Paris in September

I was really hoping to change the color of our front door before autumn arrived. It's time for a change from its current warm chestnut brown color to a nice shade of soft black. However, temperatures have plummeted here and for the past three weeks we've had rain or wet snow most days. My door painting project will have to wait.

We've just returned from our trip to Paris. Lots of walking and so many beautiful sights to behold. The people were lovely and so patient with my rudimentary school-taught French. Dinner on the Eiffel Tower was a distinct highlight. Some pretty images of this cultured city as we say farewell to summer and embrace autumn...

 

 

 

 

~ It's Canadian Thanksgiving next weekend and I can't wait! ~

 

 

Tranquil

I love seeking-out quiet moments and interesting nuances within the places we travel to. The history and beauty that lingers in Uptown Palm Springs is such a favorite of mine.

Thank you to: Copley's, Trio, Old Las Palmas, The Movie Colony, The Colony Palms Hotel, The Purple Palm, Workshop Kitchen+Bar, Bootlegger Tiki Bar, On the Mark, Shag the Store, Sherman's and Pelago for a such memorable trip!

 

Desert Get-Away

Would you believe I am actually looking forward to retreating to the desert, simply for some hydration? Yes, there is more humidity in the California desert right now than there is in this frigid climate. We've broken a 130 year record for snow fall too. Such fun.

 

I can't take it any longer and can't wait for our upcoming desert get away. A stay at this quietly luxurious resort should be a suitable remedy...I plan to be poolside with several litres of water in hand!  

~ If you're suffering through a terrible winter too - hang in there! March is coming! ~

 

 

Again to Lilford

 

It's usually this time of year when I think about retreating to the refreshing damp greenery of England. I admit I would rather be there sometimes than even the warmest of destinations. While we do have a winter warm-up break planned, I can't resist looking back at our stay in Northamptonshire in February last year. We travelled to Oundle, the ancient market town bordering on Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. I am convinced the prestigious Oundle School was the inspiration for Harry Potter.

 

The highlight of our visit, was a drive through the countryside to see the Jacobean beauty, Lilford Hall (again).  As I have posted previously (see here), my great-great grandfather was the head gardener here. The current owners have been restoring the property and have made some excellent progress. Yes, I wish I lived in an English country manor house too!



 

~ Please visit Lilford Hall's website to learn more about its incredible history! ~

 



A Country Life

 

 

I've always been one part city mouse, one part country mouse; especially when it comes to the English countryside. So, the possibility of living in England in the years to come is quite appealing.

 

On our last visit in March, we did quite a bit of research and admired several lovely properties in Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire in their charming villages and hamlets. Their direct access to London is an added bonus. From updated workers cottages to barn conversions, or even a new build - we are considering all the possibilities! Some examples...

 

This last one is my favorite. These cottages are located on the Ashton Estate near a lovely village. One of the thatched roof cottages is currently for sale and  would be perfect for us!

~ Until the next visit - I'll be dreaming about my country cottage...~

 

 

A Touch of Red

 

Here in Calgary, most days are brilliant with sunshine - even in the winter! In this environment bright paint colors appear to be even more intense. Subdued colors seem to be the preferred tones. Alternatively, in an overcast climate as England typically experiences, bright colors, especially red, just pop out beautifully. What a gorgeous colour to offset stone buildings on cloudy days!

 

 

London Refresh

With a few things to celebrate, we returned to our favorite city for some greenery and a refreshing (and luxurious!) break. How lovely it was to be surrounded by daffodils, crocuses and cherry blossoms. The luxury of our South Kensington hotel was the icing on the cake. 

 

 

 

 

It is still winter at it's worst here in Calgary, so I am missing London already. Until next time!

 

~