We are back from France and had one of the most relaxing holidays ever. The area we stayed in was right in the middle of the countryside with little in the way of things to do and see. We were surrounded by sunflowers and fields of corn. If I were to paint you a picture of our holiday, I would say..........sunflowers, vineyards, old churches, chateaux, roe deer, hares, buzzards, birds singing, empty roads, lots of walking up hills, temperatures in the high 30's and ..........CATS!
Tags: sunflowers yellow france courlac
© All Rights Reserved
We stayed in a chateau en route to our holiday accommodation and when we were checking in I noticed lots of winners cups on the shelf behind reception. They belonged to Espanol who was national champion of France in his heyday. Now he just likes cosying up to the guest, especially English ones we were told:-)
One more in comments below
Tags: flat coated retriever french dog dog at the chateau textured working with textures
© All Rights Reserved
When we arrived at the house we were renting, the owner was there to meet us . Somehow the conversation led to her telling us that she allowed people to bring their dogs with them. We said that although we like dogs, we were 'cat people'. She then proceeded to tell us about Mimi who had turned up about a year or so ago and decided that she would hang around. A couple of days later she brought along her big brother, Clarence, who apparently would keep his distance but enjoyed any spare food. The owner leaves food for them in an outhouse. We had been there less than a day when Mimi decided to check us out. When she found out that the new renters were suckers for cats and that there was chicken and other treats available, she turned up morning and evening. Two days later she brought Clarence with her. Mimi loved being made a fuss off but Clarence always kept his distance, though he still turned up for food. We took an amazing amount of photos of them which I will post from time to time. It was lovely have a couple of cats around - made it a home from home.
Our own cats were delighted when we returned and everything was back to normal up until this morning when we noticed Kaiser limping. This has happened before and we were told last time it was due to his weight issues. He has lost weight but it will never be enough as the damage is done. I am back at work so Phill will be taking him to the vet's this afternoon. He was prescribed Metacalm last time which did the trick. Hoping it is nothing worse than that this time.
Happy International Cat Day
Tags: not my cat french cat international cat day biscuit coloured cat mimi
© All Rights Reserved
Well you can take your pick here: the small coffee? the madeleine? or the little touch of the café providing Union Jack spoons for the English couple who stopped off for a coffee. I am going with the spoons. Chez Francois was situated on along a roadside near Chadurie which seemed to be in the middle of nowhere but attracted travellers and people who were working in a nearby large agricultural co-operative, lorry drivers and just people like us who happened by. Their produce was fresh and homemade and looked really tasty. The staff were nice and friendly and that is why we went back a second time, for a light lunch. Those little touches really do make a difference
32/52
Tags: madeleine french coffee boulangerie de pays Chez Francois it's the little things chez francois
© All Rights Reserved
You have met sweet Mimi and here is, who we think is her older brother, Clarence. The lady who owned the house told us that she knew that they were from the same mother but not the same litter so we are making an assumption. As you can see he is a real bruiser who seems to have had lots of prize fights - he even has a boxer's nose. Where Mimi went he followed but he always kept his distance. Whereas Mimi was quick and sprightly, Clarence was slow of nature and body which is not surprising when you look at him and he was much larger than Mimi.
You'll be pleased to hear that after a couple of doses of Loxicam (the new Metacam) Kaiser is no longer limping. We will, of course, keep our eye on him.
Staying at home this weekend to catch up on chores which I had neither the inclination or energy to do on our return from holiday. Also I need to rest up as we have the girls visiting the following weekend
Happy furry Friday everyone.
Wishing you all a relaxing weekend
Tags: feral cat french cat
© All Rights Reserved