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Well almost - it WAS my Birthday and I WAS in Paris and I did spend it with Claude - sort of. That's CLAUDE MONET and no he was not actually there (you know he IS dead) but I did spend it at his house! What a great way to spend your birthday, don't you agree?
The first thing you see is the lilypad pond that is in quite a few of his paintings.
The weeping willow trees were gorgeous:
You feel like you have just stepped into one of his paintings! Here are Ashley and I on the famous Japanese bridge (Hubby was across the pond so he could get the whole picture - hence the arrows):
A few photos around the house and gardens:
A couple of pictures of Ashley and Hubby:
After the gardens we went into his house - sorry, no pictures were allowed. It was so French Country - I loved it! Then we decided to explore the road behind the house..............and..........
Found the cutest little hotel and cafe:
The sign outside said they had crepes! So, of course we had to get our daily Nutella crepe. Besides it was my birthday and I deserved it - I even had ice cream on it....amazing ice cream.......homemade ice cream..........on top of that yummy crepe:
So sorry it looks a mess but I started eating it before I remembered to take a picture!
This is the view from our table:
It was just perfect!A few more photos from Monet's house - there were kindergarten children on a field trip. It was wonderful - they were all so excited and talking french all at the same time. I couldn't understand very much but it was cute. Besides...they ALL had sketch pads and crayons to draw their own "Monet's". They start them early in France - and what a place for a field trip!
As we were touring the grounds, we kept hearing a rooster "cock-a-doodle-dooing"! We were there WAY past sunrise so I guess he was a little confused! He came to the gate - so I guess he was just telling me that he wanted his picture taken:
SMILE!I hope you have enjoyed my birthday trip .......what a way to spend it - in Giverny, surrounded by beautiful flowers and countryside, eating a crepe (with ice cream), sunshine, lilypads, excited French children, my Hubby and daughter and one crazy mixed up rooster!
Keep checking back....we have a whole lot more to go!
Have a good night and a better tomorrow!
xoxoxoxox
Caren
Happy belated Birthdy, Caren - what a way to spend it!!
Wonderful photos :)
Posted by: melissa | October 24, 2009 at 04:55 AM
Dear Caren,
THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU SO VERY, VERY MUCH for the beautiful postcards you sent to Amy and me on your travels. It was such a delight and I will treasure the postcards forever. Amy slipped into a coma Thursday afternoon and we thank you for all your prayers.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY.
ANGEL HUGS
Love
Debbie
Posted by: debbie | October 23, 2009 at 02:14 AM
Hello Caren,
Happy Birthday! What a way to celebrate your birthday. This place is so beautiful and looks very serene. Love the house covered in vines, the garden, the sleepy willow. It is perfect. Your in a beautiful place, lovely country, and with family - perfect for your special day indeed! :-)
The carousel is eye candy too. Even the ticket booth is decorated. :-)
Mizpah,
Li
Posted by: MyThoughtsMyVoice | October 22, 2009 at 08:37 PM
Happy late birthday Caren!!
Thank you for taking us on your special journey with you!
A perfect day you had, surrounded by the ones you love~
So nice!
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | October 22, 2009 at 03:37 PM
OOOOOOOH You are hurting me so GOOD right now with these wonderful picture! it's good to be you. Happy Birthday!! Hope that it's the happiest ever. I wanted to say thanks so much for your very kind words. I send you a great many hugs on today Caren! Enjoy!!!
Posted by: Vanessa Brantley-Newton | October 22, 2009 at 05:49 AM
Caren,
What a magical Birthday you had. A visit to Giverny, a dream come true I am sure. I love your photographs, they came out wonderful too. Happy Belated Birthday.
Karen
Posted by: karen cox | October 22, 2009 at 05:08 AM
Hi Caren Sweetie!
OMG, what a wonderful time you had on your birthday. Ashley looks so wonderful. Paris agrees with all of you. Love the pics, and thanks for sharing as always.
I got home late Saturday night,packed on Sunday and for work I am in Salt Lake City this week. I will be so glad to get home.
I literally got in the door, unpacked one suitcase, packed another, went into the office on Sunday, and then caught my flight first thing Monday morning.
I am going to be posting a post just for you, and I want to showcase your Fairy Doors. I hope that will be okay with you. I have not forgotten you sweetie, and I so love my little door. It is absolutely perfect. It is the greatest treasure, and so compliments my dining room. Wait until you see it hung.
Hope you are well. Recovered from your trip. I will email you when I get my post up for your special gift of the fairy door. You are going to love it.
I will talk to you soon sweetie. Country hugs and love, Sherry
Posted by: Sherry | October 21, 2009 at 07:13 PM