Even though I know today is Halloween, I wanted to sneak my International Overalls 2017 plug in here today before we actually hit November 1st. I do my best to live life in my overalls. I have enjoyed every minute of it, and have met some truly amazing and wonderful people in the process!
I haven't decided if there will be a party here at the Chatette that weekend or not, but in the meantime I will be sharing one overalls photograph a day attached to my post.
I've done this once before and had a lot of fun with it. NOW, there are even MORE overalls photos to share.
So, Happy Halloween and get ready for more overalls fun during the month of November all the way up and through International Overalls Weekend on November 17-19, 2017.
Somehow in the midst of it all, I almost missed International Cat Day. I may be under the wire for the states here, but I couldn't let it escape me without honoring and showing-off my wonderful Sammie Cat.
She's my girl. She's been with me since 2003, and next year she will be 15 years old.
I realized the other day, that that little furry package holds memories and events of fifteen years of my life too.
When I hold her, or she snuggles close (very close as is her preference), it's like holding my own life in my hands.
We've been through a lot together, she and I. I've learned that at this stage of both of our getting on in years lives, that it needs to be just Sammie Cat and I until it can't be Sammie Cat and I anymore.
Catching the dawn of a new fresh day over the Lot River is always a treat for me. Of course, they are never the same.
Thursday morning was particularly beautiful this week.
Between the color and the reflections in the river, I don't know which I loved more.
We are truly embraced in this valley...crescents, circles, coming back around. How wonderful to be able to live in a place where you start every day with a hug!
Mother Nature waved her brush stroke quite creatively at the streetside entrance to the tunnel this fall. It is the base of my t-shaped tunnel and opens to the Lot River.
Earlier this season, we were taking bets on whether this interesting dangler was actually going to change colors.
Et, voila! There you have it!
It is almost to the tiny tip touching the floor of the tunnel.
The colors are unusual. That almost aubergine and green remind me of the grape and lime suckers from when we were kids! The shot on the right here with the sun shining through the color, reminds me of a design on a bowl my Mom used to have.
Ah, Memories!
Now, I have a whole new dilema...do I pull this down or just let all of it do its thing naturally. I think I'm going to let this one go. I've decided that I will remove any growth on the walls of the tunnel, but the ivy and other ground cover are making a beautiful carpet on this part of the floor of the tunnel at the moment.
Easing in to another weekend of wood and grass cutting, it's nice to have a relaxing visual to carry me to the conclusion of these tasks. The end result is reward enough, but who wouldn't enjoy this view when you're taking a break from time to time?
I often walk out to the road and take a peek.
I sit on the wall and look back into the drive to enjoy my progress.
Sometimes, I have visitors.
Finding the fishermen is a treat!
I imagine lolling on the river with them while they fish.
I wonder if they can see me sneakng into their lives. I realize that from there, they are unable to see the same color, beauty and reflection that grabs me and holds me in place on the road.
Ah, perspective!
Wishing you a lazy Friday that carries you in to a weekend of finding pleasure petit a petit!
Pondering my day as I looked out the window yesterday, I'd decided to head in to Cajarc on my bike. I had some stuff to mail to Dad and a few other odds and ends to take care of in town, but nothing urgent. Good Thing! What a luxury!
Monsieur Rhodes called to say he'd be on his way with the 3 remaining staires of wood that I had ordered. I was pleased because I still needed to pay him and those stashed euros were beginning to be tempting.
Shortly after he left, Sabrina passed and tooted in her little yellow POSTE car while I was out perusing the newest pile. I ran to the front and she had a "colis" for me to sign for from Kat, which is always a treat.
While I was in the middle of opening my goodie box, there was a knock at the front door.
I looked out the window: Jane!
So, we had a coffee-dipped into my chocolates from Kat-scheduled our pizza/piano party with the other Jollys who are down from Paris for Touissant-and, talked calendar strategies. As Jane said: ah, a care package from home! It was really fun to be able to enjoy it together.
By then it was noon. The wood was out in the garden calling my name. It really does say: Laury, we are here, we are here! So, Cajarc and grass cutting have been saved for another day.
Sam hung out with me as I got organized, but pretty soon she retired to her spot in the upstairs window to enjoy her spot in the sunshine!
It was just me and my wood once more.
Yes, I am here!
What a luxury to be able to live life as it unfolds before your eyes!
What do you do when you're working hard and your rather aged rake breaks right in half? I don't know about you, but I adjust and keep working.BUT, I was also able to turn this equipment failure in to a beautiful photo opportunity.
There just happened to be this beautiful snail hanging on a long dangling vine right in front of my eyes.
As much as I've talked about pumpkins, Halloween and still life madness; I haven't really written or shared much here. I was really happy I captured them with the red like I did, but I have been "weening" even more than that!
These guys are all so pretty. I've learned that even before I carve them, I need to have some photo fun.
Pairing them with Flowers by Jane was perfection!
This year I have four. The two biggies were presents from Annemarie and Gerard, while the two tiny guys were scooped up at one of the Wednesday morning markets in Cajarc.
They looked pretty cute and festive making their way home in the basket of my bike with the two tiny tea roses I bought to hang with the begonia in the atrium!
Carving is next up on my list.
I usually carve, light them, and sprinkle them around the Chatette and the property to enjoy them and get a few photos.
Then, I've been known to give one or two away to the kiddos around.
Just last weekend, I was reveling in the red that had finally burst brightly forward to frame the window. I was doing my usual, running around with wine glasses and seasonal/regional items for photos.
Good thing! When Evelyn arrived to pick Lucie up on Wednesday evening, every leaf was gone!
Glad I got busy when I did!
This
Quickly turned in to this.
And by the time I got around to cleaning and pruning yesterday morning, the front of the Chatette was clear again. Oh, there's more to do.
And, we still have a few mysteries to ponder in the tunnel.
Believe me, after our speedy departure of red on the window I'm keeping an eye out!
Every red leaf was on the front porch or running down the staircase.
But, they were pretty there too!
It seems we need to couple patience WITH paying attention!