The BLUES of Provence

Typically, January is not the best time to tour Provence....where were the blue strides of Lavender fields banked by the tall green Cyprus trees? But actually, I think it is precisely the reason for my obsession with the blues of Provence. The softness of the shutters and doors on the limestone buildings were such a contrast to the blog I wrote last June on the Blues of St. Petersburg. http://holledayz.blogspot.com/2010/06/st-petersburgs-blue.html

The colors inspired Vincent van Gogh in this famous painting of gardens in the historical town of Arles.



















Although we had to imagine what the tree-lined shaded streets looked like in the Spring, we did not stand in line for anything and we saw only a few tour buses along our route. The weather was cold and crisp ...... just like a glass of French Rose'!

The annual after-Christmas pottery trip!

How many times have I been to Stoke on Trent? Well 5, but who's counting? It is always a fun day and I really enjoy seeing what everyone else buys! I know Jeni will recognize these beautiful glasses from Waterford and I almost bought these "Limoncello" glasses for someone I love....but we are going to Italy in a few weeks!







My favorite is always the Emma Bridgewater stop. This time I saw some of the ladies in the factory actually hand painting polka-dots on some of the pottery. We were treated to "sweets and tea" while we shopped and one of our members won an adorable over sized red teapot....wouldn't you know, her name is "Cookie"!

Date Night -

This movie tells the story of the man who became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stammer and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country through war.

"The King's Speech" is a "must see" if you are a British History buff or if you like movies based on complicated family dynamics, even the relationship between teacher and monarch is touching. It is a true story, entertaining and we loved it, in fact the audience applauded at the end! I would be interested to read about the reaction of Queen Elizabeth and the current Royal family, who I'm sure have seen the movie. I will say, the American divorcee who caused the King to abdicate the throne was a little Cruella de Vil' ish and Churchill's character was almost cartoonish but it all made for a great movie!

Snow in the city -

It was a treat to spend a day shopping with my Sister in the city...cold and crisp with a beautiful dusting of snow.
Do you recognize those red doors?
We are hopeful that we all get out of the airport tomorrow!

the Snow Plow cometh....

For those of you living in cities NOT equipped for Winter snow storms (London, Birmingham, or Houston!) you might not be accustomed to seeing the flashing lights or hearing the "beep-beep" as the snow plow backs up and readjusts to crush the ice in your driveway. Believe me when I tell you ...he can be your BEST FRIEND!

.....and your mailbox's worst enemy!





Some of our neighbors have already done a fine job of repairing their mailboxes. Remember the ground is frozen so you can't just dig a new hole...until Spring











But the MAIL MUST GO ON!