(En français à la fin de la page) Hello dear friends, This is fun! Taking photos not through glass but through plastic.   Years ago, I photographed a table of diners in a Menton restaurant through the plastic protection of a restaurant terrace and was surprised (pleasantly surprised) at the distortion this gives to the image.  Often, the eye doesn’t see it at the time of taking the photo but once home, and on the computer, it can have the feel of  an impressionist painting.  And it is just one click.  It’s important though to focus ‘through’ the plastic and onto ..
Read more

When I was young, really young, New Year’s Eve was a big deal. Major dressing up to impress the boyfriend of the day and then, at midnight, would he kiss me first? How important it was that I got the first kiss of the year and if I didn’t – well it seemed the end of the world had arrived. Since living in France, sometimes I celebrate with a few friends or stay at home with my dogs – which suits me fine. That way at least, I know I’ll get my midnight kiss, so long as I stay awake, ..
Read more

It’s been 26 years since I moved from Australia, where I lived for 6 years, to the south of France.  First a year in the Pyrenées Orientales, which is in the south-west of France, and then 7 years in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, near to Monaco.  Eventually,  19 years ago I was lucky enough to find a house in Gorbio.  Gorbio is a medieval hill village above Menton.   I live just below the village – not far, as the crow flies but two and half kilometres by car as it’s a long and winding road but it’s only a 10 minute walk up ..
Read more

Dear Wonderful Friends, Wishing you a Merry Christmas Day filled with love and good things amongst family and friends and your beloved animals, of course!  Thank you so much for your love and comments throughout the year on this blog,  on Facebook and on Instagram –  it has meant SO much to me.  With all the fear and negativity in the world, one of the things we can do is love our family, friends and animals and be loved back.   So have a wonderful day today. This is little ‘Indy’ posing for you.  I rather think she wants it over ..
Read more

Since living in France, all my dogs have been rescue dogs and are nearly always older dogs.  Not many people adopt older dogs and truly they are the best!  You are in need of love?  Adopt an older dog! Anyway this isn’t the story of ‘my latest dog’ but it’s of the one who got away.  I’ve been looking for a friend for my last rescue dog, Ours  (‘Bear’ in English).   Ours is pronounced – sort of – like ‘horse’ without the ‘h’).  Yes I know it would have been easier had I changed his name to Bear!  Ours ..
Read more