The sales!

At last, a bit of time for myself after the lovely guests left.

I set off to have a look at the sales in Clermont Ferrand. But the sun  was shining on the snow capped mountains behind the village, a big contrast to the vibrant colours of the sky and lush meadows.

  In the opposite direction the Monts Dore looked astonishingly beautiful with their snow covered peaks that always remind me of rumpled linen.

To be honest I think I have lost my shopping gene and the longer I live here the less I feel inclined to trail round overheated and crowded stores looking at acres of 'stuff' that I don't need.

It is searching through mounds of old textiles and 'objets' that makes my heart beat faster. There was no contest, I changed direction and headed for the mountains.
By the time I arrived among the Monts Dore the sun had settled behind them and the temperature had dropped dramatically.

A huge bank of cloud appeared over the horizon with little fins that made me think of 'Jaws' as it followed me home.

As always the Puy de Dome seems to stand sentinel over the landscape, it always says 'home' to me.

Within the space of a few hours there was hot sunshine, crisp icy stillness, strong winds, drizzle and hailstones. The views were spectacular and inspirational as ever.
Today it is considerably colder and I am happy to snuggle up indoors and work on my New Year Resolutions!