Lush

We are now in full preparation mode for the oncoming season. We have surprisingly good bookings, having listened to the doom & gloom on the radio about the financial climate. So we are very pleased about that.

After having had the most enormous quantity of rain, all the vegetation is looking really lush & green. We seem to be winning against the rabbits as far as the lawn is concerned & helped by the 'English' spring weather. Luckily it has gone back to it's normal rhythm. Here are a few photos of the wonderful flora we have here. 

The Wonders of Spring

Here are the Grape Hyacinths, which are the first meadow flowers to show their heads. 

 

                       The Apricot blossom bravely showing it's beauty against the clear blue sky.

The most impressive for me is the Daffodil Wood, I had never seen them wild until we moved here.

 Every Spring it is like the first time.

At last, after a very hard winter, it is suddenly spring. 

It seems that one day it is winter & the next the first Swallow appears , then the Hoopoe & now the Cuckoo.

 All the flowers have kicked into action, what a delight !

  Here are a few photos of the flora we enjoy.

Freeze over, at last

Well that was a bit of a shock to have such arctic temperatures. Most people were house bound for about 2 weeks, maybe not stuck in the house but without transport due to treacherous driving conditions. A time to appreciate good neighbours to discuss the last time it was this cold & for how long. Although it was cold in 1985, it was nothing compared to 1956 when even the walnut trees split with the incredibly low temperatures. Ah oui !!! The main roads were fine down in the valley, but getting to them was a bit of an effort. Anyway it's over now &, I'm not sure if it's the relief of the cold having gone or just optimism on my part, but I would say that spring is in the air. The sun is so bright & clear this morning. The brave orchids have thrown open their leaves to store us some solar-energy ready to burst open their blooms in the coming months. The grape hyacinths are the first to come, so I shall wait eagerly for the first signs. The swallows will be here in just over a month, usually about 24th March. How easily spirits are raised....

2012

Wishing all past & future guests a

 Very Happy & Healthy 2012.

 Best wishes from Steve & Tessa.