Jungle Beauties….

Amazing feats of nature…reds and yellows…lobster claws…

Even hairy think monkeys in the jungle…or baby parrots. Weird but true.

We are so gifted in the tropics…or sub tropics.

Such refined delicacies of color and shape.

Heliconia. Perfect.

We continue to rip apart our yard. Edit. Change.

...But thankfully find such gifts.

Happily thriving.

who knew?

find more hidden secrets at Hooked on Houses...Fun!

Life In The Slow Lane

D IS FOR ?



DONKEYS !

We came across this delightful duo last week, when we were dallying along the main thoroughfare of the little town of Huelgoat. We were most curious to see who might be using this alternative mode of transport but sadly there was no sign of their human companions.

Do dip into ABC Wednesday where you will find more debate, discussion and digital imagery all about the letter D.

Farmers Market…on the river… Join me.

Small town…simple market.

Fort Pierce has been holding an ever-growing Saturday market for the past 10 years.

Fresh tropical fruit

Live music

what else does a person need? really.

Amazing bread and pastries (thank you Mr. Bread!)

Cooling your heels at the waters edge.

Why not?

It’s hot!

Limes of course.

Coconuts cradling orchids

who knew?

Handmade soaps…

….And more

call them…they’ll give you a deal!

A growing town

And Po’ man’s plants...

our yard is full of his benevolent wonder.

Support your local folk…

They’ll love ya’ for it.

Peace.

The Most Serious Matter Of Holiday Reading

Well here we are safely back home. After a day of frantic activity unpacking, washing, shopping, inspecting the garden and lottie visiting I am ready for a rest ! Time perhaps to unwind with a glass of wine and a read. My favourite part of holiday preparations is choosing which books to take with me. I generally do not read as much in the summer months when outdoors is calling but holidays are different. This major decision takes me longer than deciding which clothes to take. This year's selection went down very well. My only regret as usual was that I did not take another couple of books as I finished them with time to spare.

This year I took the delightfully titled "The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, "The Behaviour of Moths" by Poppy Adams and "The Lady Elizabeth" by historian Alison Weir. The latter seems to have been swallowed up somewhere in the vast recesses of the camper van. Hopefully it will resurface sometime along with a jar of chestnut honey that we bought on our travels. My gardening book was a re-read of Elspeth Thompson's "The Urban Gardener". I probably enjoyed this more than I did first time around, as I can now relate to some of the author's experiences of the joys and pitfalls of having an allotment. With possibly another break later in the year I am intrigued to know what other folk are reading this summer and might recommend.

Beautifully unadorned….

Come to Portugal.

In the country…

between the sand and the water …to a simple white washed fisherman’s hut.

Hand-thatched roof...like a shaggy cut 7 year old's bangs...Pallet board patios.

Fringed in Pine trees.

awww. Come join me. Won't cost you a dime

promise.

A thatch roof shelters the outdoor dining room from the sun

who needs much else?

Chinese paper lanterns illuminate

a simple, intimate room

unadorned.

it's what's for dinner.

Peruvian cloth covered pillows.

Yarn wound sticks.

Paintings, beautiful in their lonesomeness

…it pulls you in

. The kitchen is useful.

Punctuated by colorful enamelware plates and old tins.

it’s happy in it’s simplicity

happy happy joy joy

At the end of the terrace a true outdoor room... surrounded in mosquito netting.

Allowing you to sleep in the open air.

surrounded by fresh…wild.

whoa!

I dunno.

I’m lovin’ the whole vibe.

You?

images: Marie-claire maison

Blogging From Brittany

C IS FOR ?



CHATEAU !

Keeping with a French theme the above photo shows the three towers of the Château de Rohan, in the lovely little town of Josselin in Brittany.

I have been devouring delicious crêpes and crevettes - mmmmmmmmmmmmm - but alas have no photos to illustrate :)

You can find more creative posts on the letter C at ABC Wednesday hosted by Denise Nesbitt. I am greatly enjoying my holiday but am looking forward to getting my hands dirty again very soon. Au revoir !

Don’t you just love a good pothead?

I love this…It stands over 5 feet high

Saw it in Stuart FL at

Tropical Ranch Botanical Garden

along with this guy

And this phenomenon of nature …do you ever really look at something you

see everyday…and all of the sudden REALLY see it?

Purple Passion flower

Divine!