Bees!

We are adding bees to the farm this year and I'm so excited about it...and also nervous!  Having our own hive makes sense here for both the flowers, vegetables, and the bees.  Not to mention that I'm so looking forward to eventually having our own honey!  

Bryce and I took a beekeeping course through our local extension, a requirement by our state.  The course taught us a tremendous amount but I still believe that it will be through doing that we learn the most.  We got our bees through a local apiary and set them up in their new hive last week.  

Of course, I painted the hive to match our farm's colors. 

We placed the hive at the back of the orchard, but fairly close to the lavender, field and garden.  

We hope they love it here.

A Paris Souvenir

I've talked a lot about how when we travel, we always like to buy something special (if we find something, it can't be forced).  In Paris, Grace and I just happened by the store E. Dehilleran.  I couldn't resist the lure of the masses of copper pots and pans in the window.  The store is a cooks dream, with shelves piled high with every pot, pan and utensil one could possibly need!  The store is also appealingly utilitarian, not at all glossy or styled.  

I bought a beautiful copper jam pot!  I love that it's a perfect souvenir of our trip since it was made in Paris.  I can lots of jam and jelly each year and so I expect that it will get lots of use!  I can't wait to use it.  And, yes, I carried it onto the plane as my carry on.  

Paris: Days 4, 5 and 6

Once we made the train back to Paris, we had some time before our evening plans so we went to check out the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette.  The view did not disappoint (neither did the beautiful dome in the middle of the store) and while we were there, we decided to get a quick bite to eat at the restaurant on the roof.  It wasn't planned, and we weren't sure what to expect, but the food was delicious!  The flavors were amazing and I was disappointed I didn't get more to eat.  

That evening, after a rest and a change of clothes, Grace and I headed out to a champagne tasting boat tour on the Seine River.  This was so fun!  We were given three champagnes and taught a little about each one. It was a beautiful evening, the champagne was tasty and the views were wonderful.

After the boat tour, we wandered over to the Arc de Triomphe.  Grace has purchased us tickets to go to the top during the golden hour.  It was lovely.  Also, looking down, I was so delighted by the chaos of the circle!  The red car!  The bicycle!

The next day, we caught a train to the outskirts of Paris and went to a flea market, Le Marche aux puces in Saint-ouen.  This was so fun and I'm really glad we did it.  Grace brought home a set of oyster forks and I brought home a darling serving spoon with stars cut out of it!

For our last morning in Paris, Grace and I went out early, before the crowds, to wander around Le Marais and take a few photos.  Before heading to the airport, we stopped for a coffee and croissant.  Unfortunately, due to how expensive flights are, Grace went back to St Andrews so that she could come home on her previously scheduled ticket and I came home.  

Paris: Giverny (Day 4)

Grace and I made a day trip out to Giverny, Claude Monet's home of 43 years.  It was here that Monet created his gardens from an almost blank slate.  Obviously, they were a continued source of inspiration for his paintings.

We caught a train from Paris and it was an easy trip from there.  However, we did find that the trains coming back to Paris were fewer and farther between so we were on a tighter time schedule than we would have liked.  When calculated that everything (shuttle) took longer to load and arrive than anticipated, we should have alloted the entire day for the visit.  Even still, we felt we got to see everything in his gardens that we would have wanted.  

His gardens are divided into two areas, The Clos Normand (gardens in front of his house) and the Japanese inspired water gardens.    The color combinations were just beautiful and it was such a treat to see so many flowers blooming! 

Ten years after he bought his home, he bought a tract of land across the way, over railroad tracks.  Here, he created his pond garden, inspired by Japanese gardens.  Famously, they were the inspiration for his Water Lily paintings.  This was my favorite part of the gardens as it was simply beautiful and peaceful (even with so many people milling about).  

We also were able to tour his house, which is pink and green!  Normally, I would love touring a home but it was super crowded and one way through small spaces so it felt a little claustrophobic.  We didn't spend much time inside.  

Due to wanting to get back to Paris for our evening plans, we didn't spend time exploring the village.  In fact, we barely made our train back!  We literally ran onto the train from our shuttle!  

Paris: Day 3

The next morning we made our way to the Left Bank and spent some time in Shakespeare and Company, an English language bookstore, with a resident cat.  It was so darling inside but, alas, no photos allowed.

From there we weaved our way across town, stopping at several stores and places of interest along the way.  We particularly loved a stop at Buly,  a skincare/cosmetics store that was plain magic (the lady who helped us was so great and made it an experience).  

We also made a stop at City Pharma, which is basically Grace's homeland!  Here, they sell all manner of French cosmetics at really wonderful prices.  Grace went in with purpose and a list!

Also made a stop at Cafe de Flore to admire the facade!

We stopped at a petite cafe that only sells oysters (a favorite of Graces) and prawns.  Paired with a crisp white wine, it was a really delicious lunch.  Afterwards, we stopped by Poilane for yet another pain au chocolat.

After lunch, we made our way to the Rodin Museum and spent a few hours wandering around the museum and the gardens.  While there we saw an artist in residence, Wang Keping working on his sculptures.

From here, we walked the rest of the way to see the Eiffel Tower.  After seeing her up close, we both decided that perhaps the most magical way to view the tower is when you catch glimpses here and there around town.  It's always a welcome surprise!  Up close, it's absolutely huge (and very busy) and it's currently under some construction/renovation.  

After the Eiffel Tower, we headed to Luxembourg Gardens to rest and eat a crepe!  We sat in the iconic green chairs for an hour or more enjoying the weather and watching the children play with the boats before heading to a late dinner of steak and frites.  It was a good day!