Linda's Journal
February, 2005

back to journal 2005 index
back to journal index

February 2nd

We are in Provence and the skies are blue, the sun is shining and we can often sit outside, although in a light coat, at lunch time and have a drink while we look at the view. The only time it is unpleasant is if we get the mistral blowing down the mountain. Sometimes at night I can hear it blowing and it sounds like a huge ocean wave pounding on the shore. I always expect to get up in the morning and find all of our newly planted trees lying on the ground but, so far, all is well. We did find a couple of trees leaning way over one morning but they were on the edge of a hill so not sure what happened there. We have since teathered them with rope to a stake in the ground. They don't water a lot here. I was really surprised when the landscaper told us we didn't need to water any newly planted trees or bushes. I know this is the first thing I always did with new plants. She said there was enough for them in the ground. We do have to get a water system set up for March, but that's it. Trees won't develop deep tap roots and become stable if they are over watered.

We went for a hike the other day to a small hill that over looks the village near us and got a great bird's eye view of it all.

View of our village from ground level.

I love this field with the old building at the end.

The hill we will climb.

Village from above.

Our house-the pink one with the pool being the shiny rectangle.

View of chateau, both the older and the newer buildings.

February 2nd is called Chandelier here. It is a catholic holiday celebrating the 40th day after the birth of Christ when Mary first presented him to the temple. Here they make crepes to celebrate this holiday although noone is able to tell me why crepes. But, it is fun to make them and toss them in the air.

Maurice in action.

February 7

We made a trip to the coast to the little town of la Lavendou to see friends and then to Bormes les Mimosas for a look at the very well preserved village there. Even though it is February, Mimosa, and other flowers, have started blooming.

A view of Bormes from a short distance away.

Some mimosa in bloom.

I want a pot just like this in my yard someday.

Love the color of the leaves against the wall of this building.

February 10th

We drove into Marseille, not that bad a drive, to see a movie then went up a very steep hill to see a basillica overlooking the bay, Notre Dame de la Garde. I'm sure it was the first thing that came into view as sailors returned home and many prayers for safety were made here.

This was down below by a door-a mermaid, I think.

A view of the church from below and from the back.

Great view of the old harbor.

Sun on the water.

Inside the church. Notice the boat above Mary's head.

Models of boats hanging in the church.

Closeup view of Mary at the top.

February 25th

I am now back in Paris where it has been snowing and has been very cold not getting out of the 30's on most days. It made me think of a visit to Forcalquier in Provence where we made a stop at a market that has been running there every Monday for centuries. Here are a few photos of products found there on a sunny, but also cold day.

Look at this pile of crunchy bread.

Maurice brought some of this cheese-that is mold growing on it.

An artistic presentation of cheese rounds.

Thick, homemade olive oil.

Some spicy olives for sale-note the chilies.

I don't eat sradines, but I like this display.

Marseille is known for it soap sold in many colors and fragrances.