We are getting ready to move back to Canada permanently and for this reason, I insisted (sounding bossy) that we go visit Monet’s garden in Giverny which has been on my list of things to see this spring.  Brianna was away with a friend this weekend, so I dragged Chris and Greg with me, borrowing our neighbours car so we could drive to Giverny (45 min. drive) from our house in Garches. I figured that we had been to so many museums and seen Monet’s work and we were so close to his actual home;  his inspiration for his paintings, that we should take the opportunity to go experience the beauty that is seen in his paintings.

Unfortunately, Greg suffers terrible spring allergies (always beginning in June) and it was a disaster ‘forcing’ him to join us. ;/   He really suffered with all of the vegetation on the pathways and being surrounded by thousands of different plants and flowers.  However, I gave him some Benadryl and a bottle of water (for the itchy eyes and throat) and made him tough it out while I enjoyed the beauty of it all :).  lol  I’m sure he was not impressed, but I loved seeing it all with my own eyes (note to self – next time go alone!).

It was a very hot day, so we got an ice cream on the way out afterwards and then stopped for a picnic with wine, cheese and baguette we picked up from the market along the way.  This is very typical, with most French families bringing wine, bread, fruits and cheese to picnic anywhere they want as long as there is 10 square feet to sit.  Bottles of wine are out everywhere in France and I know I will miss that when I’m home, I’m sure.

So much to reflect on in this last month.

Here are more photos from Giverny and Monet’s neighborhood:

For blogs, photos and more facts on Monet, go to this link.