An end....and a beginning....

We returned home from France on Friday to a distinct chill in the air...a definite feeling of autumn and an end to the carefree days of summer, children back at school...families back from holidays near and far getting organised for the new school year. I thought I would post a few holiday snaps - we based ourselves this time near Uzes, just over the border from Provence in the Gard departement. We stumbled across this beautiful little town last year when we were travelling in the area and wanted to become more familiar with it. We had a lovely week enjoying great food...






Interesting architecture - I'm just in love with French shutters....

Fabulous markets - the LAB is in serious trouble as I had picked out the perfect bag at this stall..he persuaded me that I didn't need to buy it there and then & maybe would find one I preferred later...needless to say I didn't find another I wanted to buy and we weren't there long enough for the bag seller to make another appearance!

Gorgeous & picturesque town squares with bubbling fountains...

And charming places to stay....

I'm not sure when we shall have the opportunity for another sojourn in the sun as tomorrow I begin a new venture...a three year commitment to a Bachelor of Science degree...am I completely crazy I ask myself? It all seems a bit 'other worldly' as I sit here on a lazy Sunday afternoon (don't think there will be too many of those for the forseeable future!) Anyway, I shall keep you posted - wish me luck & I hope to find the time to come over and catch up with all your news soon...not sure how much time I shall have so if you're wondering where I've gone, it's just to a comfy sofa with a pile of reading material! Whatever your plans for the autumn (or Spring if you're in the southern hemisphere) enjoy!.........s

A visit to Granny's house......

I thought I was exhausted when my GG returned to uni in Sydney...I thought I couldn't be any more tired - wrong! This week my son and daughter in law have been visiting with my two gorgeous grandchildren....I think I have forgotten just how exhausting small children are....early starts and full days...I am full of admiration for my D I L - she copes admirably with a very lively two and a half year old and extremely mobile ten month old...meanwhile, the LAB and I are barely managing to conceal our tiredness....our 'normal' lives are on hold whilst we marvel at the way these two devote themselves to their two gorgeous babies. Nothing we do in the course of a day seems remotely taxing in comparison....









Outings are a military operation complete with snacks, lunch, drinks, potties, clean clothes, clean shoes etc. A walk up the lane becomes an adventure...the smallest diversion in the day is a memory to be treasured and talked about for a long time....these small people are a constant reminder to stop, look and listen - life is all about the here and now - smell the roses and celebrate the everyday.
After a last walk to pick blackberries and feed ducks on the canal, we have waved them off wedged into the car between bags of nappies, travelling highchairs & travel cots.....having enjoyed their visit immensely but secretly thanking our lucky stars that we are off to France tomorrow a deux with no necessity to take along any other parapheranlia apart from our own clothes, shoes, reading materials and a camera......ah yes, the joys of (grand)motherhood........s

Surprises at West Wittering..

Dash - you were on the money & gilliecoco - well done, you spotted that we were at West Wittering on the West Sussex coast...on the southern side of Chichester Harbour. I grew up close by but strangely, don't recall going there! I know that as a small girl our family picnic'd regularly here but like many things in my 'pre Australia' life, I wasn't paying attention...








We nestled into the sandy dunes and watched yachts racing in the harbour with Spinnaker Tower glistening in the background and far reaching views beyond to the Isle of Wight...

As the afternoon became early evening, we made our way back along the sandy path to the car, marvelling at the diversity on this small island. When we moved here from Australia, I was determined not to take anything for granted and really look at my surroundings, appreciating the seasonal changes and history which oozes from every nook and cranny....something I don't think I ever did when I lived here before.

We wound up the day stopping at http://www.thefishhouse.co.uk/ for oysters and champagne...a perfect end to a perfect day........s

Birthday at the beach...

As it was my birthday on Monday, the LAB and I decided to make a weekend of it after the wedding celebrations. After a wonderful brunch cooked by my son and new daughter-in-law we headed for Uppark in the South Downs of West Sussex - more on that later. The day was glorious, even though autumn is waiting in the wings.... I was craving salty air and sand between my toes (basically our Sydney life!) Teaser for Thursday - at which exotic beach destination do you think I took this? (We didn't get on any planes & don't forget we live in England!)





White powdery sand, sun drenched beach grasses and bleached to pale gorgeousness beach huts.......answer tomorrow!..........s