Wednesday 20 February 2013

Our feathered friends....


Just some of the feathered friends we have, we are getting quite a collection. Lovely to walk around the garden and you can see and hear them following you around.































Our evening walk in the sunset....

We had a lovely walk last night, the sun was just about to set, and there was still some warmth in the sunshine. The colours of the trees with the sun shining on them were lovely, russet and warm tones. The skies were going pink, and the sun reflecting behind the trees as it sets. We were fortunate to see some more Cranes migrating north, we have seen hundreds over the last few days, quite a spectacular sight, my first sighting of them in Spring...they are a sign that Spring is about here.. and the noise they make is so loud, they do actually sound like geese.

Here are some photos I managed to take, to try and capture the sun setting..


Beautiful colours







beautiful sunset

Here are some photos of the cranes, and them as a flock against the evening sky..









Sunday 17 February 2013

Valentine's Day..

Hubby booked to take us to our local 14th  century Château,  Le Château de Nieuil Hotel (www.chateaunieuilhotel.com) and a meal at the La Grange aux Oies. (  http://www.grange-aux-oies.com)

What a lovely way to end a fabulous week, especially with our 2 days in Bordeaux.
Our room/suite in the Château, was very grand and steeped in History with beautiful pieces of art and pottery and a Bronze figure. The view from our room was amazing to actually see the lay out of the garden from above, we have seen it at ground level many times and all seasons.

It was really lovely to just get ready and do the short walk to the restaurant, which looked inviting as we walked up in the dark to the warm glow of the restaurant.

Our table at Grange -aux-oies was beautifully set, and was greeted with a glass of champagne.The restaurant soon got very busy and the entertainment started. The staff were exceptional, and very attentive to our every need, we have been here on many occasions and never been disappointed. I can highly recommend giving this stunning place a visit....whatever the occasion.

Our Menu...

Pour votre apéritif la coupe de Champagne Veuve Clicquot 
et ses mises en bouche


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Rémoulade de crabe au combawa et coquille St-Jacques grillée.

Sancerre 2011 « Château de Sancerre » (Marnier-Lapostolle)

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Risotto de lotte fumée aux chanterelles.

Sancerre 2011 « Château de Sancerre » (Marnier-Lapostolle)

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Quasi de veau fermier farci de fruits secs,
aumônière de topinambours

Le Libertin de Lussac 2010 (Lussac Saint-Emilion)

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Le Saint Marcelin affiné et lard grillé,tuile de noisettes

Le Libertin de Lussac 2010 (Lussac Saint-Emilion)

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Croustillant mandarine chocolat, sorbet d’une même mandarine

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Café et mignardises de la Grange




Absolutely delicious, here are some photos from our amazing romantic evening..




Taken in the Summer

The Bedroom

The Bedroom


Garden from the window

Impressive stone staircase

Stone staircase


Hubby making himself comfy with an Apero

Château

Back of the Château

Pour votre apéritif la coupe de Champagne Veuve Clicquot 
et ses mises en bouche

Red Wine


Rémoulade de crabe au combawa et coquille St-Jacques grillée.

Risotto de lotte fumée aux chanterelles.


Boeuf de fruits secs,
aumônière de topinambours

Le Saint Marcelin affiné et lard grillé,tuile de noisettes

Croustillant mandarine chocolat, sorbet d’une même mandarine

Café et mignardises de la Grange


Breakfast


Our gift when we left the restaurant


History of the Château