Feels like crazy blur of activity since I last posted.. very likely due to Christmas feasts, guests, shopping, lights and snow.. all at once.

We drove to the Loire Valley yesterday to view the gorgeous chateau Chenonceau.

Soaking up history and elegance: the children galloped from room to room with just as much appreciation( especially the daughters, after all it's been a castle of women,)...and despite overcast skies it didnt - really - rain.

Sleeping Beauty forests, 16th century farmhouses and a maze to race round on the way out. Love to return when its more springlike.

I love driving on french roads(out of town) .. motorways, a plethora of slightly confusing signs, lots of helpful stops full of food, drink, candy, other travellers..no one minds if you have to make an unscheduled roadside detour with hazard lights blinking, delving deep into the boot to retrieve a box of tic tacs, some earphones or the last crumbly biscuits.

Just relieved we didnt experience ice. I need a bit more practice for ice AND touring a la famille.