The outlook for July is rosy!

We're back home, into the (finally) hot and sunny July that is typical for the south of France. The hot weather mean lots of board games...

and a current favourite is 'Carcassone', which was a very appropriate present from Ben's brother at Christmas time. The rules seem complicated but the game turns out to be easy to play, yet a lot of challenging fun - and the walled castle-city of Carcassone is of course not far from us.

Did you spot the book shelves? My new finds are nestling very happily there, along with some other lovely books - nearly all of them bought second hand.

Above them, I've cleared some books off the top shelf, and laid a 'new' 1960s mirror along it - it complements the gold-framed one you can just glimpse in the games picture really well. The mega-plant continues in its quest to take over the house...

Outside, my birthday-present ferns in our 'found' stump-planters are looking good in the shade.

So, what is rosy? Life in general, of course, but also Niki's calendar page for July!

And my dress, too.

This is my display for July, underneath the calendar, although I'm not actually sure the pink rose bush will continue providing me with roses all month.

Our month is full of plans - science projects, writing and reading books and playing in the pool (that's my outlook for the boys, although theirs would also include more electronic entertainment than I care to contemplate), teaching and some trips away. I really am absolutely rubbish at replying to you or leaving comments on your blogs during these busy weeks, but I am still really appreciating yours - both your comments and, when I have time, your own posts about how July is going for you!

j

Have a rosy time, indoors or out, winter or summer!