Soar-Dream-France

Out of Shape

 

Yesterday's ride into Cajarc on my bike showed me just how much two plus weeks of rain meant to my bike riding. Boy, was I out of shape. Considering rain tends to mean lots of sitting and inactivity, I paid the price.

But, I soldiered on and was glad I did.

I hit the boucherie, the Gamm Vert and the Intermarche and then came on home. I was running low on essentials and really needed fire starters. I wanted to get the Chatette (and me) warmed up before the weather gets too cold and the poele and wood have to work harder to get us to comfortable.

 

Of course, I made my usual stop along the route home. I nibbled on some favorite licorice and scooped a few shots. The moods and color of this place wow me. From spectacular to subtle, they often make my day and (as I told a friend just this morning) I pinch myself regularly.

Getting home and unloaded, the fire was easy AND it started raining again. You think I'm joking about dodging the raindrops!

I was so grateful that I went when I did, so I could settle in beside my fire, try out my new boot socks and slippers, AND watch Former Ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovich testify in the president's Impeachment Hearings.

 

 

What a hero and a patriot she is! 

 

 

 

Happy Saturday!

 

Getting Done

 

After watching the beautiful red vines make their way over and up the Chatette and other spots around the village, it appears we are getting DONE!

Those red leaves are falling everywhere and we're looking much less bright, colorful and decked out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know the color doesn't last, but I don't think I was really ready for it to be gone this soon.

 

 

I was hoping for at least till the end of November. That's still two weeks away!

 

 

On to this day!

 

 

Happy Friday!

 

 

Wandering Up and Back

 

Monday's noon ceremony at the church got me out and up through the village.

I wish I could blame it on the rain, but these days I seem to have less reasons to wander around as I have had in the past.

When Dali and I were here together, we wandered every day.

 

Shame on me for not continuing the activity on my own.

 

On my way home from the after ceremony noon apero at the Mairie...

 

 

 

 

 

...I had some photo fun!

 

 

A favorite of mine is this vine covered spot that wows us all with its color and beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

I also scooped some wandering through the "hood" shots that are always fun.

 

Coming down the hill I pass the Chateau, and of course, "our" barn and Evelyn's former spot! 

Lots of change everywhere!

I love Cadrieu.

We are a beautiful place with beautiful people!

 

 

 

Happy Thursday!

 

Strange Days

 

This morning I opened an old photo file to get a favorite shot of my Dali Dog. Even though she departed in 2013, I feel her presence regularly. As with Sammie Cat, they both visit me and I still miss them so much. 

Low and behold, here were some of my poppy photos too. I'd hoped to share these and others on Monday as our village memorialized the end of WWI and also recognized our village losses in wars since that time.

 

 

As much as I love my life here and enjoy a very sweet and peaceful flow in Cadrieu, the strangeness of the states sneaks in. I'm concerned that it is reaching further into my life here. It's difficult not to pay attention when there is an obvious dismantling of our democracy at the highest levels of the land.

It is incomprehensible to me that the President of the United States is:

 

NOT FOR US!

 

He is only for his own personal gain and doing absolutely everything he can to support Putin.

Maybe we need T-shirts to make it clear to those many Americans who either don't understand or just don't care, This President is:

 

NOT FOR US

FOR HIMSELF

FOR PUTIN

 

Nothing about this is okay with me. All that said, I shall be watching the Impeachment Hearings even from France. Every American must be informed and care about what is happening to our country.

 

I shall step down from my soapbox!

 

Energy Moving Always

 

This is a place where natural energy is always moving.

I often try to immerse myself as I wander and "plug" myself in. It's hard NOT to feel the flow of the lavoir, the rush of the Lot, the presence and music of the birds, and the beaming moonshine and sunshine. Some are able to be captured in photos.

 

 

Others can't be seen till I actually get a chance to look at the photos and see what I have.

 

 

That's what happened with the barn and the light the other day. I've been so enjoying the "new" or "re" incarnation of the barn that when I see a new angle or it's a different time of day I try to get a shot.

The photos seem to capture so much that I am unable to see with my naked eyes.

What a treat to later find concentric circles of light, colored batons of light, and those sweet dancing lighted spirits from a while ago when the barn wasn't yet finished.

 

 

The barn "our girl" has always felt like a special and almost sacred space. Her life with us has been full and I expect it to become fuller. I love her and want to celebrate her in some special way. The wheels are turning, with so much new and different...even beyond our already experienced vernissages we enjoyed there!

 

 

I've begun some conversations with friends and neighbors in the village about my idea(s). We shall see and you know I will keep you posted!

 

 

Happy Tuesday!

 

The Way of the Weather

 

 

I still have to run between the raindrops and bursts of sunshine to accomplish any kind of outside activities these days. Yesterday, I finally did my dodges and got out to the barn to see Didier's inside handiwork! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a general idea from his drawings and explanations about what he was going to do to repair and stabilize the big beams that support the loft of the barn. He surprises me every time. They are beautiful and (to me) works of art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also managed to have him go up and close the loft doors that blew open with some of these strong winds that accompanied all these storms.

 

And, he got the big ladder up on the barn wall for me!

 

 

It makes me want to get out in the barn and do some digging, cleaning, straightening, and organizing.

I certainly have the will...

...but then there's the weather that just might get in the "way" of the will!

 

Happy Monday!

 

 

 

A Sun With Staying Power

 

Yesterday's sun came in and out among the clouds, but unlike the others that were merely sun seconds before the rain, this one had staying power. I was energized. The sun stayed with us into the afternoon, and left me hoping that Sunday would truly be a 'Sun"-day. But, then the rains returned. 

 

 

Sitting on the stoop, I: journaled read a little of my new book by Samantha Power-The Education of an Idealist; had some coffee and cookies; checked out just how high the river was from the road; and, shot a few shots.

 

 

You know the river is high when it is rushing from the lavoir into the canal below the road, and the river is brown and covering up the boat slip below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It felt good just to sit in the sunshine for a while. With all that energy-I was off to chores.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Sunday!

 

It's Saturday!

 

I love this shot of me having fun in my overalls with my glass of wine, at the President, with my friend Rob. Rob took this shot of me and a few others while we were out running around. Some of the poppy shots were the best and most fun. This must have been around 2009. 

Marina took a couple of Rob's shots and had some additional fun with them. As you can see-her added poppy hat was all the rage. It brought giggles everywhere.

So today, here's to good friends, poppies, creativity, and overalls!

Oops...can't forget the red wine!

 

Happy Saturday!

 

As Time Goes By...

 

...and hard rain and hail continue on and off; inside things are progressing in the Chatette and the barn!

 

The dried flowers have found their homes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The birds still come to the covered terrace for nibbles, and entertain me through the kitchen window.

 

 

Our big floor barn beams are being repaired on the inside of the barn.

And, home is coming back around...

 

 

...again and again.

 

 

 

 

It is still raining!

 

 

Happy Friday!

 

Luscious Rushing Lavoir

 

 

I often say: who needs a water treatment when you have a lavoir close by?

One of the benefits of endless rain is a daily rushing lavoir.

As it overflows, it goes under ground to a channel that takes it under my property, under the road, and down into the river in front of the Chatette.

The water makes music that I sometimes go out to sit on the swing and enjoy.

Often, it's still raining.

 

 

 

Before the double glazed windows, I could hear the rushing lavoir all over the Chatette. Now, I can only hear from the piano room or when I'm outside.

There is so much special in this magical place. I hope you'll enjoy the photos. I've tried to get a little video to post here with no luck, but I think I will have success on my FB page.

Also, a little 2011 overalls from the lavoir for you-(photo by Evelyn)!

 

Happy Thursday!