Ep 12 - Love Letters, Donkeys & the World’s Weirdest Ice Cream!

[@jodiemcleod6939]

Ι loved the poem about the donkey. Thank you for sharing such beautiful places. Safe travels Ashley.

[@janegendreau484]

Epic project, Johnny...extraordinary gift for Ashley!!! USA

[@jerridavis6462]

Wonderful! Enjoyed the poem and explanation! Good luck Ashley!

[@karenlouisereeder4501]

Loved this week's video especially because the love you have for each other is phenomenal. Safe travels Ashley and please please get a couple of those donkeys, they looked like they were wearing vintage fur coats, so cute 🏰

[@nettybubba7730]

Happy Birthday Ashley. May your journey be pleasant. 💝

[@lindahunnisett4331]

Happy Birthday to you Ashley ,safe journey, so enjoy watching you both gives me a cheer ! Thankyou. Loved the Donkeys.

[@jeanblyth6095]

Stunning !!!!!l envy you both ,such a lovely life ❤❤❤

[@cyndyb6553]

Those love letters were very good. I loved every thing about them. Thank you 😊

[@bernieleadon-bolger7894]

Enjoyed this so much love letters and Donkeys perfect combination 😊🦄

[@anonymoussource3664]

Endlessly talented and Incredibly romantic. Bravo you two are stunning as is your home and the presentation of your videos.

[@chateaudelomenie]

What a nice thing to say! Thank you so much!!! xx

[@janettrethewey4233]

More of Johnny being Johnny, please!

[@cravecan]

Watching you try oyster ice cream was the best. Donkeys are adorable.

[@knightsoflagrangedestempli656]

Lovely to see Ashley's show being highlighted , loving the love letters an absolutely amazing find Johnny, so romantic. Hope you guys are well.

[@fredbear72ify]

Spent a beautiful day on the Isle De Re in the summer 2014 remember the donkeys in their PJ's. A great blog and a great couple stay safe Ashley

[@louiscecere5636]

Lovely!

[@susandewolfe4876]

Ashley you are a GI JANE!!!! Very impressive job description.Happy Belated Birthday!

[@susanbiggs5091]

Wonderful xx

[@ce1581]

OMG I watch her show 😱😱😱 I love it !!!!!!!! The idea that you can starve when you have food because your mind tricks you into hoarding that food blew my mind. That was something I had never heard of ,but the mind does crazy things in difficult circumstances. The love letters are fascinating . What a beautiful romance. ❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@mnizourin]

OMG...Mixing Love, Art, History and Poetry...your not just Romantic, your Genius Darko ;)

[@Rebekahlow]

Thanks for sharing what Ashley does for work.It's very interesting! The letters are very interesting! Love from Vermont

[@sandicoppins]

Absolutely loved every single second of this very memorable episode. Beautifully made and so touching. Travel safe Ashley, fellow Gemini. Sending you happy birthday wishes 🎂🎉💖

[@annhydeArtist]

Loved seeing the the poitou donkeys, I think they are my all time favourites. 😍

[@aimeelawrence-bespokefurni575]

Wow. Ashley has a really does have an incredible job. Awesome. Is there any way that Ashley would be allowed to take us to the set with her through the eyes of her camera? That would be amazing. You must really miss her whilst she's away. Your such a sweet genuine couple. I hope to be able to meet you both one day. I absolutely love those old love letters in the box. Those donkeys are so cool. I can't wait to watch this vlog again with my mum. She adores things like that. Your a joy to watch.

[@chateaudelomenie]

Thanks Aimee! I will shoot some behind the scenes (but unfortunately, I won’t be able to show it until the series airs next year) 😁

[@jennifercasavant-yealy900]

Ice cream ~ comfort food! 😊

[@gitte600]

love

[@ColetteMitchellFrenchDreams]

Loved it ! I see a book in the making !

[@chateaudelomenie]

So glad you enjoyed it!!! xx

[@johnnydarko6088]

Thank you Martha.....I thought you would like it! x

[@Chateauxrescue]

Ohhhh the love letters! I cried. Such a beautiful message! I’m sure you two are twin flames! 💗 Please tell prices at antique stores if you can! The wine for €1.99! I literally cried my first trip to a French Bon Marche! Many for €1! Moving back! My best friend is also a tv producer for many shows in the wild! We will come stay at your beautiful Chateau one day! I promise!💗

[@gabynie2944]

Ashley you have found your Prince Charming 💖. You guys are amazing. Thank you for sharing a bit of your lives with us. Love your vlogs 😘

[@ce1581]

Ooooh chills from the beautiful donkey poem!. I love God n Jesus and I try so hard to be good in heart and action . Brave heart Abernathy, awwwwww.❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@sandymoore1285]

This blog was really nice. Even got my husband to sit down snd watch it once I told him that Ashley is an executive producer on “Alone” which we watch.

[@terribrown5629]

Ashley is the only person I know who could be off on a shoot in New Guinea or somewhere far off-where-was-it with a crazy fixer/guide for a week with just a loaf of white bread and come out smiling. She is one of a kind.

[@chateaudelomenie]

Haha! Terri, I was just telling someone the story of that crazy shoot. I miss the Hoff days. Those Nat Geo fishing shows were the best 😁.

[@charlenelindsay2019]

Johnny, thank you for the lovely reading of love letters. I so enjoy all your vlogs. Thank you for your dedication. And your lovely lady. Hugs from Ohio, USA.

[@doggiesable1]

This is what I love about your vlog a little bit of everything , I never knew about those donkeys especially about the wearing of trousers .

[@leslikuyweski4576]

Donkeys yes, oyster ice cream, no thank you! Happy I found your channel? YES!!

[@suzieq2958]

You are a soppy date Johnny but what a thoughtful present for your darling Ashley! Good luck Ashley and take care! :)

[@judithschatunowski6273]

That was such a moving vlog, Johnny - I loved the box of love letters albeit tragic for some of them. The donkeys on the Il de Re are a very special breed called Poitou donkeys - they have more shaggy coats and floppy ears than the usual breed of donkey - loved their trousers in the pics! I’ve had donkeys all my life and they are such wonderful animals! The oyster ice cream sounded and tasted awful! Good luck on your travels Ashley! Look after yourself Johnny!

[@johnnydarko6088]

Thank you Judith xx

[@ms.winnie704]

My favorite vlog yet from you both... many segments, each one so enjoyable! Congrats and take care!

[@yvonnejackson1926]

We enjoy watching Alone! Your vlogs are great too!

[@MasterThespis77]

This was such a nice video. Loved it. A great time out and about!

[@normamurray4450]

Oh my gosh, I watch Alone...love it! Well done Ashley...now I'll feel more in tune with the production knowing that it's all you behind the scenes! So nice! Johnny, such a nice story about the donkey..I'm left with with warm thoughts. Abernathy is such a doll! Happy birthday Ashley! Be safe around those bears!

[@teedee3834]

All I have to say about your vlog and I have watched many is that it is one of the very best I have ever viewed,well done and thank you. I am so glad that the two of you love the food of France so and share it with us. Then you throw your adorable sausage dog,donkeys,poetry and the amazing personalities of the two of you and you have GOLD!!!💖💞💖P.S. I hit the bell hard.😊

[@chateaudelomenie]

Thank you Shawn!!! ❤️

[@marilynnash1197]

Thank you for such an enjoyable vlog. Loved it 😊

[@dawnbutler2846]

How I enjoyed your trip to Ile de Re brought back happy memories.Such a laid back place. I felt for you with the Oyster Ice Cream I had the same feeling trying Salt Water Toffee in New England just terrible but people must like it. Your poem was lovely but was spoilt as an Advert popped up just as I was feeling relaxed. Oh well hopefully a bit of income for you. Keep safe both of you. Enjoy your vlogs different.

[@karenking3004]

Loved it as usual, laughing at Boo Boo doing a runner for home, he is such a pretender that boy, old, tired , lol. I am a bit of a sook when you go away Ashley I think of poor Johnny, Mr Abernathy and the girls missing you terribly because that is how I am but I am sure they are not as bigger sooks as I am. Be glad when the quarantine thing is not needed anymore if that ever happens, doubles your time away, hope all is well at home and with you to Ashley, looking forward to your next Vlog as always, much love Kaz and Glenn xxoo's

[@elizabethtassonecuprunneth7882]

The donkeys are the cutest

[@angelaengler2387]

Thank you for telling us what Ashley does in her career, how very exciting and interesting! I love how you write love letters Johnny, that is so romantic and beautiful! My husband calls me his queen also, it's very sweet. He writes me amusing notes using stick figures! The last one he made was a stick figure of himself setting up my grow lights so I could start my seeds for our gardens, his caption read "I had fun settling up the lights for my queen!" We are high school sweethearts and have been together since we were 16 and have been married for 36 years this September 😀❤😀

[@carolinepeacock4286]

So amazing and such a fun packed episode 😍

[@kittycatgraham]

I could drown in the eyes of a donkey. Donkeys are lovely creatures when treated well. 💖

[@nilladelavibb2800]

Wow...what a wonderful creative gift.

[@johnnydarko6088]

xx

[@fionaodwyer9371]

Love ALONE and love your vlogs.

[@chateaudelomenie]

Thanks!!!

[@tandyslater5137]

This has been one of my favorite you have done! Love the romantic story you shared and it would be a great movie - expensive but good

[@SuperFossinator]

Those letters, what a wonderful and romantic gift, I bet Ashley adored them. I really love your vlogs and just seeing the enjoyment you get out of life. You go girrrrl, Ashley, what an amazing life you led.

[@sallystites2946]

Two of my favorite worlds just collided. The French chateau world and Alone. I am a great fan of both. I never would have imagined Ashley as part of the Alone world which I have watched from the beginning and am currently watching. This is one of my favorite episodes. Hearing from Johnny his thoughts while creating the love letter box. My cousin and I will be in France in September. Is your gallery open to the public?

[@johnnydarko6088]

Ha, Alone is such a different slice to Ashley's life here....yes the gallery is open by appointment, so always great if you tell us ahead of time xx

[@chateaudelomenie]

Yes, my life on Alone couldn't be more different than my life at Lomenie ;-) Nice to have both. I'm never bored!

[@karenbaker3801]

Thank you, your vlog is wonderful. Xo

[@chateaudelomenie]

Thank you!!!

[@jeanmiller5120]

Love your vlogs. BUT may I add I’m so impressed with Ashley’s job on Alone. We love the show and I can only imagine how difficult this job must be. What a Bad Ass!

[@nicolecouture4514]

Have a safe journey dear Ashley!!! Try not to worry about Johnny! We will miss you!!

[@angelapa9513]

❤️

[@johnnydarko6088]

xx

[@pauljeffery6180]

Hello do you both speak french I like your videos

[@margoarmstrong3042]

Safe journey Ashley! What a picturesque village you took us to visit, I would not have been as brave re: the oyster icecream, anything coffee would be my pick.🍦from 🇨🇦.

[@bevkirk1475]

Oh I love the donkeys! Can't you rescue some? Ashley, I was nanny for the film producer Michael Shamberg's children in LA. They're grown up now. Just wondering if you've ever met him? It was a wonderful time of my life and I cherish the memories x Ps: love you two ❤ x

[@chateaudelomenie]

Hi Bev! I haven't met him but I bet that was interesting time... xx

[@bevkirk1475]

@@chateaudelomenie It was. His toddler son was deaf so I had to learn sign language which made it all the more interesting. Anyway, enough about me. I love that you invite us into your lovely life in France. Thank you for sharing your dream xxx

[@sarahyates6055]

I absolutely love the love letters idea and the reincarnation of the two lovers through time. Makes me think of the Queen song “ Who wants to live forever?”

[@johnnydarko6088]

Hey Sarah and thank you! LOVE that song x

[@sarahyates6055]

Johnny, check out on KZbin “ The Tenors “ version of the song, it’s based on the story of 4 vampires who are in love with the same woman…. (The violinist in the video). She dies and they sing the song so beautifully and…… well I won’t spoil the ending! You’ll love it it’s so theatrical!

[@johnnydarko6088]

@@sarahyates6055 stop it.....your killing me!!! Vampires, Violins and eternal love.....wow, thanks so much for the recommendation, hadn't seen that version before and I just love a vampire tale!!

[@sarahyates6055]

@@johnnydarko6088 you will really love it I promise!

[@johnnydarko6088]

@@sarahyates6055 Oh, I had watched it when I had replied to you and I loved it!

[@risalangdon9883]

I never would have thought that Johnny was such a romantic lol. Also, France & around the Mediterranean do actually have some of the finest & purest salts available. All salts have just micro particles of plastics in them. But these areas almost 100 percent pure.

[@kenmask6019]

"take a good whiff" 😂😂😂

[@wondergupta]

wow that gift of letters by a reincarnated soulmate is so beautiful, very touching. And very unique!

[@johnnydarko6088]

Thank you x I really enjoyed writing and creating them x

[@wondergupta]

@@johnnydarko6088 I honestly think it's one of the most romantic gifts I've heard of! Good on ya! 😎

[@johnnydarko6088]

@@wondergupta xxx

[@brendam5356]

Thankyou Johnny and Ashley I love your vlogs so much always creative with fun include and how you look out for each other and yes Ill awake 4,30am for you both my loves😍❤️😘😘🥰🥰🥂

[@chateaudelomenie]

Awww Thanks Brenda!!! xxx

[@johnnydarko6088]

Brenda we love sharing them with you, and really, it's so amazing that you wake just to join us for the premier!!! We honestly appreciate that! xxx

[@brendam5356]

My pleasure I find you both so grounding and I feel I’ve known you both forever maybe reincarnation such a blessing joyful❤️😍😘👏👏

[@janelord6461]

Loved this vlog and especially the story of the donkey. I cannot imagine anything worse than Oyster ice cream. You are braver than me for even trying it lol. Stay safe Ashley (your job sounds amazing and quite exciting). Try not to worry too much Johnny. xx

[@chateaudelomenie]

Thanks Jane!!! xx

[@sarahyates6055]

If you look on the back of all donkeys they have a cross on their back of darker coloured fur. Legend says that when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey on what we now call Palm Sunday because he rode such a humble animal he blessed the donkey making it a sacred animal by placing a cross on its back. There’s also another legend that it happened when Mary Mother of Jesus rode the donkey to Bethlehem when she was pregnant with Jesus, the legend says that God blessed the donkey for carrying Mary safely ready to give birth to Jesus. The Jews were especially furious that their “ King of the Jews” chose to rode into Jerusalem on the back of a domestic beast of burden. Their idea of the King of the Jews was that he would be a warrior King who would raise an army to defeat the Roman Empire thus freeing them from rule under them. Of course a King would ride a horse triumphant with an army and all the pomp and ceremonial parade you might expect. But that wasn’t Jesus’ plan if was to be King, not just of the Jews and not a warrior king but a King of all and to save us from our sins and give us eternal life with him in heaven. If you look at Jesus’ life the donkey played an important part in his life from very beginning , the donkey carried Mary to Bethlehem and at the end of his life that last journey into Jerusalem. Whether you are religious or not there’s definitely a lesson here that shows you might just be someone very quiet, humble and hardworking but you are just as important as the proud, fancy, top people who relish in their own importance.

[@johnnydarko6088]

Hey Sarah, on the strength of your comment in the live chat, I started reading up on this and forwarded it on to Ashley, very interesting, even as you say if one is not overly religious, makes for interesting reading.....thanks for sharing! x

[@delenedaniels2917]

Congratulations Ashley, we enjoy watching "Alone". It is a great show. I do enjoy your KZbin show as well.

[@chateaudelomenie]

Thanks Delene!

[@delenedaniels2917]

@@chateaudelomenie You are most welcome. Keep up the good work.🤗

[@newday5]

The love letters would be a great movie the collection of letters.

[@johnnydarko6088]

Wouldn't it! Maybe one day........x

[@woodsew]

That’s interesting, I am 50% Transylvanian Saxon. My father’s parents emigrated in the early 1900s , grandma’s passport is from Hungary and my grandpa’s is from Romania.

[@johnnydarko6088]

Wow...what an incredible mix Bernice x

[@woodsew]

Many people think I am “English Saxon” , then I explain, 15 years ago we visited Transylvania, Bron Castle was very interesting! We were on a tour so not able to visit the town my grandparents were from. I was happy to walk on the soil!

[@brendam5356]

Off to bed early rise premiere ready❤️😍

[@chateaudelomenie]

❤️

[@pauljeffery6180]

Is Ashley your wife

[@hello15848]

Why is Ashley under quarantine when there is a vaccine? Did she not get vaccinated?

[@chateaudelomenie]

I’ve had both vaccine jabs but the country where I am has strict quarantine laws. Crazy but true.

[@mariannastrati3677]

Dear me you please let me know who or what org/clinic /media etc informed you that this vaccine is the cure for all(any email,website will do so i can contact them asap).as a molecular biologist im furious that there is such an intentional misinformation on this manmade virus ,which as we speak has derailed in mutations(as each tribe ,nation has its own different DNA )thanx

[@hello15848]

@@mariannastrati3677 Welcome internet molecular biologist 😂

[@mariannastrati3677]

@@hello15848 lol your answer said it ALL about you.THANK YOU for not respecting my profession and ME sleeping days on end the last couple months in the bloody lab for the lot of you

[@hello15848]

@@mariannastrati3677 I don't believe you.

[@dawnbutler2846]

How I enjoyed your trip to Ile de Re brought back happy memories.Such a laid back place. I felt for you with the Oyster Ice Cream I had the same feeling trying Salt Water Toffee in New England just terrible but people must like it. Your poem was lovely but was spoilt as an Advert popped up just as I was feeling relaxed. Oh well hopefully a bit of income for you. Keep safe both of you. Enjoy your vlogs different.