Going, Going, Going, Gone

For the past few weeks, I've been hanging out a lot with this little guy . . . because his sweet little mama is struggling with morning, afternoon and evening sickness. He's becoming this permanent attachment to my hip. He helps me with morning chores and any thing else his little chubby hands can get in to. He's my joy and I melt now that he calls me "Nana."

Yup . . . God's so delightfully added to our family. Michael and I can't wait for grand baby # 7 to join the family.

I'm Gonna Shout It Out . . . .

. . . the first colored egg from one of our Aurcana hens. This photo has NOT been retouched, I mind you. I'm so excited I am beside myself with blue glee.

Children on the Farm

White Spray Paint . . .

. . . is all over my fingers tonight - mainly because of two things: the wind blows to much in the wrong direction (at me) and I probably spray paint things too quickly.

A few months ago, I took a little poll on Twitter to ask if I should go with white or black pieces in creating my new "Frenchy" looking garden. The vote was almost unanimous - white won the vote. I was leaning toward that clean "Frenchy" look anyway and the past two days I've been spraying my little heart out.

I can't wait to show you more. I think you'll like it.

The Last Few Weeks . . .

. . . have been quite full and I'd really intended to not have so many days blank on La Maison et le Jardin. However, as life would have it sometimes, other things take precedence - like family.

Our daughter, her husband and their three littles (not quite so little anymore) have spent the past two plus weeks with us here at the CRF (Cactus Road Farm). Today, they all return to the NW and I've told the littlest (she's five) that I was going to cry a river all the way from Arizona to Oregon.

I hate it when they leave. I always wish I'd done more, spent extra time looking into their little eyes and hearing more of what's in their little hearts wanting to capture all of who they are as they grow up so stinkn' fast. Do you feel that way too?

My Grandfather August, who immigrated from Germany on May 18, 1928, always said that America's greatest curse was the U-Haul. Every time one of our kids takes off, I think of that worthy quote.

In spite of feeling sad I know the gift of time we've had together has been wonderful. We've done what we do best - being family, loving each other, playing with the kids . . .

watching kids play . . .

going out on little individual grandkiddo dates, talking, sharing . . .

giving permission to take a few self portraits with my little Canon . . .

having the littles do some farm work . . .

taking time out for special pastries . . . .

heading down to Lux Coffee Bar where Miriam got stung by a bee. . .

swimming at the Sheraton . . . .

and lots of hugs, etc. It's been all good and I thank God for His gift of family and the wonderful one that I have.

Provencial Villa - I LOVE The Shutters

If this isn't one of the cutest (not sure if that's the right word or not) Provencal Villa located in Seillans. The for sale ad (sorry, I've lost my link) that this place has amazing views to the Mediterranean along with a swimming pool, private garden and terrace.

Seillans is a beautiful medieval Provencal town 35 km from Cote d'Azure.

So, you think blue might have been a fave color?

I sure wish I could have seen more of this home -but a peek is all we get. Price? Don't ask. But what drew me to it was the color of those shutters. I've been thinking that I should paint the vintage shutters on my barn (still being built) that color. What do you think?

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