January 16, 2011

Waiting for Spring

Hello Folks! We've got sun today. There's nothing better than a little sun after days and days of gray and wet.
I'm playing around with my blog template to find one that I really like. What do you think about this one?

A fellow blogger kicked me in the ass (politely) and said that I should write so my followers wouldn't be concerned for my well-being. And she was right! I get upset when I don't see someone on Facebook for a day or two. Crazy how we get attached to people we don't even know, really.

My only New Year's resolution (even though I don't make them) was to read more in French. I'm currently reading "The Pillers of the Earth" in French. It's a good book and I don't think there's anything lost in reading a translation. Have you read the book? I saw a BBC mini-series and it was quite good, but the book is, of course, much more detailed.

Nothing much is happening here right now. People are busy finally this week because it's the "soldes" or the winter sales. I received my first purchase yesterday. Three sets of new sheets! How exciting. And the sale price was just half of the regular price. So, I'm taking a break now from making beds this morning.

 You may not know this, but in France, the sales are regulated by the government. There are specific dates for the winter and summer sales. Below is a map of the sale zones. Merchants are now allowed to choose a "floating" sale period that can be any week they choose. This is quite the revolution for a country trying to ensure fair competition practices.
The winter sales last 3 more weeks, but all the good sizes and styles will have been picked over by then. It's best to go shopping the first week to find bargins.

I hope you're having a good mid-January weekend and have some sun where you are, too.




24 comments:

Betty C. said...

LOL! I see the sun and my comment kicked you into updating your blog.

It is funny how we get attached to fellow bloggers, but I for one have found a lot of common ground with them/you.

Enjoy your Sunday!

the fly in the web said...

The 'everyone has to have the sales at the same time' thing used to crack me up....and then there were the seasonal promotions...hardly were the half price chocolates off the shelves after New Year than it was 'whites week' with the supermarkets awash with sheets and pillow cases....and then it would be 'crockery by the kilo week'....everyone on the same treadmill!

unmitigated me said...

I do like the new design, but I miss the beautiful photo a chez tu!

Food, Fun and Life in the Charente said...

I agree with unmitigated, I also miss the photo. I have just finished reading Pillars of the Earth in English, I cannot imaging with my French trying it in French:))))) Diane

Jo said...

Hi Dedene;) I also worry when I don't see people blogging. I like your new design but miss your gracious home picture. I cannot believe that sales are regulated by the government.See, you learn something new everytime you log onto blogger! (((hugs))) Jo

Jo said...

Hi Dedene;) I also worry when I don't see people blogging. I like your new design but miss your gracious home picture. I cannot believe that sales are regulated by the government.See, you learn something new everytime you log onto blogger! (((hugs))) Jo

Habebi said...

Ohh I'm liking this look. The banner is a wee bit on the small side, but, you're in the middle of the process so it's all good.

We just bought some amazing sheets during the post Christmas sales. 800 count for 100 USD!! Talk about indulging in a bit of luxery eh?

It's good to hear from you!

rosaria said...

It's fun to see lots of pictures, whether on the side bar, or in the post itself, and learn about local customs. You will finally settle in with a blog design you like when you see a new one that you must have. Choices!

Jeanne said...

This template is elegant and understated. Very nice!

Nadege said...

"Pillars of the Earth" is excellent. I think I will eventually read of Ken Follett's books. He is a very good story teller.
(I like the new look!).

Miss Sadie said...

Cold and snowy again (still?) in western Canada. Spring will come; it's only a matter of time.

Not being much of a shopper, I'm not a great follower of sales.

Like the new blog template, but there's a bit of a clash between the graphics and the title — makes the title hard to read.

Sara Louise said...

I bought Pillars of the Earth on Saturday! But I'll be reading it in English, not quite ready for the French version yet :-)

Bombchell said...

I also worry about people. I remember this girl dropped out the face of the earth, and didnt reply emails, 2 years later she pops back up and starts blogging again. lol scary.

i see the page got a mini facelift :)

ladybird said...

Hello Dedene, I like the new look! In Belgium the 'soldes' are regulated too, but there is a lot of controversy around the whole matter, with some shops (mainly clothes) not respecting the preset periods and offering important reductions (up to 70%) a week before they are officially allowed.
I've found some interesting deals on furniture for my new apartment.

Another Day of Crazy said...

It's a pretty template, but -as with the others- I miss the photo too.

Enjoy the sun and the sales!

Another Day of Crazy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mark said...

I know that this does nothing for my macho image, however, I am such a lover of sheets and linens. Nothing makes me happier than a well made bed with fresh crisp sheets.
I am happy for your three new sheets.
p.s. My favorite sheet color is white. I know, boring. But that's me!
Your Friend, m.

Barbara said...

Hi Dedene,

You have a good resolution; keep it going. I have the hardest time reading books. It is a matter of concentration.I must train myself again.

Its good to do some soldes but it is also good to set limits. I set my online budget & stuck with it. I was done by day two :) Three tops and a handbag = one happy camper.

Have a great evening.

Seine Judeet said...

Oh! Pillars of the Earth is one of my favorite books (I think that it's by far the best Ken Follett... none of his others seem to be of the same quality)! Everyone that I have suggested it to over the years (including several French folks who also read it in French) has loved it. I can't believe there was a BBC miniseries of it! I wonder if it's available somewhere?

I always enjoy reading your blog, so thanks for keeping it up. I loved the look you had with the beautiful photo up at top, changing with seasons.

Judy

claude said...

Hello !
Sypa la nouvelle présentation de ton blog. C'est curieux car moi j'en change demain. je vais faire dans lla verdure et le ciel bleu.
Tu as raison, dimanche il faisait super beau et mon Chéri et moi avons jardiné un peu.
Je ne connais pas le livre que tu lis, je suis une très mauvaise lectrice. Je ne veux pas dire que je ne sais pas lire, mlais je suis fachée avec la littérature.
La première fois que j'ai voulu acheter des vêtements en soldes, tout ce qui ne plaisait pas était soldé et tout ce qui me plaisiait ne l'était pas, Depuis, je ne fais plus les magasins les jours de soldes.
Bonne coninuation, Dedene !

Phivos Nicolaides said...

She will definitely comes!

Olga said...

When people don't blog I assume they are just busy or having fun somewhere,no?

Lori Skoog said...

I think people all around the world are ready for spring this year. It has been such a nasty winter. Interesting how the sales work in France.

As for the format for your blog, I prefer having a photo too. You have taken many the would be so appropriate and so French. As you know, my Journal has a very simple format...but it makes the photographs and text stand out. There are so many options...it's fun to play with it.

Andrea said...

I'm glad you're back! The new template is fine, but I do love the photo of your home in the spring....although the dog above is adorable! I have not figured out how to put a photo at the top of mine, but since I don't have one that really would capture my concept, I'm not concerned. If I had time, I'd do what "Far Side of Fifty" does, which is put together photo collages which match the seasons. Hers are great! Hope your COLD January continues to go well.