Once we finished up what we could do on the land around the lavoir and the barn, we headed back up to the Mairie to see how everyone else was doing. It was close to noon, but everyone was still working hard. I was impressed.
Seeing everyone: chip in together; work hard; bring interesting and very useful tools; share big trucks, trailers, and tractors; meeting up with old and making new friends; and, seeing just how much dirt washed off the building when it was power-washed...was a treat!
I expected we'd finish and have dejuener (lunch)!
I should have known better.
Of course, it was aperos for all.
Pastis (Ricard) and Kirs were the order of the day, along with some nibbles: chips, saucissons, crackers, nuts, and on and on.
By the time we sat down to eat, I was starving AND feeling no pain.
I might have been high on the kirs, but after so long of a time without seeing so many of my friends and neighbors; I was higher on the people!
Riding up to the Mairie with Andre, it was still foggy along the road and I teased: "Pas de soleil, aujourd'hui?"
Andre shook his head and pointed finger at me and said: "Ah oui, oui, plus tard, plus tard!" Sure enough, we began aperos in the shade and soon we were able to move across the road to the sunshine...I'd predicted 2pm, but it was 1:30...pretty close.
As great as the warmth of friends, sunshine and cassis was feeling; I had moments of thinking maybe I should just go home and not have dejeuner with everyone.
I decided to soldier on; achy, drunk and tired.
These are the days when I know that I am really part of the village.
It's important to me, and I was really glad I stayed! Are you ready for un repas de midi?
Join me tomorrow!
Happy Monday!
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