Home Again

After ten lovely days of England and France, it was time to go home.  It seems that once we start to pack to leave, we just can't get home fast enough. The boys hunted Roe Deer while my dear friend and I toured, ate, shopped, people watched and generally had an amazing time.  The girls did a whirlwind three and a half day trip through Paris.  We saw everything that Rick Steves says to see in seven days.  French perfume, baby clothes, chocolate and lace were all purchased. A two foot Eiffel Tower was stuffed into my suitcase, at the glee of everyone who wasn't trying to carry it for me. We ate crepes, macaroons, and meringues. We walked from 8am until 11pm, in sandals! A trip that I will always remember.

One of the reasons we need to hurry home.  Precious Grandbaby had a friend vist her in the garden. We missed the garden party but loved the pictures.  Precious Grandbaby received so many darling French outfits.  She wore her new berret to church on Sunday and just looked stunning.

I am just starting to recover from a terrible case of jetlag.  As I come out of my four day fog, I start to dream of a trip to Scotland........

Rodin's "Thinker"

Going to see the home where Rodin lived and walking through
his gardens was really amazing.  The gardens are basically the same today as they were when he lived there.  I walked through the house, beautiful windows and hardwood floors, trying to imagine what live was like living there. Huge french doors open to the formal gardens.  I could stand there and breath in the feeling for a very long time. This man born in 1840, had such incredible talent. It wasn't until he turned 40 that he set out upon a career as a sculptor.  Pretty wonderful story.

Paris

We returned from our trip to England and France last night.  Never did I think that I would be able
to see Paris.  What an amazing city.  Of course, you hear people say that all of the time, but it really is just amazing. We were in the city for about three and a half days and managed to do everything that Rick Steves says to do in seven. It is hard to balance seeing everything on your list and really experiencing the city.  We took time to sit and watch the people. The Parisian women are truly beautiful.  They have something about them, an air of confidence, maybe. After a nap, there will be more.......

An Old Tree

I'm not sure how long this tree has been on our property.  For the last three years it has been in bad condition.  The tree specialist came out two days ago and said it had served its purpose.  So, this morning the crew will come out and remove it.  After a moment of pause, I thought about the gardens in Italy where picnic tables sit under trees instead of umbrellas.  Right after this thought came the inevitable thought of putting power in over on the west side of the garden room so we can string lights from the two trees on either side and have a table sitting there just waiting for the day that I do sit down. Oh the possibilities.......

Land That I Love

The 4th of July is always a very fun day for us.  This year we hosted a small group of our dear friends to join us in the celebration of our great country.  Hot dogs, hamburger, ribs, corn, pasta salad, fruit salad, strawberry shortcake were on the menu.  I pulled out everything red, white and blue that I own.  There was more than I thought! Baby enjoyed her first firework display.  No tears or fears, but thrilled to see the show.