I hear these hounds at feeding times. Wow! They make a lot of noise with their howling.Hunting with dogs is very popular in this region and these hunting dogs are highly trained. They are a type of Pointer.

Making hay 27 June

Our local farmer, Jacques, makes hay from near the pic-nic area at The Fouzon.

Local garden

 

These hollyhocks look so fresh, in comparison to the old, rusty sign for Super U.

Approaching Varennes sur Fouzon from the south

 

This is the approach to our village from Valencay.26-06-10

Varennes sur Fouzon Church 26 Jun 2010

 

I thought it was about time that I put some photos of my village on my blog. So here's one I took this morning whilst out with Rhythm.

Varennes Church

 

These hollythocks looked striking in the early morning sun.

Valencay church

 

Drawbridge and 'milestone'

Chenonceau

This is one of the most famous châteaux in the Loire. We parked then walked for about 20 mins along a track on the South side of the river. This brought back many happy memories for me as we had campmed at Le Moulin Fort with out two sons about 14 years ago and had cycled this path together.

!5th Century Church

What a fantastic surprise. We followed the directions to this 15th Century church. Whilst looking at the gardens a lady came up to me so I asked her(in French) if I could photograph her garden.She answered me in perfect English! That was a surprise.She brought out the key and welcomed us in and then was so kind as to show us inside her house which adjoined the church. We felt very privileged to spend time with her and learn many interesting facts.

Château Montpoupon

I passed by this château a few years back and I don't recall it being open to the public then. It's a beautiful château in a very rural setting. The nearby restaurant seemed very popular as it was full to bursting!

Valencay church

I had driven past this church and admired it many times but today we stopped to go inside and take photos. we were not disappointed.

24th June. A baby sparrow flew into my house. It settled on the TV so I opened the door wide , hoping it would fly out. but instead it perched on some wine boxes that we have on top of our wardrobe.Eventually it flew upstairs, but as I was going out for the day I really wanted to make sure it got safely outside. so I had a decision to make; lock up leaving the house secure but endangering the bird's life or leave windows wide open thus hoping the little fellow would eventually fly out. I chose the 2nd option and I was so glad because when I returned home it had flown away;-)

butterfly in wheat

These little butterflies were all about but they moved so quickly. I just managed to photograph this one.

Rhythm often pauses and looks like a show dog!

Rhythm has a long pedigree but we've never shown her because she has always been a family pet.Our older son chose her for her looks(!), temperament and the fact that she sleeps a lot, which suited him perfectly!

Honey bee on rose

I adore roses. I have over 40 different varieties in my garden, many of them scented.I selected them to flower at different times so we have a magnificent display from April to October.Warm summer evenings with the scent of roses in the air, and a nice glass of Vouvray...perfect!

Bee hovering above poppy.

I was very happy to have this photo opportunity one morning.

Ripe cherries

The cherries were so plentiful and delicious this year.We had our tree trimmed early in the year and it seemed to produce even more fruit than usual.Some of my neighbours came round to pick and share.

Early (ish) morning. June 3rd

Early morning walks are very good for three reasons. It's good for me, my dog loves it and the light is good for photography.

Sunday 20th June

I think these old French sign posts are attractive. I'm going to take photos of as many as i can...just for the fun of it!

French toilet

This was a mobile toilet at a local car boot sale. It even had hand washing facilities!

Retirement Party

What a fantastic day! Most of our kind and generous French friends came to celebrate my early retirement with me.The weather was good and we all enjoyed ourselves. sports included boules, cherry stone spitting, football and rugby!I received some lovely gifts and I am truly grateful for all the good wishes.

Flowers in my garden.

 

 

My great friend, Rhythm the English Bull Terrier

Every day, rain or shine, we have the pleasure of taking a long walk. I always take my camera with me. This morning Rhythm decided to walk up the steps to our village church.

Deer at Château d'Argy

The deer were very inquisitive. They seemed to like being photographed.

Château d'Argy

We travelled via Pellevoisin to this beautiful old château. Although you can't go inside we spent a wonderful hour or so just walking around the grounds and taking photos.My favourite part was the Italian style cloisters.The lady there was very helpful and explained various things to us.

A visit to St. Nicholas et Bourgueil

June 16th. Today I drove my husband to Tours airport because he had to go back to the UK to work. After I decided to drive West from Tours to visit Bourgueil. I had a really good trip and found a vineyard with very friendly proprietors. I tasted their full range of wines and bought quite a few. Rose to drink this year and the reds to keep in our cellar.