Lobster special

This is a seafood restaurant on the Ile d'Oléron. We had lunch here before taking a little tourist train to a beach close to the Atlantic side of the island. I don't remember what, specifically, I ate, but I know it was seafood.

L'Albatros at St.-Trojan, Ile d'Oléron, May 2008.

Today is our first "below zero" day of the winter. It's about one degree below the freezing point, according to our outdoor thermometer. It's probably a little colder out in the vineyards. The forecast is for rising temperatures through the day as another rain system moves in. There's virtually no chance for snow.

Citadelle

The citadelle at the southern end of the island of Oléron was built in the seventeenth/eighteenth centuries on the ruins of a medieval castle. Today, visitors can take in the views from up on the fort's ramparts.

What a beautiful day for a stroll! Is it summer yet? Ile d'Oléron, May 2008.

I was lucky yesterday when the rain stopped just before sunset and I was able to take Tasha out for her evening walk. It was still a soggy and muddy mess since it had rained most of the day. Tasha didn't mind. I spent the afternoon dismantling the holiday tree and the ornaments. Away it all goes for another year.

Aw, shucks

Oyster cages on the Ile d'Oléron off France's west coast.

Oyster Cages, Oléron, May 2008.

It's blowing a gale outside this morning and a big band of rain is moving inland from the coast. The wind is expected to die down a bit after the rain front moves through. It's going to be a lovely day. Not.

Bonne Année !

 Bonne Année -- Happy New Year!