One of the spectacular window dressings at Printemps Paris.

I am busy putting away my Winter Wardrobe, and arranging my Summer one. I love playing around with clothes, and arranging them. Tigger has the garden looking good, but still have lots of planting to do. The recent showers were welcome, and my little veg patch is coming along. I have the last patchwork class tomorrow, and have worked all day on my small quilt, as I was lagging behind. I hope to have it finished next week, and I now know how to do one properly. The Summer Fetes have started, so the next few Saturday mornings will be taken up, watching out for some more books, and perhaps the odd treasure. Having decluttered, I have myself on a tight rein this year, but I just love The Lure of the Chase.

Little Poppet in Australia will be 2 next week, and just wish I could give her a big hug. It will be lovely seeing them all for Christmas this year. I'm still waiting for my carpenter to come back to fit a new half door in the kitchen, and transfer the existing one to the wash house, and to have my gate pillars done. It drives me mad when people let me down on doing jobs. I am thinking of putting in a new Condenser Boiler, as it would save 40% on oil, which is a consideration with a fill at €860, and Tigger needing a high level of heat.

I had a lovely lunch with my tennis friends yesterday, and the drive down to Wicklow is so pretty at this time of year. I'm planning some nice menus for the coming months. I made a lovely quiche with white asparagus (I brought from Paris along with some cheese - Pont L'Eveque, Comté and Reblochon, and some cherries, kumquats, and Physalis), sundried tomatoes, and Goat's cheese. Must plan something nice for my friend of 65 years birthday lunch on Sunday week.

Business is busy in spurts, but bookings are still nowhere like three years ago. I have thank you letters to write, and need to start doing the business accounts for the year - a job I hate. The local council have some nice events coming up which I will bring Muffin along to, - Bat watching, a dawn chorus, exploring rock pools, and insect spotting. They should be fun.

I will be posting a few blogs on blooger this weekend about Paris including Madame Gres and Yves St Laurant exhibitions, Louis Bourdelle sculpture Exhibition, The Marais, and my hidden Paris, along with the visit to Monet's House and Garden at Givenchy, with lots of photos. That's all for now. See you soon. Love Tiggy x