Summer heat and swimming pools

Because it's at least 35 degrees centigrade here during the day, I'm trying to get most of my work done before 1pm. Things start cooling down by the end of August but until then production slows down.

To photograph a house I have to make a start by 8.30 am, by 11.30 the light is too flat and I'm too hot.

That's not to say you can't enjoy this time of year, it just means you have to adjust your timing. We get up a little earlier, have a well needed siesta after lunch, and if we go out, then it's later in the evening.

This is a great time of year to own a pool, and if you only use it for the next few weeks, then the original investment and the on-going costs must seem worthwhile. The pools here are diverse, from small plunge pools, to almost full sized pools you can actually swim in! Some are set in tiled courtyards, others are surrounded by lush green grass and orange trees. Here is a selection of some that I have photographed recently - it should cool you down just looking them!

Farmhouse Kitchen

French farmhouse kitchen style - from Farmhouse Wares who specialize in all things 'farmhouse' and country - from organic remedies to garden tools.

There is something very special and nostalgic about a farmhouse kitchen. You could spend many enjoyable hours searching for a Normandy milk bottle or wire egg basket.

The zinc cake stand is a rare find indeed. Go into a French bar and you'll usually be serverd on a zinc bar top. Zinc not only looks wonderful, it's essential for the immune system.

All the kitchen items above come from Farmhouse Wares a unique place for lovers of country living.

The gardeners bike - Provence, France

I'd forgotten I had this photo. It was taken about 5 years ago, using a Diana plastic toy camera.
I am really enjoying going through my collection of old photographs and finding 'gems' like this to add to my blog!

You can still buy Diana cameras from Amazon.com for about $45. So much more fun than digital.

Second hand store Marseilles, France

Goodwill, charity store, second hand shop and thrift store. Whatever you call them they're usually the most interesting shops in any city. This one is in Marseilles, France. It's packed floor to ceiling and so full that you have to squeeze between the furniture.
This is retail heaven.