Back when I was able to buy the barn in 2010, I had no idea that it also came with some odd, spread out, parcels of land on the other side of the train tracks from me.
This photo portrays most of it and I also have a little map to show you too.
As it turned out, the land where I rested the wagon belonged to me, and the trees that you see on the right above the lavoir roof sit on a circular, stone-encased piece of land that also belonged to me.
All of the land in from the front of the barn (beginning at the facade) to the wagon-side of the lavoir belongs to the village and all the land to the right side of the barn belongs to the village. Starting in 2010, I began to take care of all of this land.
Even though most of it did not belong to me, I wanted it to be well-kept and pretty. I confess, I never quite got that circular piece under control to my liking.
Now, it's becoming more and more difficult to keep up with it all. It has bothered me for a long time. I did a pretty good job of keeping up, even after my 2012 return to the states. All it takes is one unexpected extended stay like this 2020 8-month sojourn due to the virus, and everything gets out of hand again.
Once the wagon crumbled on this return, it was difficult for me to get excited about going over there. It was just too sad, after all the wonderful wagon times we've had over the years of here.
But, maybe there was a meant to be in that. Losing the wagon, freed my mind up to think about that area a little more creatively.
And so, after long thought, contemplation and consultation; I decided that I wanted to donate those two parcels of land to the village.
Tuesday, Christiane and I went to the Notaire in Cajarc and the paperwork is underway.
I'm really pleased. It's good for me and for the village. Now, all of that land surrounding the lavoir belongs to the village. It's more important right now because there are plans in the works for a lavoir project.
I'm excited about the project AND I'm excited that now the land in front of the barn on the other side of the tracks is no longer my responsibility. I can focus on what's mine to focus on, most of which is on this side of the tracks!
I feel lighter already. Sometimes facing reality and shedding is necessary.
Of course, I will keep you up on the progress across the tracks. I can focus more on the barn now too. It had gotten to where I hated to even go over there when I saw how much needed to be done. I am now excited and ready to go again.
Happy Friday!
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