As we head into the second week of October autumn is in the air.
In our rural area harvesting is in full swing with grapes being picked, sunflower seeds gathered and our own bit of harvesting of walnuts from the garden.
We’ve also been quite busy familiarising ourselves with French administration. We were warned in advance that paperwork rules over here so came (sort of) prepared with numerous copies of essential items. Something seemingly as simple as opening a bank account requires passport, birth and marriage certificates, proof of address, plus utilities and passport of your landlord/landlady! Then there is health registration and insurance to deal with along with re-registration of a vehicle, change of drivers license and oh yes purchase of a house 😊
I feel sure that we will come across many more little challenges as we adjust to our new life.
Despite the “stress” of paperwork there’s also been time to enjoy some art. I was lucky enough to live the dream of doing an art workshop en plein aire IN FRANCE a few weeks ago and then this week received some hugely exciting news that a watercolour that I’d done during lockdown has been selected for an exhibition. What the …………..??!!
Each year the “Explorers Against Extinction “ trust hold a “Sketch for Survival “ auction and exhibition. All works submitted from around the world are donated to raise funds for this worthy cause.
With time on my hands and a love of animals as an art subject I gave it a go, choosing the Red Panda from the list of endangered species. Although materials to hand were limited the resulting watercolour was duly posted off back in June. Then this week news comes through that my little “Fire Cat” is one of the 100 works selected to be exhibited in November in wait for it – London!!!! Dreams can come true!
Excellent work, you’ve not lost your touch. I believe we have a red panda here at Jersey Zoo.
Thanks Dave, they’re just a bit cute.
How good is that Sue. All credit to your art!
Thank you Liz, a bit surprised as I wasn’t that happy with the finished piece!
Awesome stuff Sue. I am not one bit surprised and love your little “fire cat”. When do you expect to settle on your new abode? Am just home from a beautiful morning at the beach ‘plein air’ ing. Great for the soul.
Hi Robby, plein airing at the beach sounds wonderful! So glad you’re living a “normal life” in these crazy times. Hoping to settle on our new home the first week of November, should receive confirmation today, or tomorrow, or the day after……….😊
Sort of normal, we haven’t seen Joe and family for over 12 months now. Amazing how big a hole that makes. Not liking the news from Italy, France etc. Stay safe. Love from both of us. Robyn and Bill
A whole year Robby! That’s tough for you, they’ll look all grown up when you see them next!
Unfortunately Covid numbers are climbing as we head towards winter, seems to be a similar pattern around the world in the cooler seasons. All we can do is try to socially distance, wear masks and disinfect regularly – what else can anyone do really ??
Absolutely amazing! Maybe you’ll have to show George some of your pictures when we are all allowed to meet up again!!
One day 🤞👍
Hello Sue and Chris. How are you going with this upsurge in the virus in France. Is it near you at all??? I hope you are taking good care! We had a filly foal born 3 days ago, very leggy so let’s hope she can run!
Hi Liz and Jim, congratulations on the new arrival!👍👌 Look forward to following her progress.
As I mentioned to Robby we’re doing all we can to protect ourselves in these crazy times, seems the big cities are the hotspots as they are worldwide. Trying to keep well with regular long country walks and avoiding people when possible, which doesn’t do much for improving our French😊
Hi Sue and Chris. We hope you are staying well in these terrible Covid times. Just as things are improving here in Victoria seems they are getting worse in France.
Did you buy a house ? Where are you ?
Rob and I have moved from NA.
We are in Geelong staying with our daughter and family while our new house is being painted etc.
Hope all is well with you two
Hi Maureen and Rob, great to hear from you. Yes we’re also on the move and hope to be in our new house on Thursday! Lucky you getting yours painted, that’s something that will keep us occupied in ours over the lockdown winter months😊
Who knows what is ahead but the next chapter is about to begin. Stay safe xx
We just love reading of all the adventures & seeing the delightful photos.
Nothing much happening here. Koalas grunting in the trees keeping us entertained & art starts agin on Friday .
Lovely you have found your place. So beautiful