Sunrise to Sunset...

Woke up this morning to a brrrrr, it was cold, the snow has all gone but a sharp frost making it -2. We watched the sunrising, and soon realised it was going to be a nice day, so once breakfast was over , we put our warm togs on and off we went for our morning walk....

Beautiful blue sky and sunshine, one of my favourite days, wrapped up warm, early in January, and we have such a beautiful fresh day...

....the colours on the trees look stunning when the sun shines on them,  the frost glistens on the grass...and the blue sky just gives you the feel good factor.

After arriving back from our walk the birds were waiting for their lunch, queueing up ..

After feeding the birds we had our usual cuppa, and decided as we have had such a good walk and worked up an appetite we would go to our local restaurant for lunch...the Argentor in Nanteuil en Vallee. We had the 4 course Menu de Jour, sat by a log fire and a glass or 2 of wine...it was as usual excellent value.. €12 each.

The sun is about setting, going to be a lovely sunset..

Home now, putting our feet up after having a lovely day...maybe time for an Apero soon. :-)

Snow has arrived in Rural France..

Woke up this morning to a covering off snow, looking out of the window it looks so clean, fresh and so light...the reflection from the snow lights up the dull dark days.

Wrapped up, we plod out for our morning walk, after our "semi" feral cats shoot in under our feet ready to snuggle up by the log fire.  Our birds in the garden were already out for breakfast...topping up to keep warm. Even our resident Hawk was perched up looking for food .....(hopefully not our little birdies)

It was very quiet out on the walk, I should think all the wildlife was scurrying under bushes etc to keep warm.

January 2013.......a walk in the sunshine..

The start of the New Year is proving to be bright and sunny, albeit we have had some really cold days with a sharp frost, but so far no snow. There is nothing more uplifting than a fresh, sunny day with blue sky, to inspire you to go out walking and try and grab some photos of fauna & flora.......

One of my favourite dishes..Scottish Stovies..

Scottish Stovies is one of my favourite dishes, I used to eat this as a child and was cooked by my late Scottish father. It is a very simple dish, but full of flavour and feels very wholesome, especially on a Winter's evening.

There is a rumour that the word Stovies comes from the French "étouffée" to steam.

Here in photos are the easy steps to cooking Stovies...please give it a go, and let me know know what you think.





                                        Fry onions and sausages together

                                                   

                        Once browned add chicken/beef stock, it doesn't matter which

                                 

                       
                           Cook in stock for approx 20 mins or until sausages cooked

                            Then add potatoes or even tinned potatoes works fine

                                 Cook until the potatoes have warmed through

                                     add cheese until melts and then serve

                                                                           
                                                     Violà