Dear Friends and Family,
When we were first talking with the doctors, after Polley’s accident, he told us that he felt confident that we could still take the August vacation, however, he told us, "We might have to redefine our idea of vacation." That has been true. The result is that it does not make for the most fascinating blogs! I am sure that as Polley gains strength and endurance, that we will be involved in more and more. For now, trips to the wine bar, the grocery store and the outdoor marchés are small victories. Hopefully, you will allow us to share our simple days in the southwest of France.
Some of you have seen pictures of the place we are staying. A few of you have even stayed with our hostess, Ann Craig. It is a 12 acre farm about 32 kilometers west of the larger city of Cahors, in the village of Puy L’Eveque. It is called "Poujoulou."
Ann and her husband bought the run down farm in 1991 and lovingly restored the 3 main buildings.
The main building, but certainly not the largest, is the living quarters for Ann (Malcom, sadly, passed away in 2003). This main house has kitchen, dining and living room, with 2 upstairs bedrooms.
The best part of the house and the most used, however is the old carriage barn, just on the south end of the house. This really is Ann’s outdoor living room and she dines there nearly every summer evening.
The second and the largest building is the old barn.
From the front
And from the back. It has been completely renovated into what Ann calls the barn "for family and friends." I am pleased to say that in the last few years, Polley and I have moved into this category and now regularly stay in the barn. It is a huge space with a bedroom, bath and kitchen located at the east end. On the other side of two enormous sliding doors (these were part of the original barn) is a great family room, with convertible sofas, a couple of cots for kids or others to stay in as well. The room is also filled with books, CDs and DVDs. It is perfect for entertaining the whole family.
The smallest building is the "bakery."
Originally, this was the common oven for the surrounding houses. Each day, women (I assume) would bring their bread dough to the bakery and bake it. This space, complete with preserved bread oven, has been made into a holiday cottage, ideal for a couple or a couple and young child. It is lovingly furnished, yet retains the cozy feel of its past. It all sits in a peaceful meadow
We have enjoyed each of the spaces and come back again because of Ann’s wonderful hospitality. She also knows every good restaurant, marché, and village fête in the valley of the Lot (The Lot is the specific department within France). Thursday, we enjoyed a very nice dinner at the Hotel Henry. It is very French, both in terms of its atmosphere and its menu. Polley had a gizzard salad and I have a delicious omelette of chanterelles. A very nice evening and, believe it or not, our first dinner out since arriving.
Yesterday, we did the outdoor marché at the larger village of Prayssac, just about 5 kilometers east of Puy L’Eveque. It is, by far, a bigger market and the place was packed. However, I will give Polley credit for remaining upright in the jammed aisles. We did get some wonderful cheese, some very flavorful peaches, a roasted chicken along with the potatoes and mushrooms completely sopped with "jus de poulet." Last night I deboned the chicken and boiled stock for some chicken soup which will doubtless be lunch today.
The weather has been less than ideal. WE feel a bit like we are in Oregon. Mornings have been consistently grey. Around noon, the clouds begin the break up and by 4 there usually a good deal of blue sky. Unfortunately, what with the time change and an irregular sleeping schedule, we have napped through the sunshine and missed out time in the pool. We are adjusting, but it seems that each year, as we get older, the adjustment seems to take longer and longer. But who can complain. As we remind ourselves, with grey skies, some rain and a too few sun breaks, "Nous sommes en France - We are in France! More later.
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