camp daylesford

Home sweet, temporary, home

Oh man. Those Italians were so distracting that I have tons of backward looking posts! Did some house/hen/cat sitting for a wonderful woman a while ago, and had the most peaceful, enchanting experience. The house itself reminded me of our family's home in the Adirondacks, my ultimate favorite place. The same pine-y, soapy smell, wood paneling everywhere, dappled green light filtering in through the trees outside, and the most cozy, welcoming, familial feel to everything. And the cat Toulouse and I got on famously from the start. We would start each day with a cuddle and a play, then spend the afternoons in the gardens with the four hens whenever we could find the time. Such fun to wander around in the sun, checking in on flowers, vegetables, fruits, and all other types of plants with a feisty cat and four audacious hens. I was delighted to discover that chickens can have real, distinct and entertaining personalities, and had the best time getting to know them all. And couldn't have been more satisfied with the constant supply of fresh eggs, homemade jams, preserves and other treats, floor to ceiling bookshelves in several rooms, and fascinating collection of folk music there for the sampling (the Mr. belonging to this home is a folk musician himself, and constantly on tour, even in the states!). Simply wonderful!

A gorgeous arch of honeysuckle. Just close your eyes and imagine how heavenly it was to walk under this! 

Arrived just in time to watch one peony blossom. Lovely. 

A little touch of San Diego

Foxgloves and gooseberries. Gooseberries! Never actually seen them in person. I was smitten. 

Amazing, outsized red poppies. Wrong variety, but still making me think of Monet. And that's always welcome.

An enormous spread of Alpine strawberries, ripe for the picking and snacking

Toulouse, ever the patient lady while I round up the hens for the evening

The chook house

A large collection of honeys in the kitchen. Yes please! 

Absolutely loved looking out that window instead of staring into a mirror in the bathroom

Butterflies displayed in my room. Those of you who know me well know that this was the tipping point of true happiness.