October, 2008:

Today was a gorgeous autumn day – warm, sunny and beautiful blue skies.  I love days like this.  We decided to go and visit the Lac du Cebron and watch the birdlife for a little while.

We have visited this site many times in the past and enjoyed watching the flocks of birds coming and going across the lake.  There weren’t that many birds today so we decided to take a look at the lake’s newest bird hide.

This hide opened earlier this year and looks really impressive.  Unfortunately, it was closed until 2.30 and today was the last day it was open for this year.  Oh well, there is always next year.

On the way back to the car, we explored the new walking trail and admired the firey autumn colours.

After stopping for a welcome cup of coffee from the flasks we had packed with our binoculars, we headed home. A few days earlier I had bought some large artichokes with a view to enjoying them as a starter for dinner one evening.

Today was such a lovely day, warm, sunny and no wind that we had the artichokes for lunch outside.  What a lovely relaxed meal. White wine, fresh bread and garlic butter and spicy mayonnaise for dipping the leaves into.

The artichokes kept us busy, peeling each layer of the leaves off and dipping them into the sauces. Eventually leaving a pile of leaves

and a bowl of the inside hair

Even the neighbours cat enjoyed the culinary delight.

I’m sure the neighbours wondered why their cat’s breath stank of garlic when he returned home that night!

Finally, a plate of cheese – rocamadour – my favourite with a swedish cracker.

The perfect meal to end our outside lunches this year.  The weather is now forecast to get cold and wet.

Here’s looking to spring 2009 and more delicious outside meals.