Soar-Dream-France

Decisions

 

When I first came back to the Chatette and Cadrieu during March of 2018 after Christmas of 2017; I was still living in the apartment in Cajarc while the repairs were being made after the November fire.

I would ride my bike back to the house and wander around to see what was what.

Was there anything I could do?

It was projected that I could be back "home" at the end of April, probably at least a month away.

 

 

There was so much...so many feelings, so much to decide, so much to miss...of which, Sam was the biggest.

 

 

My piano was important to me. It was under plastic. I had been told by one person it was "dead" and another who came from Cahors wanted 10,000 euros to repair it for me. While I was in the states, I connected with Philippe Jolly who told me we should be able to do something together once I  got back and they were in the valley as well. My Monsieur was his baby too.

I told Eric what I was up to.

 

Eric was Eric. I told him how sad my Monsieur Winkelmann was, as were most things. I told him that we were "empty," except for me and my Monsieur. I'd already sat on the front stoop with my empty house behind me and felt that even as is; it was enough for me.

Eric said: "all you really need is your piano, a chair, a coffee pot and a place to sleep."

We were off!

 

 

In that "so much," I'd decided that : the windows were works of art bare; I had my Monsieur and didn't need a stereo system; the walls and the stone were works of art on their own; and, that I didn't want to clutter us up. 

 

 

After Katrina, I remember riding in the car with my friend Barbara.

We were on our way to the Napoleon House because it had opened. I got the first post-Katrina Reuben Sandwich they sold.

 

I told Barbara: "you could look me in the eye and tell me that I was missing a leg, and I would look back at you and say: oh really, that's nice. I'll think about it another time!

 

I recently realized when I was reading about grief, that the best thing that you can do for the people you love who are grieving is to just do something nice for them on your own initiative. Don't ask. Grief is not made for decision making. Asking our friends what we can do for them, or telling them to let us know, is one more thing that they probably just can't think about.

A huge light went off for me.

 

Lately, I've made some big (or maybe just different) decisions. As I've been: buying my new stereo system; picking out some "replacement and new" CDs; and, choosing special curtains for all of the windows in the house; I was asking myself why now?

 

At that time, it was easier to decide to do nothing...I didn't need a new stereo. I didn't need new curtains on the windows. I didn't need to replace all my CDs that went up in smoke. Call it triaging. Call it self preservation. I just couldn't think about it at the time. 

It's almost six years later.

 

 

 

 

Apparently, we're ready now.

 

 

Chock Full Friday Fun

 

 

Friday's voyage to and tour of the Clos Triguedina winery, was an adventure in directions and lessons in more than wine.

It was a beautiful day, after a day of rain. We did well until we diverted from the route we were on and then had to back track. Then we found ourselves circling Puy l'Eveque. We called to say we'd be late and found we were close....so near, but yet so far. Frustration was setting, but Ava discovered we could Google map with her phone and we were off.

 

 

Teamwork prevailed.

 

 

We ended up being thirty minutes late, but were able to join the tour in progress.

A highlight of our "tardiness" for me was realizing that Monsieur Jean-Luc Baldes himself, was exiting the vehicle next to us. Perusing their site and booking the tour, I became familiar with the family photo, and here he was. 

After toilette stops (2.5 hours on the road) and a bit of conversation, Madam Baldes made sure that we got to the tour in progress. I knew it would be in French, but we did pretty well.

It's difficult NOT to be wowed by the beauty, expansiveness, and the realization just what it would take to keep everything going.

 

 

After the tour of the vines we headed inside for our tasting. Our guide, Floriane, was professional, informative, helpful and also charming. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High tables were ready for two groups-our 3 and the five others in the group who turned out to be from Lyon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The tour is very reasonable!

 

 

I chose the basic tour for us for lots of reasons-5-euros per person for 45-minutes to an hour tour and then tasting of 3 wines; or at least, that's how it was billed. Instead, we found ourselves tasting way more than three selections. It only gets better from there, since you have the choice of more and longer with the many other tours/experiences on the site.

 

I learned that the Triguedina I've been purchasing on-line is their classic. I knew there were others. I'd had the Prince Probus in the past, but all I'd had were reds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here, I was able to try a Chardonnay and a rose that were exceptional. The Prince Probus is now just PROBUS, and it is 100% Malbec grape, where the classic I love is 85%. Floriane described the white as "dry," but it tasted sweet to me. She explained that the sweetness comes from the fruit. 

 

 

I'd decided that I'd treat myself to 2 of the PROBUS and 2 of the Chardonnay. By the time I'd listened to Ava and Nick deciding on what they would order to get a quote for shipment to the states; I threw in the rose too.

Heading back to the car, Floriane carried my box of 5 bottles for me.

 

 

 

Now, I can ponder whether I want to continue to: order from the on-line company; order directly from Clos Triguedina (full selection, but 12 bottles for free delivery); or, maybe Mikey and I will head out on a road trip and pick it up ourselves!

The beautiful countryside and gorgeous "Nelson" just might be enough incentive to make that drive for me.

We Shall See!

 

 

 

Special thanks to Famille Baldes, and Floriane for a memorable experience, BUT...

...Our day didn't end here...next up, a St. Cirq Lapopie wander and lunch at a favorite, Lou Bolat!

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Thursday!

 

Winter Success

 

 

Last winter, I decided to try something different with my geraniums and begonias. They were pretty and healthy all over the grounds, so since I was going to be here; I brought them in and spread them around the house to be able to water them and get sunshine with inside warmth. While some did better than others, almost all survived and now I'm trying to decide what to do with them. 

 

 

 

We are bursting with red everywhere.

 

 

It feels good.

Happy Tuesday!

 

Getting Ready for Twenty Years

 

I recently mentioned that coming up on February 22, 2022; the Chatette and I will be a WE for 20 years! It feels like a big deal to me! I wanted to do something to mark the day, or at least near the day. It looks like I have a couple of irons in the fire here. Tomorrow (even though it's a day ahead), an intimate group of long-time friends in the village are going to meet me at Christiane's in the afternoon to raise a champagne toast to our twenty years. 3 of the 4 friends have been friends that long, and the other just a couple years shy. 

I'd already ordered some special sweet treats from Thiriet since I was already expecting a delivery tomorrow morning between 8-9, so all that left was the champagne and chocolate.

 

 

I headed into Cajarc this morning on a mission.

No Veuve Clicquot to be had and nothing else that striked my fancy at the Intermarche. Jackpot at the Petit Casino...Moet et Chandon AND chocolates! Moet et Chandon is usually my first choice, but lots of friends are crazy for Veuve Clicquot.

Having been to the Moet et Chandon vineyards back in '98, I told myself that if I ever bought property in France I would toast it with their Premier Cru Champagne that is only sold in France.

Fortunately, I found it in Cahors in 2002, but haven't seen it around here since. That 20 year old bottle had a candle in it and was used often and displayed prominently here in the Chatette. Hence, it too, went the way of the 2017 fire along with lots of other sentimental items.

 

 

We are ready to launch the next 20 years in a whole new way.

Lots is swirling in my life that is going to make me so much more HERE than ever before. That probably doesn't make sense to anyone except me and a few very close friends, but I will share as it unfolds.

Everything made it into the Chatette safely.

Can you imagine, I was able to carry a bottle of champagne up the back steps in each of the side pockets of my overalls!

They were a little heavier than the milks, but it made me giggle.

What would you rather have in your bike basket or the pockets of your overalls, milk or Moet et Chandon Champagne?

 

 

 

Let the celebrations begin!

Happy Sunday!

 

Spur of the Moment-To Cajarc en Velo

 

Practicing at the upstairs window with Lola yesterday morning; the color, the warmth, the temperature, and the sunshine convinced me that I should get out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had some mail to send to the states and can always pick up a few odds and ends.

I was prepared for all possibilities beyond La Poste. Maybe Petit Casino, maybe Escrozailles, or maybe even just come on back home after La Poste depending on what I find in town.

 

 

It was an easy drop at the mail box.

Off around the circle past La Pause, I headed to the boucherie. There was NO line AND my favorite butcher was there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I so enjoy speaking my bad French with Philippe.

 

 

He is very patient, and such a smile. He didn't wait on me yesterday, but I listened to him tell the man ahead of me about going on vacation next week for what sounded to be like something related to the shop.

 

 

Once I paid, I asked and it will be next week for "quinze jours!" I explained on the 15, mars, I will be going to the states for "six semaines" to hopefully sell my house in New Orleans. He crossed his fingers for me which was sweet. 

 

 

Then, I headed over to the Petit Casino. I made sure I had everything. My glasses (lunettes) were with me when I went in the door, I was certain, but then I couldn't find them. I had to squint to see some of the prices and certainly when I used my carte de credit while I explained to the checker that "J'ai perdu mes lunettes!"

 

 

I got back out to my bike and decided to look one more time with no luck! Just as I was getting ready to get on my bike I looked down and there they were-I'd stuck them on the collar of my shirt. I had to share with my checker friend and we had a giggle together! 

I thought about going to the riverfront to nibble on my treats, but the clouds looked threatening so I headed straight home.

 

 

 

That was, till I rounded the bend and the view screamed photo op! Sometimes you just have to stop. Even if your baguette is about to fall out of your bike basket, and the whole world knows it's that crazy American with her baguette, Coke Zero and potato chips!

 

 

As I wrote earlier this morning, what a view to be waiting for you as you come around the bend home from grocery shopping.

 

Happy Sunday!

 

Happy International Overalls Weekend 2021

 

This year, I've been a tardy girl for International Overalls Weekend.

To be honest, I'm always confused over whether it is the weekend before or after Thanksgiving.

I should know better by now! 

 

 

That opening photo says it all!

It was overalls, wood back in the meter long log days of 2009, cold November, and did an Irish Coffee and Cookies Overalls party here at the Chatette.

It was certainly memorable for me.

 

I found out how much other friends enjoyed it when we were having lunch after the village clean-up!

I do have some great photos and found myself wondering if I could pull another one off.

Maybe next year or the year after...

 

...for now, we're all doing a lot of living on memories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's hoping you'll enjoy some of mine to celebrate!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy International Overall Weekend!

 

 

 

 

Arrangements

 

It makes no difference if it's roses, buddleias, geraniums, or wild flowers; I love them all. The joy of here is that I have so much that I can keep fresh flowers in the Chatette for almost 9 months out of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right now, they are prolific. The only thing is, I haven't been up to my usual level of making arrangements for the Chatette.

 

 

It comes and goes, but what I do know is that when I am blue, arranging flowers brings me joy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I began yesterday with buddleia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everything looked so pretty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wanted more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I filled out the containers I had around.

 

Even Lola lended her expertise.

 

It isn't a blue Sunday anymore.

 

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

 

L'Accent et Tournez-Penchez

 

 

Give me days of pastoral peace and quiet beside my wagon with a nice glass of Cahors!

To be honest, even with my caved in wagon, those are still most of my days.

Wednesday was an exception, and an exception full of French.

I may be deluded, but I believe that I speak better than I understand.

The path from brain to voice seems to be clearer than ear to brain.

 

 

 

 

I used to tease Jean, that if you put the 2 of us together you had a whole French understanding-speaking person. She understood more and I didn't mind speaking more.

We often helped each other, and in many more ways than just French!

It began at the Limogne vaccination center. Of course, the nurse I had to continue to redirect me. I listened and understood.

The doctor and I actually had a nice conversation.

 

He didn't need my Carte de Sejour or my Assurance Maladie Card.

He asked if I was "English" and we were off and running. I said American, and he said ah, the accent. He clearly spoke and understood English, but I soldiered on with my French. I told him I came from New Orleans. He asked about speaking French there-so, no. I shared how my friends from Cadrieu came with me in 2008 and learned that we don't speak French.

 

 

We even had the Cajun discussion. Honestly, it was fun for me.

 

Then, Christiane and I headed to the Presse in Cajarc to see if I could get my US-sized passport photos so I could get my application in to renew my passport. There is a husband-wife team who have the Presse. The husband is in charge of the photos. I was lucky he was there. The camera had to be reset from the French setting to the US setting so there was a little wait. Mask off, I took my place. Look into the camera of course, but for some reason I couldn't get my head into the position that was needed.

 

 

First, it was "tournez" so I turned. Then, it was "penchez" that I quickly learned meant "tilt/lean!"

Poor guy, what ever I was doing was either too much or too little turning and tilting. We finally got it. I checked out once my photos were ready, along with all my other presents to me for a successful day!

As I walked out and thanked him he reminded me one more time, with un "sourire" (smile)..."tournez-penchez!" I giggled! I had the force of my smiling angels with me!

 

 

Of course, I will never forget!

Happy Friday!

 

Courageous Columbines

 

 

I know that I'm coming up on columbine season here at the Chatette soon. I have some down in the big yard and along the train tracks that I always enjoy. I realized that some of the walnut tree wood is stacked on the stone ledge along the tracks where the columbines usually appear. I've been keeping an eye! 

The other day, I noticed buds and leaves peeking their way out under and through the stacked logs.

I moved a few logs to give them more light and air, but there was something so pretty, magical and courageous about the way they just stuck to it.

 

 

 

 

Their soft beauty and texture against the harsh and rugged wood, reminded me that it takes all kinds and soldiering on in the face of obstacles can be the only way. 

 

 

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

A Real Time Life

 

From just this spot, it is easy for me to pay attention to the flow, focus and be in the moment...the NOW!

Whether it's my Lola or the views out my many windows on the Lot; I realized this morning that I am living my life in "real time!" 

The first time I heard that term "real time," it meant that bosses and colleagues wanted whatever you were working on immediately.

From letters, to faxes, to emails, to scans, etc...our lives sped up tremendously. You could never really let down and wait for a reply. Just go, go go, and move, move, move; with all those very high expectations from those on high.

It resulted in more stress on those of us "below!"

 

 

Or, at least more stress on those of us who remembered earlier days! Oh, you adjusted to those real time expectations, but at a cost.

 

 

My journey to here has taught me to live in the NOW.  

 

I would say that my journey began in '98 from Wendy's place in Tour de Faure. The 2002 purchase of this place and the gifting of the book: The Power of NOW by Eckhardt Tollle from my friend Pauline at Christmas of 2003; added strength and focus to my journey.

Ten years before the aforementioned gift, my friend Ron Mancoske gifted me with the Robert Grudin book: Time and the Art of Living for my 40th birthday as I was heading into major surgery and a month off of work the following week.

Both of these books had a major impact on my life and how I saw the world.

Both went the way of the 2017 fire, but they are an amazing tool for dealing with the craziness of the concept and definition of time during this pandemic.

 

 

 

 

This may be a huger discussion for another time (ha-ha), but my frustration with the "real time" of old rose to the surface while my sister and I struggled on the phone as we tried to put past and future into context of these lives we have during the pandemic. 

What I came to is that there are so many unknowns at the moment it is difficult to look ahead to the future.

Then, even in the "profoundness" of our memories from the past, that infrastructure is gone to the point of looking back and thinking you might be able to recreate those loved and treasured experiences isn't really possible either. 

 

Everything is in "real-time!"

Is this a cruel joke?

 

 

 

As much as I know that all we have is NOW, there was always a comfort in being able to plan ahead and look back to enjoy my memories and/or learn from past mistakes.

 

 

And so, as I hover here in Cadrieu in "real time," I am grateful for this journey that has served me well during these times and keeps on giving. I couldn't be in a better place to continue to pay attention and learn something new...AGAIN!

 

Happy Tuesday!