Sunday, November 27, 2011

"Normandy Life"





Many of you know Maggie,

the author of the delightful blog





Maggie and her husband live in the beautiful countryside of Normandy, France, in a charming 16th and 18th century Prespbytery that they lovingly restored 15 years ago. We have been friends through the years, having first met in 2000 while attending an Annual Meeting of Quimper Club International. This past October "the chef" and I had the pleasure of experiencing Normandy Life in real time.




Each morning we woke to the most

incredible views just outside our windows.




In the quiet hours of early morning,

the fog gently rose, and the rosy pink sky

ushered in the sunshine of a new day.




All about us were pastures of fresh green grass and herds of gentle Normandy cows grazing about. Every view offered a photo perfect scene that one might find in the quintessential landscape of a pastoral setting.




Normandy cows, prized for both their

protein rich milk and quality beef,

are characteristically brown and white.




Not far down the lane is a Romanesque style church built on the site of an old chapel. The fishbone pattern, still visible in the choir and the nave, shows that it was built in the 11th century. The churchyard with its ancient tombstones and grave markers is often the subject of Maggie's magnificent images for Shadow Shot Sunday @ Hey Harriets.



More delights are found wandering

the beautiful lawns and gardens.




A perfect sunny spot for two friends to sit and chat.




Inside one is inspired by the awe of living

in such a beautiful, historic treasure.




There are wonderful pieces of Quimper.




Special touches of French symbols and . . .



Sweet Mr. Ben




Along with the frisky M'selle Fleur.



Every morning there was fresh

French bread, croissants, and pain au chocolat.




Always served on Emma Bridgewater's

pottery from the classic Black Toast Collection.

This dishaholic was totally smitten!




One morning Maggie and I drove to nearby Bayeux




To visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry

and walk through the magnificent

Bayeux Cathedral

that was consecrated in 1077.





We enjoyed a delicious lunch of a Normandy crepe

filled with fresh greens - a perfect ladies lunch.




While the girls were away,

the husbands were back at the

Presbytery reading, visiting, and lunching

alfresco on the lawn in the warm sunshine.



Delicious evening meals were prepared by Mr. B, dining on Chicken Divan one meal and another on the best Boeuf Bourguignon we've ever tasted. The mosaic above features a meal we enjoyed out at a local country restaurant. I think the photos speak for themselves.



Our four days in Normandy were a highlight of our trip.

Good friends making memories together.




As we drove off for more

adventures in the French countryside,

we bid our farewells to good friends

who live an idyllic life in Normandy.


You can find Normandy Life here.

Stop by for a visit and sign up to follow along

as Maggie shares her life in Normandy.



Joining the following:














on

74 comments:

  1. Judith @ Lavender CottageNovember 27, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    It is so nice when bloggers can meet and visit. Thanks for sharing your time in Normandy, the country is beautiful and food looks wonderful.

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  2. Blondie's JournalNovember 27, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    It looks like a good time was had by all, Sarah! I love Maggie's blog and you have touched on things I have never seen. The meals sound utterly delicious and your trips through the countryside made for some gorgeous pictures! I'm so glad all four of you had a wonderful time and thanks for sharing with us!

    XO,
    Jane

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  3. Anita at Cedar Hill November 27, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    What an amazing trip, thanks for sharing your stunning photos.

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  4. SoniaNovember 27, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    Oh how wonderful your time in France looked in your lovely photographs! I have followed Maggie and I think it is so fantastic when you can meet some of the people in the blog world! Just makes me happy to see your photos of you two together!! Keep on sharing your photos-- they are fabulous!
    Miss Bloomers

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  5. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleNovember 27, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Sarah, lucky lucky you to visit there and to spend it with a wonderful friend. The picture of y'all sitting outside is wonderful. You are so pretty in the other picture too in that beautiful sweater. Love the car y'all toured in. How nice!

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  6. KathleenNovember 27, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    Oh how lovely! What a wonderful trip you had! I am so glad you got to go this year.
    The scenery is gorgeous! I am sure you and Maggie had a great visit.
    Your pictures are as clear as a bell! Thanks for sharing your traffic adventure!

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  7. JojoNovember 27, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    Wow! That is thrilling! That was so much more than a trip. Lucky you Sarah.

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  8. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiNovember 27, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    What a beautiful time you had in Normandy as a guest of Maggie in her lovely home! The scenery, the food and your wonderful friendship all shine, Sarah.

    It must have been wonderful fun touring France in that convertible too!

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  9. Barbara F.November 27, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    What a lovely visit you had. Maggie's home is breathtaking. Normandy is so beautiful. xo

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  10. Kim, USANovember 27, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    Wow such a lovely place! And it is so nice to see friends visiting friends. Happy Monday!

    Mosaic Monday

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  11. Northwest TexasNovember 28, 2011 at 12:26 AM

    What a dream trip. Thank you for providing such incredible photos. I'm glad you had the opportunity to visit your longtime friend.

    Kindly, Dana

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  12. Teacup-In-The-GardenNovember 28, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    A great trip! Thanks for taking us with you! It must have been wonderful!
    Have a nice week,
    Markus

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  13. Johanna GehrleinNovember 28, 2011 at 2:56 AM

    Hello Sarah,
    what a beautiful trip. I can imagine what this trip meant for you as a Quimper lover. Normandie is really wonderful, I have been there once and enjoyed it also very much. How nice that you could meet Maggie and her family. Your journey looks like the pure delight. Thank you for sharing this wonderful memories with us.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  14. eileeninmdNovember 28, 2011 at 3:17 AM

    What a wonderful time visiting your friend in Normandy, France. It looks like a beautiful place and I love the views. The photos of you and your hubby and Maggie and Mr B. are just lovely. Being I dog lover, I just love the dogs too. Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip. Have a great week.

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  15. Carol @ There's Always Thyme to CookNovember 28, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    What a fantastic visit! Stunning scenery, beautiful shots! I enjoyed you visit to Normandy.

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  16. MaggieNovember 28, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    We did have a good time, didn't we?
    Thanks for giving me/the blog/us/life in Normandy, such a great write up.
    I dind't realise you had taken so many photographs inside the house, maybe I should have tidied up first and perhaps changed my slippers.
    Come back soon!

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  17. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsNovember 28, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    How beautiful it was there! I spent a couple of days in Normandy when I was in France and loved it.

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  18. La Table De NanaNovember 28, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    I am so happy for you taht you had this trip..What a place..Normandie..I would really love to go one day..Thank you for sharing all these photos etc..

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  19. Confessions of a Plate AddictNovember 28, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Oh, Sarah! What a wonderful visit! Maggie's home is lovely and, of course, I loved the Quimper! And...you hit one of the places on my bucket list...Bayeux! I want to see the tapestry so badly after teaching it for so many years! Wonderful! Thanks for taking me along on a little cyber trip to Normandy! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

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  20. PondsideNovember 28, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    Such an odd feeling to 'know' the two of you and to read about your visit to a beautiful place that I also feel I 'know'. Such a treat to see you and Maggie together and....those meals! Loved the shot of you and your husband in that racy little car!

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  21. Elegant EconomiesNovember 28, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    Thank you for taking us with you on your lovely trip. New follower.
    Audrey

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  22. LorrieNovember 28, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    I read Maggie's blog all the time so it was especially fun to read your account of the visit.

    Wonderful shots of Normandy!

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  23. UnknownNovember 28, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    I'm glad you had such a wonderful time. Thanks for the interesting tour!

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  24. French Girl in SeattleNovember 28, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    You and I both had friends on our minds when we blogged this week ;-) What a lovely visit you had. You took me back in time to our fun weekends in Normandy while we lived in Paris! I would have guessed where you were even if you had not mentioned the name of the place. The countryside, the architecture, the cows. Ah. Loved seeing your friends and their wonderful canines too! Thank you for a great time. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  25. My Little Home and GardenNovember 28, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    What a fabulous trip! Your photos certainly showed the loveliness of the landscape -and food! I'd better add Normandy to my list of places to visit.
    -Karen

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  26. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresNovember 28, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    How did you ever manage to pull yourself away from there? What a gorgeous place. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures and friendships.

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  27. The French HutchNovember 28, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Hi Sarah, what a wonderful trip this must have been for you. I think its wonderful you were able to spend time with Maggie in her lovely home. Normandy is such a beautiful region of France and fall is such a great time of year to visit. Looks like the four of you had a great time visiting. I love the photo of Maggie and her husband at the front door and the photo of you and your husband in your convertible. The perfect way to see the French countryside. Great Post!

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  28. PriscillaNovember 28, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Maggie is one of my other favorite bloggers. You had me drooling with pictures of my favorite part of France, but when I got the the picture of the crêpe, I almost went through the Mac to get to it. Oh, nothing is as good as a Normandy crêpe! I love filling, but I love ham and egg best.
    I guess I know what I'm having for dinner.

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  29. Pat@Back Porch MusingsNovember 28, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    Absolutely wonderful post, Sarah!!

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  30. Mary Howell CromerNovember 28, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    Fraom the happy faces, beautiful scenes, sweet pup-cubs and food, a very sweet share of a series~

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  31. Tammy@Beatrice BanksNovember 28, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    Oh my! What gorgeous photos of such a beautiful place. Your trip sounds lovely. And the food, wow! This must have been a trip of a life time! I'm already a follower of Normandy Life. Great blog.

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  32. On Crooked CreekNovember 28, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    Sarah,
    What a lovely excursion! Delightful reading of your adventures! Thank you for taking us along with you!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  33. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageNovember 28, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    So wonderful that you could visit friends so far away! And in such a beautiful place. Your photos are lovely. And what a fabulous house!

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  34. Country Wings in PhoenixNovember 28, 2011 at 7:44 PM

    Oh Sarah Sweetie...
    Thank you for taking me along to Normandy to meet sweet Maggie. What a beautiful home and grounds. Your smiles tell it all. What a grand time you had.

    I love the architecture that you shared. So breath taking. You and DH look pretty darn cute in that convertible as well.

    Loved meeting Mr. Ben and M'selle Fleur as well. Aren't those the sweetest two faces smiling back at you.

    Thank you sweet Sarah for taking me along. I SO enjoyed myself this evening.

    Many hugs and much love, Sherry

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  35. BabsNovember 28, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    How wonderful that you could meet Maggie and her husband in Normandy and spend a few days with them. I'll bet she knew all the great places to see and shop. Hope your Thanksgiving was good,
    Babs

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  36. AnonymousNovember 28, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Hi Sarah! Oh, it's so wonderful to meet blogging friends but what a treat for you to go spend time with Maggie in Normandy! What a gorgeous place! Y'all made beautiful memories!
    Thanks for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  37. ChiPPy-SHaBByNovember 28, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    Just LoVely Photos!*!*! Loved the landscapes the BeSt... I'm getting soooo hungry ~ the food looks delicious!!!
    Jeanine Burkhardt

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  38. Blue Creek HomeNovember 28, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    Wow, what a blessing to have experienced all of that beauty (and food!) with friends.
    You look tres chic in the photos!
    I would love to go someday.
    Rhonda

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  39. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonNovember 28, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    Wow, this is a vacation of a lifetime! Love their home. That word, quimper; never heard it before. Too cute, is it the brand of Pottery? The food in your mosiac made my mouth water. What a fun tour of Normandy I had!

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  40. sharon santoni at my french country homeNovember 29, 2011 at 4:35 AM

    What a lovely stay you had and yourpictures are great, thank you for beckoning me over!
    Sharon
    x

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  41. black eyed susans kitchenNovember 29, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Stunning photos of the landscapes and vistas. I was very taken by the tree in front of the church. It is huge and looks to be very old. Thanks so much for sharing your visit...I miss France and would love to go back one day.
    Susan

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  42. Susan Nowell @ My Place to YoursNovember 29, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    Sarah, what a wonderful trip. I'd love to visit Normandy and Bayeaux! I hope someday to meet some of my blogging friends in person, too!

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  43. Corporate EntertainmentNovember 29, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    These kind of post are always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content so I happy to find many good point here in the post, writing is simply great, thank you for the post

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  44. DebbiedoosNovember 29, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    Sarah that looked amazing! And so did the both of you lovely ladies sitting in the chair holding hands, that is precious! So gorgeous there and what a home she has. Thanks for sharing.

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  45. EbieNovember 29, 2011 at 11:38 PM

    You have a nice friendship to treasure! What a beautiful place, and a great virtual tour you have offered!

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  46. LindyLouMacNovember 30, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    Popped over from Normandy Life, what a lovely write up about your visit. I have no idea why I have never discovered your delightful blog before now Sarah but I am now your latest follower!

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  47. RettabugNovember 30, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    What a wonderfully delightful trip that must have been, Sarah! Maggie is such a sweet heart & to see their gorgeous location through your eyes (and camera lens) was pure delight!
    How lucky for both of you!

    fondly,
    Rett

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  48. LindaNovember 30, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    What a wonderful trip! Your pictures are incredible...thanks for taking us on your journey!!

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  49. Anne LorysNovember 30, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    What a beautiful trip, I am only the tiniest bit jealous, tho! ;-)

    XOXO,
    Anne

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  50. Natasha in OzNovember 30, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    wow, what an amazing experience! How wonderful to meet a blogging friend...in France! Two dreams some true in one fabulous holiday. Lucky you!

    Thanks for sharing these happy memories with us Sarah!

    Best wishes always,
    Natasha.

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  51. MarigeneNovember 30, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    What a wonderful trip...it looks like a little bit of heaven.
    I love the Normandy cows...we have recently found a herd of Belted Galloways nearby...the oreo cows!

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  52. GratefulPrayerThankfulHeartNovember 30, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    A magnificent visit filled with gorgeous photos and a dear friendship! Loved sharing this with your through your post!

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  53. Calypso In The CountryNovember 30, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    How wonderful to be able to travel there. I love all the beautiful photos and those dogs are just darling! Thanks for stopping by with your kind comment!
    -Shelley

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  54. Bargain Decorating with LaurieNovember 30, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Sarah, I am so envious of you and of Maggie. What a beautiful home and what a beautiful countryside. I loved seeing all of your pictures - just wishing I had been there too. laurie

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  55. JacquelineNovember 30, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    What a trip! You two cut quite the picture in the convertible. The mornings are just awe inspiring and the food looks wonderful. Thanks for bringing me along!

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  56. KarenaDecember 1, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Sarah I cannot imagine how your trip could be any more special. Time with friends, a glorious setting, delicious food! Thank you for sharing!

    Please Come and enter the 1st of Twelve Days of Holiday giveaways! It is stunning!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  57. UnknownDecember 1, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Beautiful post! Love your photos,what a special time.Thanks for sharing.Joann

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  58. AnonymousDecember 1, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    Oh my gosh Sarah, What a fabulous trip for you and your handsome husband. Maggie's home is amazing and how special that you got to spend time with them. My favorite photo.....the dog dishes in the floor with the wine bottle. :) You got to live my dream. xo

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  59. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereDecember 1, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    Sarah, Maggie's home is beautiful and what pretty countryside. I loved see photos of your visit. Thank you for sharing at the Open House party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  60. UnknownDecember 2, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    Wow! What a life! Thank you for sharing your visit! :)

    Thanks for coming by and entering the Nell Hill Book give away.

    ~Liz

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  61. Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise)December 2, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Ya got to meet Maggie??? Oh what a treasure that would be. I just adore her.

    I almost felt like I was right there with ya'll through your beautiful pictures.

    What a treat!!! Have a magnificent adventure.

    God bless and have an awesome weekend sweetie!!!

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  62. Janette - The2SeasonsDecember 2, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    My husband and I rode our bicycles from the top to the bottom of France in September. We started in Bayeux, after staying there a few nights, visited the war sites, and then pedaled through the beautiful country to the Mediterranean Sea. It was quite challenging (we were on many roads that were used in La Tour), but it was worth it. It took us 14 days. I enjoyed reading about your visit.

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  63. LVDecember 2, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    Once in a lifetime adventure with your friends. I felt as though I had been there too.

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  64. Kim @ French Country AntiquesDecember 2, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    Thanks for sharing such wonderful pictures from Normandy.

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  65. Chubskulit RoseDecember 2, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    Simply beautiful!

    My PINK is inviting you to come and take a peek. Have a beautiful weekend!

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  66. Honey at 2805December 3, 2011 at 2:06 AM

    What a great trip and how fun to see your pictures and hear about your time with Maggie! Normandy is beautiful...we were there last Spring.

    Thank you for linking this wonderful post to Potpourri Friday!

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  67. TinaDecember 3, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    What a wonderful post, thank you so much for sharing your time in Nomandy. Such a beautiful place.

    Visiting from Home Sweet Home.

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  68. Dovecote DecorDecember 3, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    I enjoyed your post! Come visit our day one trip to Paris! Oh, and we have an amazing chest we are giving away.
    Best,
    Liz

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  69. Cindy AdkinsDecember 3, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    What an incredible place and a wonderful trip! Thank you so much for sharing with us!
    Visiting from Pink Saturday.
    Cindy

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  70. The Charm of HomeDecember 4, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    What an incredible trip! I love Maggie's blog. How fun to experience it in person! Fantastic Sarah! So glad you made this trip. When I first found her blog I think I wrote to her and asked her if she had met you yet! LOL Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  71. MaryDecember 4, 2011 at 5:31 AM

    Oh what a fantastic trip this must have been! The countryside, sights & food of Normandy Life! You two are so cute posed in your convertible~ what a wonderful way to take in the scenery!

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  72. Jenny @ Simcoe StreetDecember 4, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    Normandy looks amazing, thanks for sharing!

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  73. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeDecember 5, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    Beautiful photographs, for a minute there I was whisked away...thanks for sharing!!!

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  74. BeverlyDecember 5, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    Beautiful countryside, lovely home, delicious food and special friends. You had them all. And, it looks incredible.

    Happy Pink Saturday, Sarah. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.