Oranges and Lemons

Woke to the hardest frost yet, not that you'd know it from this photo; when the sun shines, it warms up wonderfully.

We were thrilled to be invited to a very informal art exhibition at our French friend, Steph's place. She bought the old cheese making factory in the middle of town, and is gradually transforming it into a place for artists to come stay. It's far from ready, but she's had a young Belgian artist, Charles, come for a few weeks. Today they hung the paintings he'd done, small ones of oranges and of himself in different moods, in the patio of her place. With the sunshine making shadows and backlighting the oranges, lemons, bougainvillea, arches and vines, if you'd handed me a brush, I'd have painted! But I did have my camera.

Extra of Charles, and one of his paintings hidden behind Mike's head. And another of one of the refreshments.

Gratefuls:
- the stimulation of going somewhere different
- the beauty of Steph's place and all she's accomplished already
- mulled wine with homemade almond tuiles and candied orange peel

Oh, and happy birthday wishes to Leyna, who made me a big sister! Born in the same small mission hospital in Shell Mera, Ecuador.