I've shared this story with friends; all of whom laugh at me and tell me I'm nuts. But, I believe it's worth sharing. It's a story about paying attention to who we are and what we do in our lives: what works; what doesn't work; why?; and, doing what we can do to change it, if we feel we need to. It's no secret that my France life is very different from my New Orleans life. I've not mentioned it before, but the drinking patterns are very different too.
In France, I keep boxes of red, white and rose wine on hand at the Chatette. One must also have a bottle of cassis, in case friends drop by for a kir. Pastis (friends prefer the Ricard mark) is another must for those drop-in aperos. I began to really enjoy Irish Coffees by the fireplace in the winter, so I kept a bottle of Jameson in the house for me. I fell in love with Jameson, when my ex-pat boyfriend in Paris set it on the table in his Tiquetonne apartment all those twenty-something years ago. In Cadrieu, I bought and drank less than one bottle of Jameson per year.
Arriving in St. Louis that fall of 2012, my brother Jim bought me a bottle of Jameson for Christmas. It came home with me to New Orleans and lived in the cabinet above the stove. By the end of May in New Orleans, I returned to St. Louis. Those five months later, that bottle was empty. I treated myself to another. By the time I returned to St. Louis at the end of August, only three months later, that bottle was gone. Kat treated me to another for my birthday. By International Overalls day in November, 3 months later, it was time for another. For my guests and International Overalls Day, I chose a bigger bottle for the festivities. I think you catch my drift here.
I'd gone from a bottle a year to 4 or 5. Although some of it is "culture", it was an uncomfortable pattern. Unlike apples, a whiskey a day does not keep the doctor away. It might help you get to sleep when the anxiety of too much teaching, too much family stress, too much loss, and too much missing home get in the way. But, I've found other ways to calm my mind at night rather than a nightly numbing of a Jameson. Besides, all that sugar doesn't work when you're cutting back.
So, on to Cadrieu here shortly. I believe the liquor cabinet was fully stocked when I left, minus the Jameson. We're ready for aperos, wine at the wagon, friends who drop in, and many other summer celebrations. Ah, summer in the Lot sans stress! Happy Saturday, everyone!
I'm wondering all the ways you find it interesting, Kat. Sounds like it's time for another chat. Hope all goes well today-Love, Moi
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | April 06, 2014 at 03:27 PM
definitely an interesting post in many way...love, KB
Posted by: Kathleen | April 06, 2014 at 02:47 PM
Thanks for getting in touch Niels-sounds like you're ready for guests...Have fun and have a nice Easter-Love, Laury and Sam
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | April 05, 2014 at 11:57 PM
much less stress and much more good old overalls I suppose :) love from the farmhouse where we try not to be stressed while making our new guest house nice and ready for guests in Easter holidays !
Posted by: Niels | April 05, 2014 at 10:16 PM