We closed the shutters and locked the door to our little house, both feeling very dejected. This holiday had been wonderful for many reasons, even taking into consideration both of us being unwell. We both feel very connected to Montmorillon and our house there now definitely feels like our home. Thankfully, it’s only a few … Continue reading Last days…

The phrase famously attributed to Marie Antoinette appears to reflect the attitude of the current government, lead by the handsome, but unpopular, Monsieur Macron. A country built on a history of revolution, the French are renowned for fighting back when they are not happy with changes or rules made by those in power. Strikes (grèves) … Continue reading Let them eat cake…

Unlikely to surprise anyone is the importance of food to the French. Fresh food markets abound over here and even in the freezing winter months, they continue to draw the crowds. Patience is the key, as market stall holders don’t just hand over the required produce. No, they also offer advice as to how it … Continue reading les Repas…

I enjoy a bit of retail therapy from time to time, there’s no doubt, with shoes holding a particular fascination, but spending hours aimlessly ambling around a big, brightly lit and noisy shopping centre, trying to find the elusive something that I don’t even want or need, holds no appeal at all. Conversely though, I … Continue reading le Shopping..

For those who are old/mature/experienced enough to remember the musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, you’ll see what I just did there, but for the rest of you, you may need to refer to Monsieur Google.  The expression seemed apt, not only because of the recent Christmas celebrations, but also because I haven’t put pen to paper, … Continue reading What’s the buzz, tell me what’s happening….

We’ve realised New Zealand is very aptly named.  No, not a romantic notion, or a Mãori myth, there actually IS a long white cloud here, that nestles above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, between the Remarkable Mountains. It’s beautiful... I’m enamoured with the snow capped mountains here and, since we’re surrounded by them, what’s a girl … Continue reading Kia Ora from the Land of the Long, White Cloud…

Today my much loved, beautiful daughter married her long time love, Tim. It’s a milestone moment in any parents’ life and it was an absolutely fantastic day, on so many levels. I cried of course, that goes without saying, but they were very happy tears....  

Cleaning our little house before our departure was bitter sweet. On the one hand, it’s small, so didn’t take too long. On the other hand, we’d invested a lot of time making it comfortable, so we were not ready to close the door, turn the key and leave. We’d had a lovely, very social farewell, … Continue reading Last days in town..