Logis du Fresne Juillac le Coq

... lane to pass, the driver leaves his/her left turn signal on until moving back into the right lane (and out of the way of faster moving traffic). It's the way highway driving is supposed to work in the U.S., but doesn’t, and it made my long drive from Urretxu to Saintes smooth and easy.

Another interesting note from driving in this area of Western Europe was how most vehicles (almost all of them small sedans/compact cars) had either a bike rack or ...

... just pass some time doing a bit of scribbling.

I have not made any beneficial contacts yet amongst the locals and my second week here ends today. Job prospects are nil so far and that won't change by concentrating on this area. While most everyone will be off sightseeing (there's an international riding competition concluding in Chalais today), I ...

... of taking a nap in the afternoon if I’m feeling tired. Of course, in the States, I’m probably being more lazy than here!

I still haven’t built anything yet; my duties have consisted of cooking, cleaning, and admin work. Before I leave, I am determined to actually construct a wall or do some plastering: something, anything that will be a lasting part of La Giraudiere.

Louise, Holly, John, etc ...

... to let the dearth of positions stop me from looking and even perhaps creating employment.

Oh, I better stop for now and help finish the laying out of the table and food.


10:36 PM What a nice leisurely dinner. Everyone finished dessert (I had a bit of Chris’s apple crumble or "scramble") some time ago, but has been talking and having coffee and/or wine.

There was spectacular sunset (iPhone camera will have to suffice, but I ...

... streets to overflowing. You can find just about anything in the stalls, from a butcher who specializes in horse meat (no comment) to live chickens and rabbits; from fruits and veggies to fish; lovely handmade jewelry to tacky plastic hair holders, and on and on.

I was practiced the serious are of window shopping and only purchased a couple of post-cards and some rotisserie ...

... of her work. She's asked me to do some more! Oh noooo, what have I gotten myself into... Really it's rather an honor.

Dinner is running a bit late; Julie's cassoulet is still stubbornly partially frozen. I've stirred it and cranked up the gas oven. Maybe another 10 mins?

Louise, Holly and I entered the "guess these famous authors" contest and we ...

... beds (4) & rooms for unexpected arrivals. Sounds like a lot but I did have time to go on Facebook and play a bit: I can hear my mother and sister's disapproving groans from here.

It's about time to go back to the house. I am not even going to try to ride the bike back; my legs aren't ready for those hills as slight as they may be.

Later...

I did end up riding at part of the way back, whoooo hoooo!!

... so much by the music as I was by how thankful I was and am to be right here, right now. And I was feeling sad for the many people who at the same moment were dealing with war, hunger, poverty --- the harsh side of life. I wished that more people could know the amazing beauty, the joy that I experienced during that concert in such an ancient and holy place. Sounds a bit precious, eh? Seriously, though, I am very aware of how blessed I am.

... of miles from home and somehow still managed to find a gift with purchase; ironic, non?




I've been sitting in the sun, reading a bit of Anthony Adverse. Lunch was a light meal consisting of a sort of pizza with a super thin crust, a hint of cheese, thin onion and tiny pieces of ham, accompanied by soft brown bread with butter, green salad with tomatoes and cukes ...

In the morning, I walked back to the Rue Mouffetard and had a cafe au lait at one of the little spots along the seemingly endless street. Originally, I had planned to take the 6:20 AM TGV out of Paris, but fortunately Paul Rice, the owner of La Giraudiere, said that he could pick me up from the later, 10:15 AM, train.



My terrible struggle in the train station, juggling the luggage and slowly dragging everything to the ...