p and is normally quite pricy. That said, I bought a large gift set one Christmas when it was half price and it lasted most of the year.<br />
The spicy fragrance of this Sanctuary product is a winner with me and I love the luxurious feel of oil. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6Y7PF7p7sQ/VrDGGpoyvLI/AAAAAAAAGuE/PPfxKZu8UkU/s1600/20160202_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6Y7PF7p7sQ/VrDGGpoyvLI/AAAAAAAAGuE/PPfxKZu8UkU/s400/20160202_5.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lastly is this Lacura Caviar Illumination Day Cream from Aldi. At £6.99 it's as much as I'm ever going to pay for a face cream but I'd read good things about this in a review. On the shelf in the store a notice said customers were limited to four per purchase, similar to the launch of Boot's Protect & Perfect which flew off the shelves.<br />
I haven't tried this yet so if anyone's interested I'll have to let you know my thoughts at a later date.<br />
<br />
<br />
Do let me know in the comments what your best budget beauty buys are?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>This is not a sponsored post.... as if!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FyBpyreXQOI/VLUJYKE2O-I/AAAAAAAAFss/3ZbyqvKEi1w/s1600/20141130_8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-4857545305679243322016-01-31T12:16:00.000+00:002016-01-31T12:47:25.221+00:00Scavenger Hunt - January<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the first Scavenger Hunt of 2016 we may post twelve photos of our choice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mine are of a recent day out in London with my aunt to celebrate her 65th birthday and retirement from nursing, a career than spanned over 40 years..... I'm afraid there are a few more than twelve photos!.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We arrived into London at Charing Cross station so it was just a short walk to Trafalgar Square</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFgvHqNpL_g/Vq3UMDEaiRI/AAAAAAAAGqc/MTtmMFXxI4I/s1600/20160126_1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFgvHqNpL_g/Vq3UMDEaiRI/AAAAAAAAGqc/MTtmMFXxI4I/s640/20160126_1.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFgvHqNpL_g/Vq3UMDEaiRI/AAAAAAAAGqc/MTtmMFXxI4I/s1600/20160126_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZZvhaCml6c/Vq3UuY_2vCI/AAAAAAAAGqk/OH6fH5b7F0g/s1600/20160126_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZZvhaCml6c/Vq3UuY_2vCI/AAAAAAAAGqk/OH6fH5b7F0g/s640/20160126_3.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--_w2eRReGWg/Vq3U_iMZdQI/AAAAAAAAGqs/Zhe8JrhvQLQ/s1600/20160126_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--_w2eRReGWg/Vq3U_iMZdQI/AAAAAAAAGqs/Zhe8JrhvQLQ/s640/20160126_4.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where we watched all manner of street artists and buskers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Martin-in-the-Fields">St. Martin in the Fields </a>where we enjoyed a free lunchtime concert by two renowned harpists.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pY4j1F7ugRA/Vq3The4TDhI/AAAAAAAAGqU/7mN30GZG7Es/s1600/20160126_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pY4j1F7ugRA/Vq3The4TDhI/AAAAAAAAGqU/7mN30GZG7Es/s640/20160126_6.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
The beautiful vaulted ceilings provided the most wonderful acoustics.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Afterwards we visited their Café in the Crypt for a quick cuppa.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1XTrUvhbDEk/Vq3WqRDYO0I/AAAAAAAAGq4/e1w9XLLD4Ck/s1600/20160126_8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1XTrUvhbDEk/Vq3WqRDYO0I/AAAAAAAAGq4/e1w9XLLD4Ck/s640/20160126_8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A wander around Covent Garden followed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0kaCkmw7nmM/Vq3X1bg1MWI/AAAAAAAAGrA/0Y9Kf85IyG0/s1600/20160126_23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0kaCkmw7nmM/Vq3X1bg1MWI/AAAAAAAAGrA/0Y9Kf85IyG0/s640/20160126_23.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-slMKkSYE1NA/Vq3YHWQaEUI/AAAAAAAAGrM/LjF2E6yyFFc/s1600/20160126_14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-slMKkSYE1NA/Vq3YHWQaEUI/AAAAAAAAGrM/LjF2E6yyFFc/s640/20160126_14.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9qL1tUuvDds/Vq3YWUKt_8I/AAAAAAAAGrU/AcRhh2C1wWs/s1600/20160126_29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9qL1tUuvDds/Vq3YWUKt_8I/AAAAAAAAGrU/AcRhh2C1wWs/s640/20160126_29.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ubqQiuYrh2k/Vq3YygDBqGI/AAAAAAAAGrc/6JrGKRMP9xU/s1600/20160126_40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ubqQiuYrh2k/Vq3YygDBqGI/AAAAAAAAGrc/6JrGKRMP9xU/s640/20160126_40.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ0Tdd7iCyc/Vq3ZDZUSccI/AAAAAAAAGrk/Fm-OUhyavkA/s1600/20160126_32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ0Tdd7iCyc/Vq3ZDZUSccI/AAAAAAAAGrk/Fm-OUhyavkA/s640/20160126_32.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then down to the Embankment </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6nuRtgHm6w/Vq3aQQ6uuHI/AAAAAAAAGrw/Wz73qXEX9xk/s1600/20160126_46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6nuRtgHm6w/Vq3aQQ6uuHI/AAAAAAAAGrw/Wz73qXEX9xk/s640/20160126_46.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBRwlu5dRaU/Vq3adFu0HcI/AAAAAAAAGr4/9Nuu4v5dhNo/s1600/20160126_50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBRwlu5dRaU/Vq3adFu0HcI/AAAAAAAAGr4/9Nuu4v5dhNo/s640/20160126_50.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..... some daftness in a phone box </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KP2WpP0crQ0/Vq3bMNsqL5I/AAAAAAAAGsI/Dxg0rXt4qag/s1600/20160126_16.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KP2WpP0crQ0/Vq3bMNsqL5I/AAAAAAAAGsI/Dxg0rXt4qag/s640/20160126_16.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and across the river.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqTtyQokguY/Vq3a1-6KeDI/AAAAAAAAGsA/2GcVk3v96pk/s1600/20160126_55.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqTtyQokguY/Vq3a1-6KeDI/AAAAAAAAGsA/2GcVk3v96pk/s640/20160126_55.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-os9i69YAW-w/Vq3cnbY7_EI/AAAAAAAAGsU/hy2Vdvair_4/s1600/20160126_57.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-os9i69YAW-w/Vq3cnbY7_EI/AAAAAAAAGsU/hy2Vdvair_4/s640/20160126_57.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd lined up a special treat at 5pm so it was back across the Thames to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m169RLphPjI/Vq3diN0irdI/AAAAAAAAGsc/E3zmxJmuTLc/s1600/20160126_42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m169RLphPjI/Vq3diN0irdI/AAAAAAAAGsc/E3zmxJmuTLc/s640/20160126_42.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where we enjoyed the most delicious afternoon tea in resplendent surroundings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZIc7UA2n4w/Vq3zSt7YnEI/AAAAAAAAGtM/gqf9c6i1LGE/s1600/savoy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZIc7UA2n4w/Vq3zSt7YnEI/AAAAAAAAGtM/gqf9c6i1LGE/s640/savoy.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ec-gMrHE_i4/Vq3fYGq55wI/AAAAAAAAGs8/sc_3nRBiGyw/s1600/AT%2B%2540%2BThe%2BSavoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ec-gMrHE_i4/Vq3fYGq55wI/AAAAAAAAGs8/sc_3nRBiGyw/s640/AT%2B%2540%2BThe%2BSavoy.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8QvHjZkmo8/Vq3zheQaUPI/AAAAAAAAGtU/q1D_xnrApqg/s1600/savoy%2Bpastries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8QvHjZkmo8/Vq3zheQaUPI/AAAAAAAAGtU/q1D_xnrApqg/s640/savoy%2Bpastries.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZIc7UA2n4w/Vq3zSt7YnEI/AAAAAAAAGtM/gqf9c6i1LGE/s1600/savoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I
wondered if perhaps it would be the height of vulgarity to take photos at
this rather grand hotel but the waiting staff offered to take several
snaps for us and others dining were doing selfies, so I went for it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZIc7UA2n4w/Vq3zSt7YnEI/AAAAAAAAGtM/gqf9c6i1LGE/s1600/savoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocMVT5gbsX4/Vq3zwd4hk3I/AAAAAAAAGtc/6nnaeg3dB28/s1600/savoy%2Bbday%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocMVT5gbsX4/Vq3zwd4hk3I/AAAAAAAAGtc/6nnaeg3dB28/s640/savoy%2Bbday%2Bcake.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A visit to the ladies loo before we left was a must...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kbvK89TAoQ/Vq3eahTRbKI/AAAAAAAAGsw/SOynshUrp2M/s1600/20160126_65.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kbvK89TAoQ/Vq3eahTRbKI/AAAAAAAAGsw/SOynshUrp2M/s640/20160126_65.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kbvK89TAoQ/Vq3eahTRbKI/AAAAAAAAGss/svnxmhkMwFQ/s1600/20160126_65.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJzICkkhqRU/Vq3e3tF_THI/AAAAAAAAGs0/g8sar_0mxos/s1600/20160126_66.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJzICkkhqRU/Vq3e3tF_THI/AAAAAAAAGs0/g8sar_0mxos/s640/20160126_66.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where the decor was just as amazing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a fantastic day in London, I will never forget the luxurious surroundings of the Savoy and the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
exceptional service we enjoyed, or of course the delicate flavours of all the scrumptious sandwiches, scones and pastries we stuffed...or the Roederer champagne in exquisite flutes! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh well, it's back down to earth and beans on toast for me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Huge thanks to<a href="http://suzzie43.blogspot.co.uk/p/scaerngera.html"> Greenthumb at Scavenger Hunt </a>for continuing this challenge in 2016.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do pop by to see her blog and all the other link ups and the list for February.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I'll leave you with a clip of the moving piece we so enjoyed at the concert. <br />
Wishing you all a good week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TnYCW8eWqQo" width="560"></iframe>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-68482767009998944832016-01-19T16:03:00.000+00:002016-01-19T16:07:11.259+00:00White Stuff<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a bit nippy here, so much so that I got called out on Saturday night to drive the snow-plough at work. (In case you didn't know, I work at an airport) There wasn't much white stuff to speak of but I quite enjoyed zipping about between 757's and A320's clearing the stands. On the way home in the morning I took this snap as I was sure by the time I woke up later it would be gone...and I was right.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J46Bq_bJQXA/Vp3fe696mmI/AAAAAAAAGpM/jMMj_94dhkQ/s1600/20160117_075408_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J46Bq_bJQXA/Vp3fe696mmI/AAAAAAAAGpM/jMMj_94dhkQ/s640/20160117_075408_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since my last post I have been busy crocheting, making myself a tablet cover. It's amateurish to say the least as it's my first attempt at decreasing and I made it in a hurry.<br />
I should have made the flap longer but hey ho, next time. It'll do for now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8iqIrKQktg/Vp3fyKfrDSI/AAAAAAAAGpU/uIH5EpcF1lk/s1600/20160118_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8iqIrKQktg/Vp3fyKfrDSI/AAAAAAAAGpU/uIH5EpcF1lk/s320/20160118_5.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Having the tablet allows me to catch up with the telly on my breaks at work. Is anyone else hooked on <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/spin"><i>Spin</i></a>, the new French political drama ? I'm also loving<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06vn81l/the-young-montalbano-series-2-1-the-man-who-followed-funerals"> </a><i><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06vn81l/the-young-montalbano-series-2-1-the-man-who-followed-funerals">The Young Montalbano</a> </i>and I'm pleased to see the return of<a href="http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-01-15/meet-the-cast-of-mr-selfridge-series-four"> </a><i><a href="http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-01-15/meet-the-cast-of-mr-selfridge-series-four">Mr. Selfridge</a>.....</i>love those period costumes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been having more clear outs and several bags have gone for recycling or to the charity shop. A couple of things have come <i>into</i> the house though! Firstly this ghastly necklace, reduced from fifteen quid to 50p...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJHBvHKN8Dw/Vp3hi9ndNcI/AAAAAAAAGpg/OSMWVIpKWzQ/s1600/20160118_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJHBvHKN8Dw/Vp3hi9ndNcI/AAAAAAAAGpg/OSMWVIpKWzQ/s400/20160118_10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'I can well see why' I hear you say....but after some judicious snipping...hey presto, not quite so ghastly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tl7BW6nxBpo/Vp5bJv7NqOI/AAAAAAAAGp8/SnAAXxS26yg/s1600/20160119_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tl7BW6nxBpo/Vp5bJv7NqOI/AAAAAAAAGp8/SnAAXxS26yg/s400/20160119_1.JPG" width="327" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also found this lovely Meakin jug in a chazza for just £2 and couldn't resist.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bst_HWVN32w/Vp5bpxmbuMI/AAAAAAAAGqE/Z_R1mWZxjcU/s1600/20160119_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bst_HWVN32w/Vp5bpxmbuMI/AAAAAAAAGqE/Z_R1mWZxjcU/s640/20160119_3.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.com/7378-2">Patti's Visible Monday</a> once more....get me!<br />
(with the risk of being told again that my garage door needs painting!) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EiRUN3f41P0/Vp3lJ5mducI/AAAAAAAAGps/5yPN50uOd5k/s1600/20160118_48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EiRUN3f41P0/Vp3lJ5mducI/AAAAAAAAGps/5yPN50uOd5k/s640/20160118_48.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Vintage pinafore dress bought on a bloggers day out in Birmingham<br />
Brown polo neck jumper - Zara<br />
Brown boots - Ugg<br />
<br />
My bag was full of books as I was just off to my French lesson, my homework was to find a French news<br />
item to discuss. After trawling through various articles about Jihadist attacks in Ouagadougou and Marine Le Pen's latest outburst I decided I'd heard enough doom and gloom and settled on a story about a man who dropped his trousers on the No.8 bus in Rouen.<br />
It certainly made my <i>prof</i> smile and no doubt some passengers on that bus.<br />
<br />
I hope you are smiling wherever you are this week. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-18435502397595146372016-01-04T14:15:00.000+00:002016-01-04T14:15:10.541+00:00Graded Grains Make Finer Flour<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I'm glad it's all over, aren't you ? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Although I didn't really participate much in the festivities as it goes and was back at work at crack of sparrows on Boxing Day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> This was the extent of my decoration.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XWpAhAbH6C0/VnsgAkD3AbI/AAAAAAAAGnM/X4a-7cfG6Fs/s1600/20151223_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XWpAhAbH6C0/VnsgAkD3AbI/AAAAAAAAGnM/X4a-7cfG6Fs/s640/20151223_6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">OK...., there were a few more cards dotted around the place, but no tree, no lights, no xmas spirit.... apart from a few snifters whilst watching Christmas University Challenge of course.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Talking of snifters, I was at a pub gig a couple of weeks ago and whilst ordering my usual pint of cider at the bar, no less than two men enquired <i>'Is that drink for <u>you </u></i>?' in an incredulous tone. WTF? One even had the temerity to say </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">'<i> I thought a lady would choose a small, fruit based drink</i>' </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well mate, I don't know where you've been for the last few decades but ladies have changed. He was treated to a withering look before I flounced off, swigging my pint like a navvy. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> It's been so mild it didn't feel very Christmassy.... an Osteospurmum in flower on Christmas Eve! Insane.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-14BxJs-Q6_4/VnsgXN95BOI/AAAAAAAAGnU/8GAPGUMoMHw/s1600/20151223_10.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-14BxJs-Q6_4/VnsgXN95BOI/AAAAAAAAGnU/8GAPGUMoMHw/s640/20151223_10.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last year I abstained from too much chazzing but a few vintage purchases found their way home recently. Firstly this eiderdown.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6sRi4dkY3o/Vnsg0Hf1bRI/AAAAAAAAGnc/nGZ3jFD_0GE/s1600/20151223_19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6sRi4dkY3o/Vnsg0Hf1bRI/AAAAAAAAGnc/nGZ3jFD_0GE/s640/20151223_19.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I've been after one of these for years, goodness knows what happened to the one we had at home when I was a child. Usually when I've come across these they have fag burns or tears in the fabric accompanied by a hefty price tag, but although this one had a few minor holes it was priced reasonably and I thought I could rescue it. <a href="http://vintagevixon.blogspot.co.uk/"> Vix's </a>advice was to wash it with soda crystals followed by a tumble dry, it was pretty grimy but has come up a treat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aK431CydkCY/VnshMm2gqDI/AAAAAAAAGnk/CvA44sJdPgI/s1600/20151223_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aK431CydkCY/VnshMm2gqDI/AAAAAAAAGnk/CvA44sJdPgI/s400/20151223_20.JPG" width="335" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I found Fred the Flour Shaker in an Antiques Emporium, he looked a bit lonely sandwiched between a Charles & Di mug and a box of mismatched cutlery so I rescued him too. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe1tWjJUgwE/VnsjVxfz5KI/AAAAAAAAGoA/C4XxlwfKLoc/s1600/20151223_18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe1tWjJUgwE/VnsjVxfz5KI/AAAAAAAAGoA/C4XxlwfKLoc/s320/20151223_18.JPG" width="254" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">He looks rather incongruous on my kitchen worktop but if I ever get my arse into gear and paint that old shelf, he could live there. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I also bought this basket, as God knows I need another basket like a hole in the head!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mqn2sfCepUc/Vnshf3OYjnI/AAAAAAAAGns/kTCCwQ7w-7w/s1600/20151223_17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mqn2sfCepUc/Vnshf3OYjnI/AAAAAAAAGns/kTCCwQ7w-7w/s640/20151223_17.JPG" width="462" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I couldn't resist as I liked it's shape and plus...it was only a fiver. It's now providing a home for some of my yarn stash. Which brings me neatly around to the subject of recent gift makes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZshoPECqfM/Vnshu0TNkQI/AAAAAAAAGn0/LtT7vbPa5pk/s1600/20151223_15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZshoPECqfM/Vnshu0TNkQI/AAAAAAAAGn0/LtT7vbPa5pk/s640/20151223_15.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">........ a few crocheted coat hanger covers</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E3ugMX3DODg/Vnsmfl9qIlI/AAAAAAAAGoU/vRg8GF18O10/s1600/coathangers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E3ugMX3DODg/Vnsmfl9qIlI/AAAAAAAAGoU/vRg8GF18O10/s640/coathangers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> and thanks to<a href="http://www.lazydaisyjones.com/2015/12/last-minute-teachers-present-easy-diy.html"> Lazy Daisy Jones</a> some covers for Handy Andies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> (tissues, for non-UK readers) No handbag should be without them! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">These are mega easy to knock up with any old scraps from your sewing basket.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtCwaII0mCA/VnskMUIBukI/AAAAAAAAGoI/iKSzXPCGfK4/s1600/20151223_8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtCwaII0mCA/VnskMUIBukI/AAAAAAAAGoI/iKSzXPCGfK4/s640/20151223_8.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Talking of xmas gifts, I went out with Dad the other day and he bought me this.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZDv-w1tGUs/VoZkc5EGh5I/AAAAAAAAGo0/4_6C-z3pbSU/s1600/20160101_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZDv-w1tGUs/VoZkc5EGh5I/AAAAAAAAGo0/4_6C-z3pbSU/s320/20160101_1.JPG" width="196" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How lucky am I ? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Perhaps I'll be a better blogger if I can do it on the move? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> ...On the day I received these lovely gloves bought on his travels in NZ (...look possum!)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BdnCX5gDBc/VoZkssEEldI/AAAAAAAAGo8/xFp1D6OoqK8/s1600/20160101_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BdnCX5gDBc/VoZkssEEldI/AAAAAAAAGo8/xFp1D6OoqK8/s640/20160101_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> and a French property magazine which is giving me no end of big ideas.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(shame I don't have the wherewithal to back them up) </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Before I toddle off I thought I'd link up to<a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.com/dark-florals-year-visible-monday-giveaway"> Patti's Visible Monday</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and<a href="http://stylecrone.com/2016/01/01/hat-attack-30/"> Judith's Hat Attack. </a> I'm hoping to do more of this in 2016</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttKfjVAl5MA/VoVz6GtA8fI/AAAAAAAAGok/f7HgdO0MpcI/s1600/20151231_6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttKfjVAl5MA/VoVz6GtA8fI/AAAAAAAAGok/f7HgdO0MpcI/s640/20151231_6.JPG" width="546" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Sixties pose captured from behind is a winner when you've had no time to get your slap on.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(I dashed out to the shops when there was a brief respite from the relentless rain!) </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Boden 60's-inspired PVC jacket - charity shopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wool beret- gift from<a href="http://sopastcaring.blogspot.co.uk/"> Curtise</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Shopping basket - French market</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish you all great health, prosperity and happiness in 2016. </span></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-46780686475130540812015-11-25T11:04:00.005+00:002015-11-25T11:04:58.831+00:00Forty<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
My cousin reached this age today and of course I made her a birthday card, which happened to coincide with <a href="http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.co.uk/">Less Is More's current challenge - Numbers</a> ....so I'm linking up again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hdk4bGTCo2c/VlTjGxa3vbI/AAAAAAAAGmw/JqTD4A8o0LA/s1600/20151124_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hdk4bGTCo2c/VlTjGxa3vbI/AAAAAAAAGmw/JqTD4A8o0LA/s640/20151124_7.JPG" width="608" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The figures were hand cut from card with the help of an alphabet stencil O</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I fashioned a 4 with an L.....are you with me?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A leafy background panel was stamped and heat embossed with clear EP then the figures were mounted with sticky fixers. Liquid Pearls and a few faux pearls were added for texture and interest.<br />
Stamps used are by Cardio, Inkylicious, Hero Arts. <br />
Inks - VersaColor</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NoD5CGnsUW8/VlTkTiiXToI/AAAAAAAAGm8/fYjPfankzEI/s1600/20151124_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NoD5CGnsUW8/VlTkTiiXToI/AAAAAAAAGm8/fYjPfankzEI/s640/20151124_11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The insert was decorated and job's a good 'un.<br />
This was a quick card as I realized on Monday, after a hectic weekend that I needed to get one made and in the post pronto.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also linking to<br />
<a href="http://creativecornerchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/">Creative Corner Challenge - Happy Birthday</a><br />
<br />
Hope your week will be better than mine...I've three night shifts to look forward to!</div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-59934864772116831122015-11-14T16:26:00.002+00:002015-11-15T17:53:19.414+00:00Peace On Earth<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a long while since I linked to <a href="http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.co.uk/">Less Is More</a>'s weekly challenge as paper crafting, due to lack of mojo and a renewed interest in crochet, has taken a back seat this year. But, as I am currently in the process of churning out xmas cards I thought I'd have a bash at the current One-Layer Santa theme.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's what I did.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mWUYxRxknQ/VkdaM2t19QI/AAAAAAAAGmM/vjAQqoUmSg0/s1600/20151114_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mWUYxRxknQ/VkdaM2t19QI/AAAAAAAAGmM/vjAQqoUmSg0/s640/20151114_4.JPG" width="442" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cannot take the credit for this idea as I was inspired by a similar design I saw somewhere or other, on the web or in my local craft shop. I cut a rectangular aperture and moon mask from paper and used my Ink Dusters to colour an ombre effect inside the rectangle then over stamped with magazine freebies, a gift from friend Sue. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have spent much of the day watching the horrifying atrocities perpetrated in Paris last night and as I was photographing my card it occurred to me that <i>Peace on Earth, </i><br />
<i> </i>would have been a more appropriate sentiment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x0mFCBU8CDQ/VkdcHqBKXFI/AAAAAAAAGmg/go3JHNYisJY/s1600/screen-shot-2015-11-14-at-6-42-59-am.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x0mFCBU8CDQ/VkdcHqBKXFI/AAAAAAAAGmg/go3JHNYisJY/s400/screen-shot-2015-11-14-at-6-42-59-am.png" width="397" /></a></div>
<br />
As our thoughts go to the victims in Paris I'm sure I am not the only one thinking<br />
'how long before this happens in my country?'<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-4358535880195553372015-11-12T16:12:00.001+00:002015-11-12T21:19:40.850+00:00Autumnal Adventure<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may remember I recently spoke of an impending adventure. This came about as I was invited to lunch with a friend who has property in Portugal. We got chatting and I mentioned I would love a static caravan in Vendée, France, but <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">imagined</span> they were beyond my means. Well, before you could say <i>bonnet de douche</i> she'd googled a website and I learned that a 'used mobile home' was within reach.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The very next week I received an email from Brittany Ferries offering half price sailings this autumn, it seemed like a sign.... and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">so a</span> few weeks later I was boarding a ferry bound for Le Havre, feeling somewhat apprehensive as I was travelling alone.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-so4vKhNFR_c/VkSjxgimwLI/AAAAAAAAGks/xJosfvJlm_o/s1600/le%2Bhavre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-so4vKhNFR_c/VkSjxgimwLI/AAAAAAAAGks/xJosfvJlm_o/s640/le%2Bhavre.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd decided to stay in Le Havre for a night as I arrived at 5pm and didn't fancy a long drive down to Vendée in the dark. I'd heard of <b>airbnb </b>and asked a work colleague how she'd found it.... all good apparently and so was my stay with Virginie, a delightful woman, the epitome of French chic, who lived in the neighboorhood of Sainte Adresse. I was soon introduced to her 13yr old son and the cat, Eclipse.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a comfortable night, genial conversation (in French and English) and a continental breakfast I was on my way to Vendée. My first challenge was the Pont de Normandie (I've got a thing about high bridges) but I was so concerned about the journey itself that I managed to traverse it without getting into a flap. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Image result for pont de normandie" class="rg_i" data-sz="f" height="289" name="CZBdPltX05zdZM:" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" style="height: 151px; margin-left: -4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 334px;" width="640" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>source google</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a six hour drive with no real traffic to speak of, except the Nantes <i>peripherique</i>, I arrived at Apremont, where I'd arranged to stay for a couple of nights in order to view some static caravans on a local site that</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd viewed online. I stayed in a gite which was organized by a company selling 'mobile homes' (as they prefer to call them) and had the place to myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next day a representative gave me a tour of the <i>Parc</i> and I viewed several<i> '</i>homes'</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3ab5bFlais/Vjk6jpHZ-WI/AAAAAAAAGgI/uKss-FtOJRE/s1600/20151029_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3ab5bFlais/Vjk6jpHZ-WI/AAAAAAAAGgI/uKss-FtOJRE/s640/20151029_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KEcY_29BBA/Vjk7Ktt2RtI/AAAAAAAAGgQ/IBbmB3PhrAo/s1600/20151029_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KEcY_29BBA/Vjk7Ktt2RtI/AAAAAAAAGgQ/IBbmB3PhrAo/s640/20151029_11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_F1QRbe9hL8/Vjk7-OSDXRI/AAAAAAAAGgc/rWhXaA-m8nQ/s1600/20151029_9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_F1QRbe9hL8/Vjk7-OSDXRI/AAAAAAAAGgc/rWhXaA-m8nQ/s640/20151029_9.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, although I was almost tempted by the one above not enough boxes were ticked for me, for various reasons and I was concerned that the <i>Parc</i>, lovely as it is, was not French enough, as the majority of owners were British. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>Having decided not to purchase on this occasion I was still keen to see the local area, I have visited Vendée several times now but was not familiar with this <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">district</span>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First up was the local village Apremont, situated on the rocky cliff side of the River Vie in the north of Vendée about an hour south of Nantes. Towering over the village are the remains of the Chateau d'Apremont built in 1534 and a nearby water tower offers superb panoramic views of the valley and surrounding area.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U-fTPOZbaE4/Vjk-ao_3WhI/AAAAAAAAGgw/xrEc61DK7Po/s1600/20151029_34.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U-fTPOZbaE4/Vjk-ao_3WhI/AAAAAAAAGgw/xrEc61DK7Po/s640/20151029_34.JPG" width="428" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqZ76EB4U5o/Vjk-2H0vzUI/AAAAAAAAGg4/JaclyBHGYN0/s1600/20151029_39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqZ76EB4U5o/Vjk-2H0vzUI/AAAAAAAAGg4/JaclyBHGYN0/s640/20151029_39.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy8wlhdc73s/Vjk_VU_HxQI/AAAAAAAAGhA/nwHiDz715Ds/s1600/20151029_36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy8wlhdc73s/Vjk_VU_HxQI/AAAAAAAAGhA/nwHiDz715Ds/s640/20151029_36.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next on the agenda was the nearby lovely seaside town of St Gilles Croix de Vie, home of the Beneteau boat building company.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvt8ADe07Qk/VkNndQd5ylI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/zDLUOPKSQZU/s1600/20151029_60.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvt8ADe07Qk/VkNndQd5ylI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/zDLUOPKSQZU/s640/20151029_60.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a beautiful day, surfers were riding the considerable Atlantic coast waves and couples everywhere were strolling along the seafront hand in hand. Never ( with the possible exception of Circular Quay) have I felt more like a Bridget Jones sad singleton! However, I buried these negative thoughts and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">concentrated on </span>enjoy<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing</span> the ambience of this lovely coastal town.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTJZSZO0HCc/VkNk_k24XLI/AAAAAAAAGis/I7eqcawNcUQ/s1600/20151029_48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTJZSZO0HCc/VkNk_k24XLI/AAAAAAAAGis/I7eqcawNcUQ/s640/20151029_48.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xr_CQ9FJBus/VkNmgZfecmI/AAAAAAAAGi4/k5woGYaw3dE/s1600/20151029_55.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xr_CQ9FJBus/VkNmgZfecmI/AAAAAAAAGi4/k5woGYaw3dE/s640/20151029_55.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AxYBAKofDhg/VkS5DaHz09I/AAAAAAAAGlg/SuMCjiPMekE/s1600/20151029_69.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AxYBAKofDhg/VkS5DaHz09I/AAAAAAAAGlg/SuMCjiPMekE/s640/20151029_69.JPG" width="482" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XE2WKfhuiBo/VkNoZvOKLvI/AAAAAAAAGjo/HzbgY4_U17o/s1600/20151029_57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XE2WKfhuiBo/VkNoZvOKLvI/AAAAAAAAGjo/HzbgY4_U17o/s640/20151029_57.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJF1mXFFJCA/VkNnGPZN6lI/AAAAAAAAGjI/ScrHDDGKwA0/s1600/20151029_62.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJF1mXFFJCA/VkNnGPZN6lI/AAAAAAAAGjI/ScrHDDGKwA0/s640/20151029_62.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlDD3YVpv1o/VkNnulS6u8I/AAAAAAAAGjY/yfIM44MfXLg/s1600/20151029_58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlDD3YVpv1o/VkNnulS6u8I/AAAAAAAAGjY/yfIM44MfXLg/s640/20151029_58.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eh-om2sxQ-E/VkS40mxEJ5I/AAAAAAAAGlY/zlfOhVMoyAU/s1600/20151029_67.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eh-om2sxQ-E/VkS40mxEJ5I/AAAAAAAAGlY/zlfOhVMoyAU/s640/20151029_67.JPG" width="572" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After
a LOT of walking...I'm talking blisters here, I returned to my car and
with dismay saw the same vehicle as earlier, parked next to me with the
same very sad-looking dog chained to it. I felt so sorry for this poor
animal but there was little I could do. It did have food, water and a
blanket but had obviously been chained up for hours.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLZiBE3C8pY/VkNpbF6cJOI/AAAAAAAAGjw/QeefTmeexAs/s1600/20151029_76.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLZiBE3C8pY/VkNpbF6cJOI/AAAAAAAAGjw/QeefTmeexAs/s640/20151029_76.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back
at the gite I packed my bags in preparation for a swift departure the
next day and got an early night before my long drive <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n</span>orth.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ucO5PxhuY/VkSptJo_zzI/AAAAAAAAGk8/DXuOeVtNRNY/s1600/20151029_79.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ucO5PxhuY/VkSptJo_zzI/AAAAAAAAGk8/DXuOeVtNRNY/s640/20151029_79.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
was on the road by 9am and took a different route back to Le Havre as I
was stopping off en route in Normandie to meet a French man I hadn't
seen for thirty six years!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd
had a holiday romance with him when we were teenagers which resulted
with me staying with his family for a week in the late 70's. I tracked
him down last year after booking a trip to Vendée which evoked many
happy memories... we've been in touch ever since.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
We'd agreed to meet in front of the church at Louviers at 1030 the next
day and it was with some trepidation that I found myself outside<i> L'eglise de Notre Dame</i> the following morning.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9YWYegVH9dI/VkNt2RqmGHI/AAAAAAAAGkU/xQQ5pJ0OnmE/s1600/eglise%2Blouviers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9YWYegVH9dI/VkNt2RqmGHI/AAAAAAAAGkU/xQQ5pJ0OnmE/s1600/eglise%2Blouviers.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>source interweb</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He was nowhere to be seen so I went inside hoping the serene atmosphere would calm my nerves, and photographed these handsome chaps to pass </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikRC2i3vtj8/VkNrrhPDw7I/AAAAAAAAGkA/KjwSAc_17yc/s1600/20151029_82.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikRC2i3vtj8/VkNrrhPDw7I/AAAAAAAAGkA/KjwSAc_17yc/s640/20151029_82.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t-mbLaGVEfk/VkNsaukFJxI/AAAAAAAAGkI/waeH3aolPkY/s1600/20151029_85.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t-mbLaGVEfk/VkNsaukFJxI/AAAAAAAAGkI/waeH3aolPkY/s640/20151029_85.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At 1030, the church bells rang and I stepped outside expecting to see him... but he was not there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Surely he wouldn't stand me up? <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>I waited a couple of minutes before wondering if he was somewhere else and set off around the other side of the church...where I saw him waiting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next three and a half hours were just<i>... lovely!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We sat by the river catching<i> </i>up on the last three decades and then went for lunch. It was quite testing for me as he doesn't speak English, but he seemed to understand my deplorable French.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span> I did take some pictures but he is a very private person so I am not happy to post them here...but, I was not disappointed and I don't think he was either!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Too soon it was time to say our goodbyes as I had a ferry to catch and before long I was back at Le Havre, feeling loath to return to Blighty after such a brilliant trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I haven't given up on the caravan idea though and plan to return to Vendée next summer to continue the search....wish me luck<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">!</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbpb1sy0Nbw/VkSuPQR2wBI/AAAAAAAAGlI/7-7GCxWhluo/s1600/20151029_64.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbpb1sy0Nbw/VkSuPQR2wBI/AAAAAAAAGlI/7-7GCxWhluo/s640/20151029_64.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-26136620112030724922015-11-04T15:06:00.001+00:002015-11-04T15:06:57.181+00:00October Scavenger Hunt<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm late again with last month's picture prompts...but I've got a valid excuse...I've been away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">......Although that would possibly give me more time to take pictures? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway here are my October snaps with a few taken <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">on my trip</span>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>October's List</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Question</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pHdBlo5S1o/VjJqBvdUHZI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/6PsEEY71t4s/s1600/20151029_9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pHdBlo5S1o/VjJqBvdUHZI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/6PsEEY71t4s/s640/20151029_9.JPG" width="640" /></a></span> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Should I buy this caravan or not? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Cream</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aduUf2Es0gQ/Vjnx-j4dyzI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/Mj_XT1rEMkw/s1600/20151104_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aduUf2Es0gQ/Vjnx-j4dyzI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/Mj_XT1rEMkw/s640/20151104_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> A Bailey's coffee with squirty cream....mmmmmmm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Number</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b> </b></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2GEyfBqLSx0/VjJq4Nm-_QI/AAAAAAAAGfY/Ai82Zlrs9Ew/s1600/20151029_63.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2GEyfBqLSx0/VjJq4Nm-_QI/AAAAAAAAGfY/Ai82Zlrs9Ew/s640/20151029_63.JPG" width="498" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Lattice</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNWMLpAF-aI/Vh0bHR4mW7I/AAAAAAAAGes/00G5wk0nkAI/s1600/20151012_213327_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNWMLpAF-aI/Vh0bHR4mW7I/AAAAAAAAGes/00G5wk0nkAI/s640/20151012_213327_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">My friend<b> </b>Samyo's delicious apple pie served up in her cosy 'shed'...the evening got very messy after this.<b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Familiar</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yI2mm-kZ5I/Vjoc32a0qfI/AAAAAAAAGic/w3b52-weYqw/s1600/20151026_164058_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yI2mm-kZ5I/Vjoc32a0qfI/AAAAAAAAGic/w3b52-weYqw/s640/20151026_164058_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b> </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">I think this brand is familiar the world over. I took this picture to remind me why I never usually eat this shit. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">(</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">i</span>t was very convenient on this occasion)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> Look at that bun! <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">I</span>t would probably glow in the dark.</span><b> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Ring</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYPyZ_PAwJc/VjnySgunN2I/AAAAAAAAGhY/18W2kkv0Esk/s1600/20151104_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYPyZ_PAwJc/VjnySgunN2I/AAAAAAAAGhY/18W2kkv0Esk/s640/20151104_4.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">It rarely does these days, with the exception of a few friends, relatives and th<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">ose</span> infernal cold-callers. Most people now text me.<b> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Today</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DfGA22wYIc/VjYNCMjKTWI/AAAAAAAAGf4/6uDg-L_YsnQ/s1600/20151101_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DfGA22wYIc/VjYNCMjKTWI/AAAAAAAAGf4/6uDg-L_YsnQ/s640/20151101_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">.....was special.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Down</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkG7xCOH3F4/VjJsbGI2hQI/AAAAAAAAGfo/ALRDuj24Cl8/s640/20151029_29.JPG" width="428" /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Looking down from the castle ruins to the village of Apremont, France<b> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Writing</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-geV7XjXO5c8/VjoGKvAd7jI/AAAAAAAAGh8/zanZIIxQAJE/s1600/20151104_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-geV7XjXO5c8/VjoGKvAd7jI/AAAAAAAAGh8/zanZIIxQAJE/s640/20151104_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2GEyfBqLSx0/VjJq4Nm-_QI/AAAAAAAAGfY/Ai82Zlrs9Ew/s1600/20151029_63.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Many</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACt8Mqr5eBk/VjJrkluFXSI/AAAAAAAAGfg/OyuB8fX0y4Q/s1600/20151029_47.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACt8Mqr5eBk/VjJrkluFXSI/AAAAAAAAGfg/OyuB8fX0y4Q/s640/20151029_47.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> corn plants in this field <b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Broken</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMF5Fc77bNs/VjoGeGTBWbI/AAAAAAAAGiE/KSUf4sXkik0/s1600/20151104_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMF5Fc77bNs/VjoGeGTBWbI/AAAAAAAAGiE/KSUf4sXkik0/s640/20151104_7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>..... </b>away from it's vehicle and now gracing my back garden</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Whatever you want</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FyuWjqcMzQU/VjnzwlHoDSI/AAAAAAAAGhs/fYIJlghV34w/s1600/20151029_18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FyuWjqcMzQU/VjnzwlHoDSI/AAAAAAAAGhs/fYIJlghV34w/s640/20151029_18.JPG" width="498" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Guess where I've <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">been ?</span><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many thanks as always to Greenthumb for organizing the Hunt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pop on over to her <a href="http://suzzie43.blogspot.co.uk/p/scaerngera.html">her blog</a> to see other interpretations and the list for November.</span><br />
<br /></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-34454906118596868402015-10-13T17:01:00.002+01:002015-10-13T17:01:47.394+01:00Lately<div style="text-align: center;">
..............there hasn't been a great deal to blog about. September was on the whole, uneventful and I feel uneasy blogging about my mundane life. Seriously, how interesting can one make a dental check-up and a performance review at work, sound?<br />
But I am aware that I've neglected my blog recently so here are the highlights from the last few weeks.<br />
Prepare to be underwhelmed.<br />
<br />
<br />
At the start of the month I visited Ardingly Antiques Fair with my Stitch n Bitch friend Juliette.<br />
......she's camera shy, so there are no photos of us! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nV0fVBqdcKY/VhvEqvMAbgI/AAAAAAAAGeI/17felDd4FU8/s1600/ardingly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nV0fVBqdcKY/VhvEqvMAbgI/AAAAAAAAGeI/17felDd4FU8/s640/ardingly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wasn't after anything in particular but Juliette had her eyes peeled for a wooden ironing board and after about two hours of fruitless searching we came across several in the space of minutes. There was taxidermy galore and of course the ubiquitous deer heads/skulls on plaques. I didn't find anything that caught my eye or suited my pocket until we were on our way back to the car park when I saw a lady packing up her stock.... among it was this battered old trolley. I shelled out nine quid, cos its perfect for my craft room which, ironically, hasn't seen much action at all this year!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vLCkS47k2R4/VhvE_TzOsHI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/gy_az5V591M/s1600/20150903_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vLCkS47k2R4/VhvE_TzOsHI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/gy_az5V591M/s400/20150903_11.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a thorough clean and labelling of drawers it is now providing some semblance of order to my rubber stamp collection.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icNn8oN5Efk/VhvF4dI2RRI/AAAAAAAAGec/D1VhFqnORcM/s1600/20150903_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icNn8oN5Efk/VhvF4dI2RRI/AAAAAAAAGec/D1VhFqnORcM/s640/20150903_12.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
Later in September I caught up with another friend Deb, who invited me for drinks on the terrace followed by a
lovely lunch... and there started a very interesting
conversation indeed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArW1zKcXFWA/Vh0c79woirI/AAAAAAAAGe4/C6qqV3Nte9o/s1600/20150909_124120_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArW1zKcXFWA/Vh0c79woirI/AAAAAAAAGe4/C6qqV3Nte9o/s640/20150909_124120_resized.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
...and lastly at the beginning of this month it was my brother Stu's 50th birthday and there was a big bash round at his house, fortunately just a 5 minute walk from mine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dQrweBO50o/Vh0dhgjZs2I/AAAAAAAAGfA/XDZxYptp2yY/s1600/DSCN6678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dQrweBO50o/Vh0dhgjZs2I/AAAAAAAAGfA/XDZxYptp2yY/s640/DSCN6678.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Although he looks a bit worse for wear in this snap he wasn't that sloshed at all.<br />
<br />
And what about that conversation I mentioned earlier?<br />
Well, it has led to a little adventure which I shall be embarking upon soon, and hopefully, if I return unscathed I'll tell you all about it next time.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-46137877090896479002015-10-04T18:55:00.004+01:002015-10-04T18:55:59.967+01:00September Scavenger Hunt<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm fashionably late for this month's collection as I've been occupied with other things, so much so I haven't blogged for a month! Do forgive me, I am hoping normal service will be resumed soon.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>September's List</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Woven</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKElmZ6mFRU/VhFTjGxvZxI/AAAAAAAAGcY/_z-2umUX5ZE/s1600/20151004_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKElmZ6mFRU/VhFTjGxvZxI/AAAAAAAAGcY/_z-2umUX5ZE/s640/20151004_12.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What a tangled web we weave........<i>ahem.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Repeating</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5ig0yWdLaU/VhFcPJOCT8I/AAAAAAAAGdE/eOz7R4Og5U8/s1600/blog%2Bpics%2B104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5ig0yWdLaU/VhFcPJOCT8I/AAAAAAAAGdE/eOz7R4Og5U8/s640/blog%2Bpics%2B104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; line-height: 18px;"><b> </b></span>The bike in the foreground looks as though it could be a tad uncomfortable !</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Greedy</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6UqylN3dfU/VhFfQ8-ZQJI/AAAAAAAAGdk/HYmeMTaVN9M/s1600/oakwood%2B070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6UqylN3dfU/VhFfQ8-ZQJI/AAAAAAAAGdk/HYmeMTaVN9M/s640/oakwood%2B070.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Nets protect the strawberries from being scoffed by greedy critters.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Flowers</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmsdLfFR9uk/VgaoXbotyxI/AAAAAAAAGbg/D1UUApEt844/s1600/20150926_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmsdLfFR9uk/VgaoXbotyxI/AAAAAAAAGbg/D1UUApEt844/s640/20150926_6.JPG" width="332" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A £3 bunch from Aldi, still beautiful 10 days after purchase.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Curly</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZUWwFY9K8w/VgbPaDsblSI/AAAAAAAAGb8/WaEuy83yc3Y/s1600/20150926_17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZUWwFY9K8w/VgbPaDsblSI/AAAAAAAAGb8/WaEuy83yc3Y/s640/20150926_17.JPG" width="546" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The best I could do!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Adventures</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fyadbMUgODA/VgaotvUuhkI/AAAAAAAAGbo/3Dx7GjYEqAk/s1600/20150926_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fyadbMUgODA/VgaotvUuhkI/AAAAAAAAGbo/3Dx7GjYEqAk/s640/20150926_2.JPG" width="612" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Impending excitement!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Line</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KZpUD8z104/VgbPqLIpPLI/AAAAAAAAGcE/5dyPrO8XVaE/s1600/20150926_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KZpUD8z104/VgbPqLIpPLI/AAAAAAAAGcE/5dyPrO8XVaE/s640/20150926_11.JPG" width="518" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So many possibilities for this category and I came up with this!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Mesmerising</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwcsCNyUfCQ/VhFZsH2-fmI/AAAAAAAAGc4/dxJ5ZR-O4vo/s1600/20151004_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwcsCNyUfCQ/VhFZsH2-fmI/AAAAAAAAGc4/dxJ5ZR-O4vo/s640/20151004_7.JPG" width="522" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Computer games have this effect on my nephew!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccK4cZlBRpI/VhFW2ECTVxI/AAAAAAAAGcs/NFpe19d21Gw/s1600/20150810_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Triangle </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DX70GdPR6aU/VhFdjetBTUI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/H6UauqDrc1o/s1600/oakwood%2B609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DX70GdPR6aU/VhFdjetBTUI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/H6UauqDrc1o/s640/oakwood%2B609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The flap of this envelope...decorated by rubber stamps at a craft show </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Dreamy </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b> </b></span></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccK4cZlBRpI/VhFW2ECTVxI/AAAAAAAAGcs/NFpe19d21Gw/s1600/20150810_4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccK4cZlBRpI/VhFW2ECTVxI/AAAAAAAAGcs/NFpe19d21Gw/s640/20150810_4.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> I regularly cycle through farmland on my bike rides and shot this wheat field earlier this year.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Google suggests it is dreamy. </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Day</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Dst06J0F9Y/VhFgsG0M-ZI/AAAAAAAAGdw/LQKGMwBpagM/s1600/20150810_18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Dst06J0F9Y/VhFgsG0M-ZI/AAAAAAAAGdw/LQKGMwBpagM/s640/20150810_18.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I took this on a beautiful day in the summer....remember that?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Whatever you want</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBpXeQXGPJM/VhFhwu-xZdI/AAAAAAAAGd4/x0NOB41JOCM/s1600/20150716_18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBpXeQXGPJM/VhFhwu-xZdI/AAAAAAAAGd4/x0NOB41JOCM/s640/20150716_18.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Pea green</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Do head over to <a href="http://suzzie43.blogspot.co.uk/p/scaerngera.html">Made With Love</a> where you can see the other entries and prompts for October and why not have a go yourself?.......Yes <a href="http://woolandcats.blogspot.co.uk/">Géraldine</a>, I think you should! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-60473074669782367932015-09-01T17:41:00.000+01:002015-09-01T17:41:36.070+01:00August Scavenger Hunt<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here in the South of England the summer seems to have fast-forwarded to autumn a bit bloody early for my liking. The fair days in August were few and far between and outdoors photo taking opportunities were limited, hence some of the following are from my archives. I have to admit I struggled with a couple this month but being challenged is a good thing, eh? Thanks to <a href="http://suzzie43.blogspot.co.uk/p/scaerngera.html">Greenthumb </a>as always for hosting the hunt.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>August's List</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Walk</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W6nqA9F6E2E/VeHJHRN2fqI/AAAAAAAAGZM/4fM_jZD8jmI/s1600/blog%2Bpics%2B596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W6nqA9F6E2E/VeHJHRN2fqI/AAAAAAAAGZM/4fM_jZD8jmI/s640/blog%2Bpics%2B596.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Horizontal</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agg9uKfM_7Y/VeWRFF6myKI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/dnH73XoqiLQ/s1600/20150309_35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agg9uKfM_7Y/VeWRFF6myKI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/dnH73XoqiLQ/s640/20150309_35.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> erm..........the horizon?<b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Square</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJtdPqzKjtY/VeTIlQVDCCI/AAAAAAAAGZk/TzIYYT-WA5c/s1600/blog%2Bpics%2B208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJtdPqzKjtY/VeTIlQVDCCI/AAAAAAAAGZk/TzIYYT-WA5c/s640/blog%2Bpics%2B208.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> This ornate, but faded square gate caught my eye.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Diversity</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ShMW3VCxtNA/VeW7VXv_2tI/AAAAAAAAGag/j4UCQMHN0EM/s1600/20150901_144628_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ShMW3VCxtNA/VeW7VXv_2tI/AAAAAAAAGag/j4UCQMHN0EM/s640/20150901_144628_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> A supermarket shot....this one's cracked it in terms of variety of fruit and veg.<b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Rough</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGvVTVnhNJw/VeHJYBWB18I/AAAAAAAAGZU/RRHB9AvbC8I/s1600/blog%2Bpics%2B184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGvVTVnhNJw/VeHJYBWB18I/AAAAAAAAGZU/RRHB9AvbC8I/s640/blog%2Bpics%2B184.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Bow</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzqgsREz7Ek/VeHHChXeiFI/AAAAAAAAGZA/SqpU6kNbm4M/s1600/20150817_130152_resized_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzqgsREz7Ek/VeHHChXeiFI/AAAAAAAAGZA/SqpU6kNbm4M/s640/20150817_130152_resized_3.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">This sailor statue stands on the bow of a boat above the doorway to the</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Crown & Anchor pub in Shoreham, West Sussex. I was here with friends just four days before the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Shoreham_Airshow_crash">horrifying air show tragedy.</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Joy</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sG4k6ZczrL8/VeWSmHxiSEI/AAAAAAAAGaA/QSVZMgJ4kd4/s1600/ashford%2Bstay%2B043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sG4k6ZczrL8/VeWSmHxiSEI/AAAAAAAAGaA/QSVZMgJ4kd4/s640/ashford%2Bstay%2B043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">.... is what a cuppa and a cake bring me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">(Almost) <b> Forgotten</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SzC2XuSD-Mg/VeW7--Wk08I/AAAAAAAAGao/hfohCq2yxZQ/s1600/20150701_185342_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SzC2XuSD-Mg/VeW7--Wk08I/AAAAAAAAGao/hfohCq2yxZQ/s640/20150701_185342_resized.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b> </b>Although the last day of August was only yesterday, I've all but forgotten about summer.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Here in the UK it seemed to end some weeks ago and there's been perpetual precipitation ever since. This photo was taken in Vendée in June.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Crowd</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N87jIUZ0oq8/VeWeRlAJb6I/AAAAAAAAGaQ/ZiAzhuV2IJI/s1600/20150831_143824_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N87jIUZ0oq8/VeWeRlAJb6I/AAAAAAAAGaQ/ZiAzhuV2IJI/s640/20150831_143824_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b> </b>Believe me, this shop was packed! Strange that people have nothing better to do on a Bank Holiday than shop, Me?....I had an appointment with the optician.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Colourless</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxKV6Mb5PkE/Vd3fVaNX8PI/AAAAAAAAGYw/qoCEfpRCv24/s1600/20150826_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxKV6Mb5PkE/Vd3fVaNX8PI/AAAAAAAAGYw/qoCEfpRCv24/s640/20150826_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b> </b>Banging on about the weather again...the relentless rain.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Friendly</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ6YVXRPqTA/VeXA4G8i2gI/AAAAAAAAGbA/yfDZJqcRT9Q/s1600/20150813_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ6YVXRPqTA/VeXA4G8i2gI/AAAAAAAAGbA/yfDZJqcRT9Q/s640/20150813_7.JPG" width="418" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My neighbours' cat Sonny. I went in to keep him company from time to time while they were on holiday. He didn't even mind when I absentmindedly called him Prudy.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Whatever you want</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hf1mYYv4vCQ/VeXFiOEmSsI/AAAAAAAAGbM/ivOper9sO4c/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hf1mYYv4vCQ/VeXFiOEmSsI/AAAAAAAAGbM/ivOper9sO4c/s640/IMG.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Something now to give you a laugh. Me in my brand new Girl Guide uniform (plus slippers) in the early seventies. I was in the Kingfisher patrol but around the age of 13 I decided I was too cool for Guides, and left.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Why not join in next month, here's the subjects.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>September's List</b></span><br />
<b style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Woven</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Repeating</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Greedy</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Flowers</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Curly</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Adventures</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Line</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Mesmerising</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Triangle </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Dreamy </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Day</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Whatever you want</b></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-45098560861265739462015-08-17T06:37:00.001+01:002015-08-17T06:37:54.550+01:00Miscellany<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been a slack blogger lately, there's no two ways about it. It's been a bit hectic with one thing or the other. Last weekend I planned to do a car boot sale, I loaded up the car with all my tat (actually, mostly dad's which I made him get rid of!) then the bloody car wouldn't start so my plans were scuppered. One week and a new starter motor later I got to the car boot. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjQODFLxpZw/VdC3UnmMTPI/AAAAAAAAGXg/yWIpRMkjXWs/s1600/20150816_104851_resized_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjQODFLxpZw/VdC3UnmMTPI/AAAAAAAAGXg/yWIpRMkjXWs/s640/20150816_104851_resized_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-seX8vSfjVxI/VdC-FThYFpI/AAAAAAAAGXw/pQwXQV8vp1E/s1600/20150816_110222_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-seX8vSfjVxI/VdC-FThYFpI/AAAAAAAAGXw/pQwXQV8vp1E/s640/20150816_110222_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Lots of sellers, lots of buyers, but not many sales, my loss will be the chazza's gain.<br />
<br />
I realized this week that I hadn't shown you my French buys <i>d'occasion. </i>I revisited lovely Thierry at his Brocante in Corpe, he was just as affable and welcoming as last year although this time I only made a couple of purchases and found myself apologizing for not buying more. Here's what came home with me.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIjM7KTbGWw/Vc81rYq9WsI/AAAAAAAAGWE/0Ml2Ncl-cZw/s1600/20150815_5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIjM7KTbGWw/Vc81rYq9WsI/AAAAAAAAGWE/0Ml2Ncl-cZw/s640/20150815_5.JPG" width="428" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIjM7KTbGWw/Vc81rYq9WsI/AAAAAAAAGWE/0Ml2Ncl-cZw/s1600/20150815_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cat and glass jug €5</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Back home I found a vintage floral sheet in A1 condition for £3</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjCEv3vDk5E/Vc82l5vBqmI/AAAAAAAAGWM/V6q2oatWNUc/s1600/20150815_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjCEv3vDk5E/Vc82l5vBqmI/AAAAAAAAGWM/V6q2oatWNUc/s640/20150815_3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God knows what I'll do with it, after my skirt sewing experience last year I am not keen to make another garment but perhaps I could knock up some cushion covers, what thinks you? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another recent bargain although not second-hand was this cheerful Aldi doormat, a no-brainer at three quid something. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWINZPVXAAk/Vc84PC9v3KI/AAAAAAAAGWY/Iz40eMMCC-A/s1600/20150815_8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWINZPVXAAk/Vc84PC9v3KI/AAAAAAAAGWY/Iz40eMMCC-A/s640/20150815_8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been having a bit of a clear out at home, hence the car boot but there's always room for a crocheted bit of nonsense strung across the fireplace isn't there?<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BA6Td1QBXmg/Vc85LDB3reI/AAAAAAAAGWg/sQvdqy55Us0/s1600/20150815_9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BA6Td1QBXmg/Vc85LDB3reI/AAAAAAAAGWg/sQvdqy55Us0/s640/20150815_9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I was inspired to make this daisy garland after seeing the gorgeous one Kate Eastwood made<a href="http://justpootling.blogspot.co.uk/p/summer-daisy-garland.html"> here.</a> Hers is far more profesh than mine, my daisies are slightly different and I reinforced my chain with slipstitches. I used cheapo yarn from my stash as I wasn't sure if I would understand the pattern but the garland would deffo benefit from some quality cotton yarn so I might attempt another one next year.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FzsvDLpbZc/Vc87GC6EBgI/AAAAAAAAGWs/7hpzdPnb_lE/s1600/20150815_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FzsvDLpbZc/Vc87GC6EBgI/AAAAAAAAGWs/7hpzdPnb_lE/s640/20150815_7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I'm currently engaged in knitting... looking ahead to the dreaded thing that happens at the end of the year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJP7WRR1I4Q/Vc9CpKjdS-I/AAAAAAAAGXQ/iI6naBLZf_Q/s1600/20150815_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJP7WRR1I4Q/Vc9CpKjdS-I/AAAAAAAAGXQ/iI6naBLZf_Q/s640/20150815_10.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raE3n22VpEs/VdFsndmK3ZI/AAAAAAAAGYA/9ZNLz2oVBuM/s1600/20150810_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raE3n22VpEs/VdFsndmK3ZI/AAAAAAAAGYA/9ZNLz2oVBuM/s640/20150810_1.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
As soon as the sun appears I'm out there with my needles, I even got a few rows in at the car boot fair.<br />
I've also been out on the bike when I can, trying to shift a few pounds and making the most of the last days of summer...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bzSuLFF42BI/VdFwK4IuViI/AAAAAAAAGYU/TIX_o7IyB3k/s1600/20150810_9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bzSuLFF42BI/VdFwK4IuViI/AAAAAAAAGYU/TIX_o7IyB3k/s640/20150810_9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FF6AcaQ3Obs/VdFxZNH5wPI/AAAAAAAAGYg/Q0gzTkgF3xU/s1600/20150810_15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FF6AcaQ3Obs/VdFxZNH5wPI/AAAAAAAAGYg/Q0gzTkgF3xU/s640/20150810_15.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
The eagle-eyed among you may have spotted some cards on the mantelpiece above my garland. I had a birthday last week and at the weekend I went to the local Italian with family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMiv0Sp3sto/Vc8-QlYNIaI/AAAAAAAAGXE/PWBBBgSMxss/s1600/20150814_212509_LLS_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMiv0Sp3sto/Vc8-QlYNIaI/AAAAAAAAGXE/PWBBBgSMxss/s640/20150814_212509_LLS_resized.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just as I was en route to the loo a waitress appeared with a candle-adorned offering. I was summoned back to the table where staff clutching tambourines assembled around and sang me Happy Birthday. I had a gob full of profiterole when this photo was taken!<br />
<br />
This was No.1 in the hit parade the week I was born.........yeah I'm that old!.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cQF-VsbMfDA" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-14525912266059488412015-07-31T21:59:00.000+01:002015-07-31T23:12:13.218+01:00Scavenger Hunt - July<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I got my arse in gear this month and managed to put together a selection of photos for Greenthumbs's Scavenger Hunt.</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>D is for?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u78QNhPoVOQ/VaDoA4OB0eI/AAAAAAAAGLM/0ZbAvu8sd7k/s1600/20150705_122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u78QNhPoVOQ/VaDoA4OB0eI/AAAAAAAAGLM/0ZbAvu8sd7k/s640/20150705_122.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Strictly speaking a Leucanthemum, aka Shasta Daisy</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Wide</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEUfI95rPD0/VbAmbx7IslI/AAAAAAAAGTs/hCIaMIJNtfA/s1600/stu%2Bpissed%2B008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEUfI95rPD0/VbAmbx7IslI/AAAAAAAAGTs/hCIaMIJNtfA/s640/stu%2Bpissed%2B008.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">eyed.......... and legless?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Edge</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osIZuvvY2l0/VbAeuQzFPAI/AAAAAAAAGTU/koflpSpzwuU/s1600/20150705_26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osIZuvvY2l0/VbAeuQzFPAI/AAAAAAAAGTU/koflpSpzwuU/s640/20150705_26.JPG" width="612" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> I snapped this tiny puss on the edge of an upstairs window sill in France.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>cylindrical</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YV_JYX7S9sk/Vbu-3ijDL1I/AAAAAAAAGVE/l39Cp0j73Sk/s1600/20150723_125424_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YV_JYX7S9sk/Vbu-3ijDL1I/AAAAAAAAGVE/l39Cp0j73Sk/s640/20150723_125424_resized.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> I'm not sure what these are...chimney pots perhaps? Anyways, they're cylindrical!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Feelings</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b> </b></span></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VpXt-2TgIvU/Vbuf8XScKNI/AAAAAAAAGUo/i17v5RZUE04/s1600/20140810_184.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VpXt-2TgIvU/Vbuf8XScKNI/AAAAAAAAGUo/i17v5RZUE04/s640/20140810_184.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> I snapped this little boy at Les Sables d'Olonne where several children were having great fun playing in the water jets.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Mysterious</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t45VS3blW6Q/VbYVVgeppuI/AAAAAAAAGUI/yftBISzZrMY/s1600/20140428_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t45VS3blW6Q/VbYVVgeppuI/AAAAAAAAGUI/yftBISzZrMY/s640/20140428_12.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> This redundant church that I stumbled upon last year definitely had an air of mystery.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Weed</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9YVo194S-k/VbAgJoaufZI/AAAAAAAAGTg/veBuDn_3cUw/s1600/20150522_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9YVo194S-k/VbAgJoaufZI/AAAAAAAAGTg/veBuDn_3cUw/s640/20150522_5.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Joke</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CIY7ZOLDxIE/VaDqGrv5WpI/AAAAAAAAGLg/Vqj7U0t1DW8/s1600/20150705_74.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CIY7ZOLDxIE/VaDqGrv5WpI/AAAAAAAAGLg/Vqj7U0t1DW8/s640/20150705_74.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I thought this French advertisement for haemorrhoid cream was mildly amusing...although perhaps I should have used it for the following category...???</span><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>pile</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaUuRHSTtmw/VbucfcdAr_I/AAAAAAAAGUc/3HcUfsk1tj0/s1600/20150731_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaUuRHSTtmw/VbucfcdAr_I/AAAAAAAAGUc/3HcUfsk1tj0/s640/20150731_10.JPG" width="504" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b> </b>Not imaginative at all but the best I could do..the pub's wood pile</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Speed</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUjvFx9NtvI/Vbvd-HYsSxI/AAAAAAAAGVU/ee_aXmMsK4g/s1600/20150731_8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUjvFx9NtvI/Vbvd-HYsSxI/AAAAAAAAGVU/ee_aXmMsK4g/s640/20150731_8.JPG" width="576" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Night</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DJFQfYXI2s/VbveWaAM81I/AAAAAAAAGVc/zXgHGgXnd0s/s1600/20150731_23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DJFQfYXI2s/VbveWaAM81I/AAAAAAAAGVc/zXgHGgXnd0s/s640/20150731_23.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Muddle Towers at night time</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Whatever you want</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LnfmKFEwN1c/VbuiNglNn5I/AAAAAAAAGU0/VVBAAGB9Mvo/s1600/20150705_140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LnfmKFEwN1c/VbuiNglNn5I/AAAAAAAAGU0/VVBAAGB9Mvo/s640/20150705_140.JPG" width="348" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b> </b>I quite like religious statues but I thought this one, seen in a French church, was hideous.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Who does it remind you of....? Suggestions below please.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VpXt-2TgIvU/Vbuf8XScKNI/AAAAAAAAGUo/i17v5RZUE04/s1600/20140810_184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Do take a squizz at the other link ups over at <a href="http://suzzie43.blogspot.co.uk/p/scaerngera.html">Made With Love</a> and why not join in next month? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whatever you're doing, enjoy your weekend.</span></span></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381087191642908489.post-82526461550878009692015-07-22T23:24:00.001+01:002015-07-23T08:10:28.930+01:00Heatwave Holiday<div style="text-align: center;">
As you'd expect on a French holiday we visited a few markets...it would be rude not to. The neighbouring town of Fontenay-le Comte has a good one on a Saturday so off we went. It was fairly bustling and the stall holders were generally very friendly and tolerated my hesitant French with good humour. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0kmwBn62AU/VauLKppBQ8I/AAAAAAAAGPA/awYmIy_LYTM/s1600/20150705_66.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0kmwBn62AU/VauLKppBQ8I/AAAAAAAAGPA/awYmIy_LYTM/s640/20150705_66.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwiGb8tMnGE/VauLh-o7UfI/AAAAAAAAGPI/8OPr9pU1lhU/s1600/20150705_65.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwiGb8tMnGE/VauLh-o7UfI/AAAAAAAAGPI/8OPr9pU1lhU/s640/20150705_65.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The indoor food market was particularly interesting and highlighted the different way that we and the French think about food.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OX9OSybrYxA/VauNITAAp0I/AAAAAAAAGPU/65DZHF-MlFk/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bmarche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OX9OSybrYxA/VauNITAAp0I/AAAAAAAAGPU/65DZHF-MlFk/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Bmarche.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Outside were lots more stalls. where I was tempted by a basket.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ek_uToZR2Kg/VauKpnqJPEI/AAAAAAAAGO4/S3HAroF3XI4/s1600/20150705_75.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ek_uToZR2Kg/VauKpnqJPEI/AAAAAAAAGO4/S3HAroF3XI4/s640/20150705_75.JPG" width="454" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a café créme we wandered around the town and I spent ages in the Yves Rocher shop where they had 50% off on selected items. I bought several products for a friend's birthday and asked if they did 'un paquet cadeau' ...another thing that I like about France. Leaving the shop we noticed this vending machine in the street</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8wFf2ZoamtE/VauKXCPSc6I/AAAAAAAAGOw/dhdw5vEkY4A/s1600/20150705_13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8wFf2ZoamtE/VauKXCPSc6I/AAAAAAAAGOw/dhdw5vEkY4A/s400/20150705_13.JPG" width="261" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for al-fresco fornication peut-être ?<br />
<br />
Before heading back to our cottage we stopped at the magnificent Cathedral of Notre Dame, founded in the 12th century as an Augustinian monastery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RnCjXkS5C7k/VauPGEddExI/AAAAAAAAGPg/ZPADG3coOg4/s1600/20150705_24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RnCjXkS5C7k/VauPGEddExI/AAAAAAAAGPg/ZPADG3coOg4/s640/20150705_24.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BBDLH3RI9UI/VauPZegrcoI/AAAAAAAAGPo/rSo1sB7eqOU/s1600/20150705_137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BBDLH3RI9UI/VauPZegrcoI/AAAAAAAAGPo/rSo1sB7eqOU/s640/20150705_137.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
L'Ile de Ré was next on our list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJQms4QbOgc/VauVL5gsLnI/AAAAAAAAGRE/eZCw7HwVYXk/s1600/larochelle-iledere_velo-3j-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJQms4QbOgc/VauVL5gsLnI/AAAAAAAAGRE/eZCw7HwVYXk/s640/larochelle-iledere_velo-3j-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
This was my 5th visit to this part of the world and for some reason....(probably the toll to cross the bridge, tightarse) I'd never yet made it there. I'd heard many times that it was a very pretty little island and it did not disappoint.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K2UB8Rv3u9Y/Va_4Wt56fCI/AAAAAAAAGR4/o_bxkYPGFBA/s1600/images%2Bbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K2UB8Rv3u9Y/Va_4Wt56fCI/AAAAAAAAGR4/o_bxkYPGFBA/s320/images%2Bbridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Real estate on the island is expensive and the native population has been widely criticized for its insular nature and unfriendly attitude to immigrants. We enjoyed a delicious meal on the quayside at St Martin de Ré and watched the affluent locals... easily distinguishable from us riff raff tourists!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QELIPMOZmBo/VauRPMDDTVI/AAAAAAAAGP8/-BkUOsYQUfE/s1600/20150705_54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QELIPMOZmBo/VauRPMDDTVI/AAAAAAAAGP8/-BkUOsYQUfE/s640/20150705_54.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ugxol5zJ9T4/VauSpHzG3DI/AAAAAAAAGQk/Cd8KI6RmA7s/s1600/20150705_61.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ugxol5zJ9T4/VauSpHzG3DI/AAAAAAAAGQk/Cd8KI6RmA7s/s640/20150705_61.JPG" width="378" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5joT5Dnm9xY/VauR0HvkpiI/AAAAAAAAGQM/JC7udM5bPrk/s1600/20150705_56.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5joT5Dnm9xY/VauR0HvkpiI/AAAAAAAAGQM/JC7udM5bPrk/s400/20150705_56.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9pHuM2yJRfU/VauSCNWs1BI/AAAAAAAAGQU/Hyt6nPLRbZM/s1600/20150705_33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9pHuM2yJRfU/VauSCNWs1BI/AAAAAAAAGQU/Hyt6nPLRbZM/s640/20150705_33.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ugxol5zJ9T4/VauSpHzG3DI/AAAAAAAAGQk/Cd8KI6RmA7s/s1600/20150705_61.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-kUnyeziGc/VauSZv-i8DI/AAAAAAAAGQc/e7uR3BBnchw/s1600/20150705_36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-kUnyeziGc/VauSZv-i8DI/AAAAAAAAGQc/e7uR3BBnchw/s640/20150705_36.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent all day on the island in scorching temperatures learning of its maritime history and donkeys in 'trousers'!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJ4gxlCULQQ/VauYpobpJFI/AAAAAAAAGRg/Tw-RxXKVpe0/s1600/index%2Bdonkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJ4gxlCULQQ/VauYpobpJFI/AAAAAAAAGRg/Tw-RxXKVpe0/s400/index%2Bdonkey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
In days gone by the donkeys worked at the salt mines on the island and in order to protect their legs from mosquitos and flies so abundant there, they wore these gingham trousers. These days donkeys in trousers are a tourist attraction.<br />
<br />
On our way back to the village we stopped off at a <i>fabulous</i> brocante at Nalliers. Regrettably I can't show you just how amazing it was because I left my camera in the car. There was just so much there I didn't know where to start. Best of all was the plethora of vintage sewing notions and clothes. On another day I could have spent hours in there but on that day it was 41 degrees and I left, very hot and bothered, after half an hour with just a couple of old tins.<br />
<br />
Later in the week we visited the coast about an hour away, it was very quiet everywhere as <i>les grandes vacances,</i> the French summer holidays, had yet to start.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lt1DF8tUZo/Va__yJiXbLI/AAAAAAAAGSI/EfJymMFXpu8/s1600/20150705_129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lt1DF8tUZo/Va__yJiXbLI/AAAAAAAAGSI/EfJymMFXpu8/s640/20150705_129.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
En route we stopped off at this local dam opened in the 50's when many locals would have been employed here. Nowadays the buildings and machinery lie redundant as the dam is computer operated and it seemed rather eery although the surrounding scenery was spectacular.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYAF9NkjteQ/VbAFl17LSHI/AAAAAAAAGS0/KXcznsvYHGg/s1600/20150705_28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYAF9NkjteQ/VbAFl17LSHI/AAAAAAAAGS0/KXcznsvYHGg/s640/20150705_28.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwok_0tYnyo/VbAGjpuas2I/AAAAAAAAGS8/udMWTK7xS9Q/s1600/20150705_29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwok_0tYnyo/VbAGjpuas2I/AAAAAAAAGS8/udMWTK7xS9Q/s640/20150705_29.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The remainder of our holiday was very laid back as France was experiencing a heatwave. Every time you turned on the telly there were warnings about <i>la canicule</i> and my old Renault without any a/c was sweltering. We rested in the cottage garden and enjoyed the wildlife....the goats that appeared behind the house in the morning who regarded us quizzically, a woodpecker in the cherry tree, an inquisitive red squirrel and loads of lithe lizards. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P4Z38IJtgb8/VbACGOpldqI/AAAAAAAAGSU/nyEZoWDxPhE/s1600/20150705_145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P4Z38IJtgb8/VbACGOpldqI/AAAAAAAAGSU/nyEZoWDxPhE/s400/20150705_145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We read, I crocheted... and finished a blanket, drank beers galore and generally lazed around in the enervating heat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1blYCJU1VzI/VbADT5t8ERI/AAAAAAAAGSg/GLYrUV2dj38/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Brues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1blYCJU1VzI/VbADT5t8ERI/AAAAAAAAGSg/GLYrUV2dj38/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2Brues.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I thoroughly enjoyed my fortnight in Vendée and would have loved to stay all summer long.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkLeL8bn4E8/VbAEEQpJVII/AAAAAAAAGSo/LqmCYy9xQ3E/s1600/20150705_150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkLeL8bn4E8/VbAEEQpJVII/AAAAAAAAGSo/LqmCYy9xQ3E/s640/20150705_150.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
It must be time to start planning my next trip !<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVQO2n4eAuU/VbAHTbhc1bI/AAAAAAAAGTE/5N89cZ01XNc/s1600/20140810_220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVQO2n4eAuU/VbAHTbhc1bI/AAAAAAAAGTE/5N89cZ01XNc/s400/20140810_220.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.com12