Friday, November 30, 2012

The Turkey Whisperer...

30/11/2012

Bonjour mes amis!

Winter's in the air, but the leaves are still falling here. While my parents were here for their visit, we got to observe Fall at the Parc Floral. I showed you this Park this Summer. If you'd like to go back and see the Summer display of flowers, click HERE. It's a very beautiful place. The landscape has changed quite a bit, so let me share the latest views in the Parc Floral...still a beautiful place.

(*Please do read down to the end, because I have a fun little story to share with you today...)

Recognize this photo? Check out the Header on this post for a close-up!

I love this photo of my parents!

I have been to Parc Floral many times over the years, but this visit, I got quite a surprise...

It turns out there's a whole section to this Park...

that I have never been to!?!

There's all sorts of animals! Come, take a look!

There were peacocks running around all over the place!

Mind you...we saw this big guy just shortly before Thanksgiving!

This guy startled us by jumping right up to greet us...well, he probably wanted us to feed him really...

We were so excited to see this display!

...and now, you're probably all wondering why I labeled this post, "The Turkey Whisperer"!?! Well, there's a little story to tell...

Jewelius came with us to Parc Floral, and he was noticing that this turkey was running all over the place, so he started playing with him. I'm telling you...the turkey followed Jewelius (behind the fence) wherever he went! It was hilarious! Just take a look (so wish we had taken a video)...

Check out the turkey's tail feathers...tall and proud!

My Mom started to run with the turkey, too, and he followed her as well. So, my Mom and Jewelius decided to put the turkey to a test. My Mom and Jewelius stood side-by-side (while the turkey observed both of them), and then they split up and each ran a different way.

The Turkey looked dazed for a moment...

...and then promptly ran after Jewelius!!! This is why we now call him...

"The Turkey Whisperer"!

He does seem to have a way with animals! Jewelius wasn't originally too thrilled to visit Parc Floral AGAIN, so having fun with the animals just "made his day"!

Time for me to get back to working on my Christmas Cheer here, so I will close now...

I do wish you a "Jewel" of a day!

Jan

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Getting ready to "Deck the Halls"!

29/11/2012

Bonjour mes amis!

I hope you are doing well. We're almost to the weekend again! Maybe some of you noticed that I did not post a "Top Ten Tuesday" this week. Honestly, it just went out of my head...but for good reason...you see, everyone out in blogland is...

"Decking the Halls"...

...and I want to get in on some of that action, too!

I've told you before that we have an awesome opportunity this year to live in France. Dr. J, Jewelius and I came here with two suitcases each. (Guess who got the two biggest ones?) Anyway, we did not bring any Christmas Decorations and hardly any of our own belongings...only clothes. So, Dr. J has given me strict instructions to not accumulate loads of stuff while we are here that we are not going to "cart" back with us to the U.S.A.

What's a Girl to do?

I need me some Christmas here! I know it's not all about the wrappings and bows, and trees and lights but my grown children are coming to celebrate with us, and I still want a warm atmosphere for all our celebrating. We truly intend to celebrate our Savior's Birth together...maybe sing some Carols, attend Christmas Services, and love on each other...JOY!

Well, in order to create that atmosphere I desire...and keeping it as inexpensive as possible...here's a sneak peak at some things I'm working with. It might be a week or two before I can even share what I've done with this stuff, but I will...

So, what do you think? This little Elf is getting busy! I also have some Pinecones, bits of Crocheted Pieces, Lace, Paper Doilies, and Salt. Wait! Salt? Yes, it's my substitute for snow...There will be Candles, and whatever else I can get my hands on for less as well. I was encouraged when I saw a Poinsettia in the store today, so one of those might come home with me soon, too!

Well, this is it from me today. Tomorrow I'll resume my posts from places around France (and other countries), and very soon, this little Elf hopes to share a somewhat transformed apartment with you!

I've got my Christmas Music now, and purchased some M&Ms today, so perhaps baking M&M cookies are in my near future, too!

Whatever you're doing today, join me in remembering...

The Reason for the Season...

Jesus Christ our Lord!

For without Him, there is no true JOY!

Joyeux Noël, my "Jewel" friends!
Jan

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Sunday Drive...

28/11/2012

Bonjour mes amis!

How's everything going? Still eating leftover turkey? We don't have any leftover turkey, but I did make a nice Chicken and Rice Soup last night. This is always a hit with our family. It's just that time of year, isn't it?

Well, let's continue on and let me show you a little more of France. After a wonderful weekend in the St. Malo area with my parents, it was time to make our way back to Orléans.

This is always a fun sight for us in Europe...

It was a cool day, so we didn't mind being crammed together in the back seat...such a fun trip!

We spent a little time in the coastal village of Dinard...

The view back to St. Malo!

More St. Malo and the Ramparts!

Jewelius and his Grandpa!

Okay...it was cold, but not THAT cold!

Swimming anyone?

Time for Lunch, so we found a Creperie on our way to the next Village we would visit. Crepes are very popular in the North of France!

Very nice lunch!

This was Jewelius' plate, complete with Seafood!

After lunch...can you see the Storm brewing?

The Creperie was just down the street from the Beach!

How's this for a City Office?

Next stop...Dinan, another walled city!

Dr. J always loves to go in Cathedrals with beautiful Stained-Glass Windows. Well, it was raining during our visit to Dinan, so we popped into...