Category Archives: Gardening

Introducing a sister blog …….

Posted on Monday, March 1, 2021 by Stella C

Remember the equine delinquent that used to keep me on my toes and whose exploits formed the backbone of this blog? My handsome boy, Pom, turned 20 in January, and whilst he’s never lost his bad-boy swagger, he has been … Continue reading →

Posted in animal training, animals, equitation, Gardening, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Nature, Riding, Rural Living, Uncategorized, wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

An Unexpected Visitor for Christmas

Posted on Friday, January 5, 2018 by Stella C

Christmas rolled in here on chilly billows of dense fog.  A normal late-December day.  Not that the animals expect the day to be any different from their usual routine and, with the exception of a heartier-than-usual dinner, neither do we. … Continue reading →

Posted in animals, Christmas, Gardening, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Rural Living, Uncategorized, wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Rime and Roses

Posted on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 by Stella C

This weekend I picked roses in the garden, which still held a subtle perfume of summer …. Then, the next morning winter arrived, just in time for Christmas. A frosty, misty morning full of sparkling promise And the boys loving … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Gardening, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Rural Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Horsemanship, Health & Ageing; A Cavalière on the Cusp

Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2014 by Stella C

Recently we went to dinner with a great friend to meet the new man in her life.  Her three children helped to make the meal and the conversation round the table was lively and easygoing.  The talk turned to Finn’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Ageing/Aging, equitation, Gardening, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Riding, Rural Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Do you like wild mushrooms?

Posted on Friday, October 11, 2013 by Stella C

So that’s it then. I’ve slung the flip-flops to the back of the wardrobe, put away the sun-loungers and washed the last pair of shorts. I love this time of year. The leaves are still green on the trees, there’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Rural Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

One Door Closes, Another Opens…

Posted on Monday, December 24, 2012 by Stella C

Before I go any further, I want to thank all of you who read and responded to my last post.  Losing my lovely old horse hit me hard and the genuine sympathy offered by my blogging friends was truly touching. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, equitation, Gardening, Horses, Living in France, Riding, Rural Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Cornucopia!

Posted on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 by Stella C

Since my last post at the end of April, I’ve been slowly getting my strength back after the plate was taken out of my leg.  What I didn’t expect was that it would be like having a crutch kicked away, … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Riding, Rural Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

The Optimistic Laundress

Posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 by Stella C

I’ll freely admit it.  In the bleak midwinter, I love my thermal vests and don’t give a damn whether my underwear is alluring!  And it has been bitingly cold here, so it’s been vests and long-johns, plus ski socks with pop … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Riding, Rural Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

A Rose, by Whatever Romantic Name….

Posted on Friday, May 27, 2011 by Stella C

Could you resist a rose by the name of Ghislaine de Féligonde or Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Nuits de Chine, Cuisse de Nymphe, Tea Clipper or Madame Hardy? Apparently the white spotted rose beetle can’t either! The roses are flowering early, … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Horses, Living in France, Rural Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Garden Treats

Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2011 by Stella C

A welcome, not too violent storm freshened the air last night and brought welcome relief to my old horse, Aly, who has had great difficulties with his breathing in this last week’s mounting heat.  And though the rain brought down showers … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Horses, Living in France, Rural Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments