Wednesday starts off damp and cloudy, Cath goes for an early morning run on her own and I take the dogs out on my own, however after breakfast the clouds begin to clear.
 |
| A bar at Le Vieux Port in La Rochelle |
We continue with our crochet project until late morning then all bundle in the car for a visit to La Rochelle.
The sun is shining and the first visit is to a bar in Le Vieux Port for a refreshing drink, followed by a wander around the beautiful shops hidden in shady cloisters in the ancient town.
 |
| The Patisserie |
The window displays are fantastic, whether it is shoes, cakes, clothes or kitchen gadgets, but amazingly no purchases were made.
 |
| Shopping in La Rochelle |
A trip to the beach for Cath to swim, however the tide was out and the long walk across the sand was not appealing, we sit at the cafe with ice creams and coffee watching the sun worshippers.
 |
| The beach at La Rochelle |
Back to La Verderie for the compulsory evening dog walk, and as it is such a warm balmy evening supper of chicken kebabs and couscous in the garden.
 |
| Walking through the woods |
Thursday promises to be hot and sunny so Cath, Sue and I take Bix and Be Bop out for an early walk then a whole day of crochet in the garden, the pressure is on to finish the cushions by Friday evening. Another beautiful warm evening so we have supper of roasted red peppers and seafood pies in the garden and sit there for ages watching the moths flit around the lights.
 |
| The woods at La Verderie |
 |
| A shady corner |
 |
| Roasted red pepper with cherry tomatoes and anchovy |
Friday is the last day, it is hard to believe how fast the week has gone by. After the early morning walk and breakfast we go into Saintes for a little retail therapy, starting at the yarn shop then into the lovely little shop a few doors along which sells gorgeous clothing, bags, quilts, jewellery and homewares.
 |
| Salad Nicoise |
Back to La Verderie for lunch of Salad Nicoise then the race is on to finish the projects. Sue completes her cushion cover first, closely followed by Jane then Cath. I have failed miserably with half a back to complete, my only excuse being the time spent in the kitchen preparing meals, however, it has been the most brilliant workshop and I can finally say that I think I have at last mastered the art of crochet. Jane has been very patient and helpful to all three of us.
 |
| Sue's cushion - back |
 |
| Sue's cushion - front |
 |
| Jane's cushion - back |
 |
| Jane's cushion - front |
 |
| Cath's cushion - back |
 |
| Cath's cushion - front |
There is a threat of thunderstorms but we have the final supper in the garden, paella followed by cherries in cognac with chocolate brownies and ice cream. An early start tomorrow for the return trips from Angouleme and Bordeaux.
Wow, those cushions are stunning, what a fantastic retreat. But then Jane is a brilliant tutor. Thank you for sharing. N
ReplyDelete