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."