Christmas at Le Chateau Lasserre

Well someone's got to be the first to mention it so it may as well be me !

Do I really need to paint the picture for you again ? oh go on then I'll whip out my best sable brushes. Let's start with the Azure blue sky shall we ?, there again it could be periwinkle or cornflower dreamily dotted with plump white blobs of cotton wool. Stretching out to the hills beyond row upon row of ever ripening luscious vines luxuriating under the sun in various hues of green.

But as pleasing as it is I can't afford to dwell on this idyllic bliss for I must now start to re-think my canvas for the coming months ahead. Soon the panoramic vista from Le Chateau will rapidly change. Once the vines have been harvested they turn the landscape into a kaleidoscope of riotous and robust deep reds and mellow yellows before finally resembling an army of stark twisted stumps of black. All seasons present the artist, photographer or writer with visual delights and inspiration but for me also the business of equipping Le Chateau with her winter wardrobe.

Clotted cream old linen drapes are replaced with thick interlined curtains, rugs and throws in warm colours are added as the house is prepared for winter. French shabby chic at it's most seductive. Logs are carefully stacked and stored ready to be taken by wheelbarrow into the cosy sitting room where the crackling dancing flames will sooth and slow down the visitor. The piano sits in the corner ready for long drawn out nights, puzzles and games come out of the cupboard and the Aga which is truly the heart of the home repays us tenfold with a steady heat.

Meanwhile gazing down at the gnarled and twisted olive tree adding that Mediterranean touch and laden with olives, once more to be harvested in rich olive oil, garlic and herbs to nibble with a glass of one of the Languedoc wines it is difficult to propel myself forward.

But propel myself forward I must, to Christmas, New Year and as far away as Autumn 2008.

Sally's Chateau cannot afford to sit still and ponder the concept of 'Living the Dream' ....