Sunday, August 18, 2019

Medieval Magic

Daniel arrives in Monflanquin in time for the annual Medieval Festival.  We are similar in many ways.  He fits into my sweat shirt and other apparel. We share the same opinion about many people we know.
And he eats dark chocolate every day like his mother.
Costumed to celebrate the day. Above the door, the grapes grow fatter, but still not sweet enough for snacking.


My cousins from Israel with Daniel's friends and their adorable baby.

Baby Elenor got her first tooth here in Monflanquin.She did not suffer silently.

I am looking at about two weeks left of my stay. A dear friend will visit the last week of August.  Thinking about priorities, there are a few more  sweet people to see. More time will be spent in the pool. Delicious French cheese will be eaten and amazingly fresh produce enjoyed.  I cannot duplicate my village life style at home. The uniqueness and charm of the place do not translate. Most of all I will miss my friends and the ease of conversation and conviviality.  The  surround sound French  will be sadly absent.  Planning my next stint in the village is the only way to cope with the loss.


And the Medieval Beat goes on..........

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Petite Excursion a Villereal

 A new coffee shop opened a few weeks ago in Villereal.  To my delight, it is called Maggie's, though my Maggy's name ends in a "y"
Maggie's coffee shop is more English than French.   I love its shabby chic decor and comfortable cushioned chairs.  The story goes that the coffee shop's namesake Maggie encouraged an apprehensive young English couple wanting to move to France to take the risk and helped them every step of the way.  Now the coffee shop stands as a tribute to this lovely woman who recently passed away. It makes me think about all the people in my life who encourage me every step of the way and for them I am grateful. It's the little things isn't it? The neighbor here who offers to lend me warm clothes as the weather has turned chilly.  (It wont' last.) The artist in the village museum who invites me over when she learns I  do collage.  The fruit seller who wants to be sure the delicate fruit won't be crushed......

Bookshelves of French and English books
hug the coffee shop walls. Also board games and coloring books.



 I will be back!!!

Friday, July 26, 2019

Missing Maggy

Maggy turns 10 on August 19. I found her birthday gift by chance at E. LeClerc.  You may recognize this brand as it is very popular state side. These dog toys are super sturdy and even Maggy the Masticator can't destroy them. At the Thursday night market, I met a young beagle. The owner and I agree that beagles eat everything, sniff everything, and are hard to walk. They are also the sweetest most loving adorable dogs in the world. Maggy seems to be doing okay without me. Luckily she gets to accompany Bill to Starbucks for extra admiration.  I tried doing a video call with her, but she just doesn't get it.  I think about Maggy a lot and hope she knows how much I miss her.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

The Vase That Got Away


At the antiques fair this weekend, I spotted a pretty oriental vase which I thought would look good in the living room.  An identical vase in green was also for sale.  Undecided about the purchases,  I went to the pool to mull it over.  Suddenly, it occurred to me that both vases would look really nice together. That was it. I had to have them both. After lunch, I went back to the antique's fair. I told myself the vases might be gone and under no circumstances was I to  get upset.  One vase did indeed sell.  The one above remained. Despite my vow, I immediately felt my mood tank.  The vendor told me someone had come along immediately after me and bought the green one.  What to do? I bought the red one. Went home and did an extensive search online for a comparable green vase. Nothing. Hours later, I wondered about my obsession with the vases. Did I mourn the loss of something I wanted? Was I kicking myself for my indecisiveness? Was it just not meant to be? Why did I struggle so hard to accept that the other vase was gone? Was some ulterior symbolism at play here. After all, I am a twin.  I am still at a loss to explain my strong reaction.  Any ideas?

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Growing Grapes and Cooking Caprices

The grapes above my door are flourishing in this hot summer weather, and suddenly last week, gorgeous sunflowers, cheerfully greeted us on the departmental  roads. Driving by their  amazingly abundant fields  is glorious.  I am trying to figure out how to safely take a decent picture. We've got a  bumper crop of apricots this month,
and I can't wait to go the outdoor market tomorrow to fill my basket with delicious summer fruit and vegetables.

What fun to try out new French recipes here!   Pictured to below is an olive loaf chock full of black and green pitted olives whipped into a cheesy batter. It makes for a nice aperitif snack.  I enjoyed dinner last night at Angela and John's my former house partners and brought the olive loaf to complement the first course. Sitting on the terrace watching  the sun set, I was reminded of how absolutely exquisite the village is on a warm summer's evening. 

 My latest culinary experiment is called LA FLAMMEKUECHE from the Alsace region of France. This "low cal" beauty consists of creme epaisse, fromage blanc, lardons, and onions. The traditional flammekueche is baked in a bread oven, surrounded by embers. Thus the name flammekueche signifies " cooked on flames". In the past, it was prepared on  farms the days bread was baked. As the bottom  is made from rolled out pizza dough, it  can be thought of as an Alsatian pizza.   A definite possibility for my French cooking class in my Beaverton kitchen.
Miam Miam



Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Chocolat

I saw a flyer for a Chocolaterie in a town twenty minutes from here.   Rody Chocolaterie  sells all kinds of chocolate confections. I was tempted to buy the chocolate tool kit for Monsieur Bricolage, but the idea of eating a chocolate wrench seems too goofy.  Roderie Chocolaterie features a chocolate museum which explains how chocolate is made. Children can practice scooping beans with a shovel and putting them on a conveyor belt.  It is possible to make your own personalized chocolate bar with individual toppings.  That looked like fun! In the shop, the chocolate bar serves 8 different kinds of hot chocolate. I ordered the orange dark chocolate which was delicious.  In the boutique, I rejoiced at finding chocolate covered prunes which Michael adores.  I may go back to sample the sugarless chocolate and the dark chocolate bark.  The wooden hammer that comes with the bark made me smile.  Rody Chocolaterie will delight children as well as grown up chocolate lovers. Definitely worth the trip!

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Open the Window

I get to see this lovely tiled roof from my bedroom every morning. Beyond it lies the valley so green and lush. It looks like  a still life painting.  July marks the beginning of the tourist season here. Folks from Scotland, Holland, Germany, England, and Australia enjoy the Thursday evening gastronomic market. Long tables are laid out in the square. As the evening goes on, the music comes to life and people get up to dance.  We are an international harmonious group.  Yet  at times, I do hear stereotyping among the villagers, and I know they are aware that they are categorizing people.  Why do people do  this labeling so instinctively? Is it a form of self- protection?  Do they find it amusing?  Is it just an easy way of understanding cultural differences?   What do people here think of Americans?  Not too many of us in Monflanquin. They follow the antics of our president but do not necessarily associate us individually with him.  I like to think of myself as an American diplomat in the village.  I don't want to offend anyone, and I want  such grace offered to me.  It is more interesting to understand people and offer them compassion no matter where they are from.

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Bubble Tea and Other Surprises

On the rue Saint Pierre, the organic food shop and tea room opened last summer. Michael and Erin found IPA beer there. I found gluten free cookies for a friend.  Hearing about the bubble tea, I strolled over there yesterday.  I looked closely around the shop before placing my order. I zoomed in on tahini and across the aisle, grilled crickets in four different flavors perfect for your aperitif. I asked the shop keeper if anyone dares buy them. She said it is amazing. She can't keep them in stock due to the demand. People get used to them and serve them like chips. The crickets reminded me of Mothers' Weekend at Purdue University. The Entymology Department treated us to chocololate covered crickets and mealy worms.  The crickets did not tempt me, but I did enjoy my green mint bubble tea. It tasted light and refreshing with aga agar pearls . The cookie was delightful too! 

Hot as the Hobs of Hell


What a weekend! I spent it holed up in my bedroom with the above device. We got along fine, but I kept insisting it work harder to cool me off. Luckily, we became friends as I saw very few humans for two days.  I ventured out for dinner and couldn't wait to get back to my appliance. Bill fitted it in March with a bespoke hole in the bedroom window.  Looks like it will be called to service again as temperatures creep up into the nineties. The municipal pool took mercy on us and opened early for the season. My goal is very cleat. Get across that pool without a noodle. Fear will need to be tricked again. I hope I win!

Agricultural Fair in Monflanquin

The Agricultural Fair takes place each year in the region. This year Monflanquin received the honor of
hosting the big event. Llamas, cows from the Aquitaine, poultry, rabbits, horses showed off their native splendor.  Luckily, they could not read the sign across the road: "Farm Fresh Aquitaine Meat and Poultry."

Thursday, June 13, 2019

It is cherry picking season here in Monflanquin. My friend Mado invited me to her orchard today to enjoy the bounty.  Today was one of my favorite days. At the Thursday market, I met so many friends. It felt like coming home. Diana invited me for a special aperitif at noon to celebrate her new French citizenship.  Our entire block  toasted her with delicious champagne followed by a savory tart,  artisan cheese from the Pyrenees,  cherry tomatoes and sausage. For dessert, a choice of tarte aux pommes or fraisier, creamy strawberry pie. Impossible to choose, so we all sampled both. Our block may be the nicest in the village. It is certainly one of the liveliest. Cheers!

Sunday, June 9, 2019

Goofy Airport Selfie

Michael can actually take a great selfie of himself and Erin. No clue how he does it. The only thing good about this picture is the reminder that my dental implant now lives securely in my mouth. What an ordeal. Nine months of patience; actually impatience. Relating to all the toothless people out there. Traveling to Hong Kong without a tooth. Avoiding nuts, seeds, and popcorn. Hopefully this experience won't need to be repeated.
My flights were all on time and smooth. Air France still offers free champagne. I toasted everyone I could think of. Food was okay. My seat mate decided her little boy should sit next to me. I have no idea why. He kept kicking me while he slept. It felt like Maggy was sleeping with me. The grand finale was his hurling into the barf bag. His mother just smiled. What are you going to do?
I wrote another diamond poem Saturday and Sunday. Here they are without the diamond shape format.

Saturday Diamond Poem:                                     Sunday Diamond Poem

Airports                                                                  Air France Bus
Distant Bustling                                                      Slow Bumpy
Watch Wait Whisk                                                  Stop Go Rattle
Impersonal Busy                                                     Convenient Gray                                               
People Mover                                                          Bus Michael loathes
                                                                           

Friday, June 7, 2019

Diamond Poems

This week I learned about Diamond Poems. I thought to have my French 101 write them the last day of class. Instead, they got into a long discussion in English about saving the planet. It was a rough term with too many students struggling with personal issues. When I first started at PCC thirty years ago, students did not have personal issues or so it seemed. Now they are eager to tell me how many times they threw up in the bathroom. TMI

I thought to try a Diamond Poem myself the day before  beginning my summer adventure in France.

                                       Anticipation

                                anxious           uplifting

                            hopes     foreshadows   predicts     
                         
                                  helpful             harmful

                                         Preconception

My bag contains a vegetable peeler and four pillow cases, signs of home ownership.  I can't wait to be in my little kitchen in Monflanquin. I am most worried about the rental car. Will it be small enough? Will I feel comfortable and safe?  Anticipation is traveling with me,


                               
                               

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Back to France - Spring Break 2019

Not my usual time to return to France.  Designated as a  home improvement work crew, Bill, Erin, Michael, and I met in Monflanquin to perform some much needed  home maintenance. First priority, replace moldy old  living room floor boards,  repaint the  walls near  floor board and  thoroughly clean the cave. Then time permitting, ready the window in the master bedroom for an air conditioning unit.  With less than a week to accomplish these tasks, we held family meetings to quantify what could be done and how.  Michael and Erin amazed us with their  skills. Bill, now retired from TriMet, kept everyone on task with his master list and worked hard.  My job:  keep the crew fed.  And voila, it all got done despite jet lag and  language  label confusion.
I felt the magic of Monflanquin return immediately.  What  a joy to rediscover my friends!  Spring turned up to make our stay a pleasure. One day, I sneaked in a 10 K hike between meals and found myself truly enjoying the fresh air and nature. After hibernating during much of Portland's winter, it felt so good. Saturday before departure, all work completed, we drove to Chateau Castelnaud, a medieval fortress in the Dordogne and home to an excellent military museum featuring medieval ammunition like the sling shot. Below are some photos from the trip.
Erin's birthday celebration

At Chateau Castelnaud
Construction crew on break

Erin Makes A New Friend
Rue Sainte Marie






Saturday, March 30, 2019

Catching Up - French Classes

Evidently, it takes a trip to motivate me to post. Before  I  get into travel mode, let me describe life right here in Beaverton, Oregon.  I am still teaching French at PCC.  Taught French 102 and French 103 the last two terms. Fun to teach more advanced French classes. Back to French 101 this spring. French 101 may be the most challenging class of all. Students can find the very effective Immersion Method  overwhelming. They need patience, support, kindness, compassion and clarity to get through the first few weeks.  Many students end up dropping, but those who stick it out find the excitement and reward of learning the beautiful French language. I know a class is going well when there is a lot of laughter and self laughter. Perhaps the best strategy when learning something new is to not take oneself too seriously.

On February 18, I did a Cooking in French Class chez moi. We went over recipes in French and prepared Biscuits aux Olives, Soupe aux Cailloux, and Clafoutis aux Cerises. The student levels varied dramatically, but everyone spoke as much French as possible while cooking and lunching together.


Kaitlyn and Dad relishing dessert.
Dawn and Nathan, the soup team. 

Table set for lunch. Love this table cloth purchased in Marseille.