After the excitement of Christmas has passed I know that January can be a miserable month for lots of people but personally the start of a new year always gets me excited.
So, what am I looking forward to in January 2012?
First signs of Spring.
Here, in the Deux-Sèvres department of Poitou Charente, spring usually arrives early. On New Year’s Day I was amazed and delighted to see that our first daffodils of 2012 had already burst into bloom! Grabbing the camera, I rushed outside already anticipating working off the excesses of Christmas, getting out in the fresh air and starting to get the garden ready for spring and summer. Sadly, like much of Europe, we then had a few days of high winds and rain so the plans had to be put on hold. Today, however, we have a lovely clear sunny morning so it’s on with the wellies and out to finish the tree pruning and finally decide where to dig that pond. When part of your job involves maintaining other people’s gardens, it’s all too easy to neglect your own so I’m going to make the most of this afternoon’s sunshine chez nous.
The France Show 2012
I absolutely love visiting The France Show. With masses of stands offering professional advice on all aspects of La Vie Francaise and plenty of opportunities to sample the wine and cuisine, it’s become one of the highlights of January for me. This year it’s on from the 13th – 15th of January so, next Friday morning, I’ll be catching the Eurostar and heading for Earl’s Court. For me, the show is a fantastic opportunity to meet and help people who want advice about buying in France. Describing the many hidden delights that my part of the Charente has to offer is always a real pleasure .
For those who want to learn a bit more about this area of France, my latest article appears in the January edition of French Property News which will be available at the show and at newsagents all over the UK.
I hope you get the chance to have a look at it and, if you’re at the show, come and have a chat with me on Stand 207.
Just seen this and it makes me jealous, we have a place near to you, Vienne but not full time residents. Normally there 7 months a year and mostly the warmer months. Stuck in Norfolk now, my daffs are up but a long way from flowering, in fact no snowdrops or aconites even and they are way ahead of the daffs.
I am starting on the blogging route, see http://poitoucharentesinphotos.wordpress.com and please feel free to comment and advise. i need all the help I can get
Thanks Alan W