Friday, July 15, 2016

Pause Paris #6..the last pause~



There will never really be a Pause Paris..

it stays with you..no pause button.

I am grateful I went..because now I can associate things I see in photos or on television  with things I

have now seen in person.
I have seen people that live there..and talked to them.

Nothing is just a picture anymore..

It's real and it's tangible.

Like Nice has been to us for 8 years..we visited Nice  during that month we went away..and the sky was blue..and the Mediterranian  glittered...

..and La Promenade Des Anglais  became real.

And the people were real.





This post was prepared before the recent events in Nice..:(









I thought I was growing them because they are supremely gorgeous:)..
but they are so good too..



Our peas..our herbs..our borage flowers..Shrimp and Grits yet again♥



It's been summer porch weather..warmest June..a record apparently and July is just as fab.
I can hear the corn growing as I drive by the fields..empty spaces..huge..filled with greenery now.

The first basket I picked..and I forgot the cherry tomatoes..chives..thyme and oregano:(

But you get the feeling.

How nice to go out for a few minutes and come in w/ organic..food:)
I think that would be the best treat if summer lasted all yr long..growing things we eat.

The roses are half spent and I cut the side gate ones down..looks so bare now..but some are just about to bloom also..and Winchester Cathedral looks grand.
The Annabelles are in full swing..

The clematis are putting on a show..I don't know if I ever mentioned how wonderful Jackmanii and Blekitny Aniol look together..their bloom dates are identical and they try and match each other bloom for bloom:)
I like competitive plants..not competitive weeds..I know I know..a weed is but an unloved flower..not always true..invasives are horrors.

I still have some bleeding hearts in the gardens..and my pie turned out looking like a bleeding heart also~







I used Ricardo's filling for his  apple strawberry pie..but I used rhubarb instead  of apples this time....and the dough is my friend Linda's recipe:)


Oli is in soccer this year..and he has found his calling at the tender age of 6.
He and his friend Jax below were actually the little stars in this match...in my eyes.
Their moms are wonderful friends from years and years ago..so nice the kids are friends..that never happened to me.

Summer is for having  fun..
And they are doing that:)
And I am glad they are this lucky.





46 comments:

  1. So beautiful pictures Monique :)
    Yes and Nice was terrible :(
    Im still in shocking !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We all are..I worry about the future..it seems to be escalating..worrisome to say the very least:(
      Thank you Gloria..I had prepared the post so I just pressed publish after I added how I was feeling..the world is reeling.

      Delete
  2. Beautiful. I am so shocked and saddened about what took place in Nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It seems like many mornings we wake up to tragedies..:(Lately..we get up..power up the computers and sad news is spread across the screen..

      I can't stop thinking about our children..their children..what does their future hold..

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  3. Replies
    1. Hi Bev..hope your summer is good..hottest one in a long time here!

      Delete
  4. The boys are so sweet. Thank you for this, as always.... I know you have a tender heart xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are so sweet and still oblivious to the worlds problems.
      Lucky little people eh?

      Delete
  5. Sweet Oli and I'm going backward again. The pie made me laugh Monique and so glad you thought to put baker's paper underneath. I never do and oh what a mess in my oven. If that is your front porch I'm green with envy. It is gorgeous. I am still hungry for shrimp and grits from last time you posted it and Nice - I think it was the most beautiful place I've seen. So devastating and now Turkey. We just have to stay home I guess. Home is best. BTW, I have never seen clematis grow with such abandon. Green thumb too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I sure feel safe..but I bet many have thought that..just so much lately..
      It is our porch..Jacques made me that swing over 30 years ago..it is still so solid,
      I have recovered the cushion so many times..I now make slip ons!
      Have a good weekend!

      Delete
  6. Your vegetables and herbs are as lovely as the flowers in the garden. Your shrimp n grits dish looks so colorful and delicious. What roses do you cut down? I have climbers so I'm not great with the roses. I planted knock out roses but I also planted bee balm so guess what is doing wonderfully? Bee balm of course. It needs to be thinned out but at least I have one hummingbird coming. Do you cut back early for blooming clematis to get a second round of flowers? Huldane is one that bloomed already here. I would love more flowers. Oli looks like he is having so much fun with his friend. Once you see them in their sports uniforms you know your baby days are slipping away.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Terry..I don't cut back my clems for another bloom.Group 3 s should be cut early spring as soon as the snow recedes..For the past 3 yrs I have cut them in the fall..not following the rules..like the 2 on the fence..and many others..but for some reason the ones that usually almost cover the back of the garage are not as vigorous this year..so those I may wait.I just hated looking at all that brown all winter..but I must try and see if that is the reason..funny though as all others are good.I agree re uniforms.and the fact that he is so into it..sweet sweet child.
      Apparently I will be elderly in less than 3 years..I was reading up on a medicine and they said especially for the elderly 65 and up.
      I never considered myself getting to be elderly at 65;)

      Delete
    2. I get to 65 in 7 months, I too don't know how that happened. Thanks for the clematis tips Monique. I agree I think the brown leaves all winter if in plain site don't make for a pretty landscape. But I would see if they do better again this year. I remember Jane from UK (from garden buddies) suggesting to give them a shake to get some of the excess brown leaves off. But their climate is kinder than yours, maybe they need those leaves as insulation. I have Princess Diana blooming now but scrambling through the beds as I did not get to that bed before my wrist broke. Next year... BTW I love your porch, and the swing, be still my heart! Last question, is that lavender or borage in your basket of herbs and veggies?

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    3. Lavender and borage..the lavender is top left..the borage the star shaped blue flowers..I kept 4 plants only and they go up to my neck now..next yr I may try keeping them shorter.I have had to stake them..they ressed but I prefer placing them where I want..very easy to pull if it's not where you like it..they are so pretty..
      I just don't get the association of the word ELDERLY with 65.
      I have several clematis that run through other things..I do love that..but if you are not on top of things they get lost amidst the other plants..I missed a front bed opportuniy and the hostas ahve covered the pretty blooms.
      I too love the swing..every grandchild has too..he built it for me in a prevoius home..so at least 30 yrs.
      So grateful for it.

      Delete
    4. Thanks Monique. I know we are not elderly but this summer with my wrist I feel a bit elderly. We have our pig roast next Saturday so everyone is going to have to help out big time! It will be fun.

      Delete
    5. I know..I know..all of a sudden at 56..I did too..but I am hoping we will turn back time..like Cher:)

      Delete
  7. I'm glad you hit publish and shared this beauty. Our hearts need it. The bleeding hearts so appropriate too, for yes, it feels as if our hearts are bleeding with each report of yet more senseless deaths. Two of the victims in the Nice attack were from Austin, a young father and his 11 year old son. The family was there on vacation. I was there myself just two years ago, walking La Promenade Des Anglais. Beautiful Nice! We have vacationed there several times. So much pain with the event in Dallas and now Nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dallas was so sad too..it seems every week news of this sort is surfacing.
      It seems we never heard of this when I was much younger..certainly there were monumental tragic events..but never this many..and so frequently.
      It does do me good too Sarah to keep reading my favorite blogs etc..
      That poor family on vacation..in a heartbeat..life changed.

      Delete
  8. Along with all that is wrong in this world Monique, there is still much more good. The bad just has a louder voice. ((((hugs)))) We must focus on the good. Lots of good in your post, least of not all your lovely words. Pie. Flowers. Grandsons. Beautiful edibles. Love all that you share. What will our legacy be to our children, grandchildren . . . we must strive to make a better one. Love and hugs. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely..always showing children that being caring and kind and thoughtful is the way to go.I am glad they are still immune to this at the moment.
      They have fresh hearts fresh souls .untarnished.
      Oh to keep them this way.

      Delete
  9. Beautiful post Monique. So much sadness in the world right now. I too am worried about our children and the direction in which we are heading. Would like to bring the flower children back. LOL. Your porch and surroundings are so lovely. You have created a haven. That pie and shrimp look delicious ! Will have to check out your pie crust recipe. I just put two pastry discs in the freezer. Trying to stay ahead of cooking for company while I have the time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are wise! The only company we have is family..so not much stress..and now the girls always bring something..so I find it helps and I find it more interesting..a surprise:)
      I am worried about the younger generations too..it just makes me sad that this innocence may be shattered.
      To be so pure..they don't have an idea really right now about the tragedies..
      I bet you are enjoying those views you ahve right now:)

      Delete
  10. the future for our world feels like a scary thing every week something devasatating.
    i just know that your garden brings you a feeling of peace though, it is just so beautiful and watching your grandsons play and enjoy their lives :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree and when people talk about the end of the world..I wonder if it will not be the world's own doing:(
      I do like calm Jenni..I had a busier life and it seemed fine at the time..but there is no comparison to not busy.I chose the latter..like they say busy is overrated:)
      Have a nice weekend.I am sure you are creating something pretty:)

      Delete
  11. First of all, prayers for all those in Nice.

    Your photos are just gorgeous. And it truly is wonderful to be able to grow your own organic food. Your porch is so pretty...do you ever sit there and shell your peas?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No:) But I do sit there and read sometimes...
      See why I loved your gated gardens?:)♥

      Delete
  12. Your recipe looks delicious. The photos of your garden are gorgeous.I always find a place of peace and loveliness when I visit your blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should see me now..oh lala we just trimmed so many bushes and things..and it's hot..I am filthy and I need to get a brush through my hair..I had braided it..it feels plaited for life:)
      Thank you..I love visiting you..happy you are on Instagram!

      Delete
  13. Oh, dear Nana - your peaceful pictures are balm to my soul in this world gone mad. Would that everyone had a quiet and beautiful refuge (like your porch swing), perhaps the world would change.

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    Replies
    1. Dear Katrina..what beautiful poetic words..of what I have "known" of you these past years, visting you in your kitchen..I know you have such a peaceful..kind soul.
      I was reading the back page of Oprah..don't know why I renewed.I guess it was an opportuny I could not pass up..I am afraid I just breeze through magazines and it's just not worth it anymore..but she mentioned E .Tolle and meditation..I find since I have stopped working..I am no longer THAT kind of busy..I keep busy..but on my own..and it's mindful.
      I am so grateful I can be quiet.
      I know you can too.
      I hope the world becomes kinder..for our grandchildren and their children and so on..

      Delete
  14. Vividness and full life! And a heart shaped pie! Such a contrast to violence, be it France or anywhere...so we must keep expressing the beauty and love we are lucky to have, n'est-ce pas? I love how you show here a double creation: the garden you create and the photos of the garden you create...The boys looking vivid and alive too! Yellow like summer flowers are their uniforms!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know ..little bees:)Rita..they are so cute..they play well and they want to do well..but what my husband and I noticed..is that they play..kind:)
      Not once did Oli or Jax push..shove..intend to hurt..cute as can be.
      I understand this game far better than football;)
      I am wondering if you are on Instagram..many artists..I think you would enjoy:)
      Bon Dimanche Rita..

      Delete
  15. Just gorgeous! I love your basket of snippings and clippings...your pie is a thing of beauty. The boys look so sweet. I like soccer much more than football...I can actually watch it and know what is really going on! My tomatoes are not quite ready yet...still green. It is lovely to see your images...they are so very peaceful.
    Bisous xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's YOUR pie dough♥
      Just waiting on the gnocchi:)

      Me too... soccer is the sport I can follow!xoxo

      Delete
  16. I have been reading about your France trips. Wonderful posts and I like them so much.
    Your garden and flowers are stunning.

    I gave up on my tomatoes as a possum or possum's have destroyed my plants. They have shirred them to pieces and every time I would get a tomato it would be gone by morning. So I never got any. Only zucchini and peppers. I sure wish I could have caught them. So I envy your wonderful veggies.

    I am so upset about all the problems they are having in France. My prayers go out to them.

    Looks like your going to have a great soccer player in the family.

    Enjoy your week. The pie looks so good.

    Mary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mary..it is a shame when those rascals..eat or destroy our fields of dreams:)

      Delete
  17. Sorry to be so far behind commenting. We had out of town guests for a week and there was so much to do. Thanks for another beautiful post. Your gardens and vegetables are all gorgeous. So much tragedy in the world now - it will keep us on our knees for a long time.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful photos Monique... Your porch is so pretty...♥️
    And those Peas! So photogenic!
    Just lovely....
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh, gorgeous! I don't think my bleeding heart -- one of my favorites -- made it during my vacation. No rain and I don't think the neighbor saw that part of the garden to water. Sad. Love your very pretty garden. The peas, fabulous! And shrimp and grits is one of my favorites. Might have to make that sometime soon!

    ReplyDelete
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