Ladies Gaga for Gardening

I convinced Steve to get up at the crack of dawn today so that he could be one of three men to join a few hundred middle-aged women--gardening genes fully activated--to make a pilgrimage to Monet's estate in Giverny. We were among the first to enter the garden on this gloriously sunny morning and were able to see the flowers at their best, with all but the water lilies in full bloom. Our favorite pictures from today include...

1) The front garden:


2) The water garden:


3)The Japanese bridge:

Despite all the people tramping through the estate, the gardens seemed tranquil, and there was plenty of elbow room as we moved from one area to another. It wasn't until we entered Monet's home that we felt the effects of several tour buses depositing their passengers in Giverny. It was a relief to get back outside, walk around the tiny country village, order lunch at a sandwicherie, and soak up the sun.