My hometown of Lincoln (UK) at Christmas..

We have just got back from our Christmas visit to Lincoln to see our children and Tiddlywinks. This will be our first ever Christmas in 37 years that we haven't been with them, and beginning to feel quite emotional now. It will be our first and last....  :-(

These Christmas photos were taken by Steve Jollands from Lincoln.

Lincoln is a beautiful Cathedral City, in the county of Lincolnshire. Lincoln developed from the Roman town of Lindum Colonia,which developed from an Iron Age settlement.

Lincoln's major landmarks are it's Cathedral a fine example of English Gothic architecture and Lincoln Castle, an 11th-century Norman Castle.

This is just a little taster of this amazing City, more information can be found here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln,_England

Lincoln Bailgate

Lincoln Bailgate

Lincoln High Street

Lincoln Steep Hill/ The Straight

Lincoln Bailgate

Christmas has arrive Chez Maison..

Time to turn the house into Christmas.....out came the tree and decorations. A fun afternoon listening to Christmas Carols and signing along..

Now Christmas is around the corner, we look so festive, even with the log fire burning..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BRVkgaIcaE&app=desktop

Lounge

Outside

Outside

Outside

Kitchen

Library

Library staircase

Beautiful Art work by local Artist Alan Moir..

Yesterday saw us venturing out to a local British Christmas Market at Les Adjots a small village near the town of Ruffec.

There were some lovely exhibits there with homemade Christmas Cards, Jewellery and cakes. Some beautiful Scarfs, unusual designs, which would make great christmas gifts. There was also a lady selling her own soap from Goats Milk, she has her own Goats, and actually lives in our village. I have used these soaps before and its beautiful and soft, doesn't dry your skin...

Then we came across a Local Artist Alan Moir, his work really stood out and soon got our attention, as we noticed our dog Maisie (Art form) sitting proud on his display table, he had done a painting of her, and stunning it was too.  Alan's work is so accurate and precise, and its lovely to see your pet through the eye of an Artist. He had a great array of work, from Animals, pets, floral, village scenes and children... all very admirable.

Alan does do Commission work and it was lovely to hear he got a few commissions at the Market.

If you would like to commission Alan for a beautiful portrait of your pets, or even children & grandchildren, Alan can be contacted via email :  alanmoir52@gmail.com     

Here is some of Alan's work:

   

             alanmoir52@gmail.com       www.alanmoir.co.uk       

                                                                                                                                                                                             
                                                                                              

A "Vignerons et Gourmets" Fair in Saint-Junien.

Saturday saw us venturing out on a very rainy day to a Wine & Food Fair, in a beautiful little town of Saint-Junien. Never been to this Fair before so we were not quite sure what we would find. On arrival we were presented with a wine glass for the Wine tasting and a ticket for the Tombola ( we didn't win).
Off we toddled around the numerous stalls full of culinary delights, cheeses, saucisse, chocolates, breads and Confitures along with delicious Wines and Brandy's. As hubby was driving it was down to me to do most of the tasting, well the alcohol, I didn't find that too difficult :-) We did actually make some Wine and Brandy purchases, mainly Christmas Gifts. We also tasted some Vinaigrettes , which were unusual, but a great idea as they came in a spray to spray on Salads and meats. So I will be looking forward to trying those.

We noticed in the big hall where the Fair was held, that they had a local restaurant come in and do a lunch, it looked really lovely, set out with white linen and napkins. We thought it would be quite nice to try the food, so promptly went in for our lunch. 3 course meal for €19, we thought was excellent value. We got chatting away to some French people sat next to us, very jolly people and very friendly, that friendly we got invited to a party in December but unfortunately we are in the UK, otherwise we would have gone. They even offered us a glass of wine from their bottle, as they said it was friendly....that it was.
The food was really delicious, and we had some very pleasant company.

Overall a very lovely way to spend a wet Saturday....

Our lunch..