It poured Tuesday night. I could hear the thunder rumbling as I lay in bed but didn’t get up to look. In the morning over covered porch and everything on it was soaking so there was wind too.

Normally, there is a clear view of the mountains below us but it was filled with fog in the morning and the fog slowly made its way up the hill to our house. Foggy valleys are usually a sign of autumn. I think it will be early this year.

I went out into the chilly air to try and get some photos of raindrops. I need a better lens I think.

Out of focus but I still sort of like it.

I liked the sun shining on a little minature rose bush that I have in a pot.

We had company over for lunch yesterday and despite threats of showers we got enough sunshine to take a walk afterwards and we showed them the old ruined chateau up near our village.

This is my favorite part of it. Every year a little more has fallen down. Most of it was probably dismantled during the revolution and the stone used to make the newer section next to it.

A very old shutter on the newer section. Even it is starting to fall apart. I think part of the newer section is rented now and then but it was all shut up this time.

The key hole for the front door.

We found an old barn with the door open and there were old cars inside beyond repair and, as you can see, one of them had part of the roof fallen down on it.

The sun came through the clouds as we were there and shown through the leaves starting to show signs of autumn-on of my favorite things: sunlight through leaves.

You know Autumn is on the way in Provence when you start to see golden hues in the leaves of many trees and vineyards, a touch more of coolness every morning, and by a visit to a market. On Sunday we go to a small, local market in St Martin de la Brasque where most of the sellers are local people.

Pumpkins suddenly arrive.

The first appearance of butternut squash.

Purple plums with their dusting of white.

It’s almost time for harvesting of grapes here in Provence and we are starting to see grapes for eating. Maurice particularly loves the green grapes. I’m not a fan of seeds so I usually don’t eat them. Maurice does, seeds and all.

My Santon lady was there again sewing outfits for her Santons denoting villagers.

<
Figs are arriving too. I love their purple color.

I am here in Provence and there isn’t much going on since thirteen guests have left. I have a few photos of things here and there and then, unless something interesting or exciting happens, I will probably be posting photos of my last time in Paris for a few weeks before we leave for a little trip.

I saw this car in la Tour d’Aigues. It’s really unusual to see a huge car in France, especially if it is a classic. There was also a little statue of Elvis hanging from the rear view mirror. The license plate shows that the owner lives in this region.

A few days ago we went to la Ciotat on the coast. There was a brisk wind and the wind surfers were out enjoying it. We were visiting Maurice’s sisters and their families. They always come to this area for the August vacation.

We have over one hundred lavender plants in our yard. It looks great in the summer and it’s wonderful watching the bees and butterflies do their thing amongst it. However, when it stops blooming, the flowers have to be cut off. I have to tell you that it is a lot of labor. But I smell really good each time I finish-lavender, santolina and rosemary fragrances cling to my clothing.

There are still tomatoes to be found at the markets. I bought a big batch to make tomato soup. I haven’t tried any new French recipes this summer but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been cooking-just using the same old recipes.

You know you are in the country when you round a corner on a local road in Provence and see this:

There they are, a hundred sheep or so heading in your direction.

Getting closer. The shepherd just whistled and two dogs managed the sheep. I never was able to even see the dogs.

Going around the car.

Here’s one with a bell.

A few shots taken on our last quick trip to Aix. I love that city.

Squash blossoms for sale. I have never tried to cook anything with them although I’ve had them at restaurants. They always seem to have the texture of tissue paper to me which isn’t too exciting to my taste buds.

Little olive trees. I love the little round pots they are in.

When I stopped to take a photo of this, my favorite fountain in Aix, Maurice said, “You’re taking another photo?” Yes, once again, but I never had an artist painting a picture of it before.

When I was growing up we only had red tomatoes. Where did all of these colors come from? I know they call the purplish ones, Heirloom, but I never saw any until the last few years.