Monday, 10 December 2012
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Reflections of 2012
Over the festive season we will be reflecting on some of the highlights of 2012, this is the first.
My daughter and my grandchildren, Chateau du Rivau 8th April 2012
Its a case of too big for their boots... which they are!
My daughter and my grandchildren, Chateau du Rivau 8th April 2012
Its a case of too big for their boots... which they are!
Saturday, 8 December 2012
French Electrics
Being a retired Electrical Engineer some examples of French Electrical engineering astound me.
This picture, taken at a distribution point at Lencloitre market, is a typical example.
Electrical safety, I hope that this is provided with appropriate protection, which it may well be.
Our house electrical system trips when you look at it so it may well not be quite as bad as it looks and it does look grim.
This picture, taken at a distribution point at Lencloitre market, is a typical example.
Electrical safety, I hope that this is provided with appropriate protection, which it may well be.
Our house electrical system trips when you look at it so it may well not be quite as bad as it looks and it does look grim.
Friday, 7 December 2012
Mistletoe
From the earliest times mistletoe has been considered one of the most magical, mysterious and sacred of plants. In European folklore it was thought to give life and fertility, to be an aphrodisiac and to protect against poison.
The ancient Celtic Druids elevated Mistletoe to sacred powers, even using it in ceremonies of human sacrifice. Because of the Druids' use of mistletoe, Christians banned its use in their churches in England. Mistletoe grows primarily on apple, lime, poplar and hawthorn trees in the midlands and up to and around York, it was a local favorite there long after the Druids were in decline. So in the famous minster at York, its use during the Christmas season has always been retained. The Dean of York Minster still hangs a bunch of mistletoe and holly from the High Altar at noon on Christmas Eve.
The current tradition of hanging mistletoe in the doorway to receive a kiss comes from a combination of myths from the Druids, ancient Celts and Vikings. It also occurs in Roman and Greek mythology.
The list of credits for this plant is endless. So much more surprising when you consider the plant itself is a hemiparasite or partial parasite.
It grows on the branches or trunk of a tree and actually sends its roots down into the tree thus taking nutrients from the host plant.
Mistletoe is now big business in the UK around Christmas time. Here in France we don't see much of it sold commercially but we do see plenty growing in our local woods and as we travel about the region. All the photographs here have been taken locally.
And, yes, we have got a sprig with berries on to adorn our doorway this Christmas...
Well, it would be a great pity for these traditions to die out, wouldn't it??!
The current tradition of hanging mistletoe in the doorway to receive a kiss comes from a combination of myths from the Druids, ancient Celts and Vikings. It also occurs in Roman and Greek mythology.
The list of credits for this plant is endless. So much more surprising when you consider the plant itself is a hemiparasite or partial parasite.
It grows on the branches or trunk of a tree and actually sends its roots down into the tree thus taking nutrients from the host plant.
Mistletoe is now big business in the UK around Christmas time. Here in France we don't see much of it sold commercially but we do see plenty growing in our local woods and as we travel about the region. All the photographs here have been taken locally.
And, yes, we have got a sprig with berries on to adorn our doorway this Christmas...
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Mummy I'm a Star
Last weekend at the Marché Noël the Children of Richelieu performed a Nativity play.
The script had been pre-recorded which left the children free to concentrate on actions, gesture and expression as they mimed along. Their costumes, too, looked brilliant.
La Creche Vivante on the church steps became the stage and the animals appeared unconcerned as the play unfolded around them.
It was magnificent, with a cast to give Noah a run for his money.. cats, dogs, chickens, guinea pigs... all the usual manger livestock! The list extends to fit the size of class, if I remember from my teaching days...
and of course you have to have a Star...
And what a Star! Animated, smiling and holding the star aloft with enthusiasm, she was literally the star of the show. Never once did she let her role slip. That star stayed upright for the duration of the performance with the occasional jump for joy when the spot light was on her...
and all too soon came the curtain call
We would happily have watched it again. Well done, the children of Richelieu!
One thing puzzled us.... Where were the Angels??
The script had been pre-recorded which left the children free to concentrate on actions, gesture and expression as they mimed along. Their costumes, too, looked brilliant.
La Creche Vivante on the church steps became the stage and the animals appeared unconcerned as the play unfolded around them.
It was magnificent, with a cast to give Noah a run for his money.. cats, dogs, chickens, guinea pigs... all the usual manger livestock! The list extends to fit the size of class, if I remember from my teaching days...
and of course you have to have a Star...
And what a Star! Animated, smiling and holding the star aloft with enthusiasm, she was literally the star of the show. Never once did she let her role slip. That star stayed upright for the duration of the performance with the occasional jump for joy when the spot light was on her...
and all too soon came the curtain call
We would happily have watched it again. Well done, the children of Richelieu!
One thing puzzled us.... Where were the Angels??
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Coffret Deudeuche Hepp
In best translated English "A Trendy 2CV box" we think!! Based on
Coffret - small box or chest; casket, tin, case
Deudeuche - a popular nickname for the 2CV
Hepp - informed about the latest trends (but spelt with one p)
Please correct us if we have this completely wrong, we do need to learn these things!
However, being fans of the 2CV, we came across this Christmas Spirit offer in Auchan.
We like those we thought...
But unfortunately not the cost, 108€29 per litre is a bit much for our pension to stand and the only time we have used Kirsh is to make a Black Forest Gateaux... The recipe is gluten free though.
I (Colin) also liked this...
Coffret - small box or chest; casket, tin, case
Deudeuche - a popular nickname for the 2CV
Hepp - informed about the latest trends (but spelt with one p)
Please correct us if we have this completely wrong, we do need to learn these things!
However, being fans of the 2CV, we came across this Christmas Spirit offer in Auchan.
We like those we thought...
But unfortunately not the cost, 108€29 per litre is a bit much for our pension to stand and the only time we have used Kirsh is to make a Black Forest Gateaux... The recipe is gluten free though.
I (Colin) also liked this...
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