A tour of vineyards. Chateau de Quincay, Meusnes,Chinon, view across the vines, and old vines. We hade a great two days driving round the Touraine and Loire Valley regions, visiting seven vineyards. Day one we went to Domain la Plaisir, Gibault and Chateau de Quincay(all near or in Meusnes)The second day we went to two producers at Vouvray,and one each at St. Nicolas de Borgueil (where they had won an award for the 'best newcomer' with their blended red named after their son) and La Riviere, Chinon.Our cellar is extremely well stocked!

Valencay evening market

 
 
 
These are all characters who I saw at the evening market in Valencay. There was a wonderful atmosphere. People eating and drinking, chatting and browsing and all accompanied by the swinging music from the band.

My new toy!

 
 
The old mower finally gave up. It's been hit and miss as to whether it would start and complete the grass for the last few months.So today it became SCRAP! Our local mower/motorcycle repair man delivered it and made sure it was the right height for me and off I went. It's very good and the grass looks brilliant!

Insects

 
 
Bees and butterflies in our garden.The bees love the Magnolia flowers. Some are still in tight buds so the bees are waiting for them to open.every year I think the Magnolia tree has died because all the leaves turn brown round about June time. But maybe that's normal? Because afterwards it produces such beautiful flowers.

St. Aignan

 

 

 

I decided to publish these photos in black and white because it was a light grey sky. The buildings look much better this way. St. Aignan is a beautiful town on the Cher. and one of our favourite restaurants , Le Crepiot, is there.

Veuil, village of flowers

 
 
 

Character studies

 
 
 
I took these photos at the car boot sale at Veuil. I was particularly happy to find a French man wearing a beret!

Local village workers

 

 

 

 

The butcher, the bakery, the bar and the Mairie. All play a vital role in the running of our village.

Interesting characters

 
 
Every day these two men walk to the bakery for their baguettes and croissants etc.Then they have a rest, a chat and a drink at the bar. I am guessing that their combined ages are about 180!

Rear views!

 
 
 
 
I thought this elderly couple were fascinating and I took quite few photos of them. The Gendarme looks like he was popping into the bar for a drink. The man walking along the street looks so calm.

Valencay Tuesday market

 
 
 
 
Every Tuesday morning there is a lively market at Valencay. There many different things for sale, fresh ,local produce,clothes, pots and pans to name but a few.

MAISON DES REVES - A stroll in the French countryside

Out and about

 
 
 

Maison des Reves

MDR Youi Tube_3.wmv

After the storm

 
 
 
We had a lot of dramatic thunder and lightening storms during the night. There was an interesting sky this morning, but still the sunflowers live in hope!