Soar-Dream-France

The Lady and the Unicorn and Dad

 

Today is our Dad's first birthday in heaven. I like to say that it is "the day of his birth" because I don't feel the need to smack a number on it. It will always be the day of his birth! We miss him always.

But, we miss him MORE today!

Interestingly for me, I miss him more from Cadrieu.

 

 

I realized that our 7am his time 2pm my time calls were a huge part of my life here. Hearing his voice and feeling his love for me every day was special. He was a huge part of my life and it enabled me to share my life here with him.

Last fall, I inherited a beautiful Lady and the Unicorn tapestry from Evelyn when she returned to the states in November.

 

I rested it on top of the new monster book case, knowing it would be spectacular with the stone wall as a backdrop. I'd decided that I would buy a tapestry pillow cover for one of my pillows in the living room so it would all be pulled together theme-wise.

I told Dad about it on one of our calls.

He didn't really know the Lady and the Unicorn, so I told him I'd gather some information for him and drop it in the mail so he could see it.

 

As I gathered, I learned a lot myself. I had seen the original tapestries in the Cluny Museum on my first trip to Paris in '92. I thought that there were 5. Turns out there are 6: 5 representing the senses and one entitled: A Mon Seul Desir. It was fun to talk about them with Dad. We figured out that mine was "Smell!" He said: "They are really neat!" I told him that I was going to treat myself to a pillow cover of the tapestry.

 

 

I guess you've figured out by now, I bought more than one.

Last week, I ordered a number of small things that I wanted to round out the Chatette a bit more: a tiny frige for the in between room upstairs, some books, and the tapestry pillow covers.

As I looked at the site again, they were all there! I decided to buy 5 and treat the Chatette and I to more pretty. Had I ordered before the holidays, it would have been just the one.

 

 

I wouldn't have wanted to spend the extra money on something I didn't have to have. But now, with Dad's departure on New Year's Day we were each left with a little money from Mom and Dad.

It's a luxury to be able to feel the "enough" from time to time!

 

 

 

I might be sitting without him on that picnic bench these days, but Dad is everywhere. These memories and his spirit live in those tapestry pillows.

 

No wonder I want to hug them all the time.

 

Happy Birthday, Dad! 

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

 

 

The Evolution of Return

 

I chuckled when I reread one of my last posts here about my decision to stay in New Orleans until the spring of 2021. It made perfect sense at the time, but life in the United States kept changing day to day, and not just related to the virus. It was the pestilence running rampant in our federal government that continually pushed my re-evaluation of that spring date. It is a virulent pestilence that is eating our democracy alive. I teased that I was more afraid of the government pestilence than the Corona Virus.

 

At least with the virus, there were things we all could do to protect ourselves the best we could. 

 

Once George Floyd was murdered by the police, and I saw the federal government's response, I decided to push my return up to mid-September. With the second murder of a young black man in Atlanta, I began to think August.

I really had to think about all I had hoped to accomplish in New Orleans this trip AND what was realistic for a good departure. I've learned over all these years that "leaving well" is important, even though there are very many things that are not in our control.

 

I try very hard to pay attention to my feelings. It's easy in Cadrieu, but less so in New Orleans with all the noise, people, and busy. Somehow, when it was important in New Orleans, it seeped through. Reading from the sofa one day, I had this overwhelming sense of go NOW. Go as soon as you can! You must go now. I was thinking about WWII and all the books I'd read over the years about the jews and others who were trying to decide what to do. Do we stay? Do we go? If we go, where? How will we know the time is right? What happens if we are too late? I didn't want to be "too late!"

 

 

That was when I settled on early August as the soonest I could realistically leave and leave well. I was very much afraid that if I didn't go, I might not be able to get out and home to Cadrieu.

I am most grateful for having HOME to come to...not just a place to go, but home that I love and wonderful people around me who love and support me. I began to make lists to put all the pieces in place. There were things that I needed to buy to take back to Cadrieu with me.

 

 

There were housekeeping chores on Columbus Street that I wanted to get done before I left.

I was keeping up pretty regularly with the French Consulate site in New Orleans to be sure if there were any changes in requirements for entry into France. Good Thing!

The Thursday, a week to the day of my departure, I saw that the French Government was requiring a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours and documentation of results prior to boarding flights to France. I freaked. I extended the time on my rental car and reached out to friends and connections.

 

Fortunately, my friend Harlee knew about the RAPID testing site with results in 15 minutes and documentation. I got an appointment, a negative result and was good to go, but cautiously each step of the way.

Now that I'm here and home I am so grateful. There are clearly angels on my shoulders and angel voices in my ears. I kept remembering how Dad said: "Go to France, Laury," in the midst of the insanity and sadness of New Orleans post-Katrina. I'm sure his and Mom's voices were the loudest in my ear...you must go...go now!

 

I listened.

While I would like to take credit for the configuration of my life and all that gives me freedoms that others may not have, I realize as I sit back and look at the lovely Lot, that there is an umbrella over my life that seems to protect me from tough times and disasters.

I feel that protection very strongly here. 

Happy Wednesday!

 

An Enduring Question

 

Yesterday's decision of the day was: cookies or pumpkin soup? I'd been thinking about baking Mom's coconut oatmeal cookie recipe for a few days now. Then, I scooped this huge squash that Evelyn wasn't going to be able to use. I was set with ingredients out for both!

Neither got done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When all else fails...just take pictures.

 

 

They may not be as tasty, but they can be just as satisfying in other ways!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Somewhere between pretty, cute, very French, and very fall...

 

 

...you can see I had quite a bit of fun of the staged and un-staged varieties.You don't have to do much to throw something into a pile of pretty leaves.

 

 

That big old squash snuggled right in and choose a little red fun friend all its own.

 

Happy Saturday!

 

Proof en France!

 

It is absolutely beyond my comprehension that the President of the United States would speak at a political rally (I believe in Lake Charles, Louisiana) and state that USA will put a man on the moon! Considering that happened when I was growing up back in 1969, the comment is mind-boggling. Not only does this President ignore facts and lie like a rug, he is also in the process of rewriting history with ignorance and malice!

So today, I share one of the new French stamps  commemorating that fifty year anniversary of the USA moon landing and walk on the moon.

Even the French know we did it, AND celebrate the momentous event.

 

Hooray for France!

Happy Saturday!

 

Playful Pronunciation

 

I've always loved these shots of the baguettes that I took on a trip to Brussels when I was working contracts abroad. In Belgium, they speak Flemish and French. Here in France, "we" speak French.

Even so, I am frequently thrown into confusion here in the Lot.

The southern accent is the culprit! Moving from St. Louis to New Orleans, I confronted my first southern accents in English without a problem. Here in France, they can be daunting for me.

 

Parisian French is not Lotois French.

 

 

Once I figured out the difference in the pronunciation of the words, I thought I had it down. Wrong!

I've written before about my "pain" and "ping" story at the grocery store. While taking the scaffolding down, Didier and I were talking about what was left and when he'd be back to finish the clean up...he had me in stitches when I got the "deming" but not the "mating!" The light bulb went on and I want ah...deming mating-demain matin-tomorrow morning!

 

 

 

Tomorrow morning arrived and we were out in the barn looking at some other beam problems.

We chatted a bit about the weekend and I didn't totally understand about the vendage, but he explained it to me.

Wine-Vin is a word I use all the time.

I had never heard it pronounced "ving!"

It took me a minute, but I eventually got it. 

 

 

 

I'm getting better. I now have what I've come to call my "ing" overlay, but it sometimes requires that I translate a translation in my head before I get it!

 

 

 

Thankfully, we can giggle about it and perhaps we will...

...partagerons un verre de "ving" de Cahors!

Happy Friday!

 

A Whole Lot of Workin' Goin' On

 

Yesterday morning I'd set my sights on putting a dent in the nasty, monstrous roots and vines that have taken hold of the wall by the fosse-septique. I'd gotten a pretty good start, but there was still more to do.

I am plodding and determined and know that I must be patient.

There I was pruning and lobbing away, while Didier was up on the roof and Cedric was caulking and winterizing next store.

Pretty soon Cedric came over to chat a bit. He is much better equipped than I am.

 

 

He also helps out often with stubborn situations beyond my equipment capabilities! (Ha-ha!) 

 

While we were hanging out around the fosse-septique (not as much fun as the water cooler or coffee pot), a friend of Didier's came walking up the train tracks. Turns out, "Gerard" was interested in the buddleias along the road. We had a 4-way conversation for a while, then a 3-way, and lots of French-bien sur!

Finally, Cedric and I decided it was time to "continue" with our work! I did a little more, but was out of the mood. It was almost lunch so I stopped and planned to do more the next day.

 

Heading in up the front steps, Gerard was coming down the road with one of the buddleias from our volunteer buddleia alley in front of the Chatette. I told him to take them ALL! He laughed and said this was enough for now, but he'd be back next year and maybe take me up on my offer of some of the other colors that I have growing behind the barn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took lunch to the porch swing. Then after my call with Dad, I went out to sit on the swing and read a little bit.

I glanced over to the wall and pondered where I would start in the morning, but quickly went back to my book.

 

 

When I looked up again, I finally noticed that the wall was completely CLEAR!

 

 

That Cedric had sneaked out and cleared all the pieces that I could and couldn't do. What a sweetheart!

 

 

It would probably have taken me a week or two given my moods, plodding pace and basic equipment. What a gift!

Happy Wednesday!

 

Call Me "Racine!"

 

Yesterday was a day of "big stuff" on the road and a lot of work for me. Fosse-Septique day began with the buses encountering each other in front of the Chatette. It's always interesting to watch. As you can see, this is a narrow country road and it isn't the narrowest their route!

 

I've been working hard the last week or so to unearth the fosse-septique to be ready for our "apres-midi" appointment.

But, the phone call came through early and he was here at 11 or so.

Good thing it was after the bus encounter. 

I'd hoped that the new numbered address and road designation would help with directions here.

 

 

 

No such luck...to the point where I had to go over to see if Cedric could rescue me. Between the two of us, we soon saw the huge orange and blue truck come around the corner from the direction of Cajarc.

Turns out, I'd unearthed the protective cover for the fosse-septique, but beneath it there was more unearthing to be done.

 

 

Eventually, everything was cleaned and cleared out so we were flowing once more.

However, I was left with instructions. Call me Racine Bourgeois.

 

 

 

I needed to clean around the fosse-septique and pull out all the roots...racine in French. Then, I had to fill it 75% full with water and recover it.

Getting to work after he left, I got most of it looking pretty good. I was able to put the lids back on.

 

 

I will have to come up with another idea for protective covering. There is still more to clear around the fosse-septique. But, I'm proud of myself and feeling accomplished!

I made the executive decision to do the essentials and then I will pretend that de-rooting and cleaning over there is as much fun as working on the cliff and the barn.

 

 

 

Ha-ha! I should be able to get us in shape before the end of the weekend. But, today is going to be a day of rest!

Petit a petit as I say regularly! 

Happy Wednesday!

 

The Importance of Paris

 

It's Sunday morning in Cadrieu, but Rodin's "Thinker" and I are pondering Paris! Looking back at my photos from my day in Paris in 2014 and just finishing Matisse and Son for the third time, are once more reminding me of the importance of Paris in my life. I'm feeling immersed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paris is one of my big "just ones"-no Paris...no Cadrieu. It's easier to look back to realize once more that if just one thing were different, I wouldn't be where I am (and who I am) today.

 

Paris was on my path. My "just one" Paris was chock full of many other just ones in my life. It's impossible to know when you are in the middle of it.

Then, Paris was France for me. Paris was my dream. I didn't think there was any more of France that I needed. How wrong I was! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cadrieu was my destiny.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And so today, as the sun rises over a beautiful Lotoise morning smack dab on the Lot River...I raise my cup of coffee and I say merci un million fois a Paris et beaucoup de bises!

 

Happy Sunday!

 

Birthday Belonging

 

It wasn't until Jane arrived "chez moi" on yesterday morning, that I knew what the birthday plan would be.

I knew we were going somewhere for lunch, but where and what the rest of the day would hold for us would be a surprise.

Jane was a little daunted and disappointed by the rain.

 

 

But, I love it and had already made up my mind that if it rained, it would not rain on my birthday parade!

We were heading to the Hotel Restaurant des Grottes in Cabrerets through the Cele Valley.

 

 

I had been to Cabrerets many moons ago when I spent my 5 weeks at Wendy's. Jean-Luc and I actually rode bikes there from Tour de Faure that summer of '98! Ah, memories.

We were the first ones there as is usual for Jane and I. Our table was smack on the edge of the covered terrace where we could enjoy river action, scenery, rain, and all that birthday celebrations have to offer.

 

There's so much to share about the restaurant and the day, that I thought I'd start here with lunch.

 

It began with a bubbly Amor de Paris with kir and peanuts. Jane had Os a Moelle for a starter and I had Terrine de Foie Gras.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main courses were:

 

 

  

Jane's Agneau Fermier de Quercy

and

Entrecote de Bouef with a Cabecou Sauce for me.

 

 

 

 

 

Desserts were variations on glace for us both!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vin rouge and friendship flowed right along with the Cele!

 

I knew I needed to make my call to Dad at 2. He sings me Happy Birthday every year and I wouldn't miss it.

Little did I know that when I went over to the side terrace to make my call, Jane would disappear to set up a birthday surprise.

 

Here we were, after finishing our meal AND our desserts when the staff came out with a candled up piece of pie that reminded me of our New Orleans pecan pie. But this one was walnut.

 

 

Joyeux Anniversaire began and soon the whole restaurant was singing. That was a first for me in France. I felt so special and celebrated. But even more, I felt a sense of belonging too!

This was only the beginning. I have so much more to share. Merci de mille fois a Jane et...

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

Making the Befores

 

I can't get enough of our barn. As August moves on, I know that September and the installation of the new barn roof are looming.

It is beautiful as is. It will be different. The new roof will save the barn.

I'm glad I will have many befores, durings, and (no doubt) afters to compare as we go. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new barn roof is a milestone for us. The barn came to us in poor shape for a very good price during 2010. In fact, the new roof is going to cost more than I initially paid for the barn.

 

 

Finally, nine years later the barn will have a new hat to doff to all who pass.

 

 

Back before the barn was "ours," I remember standing on the road above and looking down at her. One of our "elders" of the village, Auguste, was passing as I gazed. I didn't know Auguste then. It was the early days. He had his dog and his walking stick, but stopped to stand with me for a moment and said: "Quelle dommage!" I agreed, and added..."tres triste!"

 

 

Pretty soon it will no longer be a shame or sad...our barn will be back on the road again.

 

Happy Thursday!