La Chatte Gitane (or The Gypsy Cat) was the name we chose for our cottage in France at the time. We chose it while on the road, moving house the first time round, from Ireland to France with 2 dogs and 7 cats in the car.
This blog began its insignificant life as a recipe book for friends and family who would ask me repeatedly for a recipe of this, that and the other.
Since then it has taken many different directions, like we did and like gypsies tend to do. Sometimes making a U-turn and revisiting familiar roads and taking a break when necessary.
You'll find recipes here, but also musings about the places we've called home, the gardens that we've established, not always successfully, the homes we've improved and the environments we've lived in. Currently, after yet another stint in Ireland, we're back in France @ Le Mas d'Ayen

Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 07, 2017

Project : A Mural


A masterpiece it is not...
But when my friend, Jutta said she wanted a mural with grasses on the wall of her physio clinic room, I said, in jest, "I'll do it". And 2 afternoons later, here we are.




Now, you'd better sit in a darkened room if you want to check out the pictures of this project.
The wall is a soft light blue with a spring-like feel to it. The other colour Jutta used on her walls is a light green very close to the blue. And if I had used that green it would not have been visible at all, so I added a brighter green to her original colour to get the desired effect.
Still, looking at the pictures in bright sunlight won't show you much, as I have experienced.


These two photos, Jutta took, with the light in her room off, and on. It gives a completely different feel.


I took this one coming into the room from the hallway.


A few close-ups.






Jutta is very happy with the result and it is just how she wanted it. That'll do me just fine.
Now they only have to finish off their new-build, so they can start enjoying it all.


It has been raining heavily on and off and it feels bitterly cold (I'll have to start wearing socks in my sandals again), The few veg in the garden are starting to curl up on themselves from the cold, as if they want to return to the soil. Can't blame them.

Keep well !
Patricia xxx...x

Friday, October 07, 2016

And We're Back in Autumn Mode


The crochet hooks and yarn have come back from their summer holidays (back of the sofa more likely) 
New projects have been started and the ladies who crochet have had their first get-together yesterday.




Lovely, as ever.

Patricia xxx...x

PS Have a great weekend.

Monday, August 01, 2016

July, 31st

That day is well and truly behind us.
It started with the unveiling of  "The Dress" 
My birthday twin, 5y/o niece Sarah was in awe.


With birthday presents out of the way her brother Mathias came to me with a card.
It said a few things about how he enjoys coming on holidays to Ireland and "would I please be his new godmother ?"  He hasn't seen his original godmother in years and he felt sad that his peers had godmothers and he didn't. Of course I accepted.  I had been informed about his intentions and came prepared.

I am obviously not an official godmother as I don't do the 'god' thing, but I'll take my new title very serious. I buy extravagant presents.
Mathias loves his Lego and he's now also into Star Wars.

It did take him all day to put his star ship together, but he's so proud and pleased.
He even helped his sister with her Cinderella Lego.

Erm ... she doesn't want to wear anything else than her ball gown.


In the early evening we had a small party for our birthday.

Swept off her feet by Prince Sigi.
Language really is no barrier between kids.


 Feeling a bit lethargic after the meal.
More Belles of the ball.


 Many thanks to my friend Jo-Anne for the birthday cake.


And Pammy for the biscuits.

Oh ! One of my birthday presents were 3 young chooks and a cockerel.

Patricia xxx...x

Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Yesterday's Little Visitor

I can't believe it's been just over a year since this one came into the world.
Kaemon is the grandson of our dear friends Yvonne & Sigi from Blueberry Hill Farm


Yesterday, Yvonne and Kaemon paid us a visit.




Utterly adorable little fella !


Patricia xxx...x

Friday, January 15, 2016

The Ladies who Crochet

On Thursdays some of my friends and I get together for a bit of crochet. We each take it in turns to host at our respective homes. Yesterday it was my turn.
It starts at 11 am and we stop between 1 and 1.30 pm. We have biscuits and coffee or tea.
We only do this during the winter months as in the summer most are very busy (except me, perhaps).
Sophie and Sue both have a smallholding with farm animals and veggies.
Sophie sells loads of lettuce to the local restaurants, coffee shops and has her market stall on Tuesday Sneem market in the summer. Derryquin Farm
Sue runs her own holiday let, Bridget's Cottage, beside her farm.
Maggie is an artist and has plenty of work with her pets, ducks, chickens and husband (haha !). Anneke (Sophie's mum) is retired and has crocheted most of her life and spends her days crafting all sorts. Her crochet is as delicate as lace and she's been known to sell pieces at the Kenmare Lace center. She surrounds herself with cats, dogs, chickens and all sorts.

Best not to crochet anything too complicated where counting stitches is important. Lots of chatter, giggles and laughter will make you lose count.

 Sue

Maggie 

Sophie 

Anneke

They are so gonna love me for this. ;-)

Is it Friday again already ?  Have a glorious weekend all !
Patricia xxx...
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