Mum and Dad come to Vaulnaveys

As usual - anticipating the chronic boredom that befalls all guests chez Rebecca and Juan - Mum and Dad arrived with suitcases full of diversions: walking gear, sewing projects, music, instruments, art supplies, books... bemused that their luggage was so voluminous. Well yes... that's what happens if you're the most active octogenarians ever...

We started with a leisurely session amid the weekend throngs at Lake Pétichet:

terrier Sanchez

The following day Juan, Dad and I took the chair lift to the Croix de Chamrousse and then walked down via Les Lacs Robert to the Cascade d'Oursières.

but where was the sheep dog and shepherd?

The last stretch was tricky when Dad found his legs not supporting him as they have for the last 85 years - but we were helped by kind fellow walkers, and all ended well.
It was a sobering experience, nevertheless, and we took it very easy for the rest of the week - where art, music, local strolls and food were the dominant themes.

my prize 550g tomato rendered in gouache (Mum) and watercolour  (me) (Juan: "master and apprentice?") - before we ate it in two separate salads. 

at La Tour Maline, Uriage - hair-curlingly-strong coffee

Mr S at Lake Pétichet

Mrs S brings a new beach activity to the lake

At Les Mésanges. the view was awesome but didn't compensate for very disappointing food and poor service - we won't be back..

On our final day we revisited familiar themes: dabbling with paint...

courgette flower (watercolour and charcoal)

It's 25 degrees but you can never tell (2 layers + a fleece!)

... playing music, and visiting Lac Pétichet for a third and final time...

the pack horses lead the way

There's just time for an (excrutiating) open-air "tropical flamenco" (?!) concert at Uriage before a last supper. And, alas, it's the end of their stay. I have played my violin more in the last week than in the last year - and I realise that it's something I really do want to be doing. I have already contacted a pianist friend to set a future date.