Friendly Farm - Fabulous Family

Driving North from San Francisco the scenery changes with each hot and dusty mile. Heading towards Lake Almanor's deep blue waters surrounded by tall pines and silver mountains, we stopped to see both old and new friends.

Arriving first in the town of Willows, surrounded by orchards and rice fields, we visited Delores Amaro's lovely shop, 'Gathering Better Junque' - shown in my recent posts. How excited we were when she kindly invited us to her charming farmhouse for a cool drink, and more!

All around this amazing farm, and it's quaint outbuildings, were collections of the most wonderful rustic stuff. Fences, bed springs, an entire iron bed just waiting for a tired guest, signs, birdhouses, farm implements, crates, planters.......and the most beautiful flowers. Corey, Tongue in Cheek has often told us on her blog that her mom is the Queen of Junque.........and you better believe it!

Stepping into the spotless, cozy and welcoming farmhouse, we were thrilled to meet not only Sacha, Corey & Yann's delightful son visiting from Provence for the Summer................but six of Delores' younger grandchildren, several of whom you've often seen beautifully photographed on Corey's blog.

Molly, George, Maci, Sacha, Jasmin, Gina

Warren & Kate

Sacha and Jasmin

Delores insisted we try her fresh baked blackberry pie - forgot to photograph it in all the excitement but can tell you it was fabulous!

This was such a wonderful treat, meeting these charming people and being so warmly welcomed. Thank you Delores. Sacha - if you read this, enjoy your remaining Summer days and then safe journey home to France.

Leaving Willows, we headed to Chico.

Here we were thrilled to meet up again with Corey's cousins Judy and Chris. We first met in Aix-en-Provence last October when they were visiting Corey and family, and where we spent a day with them, browsing the market, the brocante, eating lunch, and generally having a fun time. Judy and Chris' beautiful California home was featured in Romantic Homes magazine last year - dressed for Christmas and photographed by Corey Amaro.

Judy and Chris made us so welcome, more cool drinks, and a tour of their charming home with really fabulous collections. The garden was bountiful, brimming over with vegetables and flowers. Our visit was, unfortunately, too short. The hot road called and our friends at Lake Almanor were waiting our arrival. Judy, I long to return and look more closely at everything you have lovingly collected, and spend more time with you both!

We left with a huge box of fresh picked veggies - including the best tasting tomatoes ever. Thanks so much for everything.