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Getting ready to come downstairs yesterday to start my day, I turned everything off and headed to the steps.
When I turned around, the sun made the room glow in magical gold.
The song: "Good Day Sunshine," by the Beatles kept playing in my head.
Of course, I had to take a shot or two!
Happy Tuesday!
You really can't beat this view on your way home from the grocery store "en velo!" This is my life in Cadrieu. Don't get me wrong, having rides in with friends in the car is wonderful and I'm always so grateful! But, it's different. We're talking. We're at a different level. There's a barrier between us and nature. It's the same on the bus, except you're just up a little higher.
I think early and often is going to be my mantra for the summer...beat the crowds, beat the heat, and enjoy the beautiful and pastoral countryside up close and personal on my bike on my own.
Trust me, I know I am living THE life!
I sent this photo on the left above in a text to my sister and her husband on Saturday. He was excited about the wine and she was excited about the baguette. That was long before they saw the pictures of the pastries!
There's always going to be something about a baguette poking out of a backpack. It's just even better when it's MY backpack!
I'm writing later than usual. I got out early to continue with the rose garden and the terrace flower box, so instead of coffee and pastries, it's cubi red wine, cheese, baguette, pear and jam! Oops, can't forget my favorite Danois salami.
Those of you who know me and know me well, know that I can live on swiss cheese (emmental here) and salami!
I may be so full (and just a bit tipsy) that there won't be any need for dinner! Unless of course, it could be an occasion for a Thiriet special batonette of vanilla ice cream, covered in hard dark chocolate, caramel and hard milk chocolate!
Happy Monday!
Yesterday and today have both been sunny and beautiful days. Yesterday, I was out early to hit the post office, get a few groceries, and maybe treats. Maybe treats turned into certain treat that I just couldn't resist on the way home.
Leaving home early morning on my bike is essential these days. First, I beat the heat and second, I beat the crowds.
There are also some very pretty shots to be had along the road home on my bike from Cajarc.
It felt really good to stop and soak up a favorite spot in photos!
Happy Sunday!
Yesterday morning came in cool, beautiful, no rain, AND I was in the mood to get outside early and get stuff done.
Enter overalls, hiking boots, and a bit of a plan.
I wanted to get most of the grass in front of the barn cut.
Then, I would move on to a section on the side, and bring the lawnmower back to this side of the tracks to attack the rose garden and the flower box under the covered terrace.
I'd planned for four and did four, except I exchanged the flower box under the covered terrace to cutting around the yet to be finished lavoir clearing from the last time.
One of the pluses to being here all the time, is listening to the messages from this place and to my heart.
What once was important and a good idea, has evolved into something else.
Life is different.
Circumstances are different.
Sometimes less is more.
Now that I also have a problem with the roof caving in on the addition that is attached to the Chatette, we are working together to be open to letting go in some places and recognizing the possibilities for working with what what have in the midst of new and different in others.
We shall see. This may all seem a bit too cryptic, but for now...patience is the play for everyone.
Happy Saturday!
Most of you know the story of me and my Lola. She came to me on December 15, 2020, from the Brodie's. I would have taken her sooner, but they were bringing her to me, and that was the first day that the travel distance restrictions within France were lifted. I teased that she was my Christmas present. She's turned out so much more!
Just last Saturday, I'd been in and out both the front and back doors quite a bit with working and groceries. It wasn't until Sunday morning, that I noticed that the front door was a bit "ajar!" My first thought was Lola because I don't let her out. Had she escaped? Was that a space she could have gotten through?
My mind ran amuck, but then I remembered the Brodie's telling me that she often hid in many unknown places for extended periods of time. I knew this too, but as the day wore on I worried more because I hadn't seen her at her usual times.
By bedtime, she didn't join me and then I got really worried. I tried to sleep. Was she in? Was she out? What was best for me to do? By Monday morning, I'd made myself totally crazy and was crying with my cup of coffee on the terrace swing at 3:30 in the morning.
I'd looked inside and out. I'd yelled for her. Finally, I decided I'd go sit on the front steps and cry some more from that spot. As I turned the corner to the kitchen for more coffee, there she was at her food dish. I screamed with joy.
The thought of losing her is devastating. We are quite a pair. She is so affectionate, even if she doesn't like being picked up and hugged like a baby in my arms like I used to do with Sam. Being with Lola has softened the isolation of lockdown and the lack of touch in my life. She's the best. And, she's interesting to boot!
Happy Thursday!
On this Quatorze Juillet-2021, I thought I'd share some misty morning shots from long ago village walks with Dali. The beauty and moods of this place continue to wow me.
Whether it's the village, the Chateau, or the village of Saujac across the Lot River...
...all take my breath away always.
Dali was the best companion on so many fronts. Her patience with my photo taking deserves an award.
Without fail, Sammie Cat was waiting to see us as we were coming home!
Happy Memories!
Happy Quatorze Juillet!
This past Sunday morning rose in many shades and layers of blue, but quickly returned to overcast and cloudy. From my bed with my Lola, I watched it sneak in across the Lot River from the high causse on the other side. More rain was to follow. I found myself looking back to the early days of here, once more.
I have spent a lot of my time since last year's return "looking back!" This has been especially true with the land, terraces, and garden. I'm tired of looking back. I decided that I needed to be "more" present, and that on this Sunday I was going to become "one" with the Chatette. That meant: share; feel; appreciate; listen to her messages; and, truly BE here with her now.
It was exactly that kind of day. I needed it. There is so much more to share, but the main epiphany of that day was:
-This is not the end, it is the beginning-
I plan to start acting like it!
Happy Tuesday!
You can't go wrong with: beautiful views; gorgeous flowers; pretty/healthy meals; an ancient barn; bubble baths; a good Cahors wine; and, the adoration of your Queen.
Of course, that's not all!
It's only the beginning!
Happy Monday!
Bigger is not always better, as I learned with my paint brush issue and barn studs last week. Even the large studs were a challenge, so I surrendered to return with a very small water color brush.
It worked.
It was so much easier getting the small and large studs covered.
I also returned with a ladder to make everything up high not such a reach.
Studs are done, and time to move on to cleaning and varnishing.
As I was working on the second side, I noticed the long ago water damaged boards at the bottom.
During the last time I varnished, I'd varnished the very weathered and damaged boards at the bottoms too.
At first I was bummed to see the varnish peeling off these old and battered boards, but then I realized...had I not varnished them heavily all those years ago they would be totally gone by now.
I need to remind myself, that every step along the way I've done the best I could.
Most times, there's success!
Happy Sunday!
I often sit on the terrace swing and take pictures of the barn, lavoir and chateau. Today, I wanted to share comparison photos for you so you can see the barn roof before it was replaced compared to what it looks like today after being replaced.
Enjoy!
Happy Friday!