Help: Techno Challenged

I need help. On many levels actually, but for this post it's limited to that techno field. I am totally new to blogging and challenged on more levels that I could ever imagine. Will post pictures in this blog to hopefully keep you entertained long enough to feel sympathy. How do I add the "email me feature" to my blog? Would love to contact you.

When you comment, how do I send you a response. I would love to reply to your comments, but I can't figure out how to.

I have gaps in my page and my pictures and text are always aligned the same. Please be patient, I'll figure it out eventually. But, know this .... my heart's in the right place.

Any advise and tips would be greatly appreciated. 

Salut!
Lynn

Remembering

My children, now grown, used to come home to Andre Boccelli blaring at a level I would have told them would permantely damage their hearing. They would look at each other and know that I was in my "Europe" mode. We had lived in Brussels for 4 years and I loved it. Every bit of it including the endless cloudy days, the rain, the lack of parking,,, and the lifestyle, the bread, the markets, the wine and cheeses, and let's not forget .. the antiques. But, best of all. as a mother, the lack of tv, no drivers license for teenagers, restaurants that forced you to take your time and enjoy your meal .. time spent together as a family.

I count my blessings. My children. My time here in France doing what I love ...hunting. Hunting for antiques.

Watching sunrises and sunsets over hilltop villages. Wandering through alleys where views and history beg you to whisper in awe one moment and listen for the trumpets sounding in the next.

Blessings where my friends at home sent me off with their best wishes and toast to my success. I miss you.

Blessed. How sweet the sound.

Salut!
Lynn

Down a Country Lane

You know how you're driving down a winding country road and coming around the bend, out of nowhere you see this .....

And as you're frantically craning your head over your shoulder to look while trying to find a place to turn around at the same time, dodge the passing fool and avoid running off the road, you spot this behind the hedge ...

And damn the torpedos... full speed ahead. Three point turn, narrow and I did mention BEND, with crazy, passing drivers..no problem. Not when this awaits. Well actually, the first stop was the Brocante with the great sign, but they gave me the scoop on the truly, breathtaking castle located on the grounds of the Brocante, or should I say, vice versa.

It turns out that this is part of a private castle that is still in the family and privately occupied. Dating back to the Medival Ages, the castle was improved upon in the early 16th century and also at the end of the 16th century when numerous outbuildings were added.  However, this isn't just any castle... it has quite a story. It seems that it was a favorite of artists of the time including Picasso and many others.  They were frequent guests of the owners and would often come to stay and paint.  A few "mementos" of their work were given to the owner as a thank you for their hospitality. While the castle is private, a "look" down the lane reveals exquisite gardens outside these breathtaking buildings and I can only imagine the tales they could tell as I stand there hearing the strains of "la vie en Rose".

Around a country bend, a hidden castle, a brocante, life is good. And did I buy.... mais oui!

Salut!

Lynn