My dear, have I told you that I may be an alien ....or susceptible to abduction by aliens?  

I found out my blood group was Rhesus negative A some time ago but today, with a few idle moments, I began to search the internet for further information.  Found quite a lot of rather 'odd' stuff - see above- but have begun to research my family tree as all but one of my family are dark haired and eyed.  

Fascinating stuff, though; only 5% of the world's population are my blood group and it's most common in the Basque people.  Now, my favourite 'station de mer' is St Jean de Luz in the French Basque region so, perhaps, there's a subconscious link....apart from the fabulous seafood, beautiful beaches, delightfully chic little town, and so much culture and outdoor activities! 

Apparently, this blood group came about, possibly as a genetic mutation, between 50, 000 and 35,000 years ago.  Very interesting.

So far, my family tree has shown nothing out of the ordinary......but if I don't add anything to this blog for a while- look out for space ships!

( Think  I may have to ask Deborah Dalton Millinery to make me a special 'alien invader repellant hat' - just in case!

The film 'Intouchables'

Just finished writing my essay for my French class.  Must be achieving some success as I've been able to use - correctly- the subjunctive and the conditional AND relative pronouns, my absolute bete noir of grammatical construction!

The topic was the social implications of the film 'Intouchables'.....a great film to watch, funny, edgy at times, and with a tenderness towards the characters.  However, it's been seen as a break through for the physically other abled in France as hitherto they've been rather sidelined.

Undeniably, the rapport between the characters- based on real life- is superb; a real sense of joie de vivre but as the tetraplegic is a very rich and well connected man, he can afford the comforts, practical aids, social and cultural opportunities that make his life a little more tolerable.  That he benefits from the companionship of his carer  ( originally from North Africa ) from the housing projects and enjoys his anti authority attitude and challenge to the status quo is unquestionable  but I can't help feeling that if the roles were reversed, the story would have a greater social impact and ask better questions about integration and assimilation of minority groups.

This week, France under German occupation....lots to read, a documentary to watch and then the research!

A bientot, mes amis.....!

Gardening!

It's all very exciting, having this blog up and running!

I told the incredible Neil Kerber  about my friend Gabrielle and me having a champagne tea in Claridges and he drew this wonderful cartoon . 

We'd booked a little while ago so we could look forward to this treat and spent ages discussing what we'd wear to celebrate such a delightful outing.  I'm wearing my little black dress and 'Mood Indigo' - a perky little hat that I felt suited the occasion.  Gabrielle decided to be more formal in 'Le Touquet'.  We loved having an occasion to wear hats - both from Deborah Dalton Millinery in Hampshire.  Somehow, any special outing seems to deserve dressing up from top to toe!

From  the moment we were greeted at the entrance, the whole visit was perfect.  Such elegance, such delicious little sandwiches and cakes, beautiful flowers everywhere including in the ladies' cloakroom and the most exquisite china.  Oh, and such a choice of tea!  Rose  petal, lavender......we  both decided this is a treat that deserves to be repeated as frequently as possible!

Since then, it's  been back to earth- quite literally!  Following a talk at Hillier's Garden Centre in Winchester about planting summer tubs and containers, I've swopped my elegance for a gabardine apron, wellies and sun hat!  The decision to be made was pastel and toning or bold and contrasting.  I've chosen 'brash and clash' and have had enormous fun choosing vibrant colours and sculptural forms!  After a few days glorious warmth and sun, the weather seems to be going back to cool and damp.......

Looking forward to friends visiting this weekend.  Should be able to get out into the country for a walk and a pub!

Will post photos as soon as I know how!

Just getting started and thinking about what to tell you! Please look again next week.