Running late

We were invited over the road last evening for drinks and got back a little late. I got up this morning a little later than usual and haven't yet done a post for the day. And it's my morning to walk with Tasha. This will have to do until I get outside with the camera. Happy Saturday! And the last day of February!

Tasha's photobomb

I was crouching down to take pictures of the daffodils. Maybe she thought I had some treats in my pocket. I didn't.

Tasha's ready for her close up!

Trees are in bloom all over the neighborhood. I'll have to take some photos the next time I'm out and about. 

It's not spring yet

Wednesday felt like a mild spring day, even if we're still just under a month from the equinox. Toward the end of the week, the weather gurus have predicted another drop in temperatures back into the single digits, celsius of course. As I've said, snow in March is not unheard of where we live.

They resemble columns and arches inside a gothic cathedral. I wonder how old these trees are.

But enough about the weather! This is a typical sight in France and other parts of Europe: pollarded trees. Pollarding refers to the style of severe pruning that you see here. These are planted on the quay along the river in Saint-Aignan. There are more lining the street that heads out of town toward the south.

Daffy

These narcissus (daffodils) have been coming up in this spot since before we bought the house. We look forward to seeing them every year.

A patch of daffodils enjoys this spot on the southwestern corner of the house.

Our temperatures are on the mild side right now. Thank goodness. We had a mostly sunny day yesterday. Thank goodness again. And the prediction for today is a high of 20ºC (68ºF). We'll take it, thank you very much.

Water, water, everywhere

The rain has slacked off and water levels are decreasing. The river is probably a lot lower than it was when I took this photo of the upstream end of the island at Saint-Aignan. Ken's planning to go out this morning, so he'll see what the condition is at the bridge.

The sign says "Prohibited." It's meant for river traffic. I'm assuming the graphic means "no entry" but I'm not at all certain. Any sailors out there?

I noticed yesterday that our daffs are starting to flower. Come on, spring! 

Joyeux anniversaire, Natasha

Today is Tasha's 9th birthday! Woof!

A photo from last December.

In France, they expect that dogs, especially those with "papers," to be given a name that starts with a certain letter of the alphabet. When Tasha was born, the official initial (chuckle) for 2017 was "N." We wracked our brains for several days to come up with a name that works both in French and in English* and finally landed on "Natasha". She actually gets called "Tasha" (or just "Tash") most of the time, but her registered name begins with an "N." We joke that we named her after a Star Trek character.

It helps to say the name out loud and imagine yourself calling that name in public.

Sleepy town

Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher is a sleepy town. It's lost a lot of its commerce over the years since we moved nearby. After covid, the town moved it's weekly market out of the center and into a larger place. But some vendors never came back. We're left with banks, insurance companies, and real estate agencies. It's kind of sad, but that's the reality in so many rural places.

A street leading up to the center of town from the river.

The house feels cold while outdoor temperatures creep up. Come on, spring!