theonlyD800inthehameau
Photography by theonlydeadheadinthehameau
Cellpic Sunday: Volcan de Lemptegy (again)
Posted on June 14, 2026
Another example of nature fighting back. This solitary weed (for that’s what it is) looked quite dramatic against a background of almost black volcanic rock.
Cellpic Sunday: Volcan de Lemptegy
Posted on June 7, 2026
Hot from the press this one. Only yesterday we went on a coach trip to the group of extinct volcanoes that are to be found in the Puy-de-Dome region of central France (the Massif Central, as it happens).
The Volcan de Lemptegy has long been quarried for its volcanic rock, and that has produced some dramatic landscapes inside the original crater. Despite the best efforts of man, however, nature will find a way back, and there are trees and other vegetation everywhere, making a pleasing contrast.
Cellpic Sunday: Pond Life
Posted on May 31, 2026
In the corner of what we laughingly call our lawn we have what we laughingly call a pond – although it more frequently answers to ‘puddle’. It’s been a bit overgrown for the last couple of years, but it’s been tidied up, and it didn’t take long for the local frog population – which is legion – to establish a new outpost.
Cellpic Sunday: The Finger
Posted on May 24, 2026
I spotted this on a shelf in the handicrafts section of our local ‘Action’ store. For the uninitiated, Action stores sell a whole variety of items that you never knew you needed: think Lidl, but without the food – and cheaper.
I can’t help wondering whether it was put in this position by a mischievous customer or a disgruntled employee.
Cellpic Sunday: The Hostas Are Back
Posted on May 3, 2026
Shell
Posted on March 22, 2026
A supermarket chain over here in France sells deep frozen ‘petoncles’ – small nuggets of scallop in garlic butter and parsley, presented on a small scallop shell. They are quite delicious, either on their own or with pasta.
And those little shells are worth a closer look…
Cellpic Sunday 22 March 2026
The old cart wheel
Posted on March 8, 2026
This old cart wheel is propped up against the wall of our barn, slowly and quietly surrendering to the elements – but it can still offer some interesting photographic possibilities.
Cellpic Sunday: Rosemary
Posted on February 8, 2026
Well, spring must be on its way: the geese are returning from warmer climes and the daffodils are shooting, but the first new flowers in the garden are on the rosemary bush in our herb bed.
Cellpic Sunday: Behold the flowering tomatillo
Posted on November 2, 2025
You may be wondering what a tomatillo is. Well, it’s a staple of Mexican cuisine and our son-in-law is Mexican – and a very fine cook to boot.
They are not exactly easy to find in the middle of rural France, but we planted some seeds that we were given to us by said beau-fils. He lives in the UK and hasn’t had much success in growing his own: the climate is simply not conducive. Put bluntly, Yorkshire is too cold.
However, it’s warmer down here and although only a couple of our planted seeds have survived, this one seems to be thriving in our serre (greenhouse).
Cellpic Sunday: It’s that time of year…
Posted on October 12, 2025
When the sun comes out again after a few days of rain, you can be sure the mushrooms won’t be far behind…
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