"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

Hello Friends!

Friends, Romans, countrymen...y'all. Foodies, gardeners, artists and collectors - let's gather together to share and possibly learn a thing or two in the mix.

Donna Baker

Sunday, October 30, 2011

You Can't Take Me Anywhere



Well, it's almost all Hallows Eve, or Halloween as we like to call it.  This is the scariest thing I could come up with (or it could be my parrot Birdie trying to pluck my eye out as I work on this blog).  During our 10 day trip to Paris this spring, we forayed two hours east of Paris, in the Loire Valley, and went to Chartres and Chambourg.  I really enjoyed this and heartily recommend spending a day or two around there to see how they live outside of Paris.  Tiny towns, or villages, dot the countryside in a patchwork mosaic of planted fields. Many of the homeowners also had large gardens.  I will show more of Chartres later, though I can't remember whether many of the pics are Chartres or Chambourg, but this old window was definitely in Chambourg.  Of course, you're not supposed to open the windows, so what did I do, yes, as my friends scattered, I had to lift the beautiful old latch and open the window.  Just inches away, on the sill, was this little bat.  It looked up at me and followed me with its eyes.  I looked up to see if it had fallen from the roof line, but saw no others.  Since bats aren't out during the daylight hours, I surmised it must be sick.  Rabies?!! Sorry little bat, I wish I could help you but I'm outta here.  I  took my photo, then gently closed the window.  See what you miss when you always follow the rules.  BOO!

8 comments:

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Now that's scary enough for me :)
We have bats flying around at dusk, forever looking for food, tiny bats, not much bigger than a sparrow.
I watched a show last night of the Normandy region of France, such beauty, and stunning architecture, I'm sure you had a blast, exploring all those old towns.
~Jo

mermaid gallery said...

I don't mind flying bats but when they are hanging there i think...rabies!...scary...ya!...but i like the old window......

Kirsten Steen said...

What a perfect shot for Halloween! Sounds very familiar. I'm always the one trying to open the window in the old chateaux while my partner pretends he doesn't know me and moves to the next room. Can't wait to see the pics of Chartres. Love the English tour the gentleman has been doing for 50 years (forgotten his name). He's also written a few of the books in the gift shop. Now you've got me chomping at the bit for the tour!
Happy Halloween to you!
Kirsten

Dixie said...

just a little bat-nap! great capture of France's spookiest! (we have lots of bats here in S.TX!

gésbi said...

Hello Donna, so glad you enjoyed getting out and about in France to break a few rules! I think little bats are loaded with charm and found your picture perfect for the season - though it could have come just after Halloween seeing the little fellow looked exhausted! Dixie's comment made me smile.

Cobalt Violet said...

Poor bat, but alas .. better to not take chances!
How old is Birdie?

donna baker said...

Birdie is a boy of about 4-5 years of age. He loves to blog with me, doesn't like my glasses on so he can get to my left eye and is very ill mannered. Can't teach him anything he doesn't want to learn, but can talk if he wants to. He loves me in his own mean way and I love him too.

The Antiques Diva & Co European Tours said...

Donna, it's so fun seeing these pictures again and reliving our trip. Psst, dont tell anyone, but you're still my favorite client ever!!