Thoughtful Gifts

I was reading a blog this morning about how hard it is to find that special present for someone, I think it would be so easy to go out and grab something random off the shelf and think oh that will do, but is not that easy, when I give a present I want it to be liked not chucked in a cupboard and given away after enough time has passed for the school raffle. I think we have all probably been guilty of that. I can think of lots of special things I would like to be given, smelly candles, chocs, lovely writing paper, I would even love a magazine subscription (hope he is reading this) I then thought about gifts people have given me and Bill (pictured above) sprang to mind. I had always liked him when I visited a friends holiday home here in Burgundy, but was told you couldn't buy one as he had been handmade by her uncle Bill. Oh well I thought maybe he who thinks he should be obeyed maybe able to make me one! When my friend sold her house she came to say goodbye and with her came Bill, she thought I would like himand as he loved being on holiday here in France then he should stay. I was over the moon as not only did I love the gift, it was personal to her and she thought of me. I have a lovely place already and waiting for Bill when the barn is finished and I will show him insitu when that happens.

What a Difference a Day Makes

The sun is shining, is this summer? I took the photos of the roses on Monday when the weather was absolutely baking. At last something that resembles a summers day, it has been very poor here in burgundy this summer, although most of my time has been inside this year with the renovation it is nice to look out and see a blue sky while I'm sweeping up my hundreth black sack of wood shavings etc. Well what a difference, to day I have woken to dark skies, pouring rain and a chilly nip in the air and the family wellies lined up yet again. Reading some of your blogs it seems that I am not alone in my four season week, all across england and europe everyone seems to be having similar problems. Oh well musn't complain I have been informed by he who thinks he must be obeyed that we are putting up the bathroom ceiling today so it will not matter what the weather does.

Things in common

I am going to fill these old enamel pots with flowers

just a few of the things I have collected since arriving in france

I have spent nearly all weekend browsing the many lovely blogs out there, I just didn't realise how many people took the time to share with others things that are important to them. I enjoyed looking at all the things you have found whilst rummaging around charity shops and antique fairs and it made me realise how much we all have in common. I too love a bargain, and nothing gives me more pleasure than coming across an old piece of china that I then convince myself I will find a use for. I also see that many of you love home magazines, my biggest indulgence I must admit that and books, sometimes never even read just looked at and loved all the same. I have included a few pics of things I have come across since moving to france and hopefully I will find many more in the future even if I run out of space.

My first blog

Today with a little bit of a struggle I have managed to create this blog, not being completly upto speed with the ways of the computer there may be teething troubles along the way. However I will do my best to keep you entertained with my stories of day to day life in rural France. I take all my inspiration from a fellow blogger who is totally au fait with all things in the blogging world. She runs a wonderful blog over at milesawayinfrance.co.uk, I log on everday and if for some reason she hasn't updated her site I am truly disappointed. Take a peek and let her know your thoughts.