Seasons in the sun ..

I've visited France during the winter, and the Spring, and the summer .. and now the Autumn .. but I've never been here for a long enough period to actually notice the seasons changing. So it's lovely that I've already had enough time here to witness the slide from Summer to Autumn. When I arrived here in September it was gloriously sunny and hot and now, as I type this, it's minus 4 degrees outside! Winter is on its way and it won't belong before I get to 'enjoy' what the locals say will be at least minus 17 degrees ..

It's so lovely though! We know for a fact that our winters here won't be like the wet, drawn-out affairs we endured in England. Yesterday Lesley and I walked for almost two hours in glorious sunshine, through empty fields and quiet lanes, feeling the warmth of the sun on our faces. There is, in fact .. dare I say it .. a drought here, with people worried about potential water shortages soon. We put that to the back of our minds as we strolled through the countryside and, with Christmas in mind, I photographed the huge bunches of mistletoe - or gui, in French - covering the trees around us, and kissed my 'old life' goodbye ..