Spring in our steps

We have been busy both in the house and on the computer and needed a break.  The sun was shining this morning so we decided to go to Plan d’eau at Marville - where it was cloudy!  No matter. We sat on a large rock and fed bread to the fish and a coote…

Cute coote!

…then took a stroll by the lakeside enjoying a little exercise, fresh air and the beautiful surroundings.

By the time we returned to the rock, the sun was out so we sat and soaked it up for a while. 

A horse cooled his feet…

…and our curiosity was aroused at the sight of a very small plan on a trailer. We wonder if a special event is planned to coincide with the town’s forthcoming brocante but there are no posters or signs on display.

We took a different route home, stopping off at Longuyon for fresh milk - only available, if you’re lucky, in the bigger supermarkets.  We were in luck.  Doubly so, as my husband bought and presented me with a beautiful bouquet.

We drove through the beautiful spring countryside. Back home, the sun is still shining and my flowers are bright and colourful too.

Japiot Park

Light cloud cover today but dry.  We decide to have a stroll in Japiot Park in Verdun before the supermarket shopping. 

The twin towers of the cathedral overlook the city.

The pergola alongside and opposite the tourist information centres.

Wisteria already blooming...when it has grown it will look pretty along with all the other plants on the pergola.

Since our last visit, they have added a rose walk to mark the centenary of the Battle of Verdun in the First World War...

It will be interesting to see her rose when it has grown more and is in bloom.

The bandstand and, behind it, the children's play area.

Strange growth on the tree trunk.  Above it the rooks have built their nests.

The ancient gateway into the city.

He ducked his head as I clicked!

Many lovely specimen trees on show.

The modern design of the park furniture looks good and is comfortable!

Lampposts line a path and are of a similar design.

Afterwards, a light lunch in an independent café in the supermarket complex and then…the shopping.  On the way back home we take the “scenic” route although all routes in this area are scenic, and detour to Consenvoye by the river Meuse for a short break.

It all made the “shopping experience” more pleasurable!

Spring Sunday stroll

Sunny Spring Sunday and this morning we took a stroll through  Les ballastières, Damvillers.

Bonjour!

The Mistletoe Tree 1.

The Mistletoe Tree 2 - from the other side.  More mistletoe than tree!

The horses are indifferent to Ron resting on a log...

...and to having their photograph taken too!

Bees, birdsong, butterflies and blossom…beautiful !