I got a feeling inside of me, it's kinda strange like a stormy sea...

My new rose apparently doesn't care about the shite weather we're having, it's blossomed anyhow and it's looking quite delightful.  It's even nicer than I remembered and a lot nicer than the photo on the website I bought it from (see below) - not even sure that's the same rose.

And while we're on the subject, it's a well-known fact that I've never been a fan of yer common carnation (dead posh, me) until I noticed these babies in the supermarket the other day.  Feckin gorgeous, quite frankly, and inexpensive enough to render them almost more important than food.  They have a delicate vintage look about them and, mixed with some creamy-coloured stocks, make small areas of my house look nearly sophisticated(ish).

It's been a while....

.... but I've been busy getting a new job and being in France and stuff.

I stayed near (and worked in, just in case anyone thinks I was having fun) Laval.  It really is the most beautiful little city and I'm quite sure I will visit again before long.

The most beautiful cobbled streets with sweet little houses, in the old part of the city...

 ... and one of the views from the tower of the medieval Château de Laval. 

Most memorably, for the moment, I finally got to visit Mont St Michel, which was totally amazing - everything I hoped for and more.

And I fell in love with a rose (fell in love once and almost completely).  It was everywhere and it called out to me.  It's called Pierre de Ronsard.  I couldn't quite bring myself to bring one back (along with a case big enough and heavy enough to be smuggling home an entire bijou Laval town house) on Eurostar, but I was a very happy bunny when I found one here (just for you, MandiS).  It arrived very quickly and is in full bud.  Can't wait to get it in the garden, just as soon as the hurricanes are over.