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All New French Connection!!!
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Message 1.Â
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 15th April 2009
Morning Everyone
Ca Va ?
I lost the last thread and as I recall it was getting really hefty - over 1,500 postings.
For lurkers - this thread is for anyone living/ interested in all things French or simply for anyone else who enjoys a chat on any given subject that meets the rules of ML !!! ( food/gardens/wildlife/pets/TV,crop up a fair bit!!)
Well April for me has been v v busy with peeps and today is supper out with Mr F's sister and her chap for Mr F's birthday celebration before they head back to Blighty tomorrow. Saturday is his actual birthday and as bluddy usual he does not know what he wants.
The colours in the garden are looking lovely and I am taking pic's today. Mr F brought me a pressie for his birthday!! of three hazel towers for my sweet pea's, black eyed suzies and the other orange climber who's name escapes me.
The chooks are laying for France, the dog is herding the tractor or even my wheel barrow and Mr F is home for the next couple of weeks - yippee !!
I hope everyone is well and had a lovely Easter.
I am guessing Fureys is on route to house hunting so Ali if you hear from him wish him luck from me.
Best wishes everyone
Flakes xxx -
Message 2
Posted by Ali-cat (U8666386) on Wednesday, 15th April 2009
Alors Flakey, wondered where you'd got to.
Dull today, but with the promise of sun later, and improving towards the end of the week. My best mate is coming on Friday for a few days so I'm looking forward to that very much. Some wine, some chat, visit a few porcelaine outlets, etc etc.
I really must get out there and thin the beetroot, carrot, parsnips etc. that I planted on 11 March. The seeds have sprouted beautifully. Still waiting for my flower seeds to come up though.
I have been cleaning this week, so much so that I was aching all over the other day, so today will be shopping at L**derprice (we've a good one here in St Junien), and then making a cake and ironing, both at once. Hmm, I think that Nigella's damp lemon and almond cake is called for today, as I've loads of eggs and it takes six.
Do you sell your eggs Flakes? We buy about 9 or so a week from a lady whose chickens just don't know when to stop, and she's been giving them away to relatives until she was persuaded by my friend that she really ought to sell 'em. Anyway, we had scrambled eggs yesterday morning, and the yolks were an amazing colour, a lovely deep golden yellow. Yum.
Now, I like the idea of Mr F buying you a pressie for his birthday. I shall run this one past OH and see what he says...
Meanwhile, off shopping now.
xx
Ali -
Message 3
Posted by Fureys (U7828610) on Wednesday, 15th April 2009
Hi Flakes and Ali!
Did you get my last message Flakes, I have been in touch with Keri about email addresses, but I guess you have been a bit hors de combat with migraine, hope you are better hon! Anyway, I've got Ali's phone number and will give her a call when we are in the SW, for a quick chat.
Getting ready for everything now, clients told that I will be away for 14 days, B&B booked in small places along the way, car serviced and new tyres on. All I need to do now is iron my Bomber Command Commemorial T shirt which I always wear when driving through Chermany. Just in case the Huns get uppity and start making nuisances of themselves, like asking me to pay for the petrol (brazen cheek! they'll be wanting 2 square meals a day next).
Saturday we set off at about 4 am to drive through Denmark and get the ferry to Chermany. The aim is to hit (!) Hamburg before the saturday morning rush hour, otherwise that can be a hellish bottleneck. Then we have all bluddy day to get down to Metz (bienvenue en France, huzzah, huzzah!) Where we check in at a good Ibis for the night. After that, it's headlong down to Mansle, halfway between Poitiers and Angouleme, where the h'hunting begins...
I'll drop in before we go, but as I'm sure you all realise, it's a bit hectic at the moment.
Flakes, Ali, wot d'you want from Trollsville?
Bisous
Fureys -
Message 4
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Wednesday, 15th April 2009
Found you!
We're having lots of weather, hope it all calms down before Fureys hits France.
I really hope you find the house of your dreams -and your budget, Fureys. Don't forget the camera. -
Message 5
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 15th April 2009
off out now, I have missed you all
Flakes xx -
Message 6
Posted by annarina (U4017189) on Wednesday, 15th April 2009
ça va! Hadn't found this site before - was just thinking how daft not to have it in French. . . then realised we're not allowed. Sob. . .
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Message 7
Posted by Ali-cat (U8666386) on Wednesday, 15th April 2009
Hi All
Fureys: I have a major chum coming on Friday until Wednesday, but please ring anytime after that, no probs. You sound to be very organised in a military sort of way, in fact it sounds more like a Sortie than a recce for a maison. Alors, bonne chance mon amie.
Don't forget to try the hotel in Mansle, the one by the river, lunch there is good, or it was a couple of years ago. Fingers crossed.
Flakes; Just been out to thin the carrots, parsnips and beetroot. Must sow more seeds now. Last year I just didn't keep up the repetitive sowing of seeds, and therefore the crops were spasmodic. Radishes are coming on though, like radishes do, and the lettuce is looking good.
Off to have second glass of wine now.
Cheers, me dears.
xx
Ali -
Message 8
Posted by Fureys (U7828610) on Thursday, 16th April 2009
Bonjour Annarina and welcome to the madhouse!
Where are you in France? Or maybe you're like me just about to start moving there? Anyway, you can just get away with the odd Frenchie when the mods are watching the football, so Saturday afternoon is always a good time to slip them a micky, and you are always allowed to use a French phrase provided you give a faithful (well, would you believe?)translation into English. When she comes down out of her Chateau in the wine district, La Reine Astride (a professional translator) is always good to help out, but I bet you're good at it anyway. You know what the motto of all translators is: 'Traduttore traditori' (italian for Translators Traitors)
Bisous for now
Fureys -
Message 9
Posted by Mylovelyhorse (U7473297) on Thursday, 16th April 2009
Hello all! Just thought I'd make an appearance on the new fred too - to show that even if I'm not posting regularly, I do read what's said...
Still working everso everso slowly at making the move to France. Will get there one day. But for now I'm keeping busy with my OU French course.
A bientôt,
MLH x -
Message 10
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Thursday, 16th April 2009
Hi All
Something very strange happening, every time I log in, it shows three postings for the froggy thread and last posting 16 mins ago. This is clearly not right - is it me ?
I am feeling some what jaded today, after dinner in la Chatre we headed back to the barn at chez Flakey and well stayed there until around 3.30am - singing ..................... dear me
Serious showers here and the guests let Claude the cat out who is now crying under the deck out of my reach, at one point I was laying in a puddle covered in mud trying to coax the boy out, not happening. Back to cooking supper and general recovery with hoards of veggies.
Ali - your potager is really coming on. Mine is ready for action but a bit empty well I say a bit empty ....
Bonne soiree one and all and welcome to new posters.
Flakes xxx -
Message 11
Posted by Belle au bois dormant (U9706573) on Thursday, 16th April 2009
Oh I wish the sun would make up its mind. Outside earlier and thought I would expire in the heat for about 35 minutes - then it thundered and rained and got cold - well, that's spring for you I suppose, so shouldn't complain. But - we also had a little mini tornado which was very exciting for a few minutes.
Flakes - you sound as though you have been having a good time!
Guess what? My spuds are coming up!! -
Message 12
Posted by Belle au bois dormant (U9706573) on Thursday, 16th April 2009
Also, I have found a moth - It is the biggest moth I have ever seen. It's about 3 or 4 inches across and has a big spooky painted eye on each wing tip. It is quite beautiful - looks as though it's applied eyemake up to go out for the night. I going to google it.
-
Message 13
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Thursday, 16th April 2009
Still horribly haily here although there's snow a bit higher up which would be worse.
Managed to do a bit of pricking out between showers. The first tulips are out at last.
I won't start my veg until later, it takes off quickly once it gets warmer and the greenhouse is already full of seedlings and baby plants.
Did you get a pic of your moth, nancy? -
Message 14
Posted by Belle au bois dormant (U9706573) on Thursday, 16th April 2009
Hi toonia,
No, I didn't get a picture of the moth in time, unfortunately. I have looked it up and I think it might be an emperor moth because of the 'eyes' - however, it's not quite like the photo on the web-site, my one being larger, more 'stridently' marked and I don't think it had any greyish marks.
Anyway - insect excitment over.
Love the thought of looking up into the higher hills and seeing snow, Toonia - or knowing it's there. We have a very different climate to you, being lower and in the atlantic zone.
Although there are hills here, the highest point is in the forest a mile or two away and it's something like 110 metres (so not wow! then). We are 85 -90 metres here. Not hemmed in at all though, there is good all-round panoramic really. But I love going to the top of our field and imagining that I really can see for miles - but of course I can't really and what seems to be a very interesting hillock of trees on the horizon turned out to be the park of the chateau which is about half an mile away! -
Message 15
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Thursday, 16th April 2009
Hills? We have real mountains, doncherknow?
It's better seeing snow in the distance than on your daffs, it did look lovely this morning with the sun on it.
We're at 900m so look down on everyone! Happily our volcanoes are all sleeping and our earthquake risk is "faible".
I can really see for miles here, when we're not in the clouds. Sometimes we are above them and can gloat a bit about the poor valley dwellers!
Do you get the Humming bird hawk moths? They're my favourite!
-
Message 16
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Thursday, 16th April 2009
Ok Mr F has sorted the 'pooter - it was not " "refreshing"
I have to wade into the moth chat, we have every year a big mushroom coloured moth with some markings and he/she is huge about 6 inches across and the babies are sort of fluffy and stick to the walls- I have a piccy some where but since MR F cleared the semi poorly 'pooter gawd knows where it is.
Claude is still under the deck and crying - thank you guests for the fabby leaving present !!
Nancy I am so pleased your spuds are growing - I was sooooooo wrong. ( I am glad to say)
My daffs have gone and the tulips are getting bored with life - I feel quite sad when they go. The anemones are brilliant, they just go on and on..
Borat is on film four tonight, so I will try to avoid the eye lid show ( not hopeful)
Best wishes
Flakes x -
Message 17
Posted by annarina (U4017189) on Friday, 17th April 2009
re message 8:
Salut! Thanks for the welcome! Just a dream at the moment - but working on the language in preparation.. . . Whereabouts are you? Have you managed to really get into the French community? I don't want to end up in a fenced off 'little England', but am thinking of the Drôme. I'll remember about football afternoons!Annarina. -
Message 18
Posted by Fureys (U7828610) on Friday, 17th April 2009
Is it a lepidopterist?
I think your moth might be a Peacock Butterfly Toons (not sure) check it out on google.
Getting packed and early to bed tonight. Got to set the alarm for 3am to get on the road by 4 so that we can get across Denmark and catch an early ferry to Germany.
Flakes, don't overdo the partying...yet, wait till we get there!
Will try and leave a message later...
Bisous for now
Fureys -
Message 19
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Friday, 17th April 2009
t'was nancy's butterfly, Fureys, but no matter.
Bon voyage and good hunting! -
Message 20
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Friday, 17th April 2009
Hello Everyone
Fureys sweetie pie, I hope you and Mrs F have a wonderful time and of course productive. Please take pics, as I think Toons and I are dying to be nosey.
Take care
Flakes x -
Message 21
Posted by Fureys (U7828610) on Friday, 17th April 2009
Bonjour les copains/copines!
OK We're off tomorrow first light. Will be away for about 14 days, but you'all will be the first to know what happens... I really can't believe this is happening. In fact I had a strange 'reverse' nightmare a couple of nights ago. You know, the kind where you are trying to run away from some monsters but your feet are struggling through some treacly, gluey substance as the monsters get closer and closer behind you until you wake up in a lather... Well in this one I was doing the chasing, some poor thing in the dark in front of me was wimpering and wailing and I actually enjoyed the feeling of terrifying this thing and kept on chasing until I woke up with a smile. Now what do the trick cyclists on this board think of that?
A bientôt mes ami(e)s
Fureys -
Message 22
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Friday, 17th April 2009
Sorry Ali you asked me a question about the chook eggs ( bit fuzzy headed still!!) anyway I do not sell them. Mr F eats eggs like their going out of fashion ( he told me the new research on eggs is that its not bad to eat 3 million a week) the problem comes when he is not here. I usually give them to my chums or visitors get a few. MoMo also dumps some on me he has chooks coming out of his lugs. I do not like to say no, 'cause when my 4 layers go broody they tend to do it together.
While people were here, there was tortilla for breaky and baked eggs with epinard all round!!! I am now on top of the situation !!
Mr F's birthday breaky is smoked trout and eggs and viennoiserie with sparkly Saumur with OJ.
Claude the cat has recovered from his day and night out and is trying to look butch in front of Trevor. Gilly dog gave him a dirty look !!
I took a quick turn around the garden centre and broought some perennial plugs. I have lost four fair sized plants in this harsh winter ( hardy jobs at that) the wimpy jasmine I forgot to fleece in thriving - oh well.
Best wishes
Flakes x -
Message 23
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Friday, 17th April 2009
Fureys it was me !!!
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Message 24
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Friday, 17th April 2009
We found some English style bread in the supermarket. White sliced and soft. Had to be fried egg sandwiches for lunch that day, with brown sauce.
Yum. -
Message 25
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Friday, 17th April 2009
HP Toons ?
Flakes -
Message 26
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Friday, 17th April 2009
Oh yes!
The combo of melted butter, egginess and HP is a delight unknown and unappreciated by the French..especially when it's dripping down your chin.
On a different note, I've just picked a garnish of chives, parsley and chervil from the garden and the smell of that is making me drool! -
Message 27
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Friday, 17th April 2009
With you one hundred % Toons.
I also love snipped chives in an omlette ( a bit sloppy)made with french butter - Mmmmmmmmm and a slice of toe nail bread toasted.
Gosh I am not even hungry, just had a salad with prawns and then pasta with a lardons ( smoked) leek, garlic and marscarpone sauce. then a fresh pear.
Gilly asked me to send doggy woofs xx
Flakes xx -
Message 28
Posted by Fureys (U7828610) on Friday, 17th April 2009
I'll be getting withdrawal symptoms before long, I'm really gonna missya (especially harrying Flakes along dark corridors, followed by a bacon buttie with HP shared with Toons) and I've already... no that's enough, go back to reading about Jacqui and her virile husband.
Take care lovelies
Ali - dig the cool voice?
Bisousarama
Fureys
xxx -
Message 29
Posted by mrs-nostalgie (U3136537) on Saturday, 18th April 2009
Here you all are.
I got back from London & had done a lot of gardening & letter-writing & clearing up & visitors & stuff & tippy-toed back to ML. I decided Fureys must be house hunting & toons gardening & Flakes still prostrated or de-camped to Normandy with chooks in a basket....
So Fureys has left now - too late for me to also recommend the hotel in Mansle, and a B&B just W of the town on the river.
Hi annarina. Drôme is lovely. I am in 47, on the edge of Dordogneshire, which is nothing like the 'fenced off enclave' loved by the upmarket Sundays, that may have coloured your opinion. You will find British immigrants everywhere in France now, & most of them try hard to join their communities. Most are doggedly persevering with learning French, which is key to integrating. The others are easily avoided.
When we first came here, we found the local Anglo-French association invaluable. French bureaucracy is a minefield & the Association (ACFAA. There is a W/S) helped us with information about joining the Health system, Tax, vehicle registration, etc. Both French & British members run free language courses.
Rural France hibernates (I would strongly recommend you rent a cottage for a fortnight in January in your chose region before committing to moving,)so we found having the occasional hop or Quiz night or Loto to tempt us away from the woodburner a boon. It has provided us with a good network of French & English friends. French people locally have been lovely, welcoming, particularly our organic farmer neighbours, we have been for aperitifs & summer get togethers in gardens, but generally French social life takes place in the family. Getting involved with local events & organisations is welcomed, go & see your Maire & you'll be warmly welcomed.
So, unless you speak excellent French in the local accent & know an awful lot more about how France works than we first did, don't dismiss your local British population, they may be the very route in to the French community that you desire. -
Message 30
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Saturday, 18th April 2009
Excellent advice, Mrs N. Why reject a whole section of the population before you've met them?
Only managed an hour in the garden before the heavens opened yet again. The grass desperately needs cutting but it's too wet.
What did you get up to in London then? What did you eat/drink/buy? We should be told! -
Message 31
Posted by msannamaria (U13902323) on Saturday, 18th April 2009
Hello all,
Please could you tell me if Gilles is a french name and if so how do you pronounce it?
Kindest regards,
Ms AM -
Message 32
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Saturday, 18th April 2009
Coooooeee Dear Mrs N
So glad to hear your OK and as usual v v sound advice. After all bores are bores in any country, at least give people the chance to be interesting !!
MR f and I have been celebrating - home late again last night and nursing a headache - really should know better than to drink Gin.
I, like Toons, wanna know what you have been up to in Blighty and whether you inhaled a curry or three and full details of type etc !!
Back to my healthy salad and a third bottle of water
bonne soiree
Flakes xx -
Message 33
Posted by mrs-nostalgie (U3136537) on Sunday, 19th April 2009
Coooey backatcha!
Gilles = Jillays, with a soft shj, shjeelays praps. Male. Our Gilles provided us with fabulous terreau recently which will be the making of our potager this year & is the basis of the new above-courtyard garden which will be a mini version of Christopher Lloyd's exotic garden!
I'm forever an optimist....
What did you get up to in London then? What did you eat/drink/buy? We should be told!Â
I was pining for petite fille so went to stay with them for a few days before they moved so as to see niece's new baby. Ahhh.
We had a good takeaway the night I arrived although DS drove half way across S London to get it to the only place he feels is fit to be honoured by his custom. The SPEed people drive in London frightens, then they all jam on anchors just before each camera... AAaaarrgh.
Only got one shopping day when everyone was at work/nursery. I walked along King's Road, looked in Saatchi Gallery, had a coffee, window-shopped my way to Natural History Mus, went to an exhibition, (Darwin was full,
) got toob to Covent G & purchased items, mainly gifts as I was on Leprechaun airways with hand luggage only but managed some magpie trophies from Accessorize, had a pint & ploughman's in the pub there, smashing day but I were knackered (this is NOT a rude word, mods, it derives from sending worn horses to knacker's yard,) afterwards. -
Message 34
Posted by annarina (U4017189) on Sunday, 19th April 2009
re msg 29:
Thanks mrs-n - really useful advice, especially the winter try out bit. It's not that I don't want to meet any English people - I just want to avoid the groups that don't try to integrate and won't learn french. Maybe I'm thinking of the Costas. Being on my own complicates things a bit. -
Message 35
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Sunday, 19th April 2009
Hiya everyone
I am loving Christopher LLoyd but never get it right. He was so bold with his colours ...( think I am a bit Habitat about it!) Glad you had a good time.
Annarina Mr F and I also did the January holiday and it was 10 below, however I was so piddled off with work it seemed OK !! I have to admit when the spring comes I am mighty chuffed, even after 6 years I hanker for Blighty & chums. Of course in the Summer when we ( and more importantly our piscine gets appealing we are in undated with chums )
We plan to move further down towards Mrs N or further to get away from the rotten winters.
Its beautiful here today 21 degrees and sunshine.
Two of the chooks have gone broody, thinking of rigging a basket to my under used push bike and taken them for a ride. The air in there PP's is supposed to take the edge off ... anyone tried it ?
back to the garden
bonne apres midi
Flakes x -
Message 36
Posted by mrs-nostalgie (U3136537) on Sunday, 19th April 2009
Still get rotten Januarys in Dordogneshire, Flakes. Can get to -12 or worse at night. And to be honest I sometimes find summer too hot! Never mind, Pyrenees are nearby for a cooler escape. Bit of an extreme Continental climate but luckily rain from nearby Atlantic sometimes too. But you'd be very welcome!
Lovely day here too, downside= mari has been able to finish grouting the tiled bit of courtyard, so I have just spent 2 hours doing the scrubbing off bit.
Ooh, is it wine o'clock? I shall sit out with a glass & enjoy regaling Mari with the image of flakes taking chooks for a bike ride! -
Message 37
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Sunday, 19th April 2009
Oh yes, apéro time!
Won't be outside here as it's just stopped raining but is still very wet and cold.
I think we should all do our utmost to keep up the eccentric stereotype. Flakes will have to find miniature flying helmets and goggles for the chooks.
Cheers! -
Message 38
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Sunday, 19th April 2009
Just downed a v small glass of red afore the roast chook ( not the one with her own choogles) but an plein air jobber from the supermarche)
Edina was not having any of the "fancy a ride on my bike dear heart" I mentioned in passing while trying to get her off tomorrow's breakfast...
We are having minted new spuds, brocolli and tinned french petit pois - I really heart french pea's, a unique flavour ( I have converted chums to them who were sniffy to begin with)
I have done loads of gardening today, feel quite smug.. Toons sorry your weather is still rubbish.
Just going measure Edina for her pasmina to put around her shoulders while on her ride. ( she will get chilly other wise ......
Enough Flakey
Best wishes
Flakes xxx -
Message 39
Posted by Belle au bois dormant (U9706573) on Sunday, 19th April 2009
Weather here miserable! 11 deg this afternoon, but having looked at the weather - it's going to get better tomorrow and Tuesday.
Flakes: You're certainly having a week of socialities - and love hearing about your chooks. I would love to have some, my friend here has 'marrans' and they lay superbe dark brown eggs - but any chicken commitment will have to wait until next year though, as I'm having to go back to UK to work in September.
We have had some great lizards popping up out of the leaves to sun themselves. I took a fabulous bright green one away from the cat - (they're called European Lizards I think) and I managed to get a photo of it - now have to figure out how to send it in a link - nope...that's beyond my capabilities. Anyway, it was impressive.
Nightingales are singing so beautifully at the moment - love to hear it.
Am annoyed that the pasture land has all been ploughed up this week - apparently it has been pasture for many years with nothing added or taken away, except for cows. But now it's gone - right up to the edges and what were established hedges slashed to bits by a maniac cutter. There were many little birds nesting as well. Real shame. -
Message 40
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Monday, 20th April 2009
Morning All
I am very thrilled to say, we have our first hirondelles (sp) opened the cave door last week, just in case and saw them on rekky yesterday and now I am fairly sure they have moved in. They used to like the barn as well but alas we have nicked that retreat.
I can confirm that I have had to contact the funky knitting thread as Edina the chook refused her pashmina in lambs wool and insisted on cashmere for her bike ride. I have to say her choogles in bright pink set off her dappled complexion beautifully.
More gardening - the little green caterpilliars are attacking the saplings already so I am afraid I am going to have to spray them. Another season should see them butch enough to cope.
best wishes and have a lovley day
Flakes x
BTW Nancy if in doubt add a Euro to the beginning of all creatures, We have euro buzzards, euro rabbits ( skinnier looking) and euro red squirrels. I hope this helps !!! Gilly dog and I are off to offer a carrot to Mo Mo's ponies. ( poss euro) XX -
Message 41
Posted by chicken_hot_pot (U8480346) on Wednesday, 22nd April 2009
Bonjour all,
We've just spent 4 days in Normandy, it rained all Saturday, was so windy and cold Sunday and half and half Monday.
Yesterday was lovely, but we came home!
Good break all the same.
Cheers,
c_h_p. -
Message 42
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Wednesday, 22nd April 2009
Just bookmarking.
There I was wondering where you'd all got off to and worrying about Flakes having migraine...
Beautiful day here, the wysteria is coming out and it's just gorgeous.
Right, back to work, but I'll put a link to this thread at the end of the last one. -
Message 43
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 22nd April 2009
Bonjour ChP sorry it was raining for your trip. You should have come to dept 36 super sunny. 'course no la mer to admire.
Hi La R
How are you darling ?
my wisteria is out but my level of sneezes way up !! the rain forest is paying the price for my tissue useage !!! The drugs work a lot but keeping sunnies on at all times is great - looks silly at bed time !!!! The perfume from the wisteria is very strong.
Its appears that Edina the chook has not gone broody.. just laying for France and a bit lazy !!
No bike ride for the girly, shame just when her pashmina was finished.
My spring fleurs are coming to and end but I will put some pics up of them.
Ali if you lurk I hope you are having a good time with your chums.
Oh and Toons, I have done two hanging baskets ( first time ever) they are blue, orange and white and quite dangley. Well they will be...
Back to le jardin, the house looks like a squat, the garden however is pristine - who cares.
Bets wishes to everyone
Flakes xxx -
Message 44
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Wednesday, 22nd April 2009
It's the opposite here, it's been so wet the house is now tidier than the garden!
It is warming up though so I'll be off out there shortly.
My Wisteria is still in bud, still have lots of daffs out and most of the tulips but no blossom on the cherry tree.
Looking forward to seeing your photos, Flakes. I did an all blue hanging basket and an all pink one yesterday, can't wait to see them in flower now. That's eight down, at least four more to go. -
Message 45
Posted by laReine-Astrid (U10636638) on Wednesday, 22nd April 2009
Blimey, toons, my tulips and cherry trees are already over. Amazing, isn't it, these differences in climate?
Oh dear Flakes, I don't think our house would suit you. The wysteria is all around the balcony that the kitchen door opens on to. The perfume is indeed very strong, but we love it and neither of us suffer from pollen allergies. It got done from the frost last year, so we're delighted to see it out this year. It's something that I really look forward to every spring, it's so lovely.
Oh yes, and we have a nightingale at the bottom of the garden that has been singing non-stop for about three days. In fact, he's shut up this morning, the poor bird must be exhausted. They do this during the mating season. But when you go out in the evening and there's no sound other than this amazing birdsong - it's stunning.
Oh, I do love this time of year - except it's my busiest for work. Off I go again. Tarrraah. -
Message 46
Posted by Ali-cat (U8666386) on Wednesday, 22nd April 2009
Hi Toons, Flakes, LaRA and all
Our wisteria is nearly out, it's white (although my own preference is for the lovely pale misty blue, the colour of rain clouds). Also the tulips and daffs, and all other spring bulbs, have gone over now, but the bluebells (Spanish variety in garden) are flowering, and are heavily scented. In the lane at the back we have the lovely, what I call 'proper' bluebells, and they are so fragile and heavenly.
Do nightingales sing in the daytime? We went for a walk through the lanes the other day with our friend, and there was a bird singing which sounded just like a nightingale. That 'jug jug jug' sound, and the rippling sound. We couldn't see it though, it was in a really deep thicket of hazels.
Sadly, there was a dead hare in the lane. Not a mark on it (they are protected though). It hadn't been dead long, it's eyes weren't glazed over, and I don't think a dog had it because of it's unblemished fur. Poor love, it was magnificent, with long, long back legs and beautiful swept back ears. RIP hare.
Lovely visit from friend, and we took her to Bellegard today for her flight back. Scarily, it aborted takeoff at the end of the runway, and had to return for checks. Anyway, it took of 20 mins late but she got home on time. I feel sad now she's gone though, and miss her.
Right, off to finish watering. I've sown more carrots, beetroot, radish, etc. Also sprout seeds and broccoli seeds, and more flower seeds. Busy busy busy..
xxxx
Ali -
Message 47
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Wednesday, 22nd April 2009
I suppose hares do drop dead of natural causes sometime! We rarely see them because the scavengers get to them first.
We have a mole. We'd been doing really well up to now, but it may be the youngsters leaving home.
Some pics of today:
The state of the Wisteria, it will be blue:
[IMG]/IMG]
The famous red bed:
[IMG]/IMG]
Daffs still going strong:
[IMG]/IMG]
The centre of operations:
[IMG]/IMG] -
Message 48
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 22nd April 2009
Toons your pics are fabby doo.
I really heart your "operational base" I know I am in a lower league when I see that.
Mr Flakes is so into cutting grass to make it look "smooth" its quite scary. Gilly dog and her plastic toy, run and herd the sit on mower thing for hours at a time. She has to have her plastic carrot in her mouth for herding - bless.
My slightly unwell 'pooter will not take photo's but Mr F has promised to load 'im on his when he has finished fiddling with the 'burb lawn. He is rolling it now ...
RIP Mr Hare - hopefully he died in his sleep.
Flakes xx -
Message 49
Posted by Flakey (U13643566) on Wednesday, 22nd April 2009
La R
I agree everything feels alive and now the hirondelle ( again sp) have moved in I am content...
Flakes xx
Even the heavy use of tissues is worth seeing the wisteria etc. -
Message 50
Posted by toonia (U4760062) on Wednesday, 22nd April 2009
I HAD to have a greenhouse because of the climate, Flakes! It has turned out to be a money saver, plantwise, as I can keep things over winter which would perish outside and get everything off to a good start whilst waiting for planting out time.
I have heard and seen Black redstarts now, which are my first migrants. Still no swallows.
I've been sneezing because of the pollen and I don't get hay fever, there's a lot of it about. Have you tested the theory of eating locally produced honey? I can't remember it exactly but the bees collect the local pollen and the honey helps with immunity to hay fever somehow.
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