santé

After a beautiful morning run, we met friends for wine tasting in the afternoon- a short walk to the domaine just down the road. 

Finishing the tasting series with la bulle rose.

It's been fantastic to be in the sunshine this weekend. Maybe we are finally running out of April showers.

le chemin

This afternoon we walked several hours through the green forest, along logging trails, on winding roads, and between yellow colza fields. It was great to have a warm day and no rain.

san sebastian

Sunday afternoon, we made it to San Sebastian...after only a slight delay waiting on the side of the highway from a bus flat tire. A new bus came for us in a few quick minutes. So here we are, wandering through the old streets of San Sebastian and enjoying the beach despite the chilly weather. 

It isn't hard to imagine warm sunny days relaxing in the sand. (Thanks Jess for the group photo...or stranger on the beach using Jess's camera).

Monday morning, sunshine and coffee beachfront.

Hotel over looking the Concha Bay. 

Visiting the cathedral and enjoying bits of Spring.

Afternoon in San Seb, walking up Monte Urgull and eating pintxos.

How about one last cafe before heading homeward. Cheers to a fabulous weekend!

bilbao

This weekend I took a trip with a few friends to Bilbao and San Sebastian, Spain. A weekend full of good meals, wandering, wine, art, chit chat, and cafe breaks. We arrived just in time for a late Friday night dinner.

Saturday morning we headed for the old town, casco viejo, with the help of a friendly stranger, and a few stops a long the way.

Shoe shops with lively spring colors, and break from the rain, inside the Mercado de la Ribera, which mostly sold fish, but a few pig heads too. 

Winding our way through the seven narrow streets.

 Plaza Nueva.

It's always a good idea to refuel before starting into a great afternoon of art, so, a nice lunch on the way to the Guggenheim.

And time to see some fantastic works at the Gu. 

Wrapping up our time in Bilbao with dinner at Panko...which quickly became or restaurant of choice.

A quick trip to see the birds, stamp collectors, and card traders at the Sunday morning market at Plaza Nueva before our bus to San Sebastian.

here's hoping

Here's hoping to keep dry as I head out for a walk to get groceries. I like the dramatic clouds, but fingers crossed it doesn't pour. 

easter brunch

I've had the urge to make an Easter feast, and yesterday's dreary weather was perfect for keeping warm in the kitchen to prepare a brunch for today.

Actually, brunch didn't take much preparation besides hard boiling eggs and dipping strawberries and marzipan in chocolate.

And baking a vegan quiche, yum.

Mainly, I just like setting up a pretty table and then enjoying some treats and champagne drinks with friends.

After brunching, what better way to continue an Easter celebration than with a parade featuring costumed teenagers,  a bit of dancing, and a bit more Cerdon.

Happy Easter from France.

birding by the river

Today we took a long walk, stopping to watch birds and blooms along the river.