Madame Nature Hints at Warmer Times to Come at Chateau Blanc, Encouraging the Sickly T's

Dateline Normandy -- It's only nearing the end of January but already signs of spring's much-anticipated arrival are evident on the grounds of Chateau Blanc. Jonquille and rhododendron flower bulbs are teasingly starting to sprout and enfant leaf buds are meekly emerging on the oaks. Yep, miserable cold and wet weather may indeed last through May, but the signs of the greenery and flowers to come leads to optimism of the arrival of spring and summer. That means time for outdoor dinners on the terrace with chilled rose' wine, watching the sun set -- at 10 p.m. nonetheless! -- over the duck pond and orchard. Warmer times in Normandy means more Jeep rides with Gaston, more cycling on the tiny meandering roads for S, more walks with Anne-Sophie for C, and this season, playing in the sand box and chasing Gaston around the grounds for P. And all of this couldn't come any sooner as all of the T family have been in pitiful shape lately with viruses, head colds, sinus infections and whochiguchi fever for the past month, certainly not helped by the artic cold, wet weather that lands upon Normandy this time of year. Fortunately we've been able to to improve the insulation of the house and everything now is cozily warm inside, so that's where we're spending all our time -- inside. The T's are anxious to see the first bulb blossom and the first leaf unfold to announce le beau temp that is to come. It can't happen soon enough. ~30~