Monday 20 May 2013

Make that 2 glasses please


 
 
 
We have been back in Caunes for nearly a week. It felt like arriving home again and there was no "settling back in" time needed. Everything was as we had left it after our brief February trip….except that the garden was back to wilderness state. It looked amazing, with wild flowers everywhere.
 
the almonds are doing pretty well too
 There has been a lot of rain, and it has clearly done the plants (and weeds) a power of good. Also the builders have nearly finished the new terrace we are having built at the highest point of our land, from which, on a clear day, the still snow capped Pyrenees are visible.
Mark, surveying the building work...standing on what will shortly be a boules court
 
The anticipation of 7 whole weeks here, after our enforced stay in England since last September ( except for that glorious week in February), was enormous. So far, 6 days in, it has not been an anti climax. Just looking out of the windows, even on a cool, damp day, is therapeutic.

We have got straight back into doing the things we love doing when we are here. Mark has played golf a couple of times ( he’s doing that right now). I have supervised him digging various patches of weeds up, and he has succeeded in clearing my vegetable patch. I have now planted courgettes, tomatoes, aubergines and peppers……and have resurrected my complex hose pipe system which enables me to keep them watered.
very overgrown veg patch
 
weeded area, raised beds filled and planted......all is well.
 
Mark , weeding the vegetable patch area.....moving onto the vines next week.

does everyone have a drawer full of "hose bits" like this ?

 
We have eaten ( and sampled a few glasses of wine) in our favourite restaurant, we have walked down to the bar , drank their beautiful coffee and read the local paper. We have walked to the quarry on the edge of town and admired our favourite views again. The highlight of this trip was seeing a hoopoe, which posed arrogantly for us as Mark snapped away with the camera.
 

We also went for a walk to the opposite side of the valley, from our house, and saw it from a completely new angle.


the trees in the foreground are on the opposite side of the valley to our house, and from this angle, our garden can't be seen
 
We went to see the Baz Lurhmann Gatsby film. I thought it might be dreadful…but I loved it. It is the first time I have seen a film in French ( dubbed) without subtitles and was pleased to understand most of it. Of course, it helped knowing the story so well. But actually, I realised a few minutes into the film, that I had read it so long ago, my memory, whilst clear on the main thrust of the tale was pretty vague on some of the detail….and the film was just perfect for re creating my love of the book and the images it evoked when I first read it some 40 years ago. ( I also love Leonardo…..and thought Toby MaGuire was a perfect Nick)
 
Mostly, we have done things in small bursts…..15 minutes gardening, cup of tea, read the paper, 15 minutes more gardening, etc. I still get tired easily, but really think I am getting stronger every day….the walk up from the bar must be doing me good !

We visited our first vide grenier of the season yesterday. I am looking for bits and pieces to complete the transformation of the woodshed into the three bears’ house. This is actually a priority, as Liam and Izzie arrive next week…..and Liam is expecting the three bears’ house to be ready for him.
aluminium sign I had made which will adorn the woodshed as part of the transformation
 
I have so far failed to find a suitable table, for 3 different size chairs to fit around…..but I am sure I will manage to arrange something that will please Liam for next week. 
I think he will be pleased with the lovely old Ludo board I bought at the vide grenier……I suspect a few games will have to take place using it, as well as the lovely wooden horse counters that came with it.
 

So…..we’re back……it feels normal, it feels good…….and I feel better than I have done for ............... eight and a half months !




 

41 comments:

  1. I can't tell you how much I've been looking forward to reading this post! And it is absolutely lovely - every word, every photo, every detail done and everything planned. A Three Bears House! Oh my, what a fantastic idea, Janice - what lucky boys they are.
    I raise my glass to you - and to Mark too. Much love - enjoy. It all looks absolutely perfect.
    Axxx

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    1. Thanks Annie,the 3 bears' house is coming on....I suspect it may be the subject of a future blog. It wont be until the end of July that the 3 bears....Liam, Dexter and Clark, and Goldilocks....Izzie, get here altogether. Liam and Izzie will be here next week though so they can try it out and help develop it further. Jxxx

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  2. This is a fantastic post, Janice, so full of quiet enjoyment, satisfying activities and sheer love of your beautiful corner of France, :-) The photos give such a good impression of your house and its wonderful setting. How much land do you have?

    As for the Three Bears' House - what an inspired idea. Do you have a local Depot Ventes where you could search for that perfect table? We half furnished our house from ours.

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    1. I don't really know how much land we have P. Most of our garden is in front of the house, in terraces, the largest terrace, has the house and the pool on it. behind the house are another couple of terraces...and behind that is a forest. We don't know if anyone owns it, but apparently it cant be built on ( as far as we know !)
      We do have a depot ventes nearby and have acquired various interesting bits of French furniture from it. I have checked it out for 3 bears' supplies...but have found nothing suitable as yet. However, today, we picked up some plastic chairs of different sizes, a plastic table and 3 different size red plastic bowls. So, something will be in place for Liam's arrival next week. Jx

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  3. I don't normally crack open the vino during the week, but today calls for a celebration. So pleased to read your happy post and to learn that everything is well with you.
    Your house sits in a stunning spot and looks lovely.
    Enjoy the rest of your time in France - just off to our local cinema to watch the Great Gatsby too.

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    1. Thanks Rosemary. I wonder what you made of the film. I loved the scene with the billowing curtains, where we first meet Daisy and Jordan.....straight from the text as far as I could see. I'm sure some purists will not like Lurhmann's treatment of it....but I really enjoyed it. The shirt scene, the clock falling from the mantel....the heat in that hotel room.....all excellent. Jx

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  4. Your place is absolutely stunning and how wonderful to know that you and Mark are back to the place you love so much. You sound and look wonderful and I am so happy for you both. The Three Bears House is fabulous and I look forward to hearing some tales once the grandsons take over!

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    1. Thanks B. It is all coming on really well, and we are having a lovely time. Just off to do a bit more sorting out, ready for the onslaught of children! Jx

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  5. You've made me so happy reading this Janice. Everything and everyone looks wonderful.

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    1. I have no complaints....all is well. It would be good if the weather settled a little....still not as warm as usual for here and now...but as I say.....no complaints from me. J.

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  6. You really are back to the old Janice! I'm so happy that you're happy! Love You mum!!! x x x

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    1. It's all good...looking forward to you getting out here again, Mum xxxxxxxxxxx

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  7. Your house and garden look gorgeous...and you look happy. Lovely to 'see' you back in Caunes and busy with projects. Lucky children to have things like the Three Bears house planned...

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    1. Yes, things seem to be settling down at last Helen. It is excellent to feel well, and when the sun shines, I feel as if I am in the best place in the world. Jx

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  8. It all looks so lovely, Janice :-)

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    1. Thanks Maria...it all seems pretty good to me at the moment. Jx

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  9. A delightful post, Janice. Lovely to read that you are making the most of your time in Caunes. Enjoy!

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    1. It is so good to be back Gaynor. I presume you will be over for half term....hope you have a good time....soon be summer ! Jx

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  10. That looks like paradise!!! Hope you have a wonderful summer getting back to normal. Is the hoopoe a woodpecker?

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    1. No, it's not a woodpecker, but I can see how you might think it looks like one. I don't know if they are related in any way, but the hoopoe's amazing head is its unusual feature.
      Thanks for your good wishes...there is no doubt that Caunes is a lovely place to be. J.

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  11. You have a wonderful knack of describing what this beautiful home is like.I so enjoyed reading this post Janice .A real thrill to see a hoopoe. x Maria

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    1. I thought you would like the hoopoe...we only had the little camera with us, but I was pleased with the photo...as I say, he really did pose for us. Jx

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  12. I think this is a post we have all looked forward to Janice. I certainly have. I am so happy for you and Mark that you are back in Caunes and enjoying everything so much. Your house and surroundings are just beautiful, and I am impressed with your idea for a Three Bears House. Wonderful. Much love xxx

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    1. Yes, all seems very good at the moment Ayak, and I am enjoying every second of it. I hope you are feeling better.....I am sure I will be reporting more on the 3 bears' house development....I think the kids will love it. Jx

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  13. Looks like a wonderful life, Janice! Your super photos brightened up yet another dull day here, though at least our trees have suddenly turned bright green. About time!

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    1. Glad to hear about the trees Nilly. It has been so depressing hasn't it. The weather isn't perfect south of France spring/ early summer yet, but it will come ! and I am not complaining about it as it is...bright,sunny and a good few degrees warmer than Hebden Bridge. Jx

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  14. Great to read this...so happy for both of you.

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    1. All is good.... enjoying each moment of every day....as I know you do Jx

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  15. Your post sounds just the ticket, dipping in and out as you see fit, so glad you are feeling better and enjoying your beautiful house. Looks like you might have had a nice showing of iris too. The three bears house sounds such fun, I'm sure the children will have a wonderful time

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    1. You are right about the wild irises...they are just about at an end now, but they have been spectacular. Thanks for your good wishes...all is good ! J.

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  16. What a joy to read your post Janice (I am just catching up after a few days away). You look so well and happy and I wish you the very best time for the next few weeks. A three bears house is just so charming, and will thrill the little visitors. Happy Days xxxx

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    1. Thanks Patricia, it certainly feels good to be away from all those hospital appointments at last. Caunes is a beautiful little town, and we feel very lucky to have found such a lovely house to make our French home here. Jx

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  17. You look great, Janice, and it good to hear of your growing strength and how all has faired in Caunes in your prolonged absence. It must be so gratifying to have the winter and all it brought behind you and to now have the joy of taking care of the three bears! Looks like a fun project and the boys will love it. I've never seen a hoopoe, but, would like to one day and love the irises. I am especially interested in your raised beds, Janice. Is that wattle fencing around them? Around here, raised beds are usually just boards of wood. I love the look of the fencing you have.

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    1. The hoopoe was a treat for us too...although they are reasonably common here at this time of year. We saw one last year, and I once saw one in Egypt ! However, I've never seen one as close up as this, and the fact that it just sat there for minutes, while we focussed the camera...was wonderful. The raised beds are just willow ( I think), sold in most garden centres here and in England...usually a metre square, consisting of the willow sides and a porous fabric container for soil, so can be used in places where the soil quality is poor. Although our garden is full of fabulous plants, the soil is poor quality.....good for growing olive trees, almond trees, fig trees, aloe vera, prickly pears....and at this time of year, wild irises and other shallow rooted wild flowers. I had good results from my raised beds last year here, so am hoping for the same this year. Thanks for your good wishes. Jx

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    2. Thanks, Janice.
      Just when I think I know all about birds, such a beauty as this hoopoe shows up. It was nice of him to pose so nicely.
      I love the look of the willow. It has an English countryside look, which always appeals to me, and makes it so useful, then, for areas where the soil is not conducive to vegetable gardening.

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  18. A very delightful and happy post.....I'm happy for the both of you. Glad all is going well. Your place is absolutely beautiful....can hardly wait to see the pics when the garden is finished with the new terrace.
    Wishing you a fabulous summer....and some great wines.
    erica xx

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  19. Thanks Erica. I am really enjoying being back here....grandchildren ( 2 of them, anyway) arrive tomorrow...so the peace and quiet will be over for a week...but I cant wait to see them. Jx

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  20. It looks absolutely wonderful. I do hope you are enjoying things there. I have just got back from the Camargue, which is not a long way from you, and will post about it soon. It's clear, though, that the weather is still drier down there with you than it is here in the Tarn-et-Garonne - which is pretty far south.

    I love your fantastic shot of the hoopoe - we have one that hangs onto the window frame.

    Enjoy your rosé - you deserve absolutely every drop!

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    1. The weather has certainly been strange...we've just had a whole week of grey skies and quite a bit of rain....it's also been cold ! However, as we all know people will be moaning about the heat soon, I refuse to complain. The hoopoe was a real treat...hope to see more . Thanks for your good wishes. Jx

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  21. What a delight, I am so happy for you, definitely a healing place to be.
    I went to see 'The Great Gatsby' this week. It has had such poor reviews that I wasn't expecting much and as a result was pleasantly surprised. I thought that all the main characters were well cast and the film stayed faithful to the book, apart from placing 'Nick' in a sanatorium. I didn't mind that as it was a link with Fitzgerald's condition. Loved some of the clothes and hairstyles!

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    1. I'm so glad to hear someone else who thought it true to the book ( more or less )...I was starting to think I must have forgotten the book so much that I just enjoyed it as a stand alone film...but I re read it a couple of days later, and now think the film was even better....it's as if BL took some pages of the book for all the stage directions. I also loved the use of modern music, and like you, loved the clothes and hairstyles. Jx

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