Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Going Home ~ Coming Home

Back in the USA! Arrived Sunday after an almost nine hour flight. Not the best way to be celebrating an auspicious Birthday - yes, it was a big one and I didn't even get a slice of cake - just a granola bar!
Where to start? At the beginning perhaps. Was limited for computer time while in France and England, WIFI not readily available like here. Hope you enjoyed at least a couple of glimpses from life on the roads of Europe and, as promised, I'll bring you more over the coming weeks. I did take a lot of pics of some beautiful scenery, decor, food, markets, my family, and some very special blog friends whom many of you know.

Typical English countryside at daybreak before landing at Heathrow.

After a coach ride from Heathrow to Gatwick Airport, a snack to keep us going while awaiting our flight to Toulouse. No time in England but did get a quick visit on the return.

Leaving the UK and heading across the English Channel to France.


By late afternoon we were in Caunes-Minervois, hugged by family and comfortably ensconced in a "room with a view" of the lovely garden. The window, complete with heavy wood shutters so typical to France, looked out onto the lower level garden and the small "impasse", a pedestrian lane running between the house, some farmland and Caunes Abbey. When here in June 2006, my brother was still renovating this house and we stayed in his former home in a nearby village. The changes here are amazing and I'll be showing you more later.

Thanks to all of you who have kept up with me and left comments and e-mails. Being gone for almost a month and unable to visit you and leave comments has been tough.......but each one of you has been on my mind. I wish you could have all been along to enjoy everything the South of France has to offer.

27 comments:

  1. Crikey Mary..how far out of the plane did you have to lean to get that pic?!! ;-)

    Nice to see you back safe and sound.Can't wait to read more of your trip! x

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  2. Sal dear - did I never share my wing walking talents with you, ha! ha!

    Nothing like looking down on the patchwork fields of Southern England. I longed to see Devon of course but have to wait until next Spring when I plan to be home.

    Thanks for stopping by. I was thinking of your son while in France - hope his trip is going great too.

    More later - so much to do here after a month away. Just wish the 'ironing fairy' would show up now - I've done the washing but too tired to iron!

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  3. I can't wait to see more of your wonderful trip! Welcome back!

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  4. WELCOME HOME, MARY! You were missed! Busy day here - I'll check back later!

    So glad you are home safely,
    Hugs,
    Deborah

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  5. Missed you!! Glad you are home safe and sound!! Happy Birthday late!! Enjoy some cake on my blog for my birthday!!

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  6. Welcome home, dear Mary. We've missed you.

    I'm not sure you should put your stakes on the ironing fairy. I've heard they are not too dependable.

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  7. Mary! I'm so glad you're back! I'm sure you had a wonderful time with your loved ones too. I hope you get some "resting" this week and I would love to see you next week. I can't wait to chat and give you a big hug! Love, Vanessa

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  8. Welcome back! I don't like to fly and that picture looking out of the plane is unnerving! Beautiful countryside though!

    Manuela

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  9. Mary
    It must have been amazing.
    Still remember our trip to S of France last June. We are thinking of going again next June in time for lavendar harvest.
    Looking foward to seeing more of your picturs and hear about your trip.
    Mim

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  10. You have obviously had a super time.that part of France is so different from our area of Brittany, and I think it is very lovely.

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  11. those are lovely views from the air... thx for sharing.

    so when will u return to europe?

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  12. Mary, yeh! you're home safe and sound. Happy Birthday Mary. The big one must mean 60??? You need to celebrate girl. Mine was the 20th. I don't know if I knew when your birthday was. We are Libras, no wonder we love the same things. I know you must be exhausted. I can't wait to see pics of your brothers home and the gardens. And of course your marvelous trip.

    Get some rest Mary dear.

    Love...Jeanne

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  13. Welcome Home! I can't wait to hear and see more about your time in France. I bet you had the most amazing time!

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  14. Hi Mary!

    So glad you're home safe & sound! Those photos over Englad are so beautiful! I MUST get there some day!

    I'm excited to see and read all about the trip. I thought of you often, walking to the market, poking in the shops and enjoying your family. I know you had a wonderful time, but I am glad you're back!

    Chris

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  15. Welcome back and Happy Birthday! Your time in France looks wonderful--I am envious.

    Sharon

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  16. What a beautiful view Mary! Can't wait to see more. Happy Birthday! xo, suzy

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  17. First, Happy Birthday. So far the stories and pictures are great. I love taking pictures from the plane windows. Your trip sounds like a dream come true. The view from your room was beautiful.
    Welcome home.
    Nancy

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  18. Mary,

    So happy that you have arrived back safe and sound. I can't wait to see more of your gorgeous photos and hear your tales of adventures.

    Janet

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  19. Hey!
    Thanks for coming by my blog and leaving your sweet words. Wow! I really love your blog...The trip to France and England must have been wonderful. I would love to travel there. Come to think of it..... I get to, through you....thanks so much for sharing your pictures....I will look forward to more of them!
    xoxo,
    Queenie

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  20. Welcome Home, Mary. Great photos from the aircraft. Look forward to more photos and commentary. I just finished up my final France blog entry yesterday.
    Terri
    http://www.islandwriter.net

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  21. Mary, I gave you an award. When you have rested up come over and check it out.
    Love...Jeanne

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  22. Doesn't England look great from above? So green and rural. I always think France looks very similar, at least from up above.

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  23. I'm anxiously awaiting more photos of your trip!

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  24. Love the pics!! There is nothing quite like the view of our patchwork quilts as you come into land. Looks like you had a fantastic time in France. Look forward to seeing some more pics.

    Love Jackie x

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  25. i love English countryside. What a wonderful picture with that wing in view and the gorgeous hedgerow and lush green below.

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Thanks for taking time to leave a comment. I always enjoy hearing from my special blog friends.....and new visitors are always welcome.