It's been more than 15 days since I returned from 'the two isle' vacation.
I am determined that for the next three to four days I shall not shop for food!
So that will make 20 days of no shopping for food. What a challenge!
I have consumed all of the fish bought on Ile de Re, (plaice today, sole tomorrow) Leclerc French lamb on promotion, Magnum ice-creams also on offer at Intermarche, home-made savoury bread, shop wholemeal bread, plus other leftovers including CCC cakes stored in the freezer.
I've eaten all the fruit and vegetables bought on the Ile de Re, plus, from my garden I have eaten butternut squash, the last of the limp lettuce, yellow raspberries, courgettes and potatoes, as well as vegetables left in the fridge since August guest food shopping!
I've tried to minimalise alcohol even though and I keep a stash of wine. Just white remains!
I've been supplied with croissants and treated to an amazingly fantastic meal out, shared lunch with friends, etc.
There are fresh apples, onions, shallots, garlic, potatoes to use up plus canned, jarred, dried store-cupboard ingredients including milk stored in the cold room, as well as meat, fish, pastry, in the freezer, a little cheese and miscellaneous items such as butter, mayonnaise, Pimms, Martini, Ikea herring, anchovies, olives in the fridge. Plus a stash of vintage marmalade and other jams made this summer. It is almost obscene how much food is in this house!
Eggs have run out!
Green veg has run out!
Those last two are vital to healthy survival but I will manage without until Saturday!
The purse has recovered a little from 'in the red' for many months!
Feeding Workawayers to a high standard meant a lot of food was bought! The next ones are veggies and I am determined to eat almost vegan for a week...another food challenge... I have done that before.
In the past three weeks. I haven't starved. I haven't suffered.
How abundant is The Good Life!
I still need to reduce what I eat but it's a fine balance to keep protein and energy levels high!
Tuesday 30 September 2014
Monday 29 September 2014
The Witches' Rock - Le Roc-Aux-Sorciers
Shame on me!
I hadn't been to The Centre of Interpretation of The Witches' Rock in my beautiful village of Angles-sur-l'Anglin since 2008! Recently updated, it is more informative. It interprets and attempts to replicate in techno media, with video historical re-enactment, life as it was 15,000 and 14,000 years ago when Magdalenian peoples inhabited a rock shelter at the water's edge, about 1.5km out of the village, near a small hamlet, Douce. When the rock shelter was discovered it was given the name, Le Roc-Aux-Sorciers, which is also the name of the rock on the opposite bank. In the 1990's the public was prevented from entering the site and the owner willed that a copy of the sculptures should be made to the public.
The frieze, is about twenty metres in length and is an impressively monumental work of art. The Prehistoric relief wall carvings dating from 15,000 years ago are the most important carvings of their type in Europe. They were discovered in 1950. Subsequently, the site was purchased in order to conserve it.
The interpretation centre which cost 2 million euros, named Le Roc-Aux-Sorciers is a modernistic, dull-looking angular building overlooking the River Anglin. The description is my own!! I should try to appreciate why the architects designed such a structure! It has weathered in six years but somehow needs a touch of brightness; something to say "COME and LOOK at HERITAGE!" Maybe a flag with the symbol of the goat/lizard upon it? I like the new rusty symbol fixed to stone walls here and there in the village... make sure you don't catch your clothing or eyes on them!
The most wondrous thing is, not 'the going back in time display', which to my mind is difficult to absorb, but a dark cubic entrance, where one edges forwards little by little in fascination, fear, fumbling with hands, clutching at the body of one's friend or friends, as in a cave without light, eyes become accustomed, see that there are places to sit, to view a landscape of light, fire, prehistoric people and animals whilst modern French language explains it all.
Computer and laser copy technology recreate everything at full size, returning the 21st century peoples to the end of the ice age, into the caves and rock shelters along with our ancestors.
Pretty dynamic it is!
Yes. I shall go again soon.
It is an EXPERIENCE not to be missed.
There are lessons in History, Geography, Science, Archaelogy and Media presentation that should not be missed. Not to mention French language to understand and mathematics counting past years to calculate,
The name 'Sorcerers' Rock' or 'Witches' Rock' applies to the original site which faces south and is opposite a huge outcrop on the opposite side of the river which has ritual and fertility stories dating back to pagan times connected with it. The Roc-aux-Sorciers was classed as a Monument Historique on 18 January 1955. It is an Upper Paleolithic rock shelter site dating to the mid-Magdalenian cultural stage, ca 14000. It has two geologically distinct sections; below is the Abri Bourdois, a classic rock-shelter site beneath a slight overhang, and above is the Cave Taillebourg, a deeper vestibule. The two parts are separated by a zone that has not yet been excavated. Evidently, it is good archaeological practice to not excavate all but to leave some for future generations who will have better technology and knowledge.
In 1927, Lucien Rousseau discovered the Paleolithic habitation and identified it as mid-Magdalenian. He began excavations in the Cave Taillebourg, named after the property owner, and recovered an engraved stone in which Henri Breuil detected a representation of a mammoth. Suzanne de Saint-Mathurin became aware of Rousseau's article and decided to explore, hoping to find some incised plaquettes like those from the cave at Lussac-les-Châteaux, also in Vienne. Assisted by her friend Dorothy Garrod, she worked between 1947 and 1957 and others continued until 1964.
The exploration teams discovered carved stone fragments which had fallen from the roof of the Cave Taillebourg. Only a carved, painted figure of a bison had remained in place. The sculpted frieze was discovered about 1950 with incised figures, sometimes painted, of bison, horses, wild goats, sabre toothed tiger, torsos of man and woman sometimes called Venus figurines. The frieze of the Abri Bourdois shows the technical skills of Magdalenian sculptors. The anatomical details giving an impression of power is displayed when in the play of firelight. Both animal and human figures show realism, a rarity in paleolithic art. This reinforces the unique value of the site. The excavations revealed evidence of human occupation, of a culture who used jewelry, lamps, and tools in flint, bone, horn and ivory.
Here, at the footsteps of where I live and where those Magdalenian peoples lived is an incredible discovery, a joyful coup for the village, which repeatedly, I experience to compensate for opportunities I lost and never made!
I hadn't been to The Centre of Interpretation of The Witches' Rock in my beautiful village of Angles-sur-l'Anglin since 2008! Recently updated, it is more informative. It interprets and attempts to replicate in techno media, with video historical re-enactment, life as it was 15,000 and 14,000 years ago when Magdalenian peoples inhabited a rock shelter at the water's edge, about 1.5km out of the village, near a small hamlet, Douce. When the rock shelter was discovered it was given the name, Le Roc-Aux-Sorciers, which is also the name of the rock on the opposite bank. In the 1990's the public was prevented from entering the site and the owner willed that a copy of the sculptures should be made to the public.
The frieze, is about twenty metres in length and is an impressively monumental work of art. The Prehistoric relief wall carvings dating from 15,000 years ago are the most important carvings of their type in Europe. They were discovered in 1950. Subsequently, the site was purchased in order to conserve it.
The interpretation centre which cost 2 million euros, named Le Roc-Aux-Sorciers is a modernistic, dull-looking angular building overlooking the River Anglin. The description is my own!! I should try to appreciate why the architects designed such a structure! It has weathered in six years but somehow needs a touch of brightness; something to say "COME and LOOK at HERITAGE!" Maybe a flag with the symbol of the goat/lizard upon it? I like the new rusty symbol fixed to stone walls here and there in the village... make sure you don't catch your clothing or eyes on them!
The most wondrous thing is, not 'the going back in time display', which to my mind is difficult to absorb, but a dark cubic entrance, where one edges forwards little by little in fascination, fear, fumbling with hands, clutching at the body of one's friend or friends, as in a cave without light, eyes become accustomed, see that there are places to sit, to view a landscape of light, fire, prehistoric people and animals whilst modern French language explains it all.
Computer and laser copy technology recreate everything at full size, returning the 21st century peoples to the end of the ice age, into the caves and rock shelters along with our ancestors.
Pretty dynamic it is!
Yes. I shall go again soon.
It is an EXPERIENCE not to be missed.
There are lessons in History, Geography, Science, Archaelogy and Media presentation that should not be missed. Not to mention French language to understand and mathematics counting past years to calculate,
The name 'Sorcerers' Rock' or 'Witches' Rock' applies to the original site which faces south and is opposite a huge outcrop on the opposite side of the river which has ritual and fertility stories dating back to pagan times connected with it. The Roc-aux-Sorciers was classed as a Monument Historique on 18 January 1955. It is an Upper Paleolithic rock shelter site dating to the mid-Magdalenian cultural stage, ca 14000. It has two geologically distinct sections; below is the Abri Bourdois, a classic rock-shelter site beneath a slight overhang, and above is the Cave Taillebourg, a deeper vestibule. The two parts are separated by a zone that has not yet been excavated. Evidently, it is good archaeological practice to not excavate all but to leave some for future generations who will have better technology and knowledge.
In 1927, Lucien Rousseau discovered the Paleolithic habitation and identified it as mid-Magdalenian. He began excavations in the Cave Taillebourg, named after the property owner, and recovered an engraved stone in which Henri Breuil detected a representation of a mammoth. Suzanne de Saint-Mathurin became aware of Rousseau's article and decided to explore, hoping to find some incised plaquettes like those from the cave at Lussac-les-Châteaux, also in Vienne. Assisted by her friend Dorothy Garrod, she worked between 1947 and 1957 and others continued until 1964.
Here, at the footsteps of where I live and where those Magdalenian peoples lived is an incredible discovery, a joyful coup for the village, which repeatedly, I experience to compensate for opportunities I lost and never made!
Les Araignées
I have two rooms that are used infrequently. There are closed shutters on closed doors until I open them to let in fresh air. It is quite strange not to have windows as in England that can be opened.
I vacuumed three weeks ago. After my holiday, busy elsewhere in the house, I didn't make up the beds until today. I presumed the rooms were reasonably clean. I'd looked two weeks and a week ago but had not seen SPIDERS.
When I vacuumed today there were so many, it was embarrassing! Anyone would think I am slovenly which is not completely true, however it is true that I find it increasingly harder to keep control of tidiness! I get involved in other things!
Some spiders, were discernibly black and others were not visible until up close. Webs too! I was horrified, as I do my best to keep the house spider free! After a little while I returned to vacuum again as others had appeared! Where do they come from?
It is annoying that a musty smell must come from stone walls behind the plasterboard walls. I don't like it and haven't been able to eradicate it. The fabric of the rooms is definitely not damp but maybe I will re-instal the portable humidifier as I have some Workawayers arriving late October and that is where the young girls will be guests for a week. The woodburner in that part of the house will be lit, so I will have to keep an eye on it in their 'apartment' as I wish to protect the oak floorboards!
And ... after all that ... I persuaded myself to get back into the saddle for an hour long circuitous ride. I will need to do some training in situ if I am ever going to achieve a dream of cycling the Loire Valley and if poss ... into the East!!!!!! Camping along the way on a very low budget!
I vacuumed three weeks ago. After my holiday, busy elsewhere in the house, I didn't make up the beds until today. I presumed the rooms were reasonably clean. I'd looked two weeks and a week ago but had not seen SPIDERS.
When I vacuumed today there were so many, it was embarrassing! Anyone would think I am slovenly which is not completely true, however it is true that I find it increasingly harder to keep control of tidiness! I get involved in other things!
Some spiders, were discernibly black and others were not visible until up close. Webs too! I was horrified, as I do my best to keep the house spider free! After a little while I returned to vacuum again as others had appeared! Where do they come from?
It is annoying that a musty smell must come from stone walls behind the plasterboard walls. I don't like it and haven't been able to eradicate it. The fabric of the rooms is definitely not damp but maybe I will re-instal the portable humidifier as I have some Workawayers arriving late October and that is where the young girls will be guests for a week. The woodburner in that part of the house will be lit, so I will have to keep an eye on it in their 'apartment' as I wish to protect the oak floorboards!
And ... after all that ... I persuaded myself to get back into the saddle for an hour long circuitous ride. I will need to do some training in situ if I am ever going to achieve a dream of cycling the Loire Valley and if poss ... into the East!!!!!! Camping along the way on a very low budget!
Sunday 28 September 2014
Getting tidy!
This week must be spent on getting tidy.
I have spent two days on and off working through apparently useless but useful junk in the atelier workshop.
I do not like house renovation. I sometimes think I could move to a clean modernist home ... but I suspect that if I lived in a sterile environment I would make a mess and be extremely unhappy. I sort of did it once. It was so easy to maintain! I had to have a place for my belongings!
The atelier is really a bodged lean-to and is half exposed to the elements. It is fairly dry apart from the concrete floor above a water 'cisterne' collecting rainwater from guttering. I now realise it must have an overflow pipe, but where is it? I need a laser torch, courage and assistance to put my head down the hole and see what is there. The water level never seems to rise above about 2 metres deep despite the deluge of rain we get! I have no idea what the cubic metre is!
The concrete floor is beginning to break up particularly over what seems to be the metal bars of the cisterne. The concrete floor is damp! I would have taken the whole structure down but it is a dry though humid storage area for bikes and mower etc. The roof is corrugated asbestos... leave well alone as it will be costly to remove. No plans yet, although if I could afford it, which I can't, it would make a great kitchen diner!
An unused leftover quantity of oak flooring is stored plus 'useful wood' to one who was replacing single glazed windows with double glazed units, plus garden equipment and central heating radiators. The latter could now be replaced on the walls, even though I don't intend to connect with the oil fired central-heating system installed in the property. I know it works!
Some stuff was thrown out, some assigned to car boot stuff stored in attic.
The rest got tidied. It feels better! It wasn't a nice job!
The sun is shining on Sunday Sunday ... I am missing friends and company.
I have a frustrating dilemma as my son appears to be ignoring me. I wished to see him again to try and smooth the waters!
Thank goodness my daughter seems to have forgiven me and although she can't afford to come here at half term we are on speaking and email terms again!
Onwards! Now the attic, AGAIN!!! The aim is to move the boxes so I can see the floor!
I have spent two days on and off working through apparently useless but useful junk in the atelier workshop.
I do not like house renovation. I sometimes think I could move to a clean modernist home ... but I suspect that if I lived in a sterile environment I would make a mess and be extremely unhappy. I sort of did it once. It was so easy to maintain! I had to have a place for my belongings!
The atelier is really a bodged lean-to and is half exposed to the elements. It is fairly dry apart from the concrete floor above a water 'cisterne' collecting rainwater from guttering. I now realise it must have an overflow pipe, but where is it? I need a laser torch, courage and assistance to put my head down the hole and see what is there. The water level never seems to rise above about 2 metres deep despite the deluge of rain we get! I have no idea what the cubic metre is!
The concrete floor is beginning to break up particularly over what seems to be the metal bars of the cisterne. The concrete floor is damp! I would have taken the whole structure down but it is a dry though humid storage area for bikes and mower etc. The roof is corrugated asbestos... leave well alone as it will be costly to remove. No plans yet, although if I could afford it, which I can't, it would make a great kitchen diner!
An unused leftover quantity of oak flooring is stored plus 'useful wood' to one who was replacing single glazed windows with double glazed units, plus garden equipment and central heating radiators. The latter could now be replaced on the walls, even though I don't intend to connect with the oil fired central-heating system installed in the property. I know it works!
Some stuff was thrown out, some assigned to car boot stuff stored in attic.
The rest got tidied. It feels better! It wasn't a nice job!
The sun is shining on Sunday Sunday ... I am missing friends and company.
I have a frustrating dilemma as my son appears to be ignoring me. I wished to see him again to try and smooth the waters!
Thank goodness my daughter seems to have forgiven me and although she can't afford to come here at half term we are on speaking and email terms again!
Onwards! Now the attic, AGAIN!!! The aim is to move the boxes so I can see the floor!
Friday 26 September 2014
More than Wonderful days
Out of an abyss of darkness, comes light.
It is an expression for how the MIND gets it wrong...
for how negative thoughts, self-talk are not necessarily the truth, and how they work against positive thinking and create depression, resentment, anger even.
Chattering of the mind can be destructive to positive interaction.
"Think happy thoughts" is another expression.
I believe it is true that we are what we think and I know how negative thinking can take an enormous grip on the mind and affect behaviour.
I believe THE CURE is to be with others: it is essential to mental well-being. Also to have interests that absorb the mind, few problems to resolve, and a degree of purpose as well as creativity.
I am very lucky.
I MUST hold onto that notion for when self doubt takes hold.
No more outpourings MUST be my target.
To be mindful of moving a 'now' to 'a future', however challenging that may be on a daily basis, means to dwell not in a past of 'yesterdays', unless it's to remember the GOOD TIMES. Not to wallow but to cherish. I don't know how to do it!
BUT THE GOOD NEWS is that:
there have been many more than wonderful moments, experiences, gifts of the soul received and given, and days, days, days when the man in the white coat is not needed. ***
I MUST 'turn around' with a little help from my friends.
THANK YOU to each and every friend who has suffered my darkness and yet who has realised my goodness enough to wish to be with me. THANK YOU!
I feel a turnaround. Darkness is just a few steps mis-trodden; a few steps back.
So I need to step forward again and "Think happy thoughts".
I love being happy! Stay, happiness stay!
Days by Philip Larkin ***
They come, they wake us
Time and time over.
They are to be happy in:
Where can we live but days?
Ah, solving that question
Brings the priest and the doctor
In their long coats
Running over the fields.
It is true.
It is an expression for how the MIND gets it wrong...
for how negative thoughts, self-talk are not necessarily the truth, and how they work against positive thinking and create depression, resentment, anger even.
Chattering of the mind can be destructive to positive interaction.
"Think happy thoughts" is another expression.
I believe it is true that we are what we think and I know how negative thinking can take an enormous grip on the mind and affect behaviour.
I believe THE CURE is to be with others: it is essential to mental well-being. Also to have interests that absorb the mind, few problems to resolve, and a degree of purpose as well as creativity.
I am very lucky.
I MUST hold onto that notion for when self doubt takes hold.
No more outpourings MUST be my target.
To be mindful of moving a 'now' to 'a future', however challenging that may be on a daily basis, means to dwell not in a past of 'yesterdays', unless it's to remember the GOOD TIMES. Not to wallow but to cherish. I don't know how to do it!
BUT THE GOOD NEWS is that:
there have been many more than wonderful moments, experiences, gifts of the soul received and given, and days, days, days when the man in the white coat is not needed. ***
I MUST 'turn around' with a little help from my friends.
THANK YOU to each and every friend who has suffered my darkness and yet who has realised my goodness enough to wish to be with me. THANK YOU!
I feel a turnaround. Darkness is just a few steps mis-trodden; a few steps back.
So I need to step forward again and "Think happy thoughts".
I love being happy! Stay, happiness stay!
Days by Philip Larkin ***
What are days for?
Days are where we live. They come, they wake us
Time and time over.
They are to be happy in:
Where can we live but days?
Ah, solving that question
Brings the priest and the doctor
In their long coats
Running over the fields.
It is true.
Wednesday 24 September 2014
He blows, she blows, running like the wind!
It's a form of expression....
it's about how my criticism of others is really about me... about blowing hot and cold, running like the wind in fear, for fear of insecurity, self doubt; also in fear of showing loving kindness, for fear of getting hurt!; STRUGGLE!
Well.... I quote my daughter, to say "that the past is not the future", even though I am 'trying to let go' of many things and many people. I haven't wanted to let go! Trust in myself has broken down, yet again. I discover it must be re-constructed, just when I thought I was doing OK! Too much time to think. It becomes a vicious circle... unwanted negative thinking blocks out positive thinking and then good connections with others. I have laughed with certain people but in the last week I have vented anger at my two offspring. I am ashamed of that. I appear to be making a porridge of problems for my inner soul and others who are nearest and dearest to me. 'Get a grip'.
I am not running. I tried being still, secluded, solitary, tried my hardest to be 'face to face' looking in the mirror, acknowledging who I am, trying to prevent childhood pouring forth, trying to prevent past mistakes looming like spectral phantoms, trying to stop criticism and blame that I taught others and that others gave me when all those words work at self sabotage.
Staying still in this French space with peace and silence surrounding me may not be the correct thing to be doing as once I thought. I walk out of the house and see that mighty, magnificent towering chateau against the colour of the sky and then the world is wonderful.
My life doesn't have to be darkness. How did it get like this?
It is said that if something isn't working it has to be thrown away, repaired and fixed. I don't wish to discard my life. It does have to be repaired.
However, if my adult children don't, can't, won't acknowledge the fact that I HAVE been trying for many years to solve problems and that it is a process that they must also help with, then I am not solely responsible, if, eventually, inadvertently distance grows deeper with grievances about past and current behaviour. I can understand why we blame our parents but we are not to blame as parents or as children for having tried to do the best that we could with the resources and circumstances that were available at the time. Mea culpa. The point is that as a family we are rarely together so friendship takes a toll. One can't know and identify with others unless we meet, moreover, unless we communicate! There is the internet and social media to connect us and of course, I can't make offspring use it!
I do have to change MY STORY. They have to change theirs! There has to be change in life for learning to be achieved. My wish is to fulfil my dream of having a happy family.
Events and Emotions since the beauty of the Ile de Ré seem to have plummeted into an abyss.
How to stop wallowing in self pity? ... it is true that I remind myself of good fortune, but the mind ensures that dark clouds are somewhat stormy.
I ask me to 'be gentle with myself'... and others... to be less judgmental.
I must work harder at achieving a balance; accept highs and lows, accommodate time with people and time without, enjoy the pleasure of daily hard work and the terror of clearing years of stuff, enjoy life when distracted from that chore, appreciate letting go, stop worrying about the past and the future! Enjoy the beauty of the NOW!
it's about how my criticism of others is really about me... about blowing hot and cold, running like the wind in fear, for fear of insecurity, self doubt; also in fear of showing loving kindness, for fear of getting hurt!; STRUGGLE!
Well.... I quote my daughter, to say "that the past is not the future", even though I am 'trying to let go' of many things and many people. I haven't wanted to let go! Trust in myself has broken down, yet again. I discover it must be re-constructed, just when I thought I was doing OK! Too much time to think. It becomes a vicious circle... unwanted negative thinking blocks out positive thinking and then good connections with others. I have laughed with certain people but in the last week I have vented anger at my two offspring. I am ashamed of that. I appear to be making a porridge of problems for my inner soul and others who are nearest and dearest to me. 'Get a grip'.
I am not running. I tried being still, secluded, solitary, tried my hardest to be 'face to face' looking in the mirror, acknowledging who I am, trying to prevent childhood pouring forth, trying to prevent past mistakes looming like spectral phantoms, trying to stop criticism and blame that I taught others and that others gave me when all those words work at self sabotage.
Staying still in this French space with peace and silence surrounding me may not be the correct thing to be doing as once I thought. I walk out of the house and see that mighty, magnificent towering chateau against the colour of the sky and then the world is wonderful.
My life doesn't have to be darkness. How did it get like this?
It is said that if something isn't working it has to be thrown away, repaired and fixed. I don't wish to discard my life. It does have to be repaired.
However, if my adult children don't, can't, won't acknowledge the fact that I HAVE been trying for many years to solve problems and that it is a process that they must also help with, then I am not solely responsible, if, eventually, inadvertently distance grows deeper with grievances about past and current behaviour. I can understand why we blame our parents but we are not to blame as parents or as children for having tried to do the best that we could with the resources and circumstances that were available at the time. Mea culpa. The point is that as a family we are rarely together so friendship takes a toll. One can't know and identify with others unless we meet, moreover, unless we communicate! There is the internet and social media to connect us and of course, I can't make offspring use it!
I do have to change MY STORY. They have to change theirs! There has to be change in life for learning to be achieved. My wish is to fulfil my dream of having a happy family.
Events and Emotions since the beauty of the Ile de Ré seem to have plummeted into an abyss.
How to stop wallowing in self pity? ... it is true that I remind myself of good fortune, but the mind ensures that dark clouds are somewhat stormy.
I ask me to 'be gentle with myself'... and others... to be less judgmental.
I must work harder at achieving a balance; accept highs and lows, accommodate time with people and time without, enjoy the pleasure of daily hard work and the terror of clearing years of stuff, enjoy life when distracted from that chore, appreciate letting go, stop worrying about the past and the future! Enjoy the beauty of the NOW!
Tuesday 23 September 2014
Unexpected encounters
Herein lies a strange tale...where at this town square, a story evolved, where someone met another one, and a third one met the two ... oh no! oh ho! Funnily enough it wasn't that funny at the time, although I didn't know how to stop laughing. I had to control myself for fear of ridiculing the situation. A flare-up would have been totally unnecessary. However, I didn't know what to think, feel or do! If I did this then that .... If I did that then this ... to retreat and leave the restaurant entirely? to sit down as invited? or to sit elsewhere? A few days later we laughed at the odds against such a rendezvous in France! An extreme experience!
I am obliged to conduct discretion! There was a sense of the ridiculousness in the distance that some people might go in order to meet others and / or feed from clandestine liaison; a ridiculousness in being furtive, in being not open! What does secrecy and deception achieve? Lies, hidden truths, in its many forms, including being economical with the truth will result in being discovered. I am not being high-minded! What goes around comes around!
The event happened because there were coincidences, circumstantial changes, changes of venue, changes of days, times, changes, changes, changes. Factors conspired to converge into making a story worthy as part of a novel:
- Travel on Monday was altered to travel on Sunday.
- Monday postal delivery arrived on Saturday.
- Saturday energy levels were low. Sunday surged with energy, anticipation, excitement. No reason to delay!
- Admin and household tasks were completed on Saturday.
- On Saturday lawns were mowed and a good weather forecast meant they wouldn't need a cut for ten days. A rarity this year!
- A week earlier, there was a desperation for sights, sounds and smells of the sea but I couldn't find a cat sitter or else I would have been on that isle earlier than the invitation. Alone, is perfect but company always welcomed. Then, Saturday late afternoon, a window of opportunity emerged as a cat sitter WAS available.
- Monday lunch was altered to Sunday supper but not to include me!
- La Rochelle was altered to Île de Ré but not to include me!
- I arrived. I wasn't going to 'eat out' but changed my mind. I'd eaten my dessert on the beach and a can of mackerel and oat biscuits was to be my evening meal! BUT, AS I was on holiday and could please my very own Self, unafraid of dining alone, an impulsive choice was made!
- 'Dress up' was in mind, but I 'dressed down' because I only dress to please myself. When I dine out I always, always 'dress up' and sometimes am 'over-dressed', so I wondered what it was that made me change into faded blue, not such clean shorts and a favourite pretty top wearing THE summer hat? I'd taken off the pretty blue double spotted summer dress that I had travelled in that afternoon. In the suitcase were two other black dresses and a black classy jacket but nope I did not wear them! I splashed on perfume which I always do every day! IN FACT, I had no intention of meeting anyone! I think that is why I dressed down!
- A favourite restaurant exists in the town of that particular campsite where three converged.
- One cannot rely upon seemingly instant internet communication being received and read!
The following day a different encounter ensued. Last September a charming, attractive English speaking French man chatted to me on the beach whilst I ate my peach. We wrote. In Springtime I ended correspondence because despite his romantic compliments and invitations it wasn't going anywhere.
This September: with a backdrop of yachts in the harbour and stripey coloured awnings, oh my goodness, he came into view, but 2 metres from me!!!! We greeted, we chatted about his health, his travels to Spain and France in his camper-van, and how he had downsized his van from last year. We didn't discuss me. As I indicated that it was time to get on my bike, he inched a step toward me, I stepped a step away, repeatedly, eventually stepping over the boardwalk chain. It happened in the way that some people step into personal space. It happened in that way that says, "I like you". Time to travel! I felt compassion and rather sad, a little guilty, but not responsible for being a heart-breaker! It was how he described me in the Spring when I said I didn't wish to have a relationship!
Later, I sat with companion one. We agreed it was 'Touché' and laughed, but in my case this wasn't an intended or wished for rendezvous!
Strange and not so funny when so many people of my age live solo. One rarely is aware of single people out and about. In France I rarely see them. Should we singles all wear a badge?
Not so funny when all of us have basic needs for a companion, mutual support, appreciation and respect from others and to care for others who are able to share emotional competency and well-being.
It may sound bizaare, but it is a true experience. I have never crashed on someone's date before!
Monday 22 September 2014
Stuck to Unstuck
Autumn.
Yesterday, there was a quiet, calm, atmosphere to the day as people passed to and from the brocante. One could drop a pin and hear it! I couldn't raise energy/motivation to set out a stall in the courtyard, let alone get the stuff to 'le champ de foire' although camaraderie and activity would have been found there.
Willingness to do anything seemed at a low ebb. However, it's quite interesting to mull over matters, whilst watching people walk past the gap which is my open gates onto the roadway. Some people stop and look. A child stopped and pointed. There is nothing to point at! Ah... maybe the little bird up on high; someone else showed their child the little bird by making a pointed shape with their hands to represent the lucarne. Yes, it is a theme that I wish for more of! My little bird.
Later. After a siesta, feeling less tired, I walked to the brocante and spoke to a Scottish CCC couple which was nice, and the brocante man who will sell at Ford in UK near to where my son lives, and I spoke to a female resident because I made comments on her attire... always so French and always so chic! it gave me pleasure!
Then the storm and rain began whilst I spoke to two friends... and yes, I know I am challenging... does that mean demanding? Big Feet is demanding in that grouchy 13 year old cat way!...
The woodburner is alight and I love the warmth it has given to my living area!
I feel like Phoenix arisen from an almost death yet know I am alive!
That's a bit dramatic!
The moon cycles and negativity wanes. I feel stronger!
Maybe it was all that cycling, driving and moving lots of logs as well as draining family issues!
Yesterday, there was a quiet, calm, atmosphere to the day as people passed to and from the brocante. One could drop a pin and hear it! I couldn't raise energy/motivation to set out a stall in the courtyard, let alone get the stuff to 'le champ de foire' although camaraderie and activity would have been found there.
Willingness to do anything seemed at a low ebb. However, it's quite interesting to mull over matters, whilst watching people walk past the gap which is my open gates onto the roadway. Some people stop and look. A child stopped and pointed. There is nothing to point at! Ah... maybe the little bird up on high; someone else showed their child the little bird by making a pointed shape with their hands to represent the lucarne. Yes, it is a theme that I wish for more of! My little bird.
Later. After a siesta, feeling less tired, I walked to the brocante and spoke to a Scottish CCC couple which was nice, and the brocante man who will sell at Ford in UK near to where my son lives, and I spoke to a female resident because I made comments on her attire... always so French and always so chic! it gave me pleasure!
Then the storm and rain began whilst I spoke to two friends... and yes, I know I am challenging... does that mean demanding? Big Feet is demanding in that grouchy 13 year old cat way!...
The woodburner is alight and I love the warmth it has given to my living area!
I feel like Phoenix arisen from an almost death yet know I am alive!
That's a bit dramatic!
The moon cycles and negativity wanes. I feel stronger!
Maybe it was all that cycling, driving and moving lots of logs as well as draining family issues!
Sunday 21 September 2014
From Ré to Oléron
It is about 90 miles from Central Ile de Ré to the furthest parts of the Ile d'Oléron; almost a full circle! I was surprised at the distance and shall not be island hopping the two again! Others expressed surprise as they too drove or cycled through the spinal towns of Ile d'Oléron. When would commerce cease? It was great to reach the 'almost wilderness' around La Brée-les-Bains and the Atlantic Ocean.
One cycle day was to St Denis, onwards to the lighthouse where amazing écluses hug the tip of the isle, along the south coast through wooded areas and across a lagooned region to St Georges and back to camp! Meandering, exploring, gently cycling.
Another day was down the northern coast to Boyardville, returning along the same but slightly different route to St Georges and back to camp. This required more energy and concentration on the roadway as cycle paths were bumpy and slowed speed.
A third day to St Denis to the market, to sit and harbour gaze, to write, to ponder, to observe, to enjoy.
A fourth day driving to St Denis market and stocking up on fresh fish at good prices, then to motor down through Boyardville along the northern length of the isle to the Chateau for which I needed more time. It was fascinating. The oyster culture region reminded me of Walberswick estuary, marshes, dykes and fishing paraphernalia. It felt kind of homely, and although I haven't scratched the surface of the isle, it's not where I wish to be. The light was overwhelming as I drove through places not yet cycled, I prefer the blissfulness of cycling on the Ile de Ré.
Then I think it was La Baudissiere
I had tea and lunch at the boulangerie in Le Chateau
and in intense heat wandered on the edge of the citadelle, where all but the walls and the arsenal, the armoury, was destroyed in WWII.
and whilst the sea changes hue and blue, the bridge exists toll free now to carry us across and home to mainland France, for here is a home. A home is where the heart is...hopefully Peace and not War!
It was lovely and yes, I would hope to return for there is much more to explore!
One cycle day was to St Denis, onwards to the lighthouse where amazing écluses hug the tip of the isle, along the south coast through wooded areas and across a lagooned region to St Georges and back to camp! Meandering, exploring, gently cycling.
Another day was down the northern coast to Boyardville, returning along the same but slightly different route to St Georges and back to camp. This required more energy and concentration on the roadway as cycle paths were bumpy and slowed speed.
A third day to St Denis to the market, to sit and harbour gaze, to write, to ponder, to observe, to enjoy.
A fourth day driving to St Denis market and stocking up on fresh fish at good prices, then to motor down through Boyardville along the northern length of the isle to the Chateau for which I needed more time. It was fascinating. The oyster culture region reminded me of Walberswick estuary, marshes, dykes and fishing paraphernalia. It felt kind of homely, and although I haven't scratched the surface of the isle, it's not where I wish to be. The light was overwhelming as I drove through places not yet cycled, I prefer the blissfulness of cycling on the Ile de Ré.
 |
| St Denis d'Oleron |
It was lovely and yes, I would hope to return for there is much more to explore!
Saturday 20 September 2014
Mussels and Moules
I bought a kilo of fresh sea mussels on the Ile d'Oléron. They travelled in two cool bags within my cool box with ice which was still ice the following day in my fridge!
Moules marinières recipe:
Chop a red onion or shallots and garlic. Gently sauté in butter. Add chopped parsley or if you have none, dried parsley and if pushed use rosemary and sage as I did. Add a quantity of water, white wine, pepper, salt and bring to the boil. Add the washed mussels... mine didn't have any beards to remove. This must have been done in the harvesting process! All mine were closed. Stir the mussels in the sauce. Put a lid on the pan! When they have cooked for ten minutes in the sauce, if there are any closed ones, they are discarded. Pour the mussels and juice into a large bowl and enjoy eating using an empty shell as pincers!!!!!
REMINDER:
1. Discard all open mussels before cooking; discard all closed mussels after cooking!
2. Don't eat mussels if you have been ill eating shellfish; probably you have an allergy to them!
I couldn't eat all the sauce and mussels so they stayed in the fridge overnight. I washed the empty mussel shells with boiling water which extracted herbs and onions. In that liquid I slowly cooked risotto rice and some sliced carrots and at some point added the mussel sauce, again cooked slowly and this risotto was delicious for another day
The Common blue mussel (Mytilus edulis - Linneaus family: Mytildae, 1758)) is the most commonly farmed mussel
species. Bouchot means a 'shellfish bed'. It is a traditional
aquaculture technique for harvesting mussels. The mussel is grown on
ropes strung from wooden poles in the sea, which results in grit and
barnacle-free mussels with a good flavour. A rope-grown blue mussel is a bouchot
mussel in France. According to legend, Patrick
Walton, a Scotsman, ran aground in the bay d’Aiguillon, Normandy in 1235. He stayed and hunted seabirds as he had done in Scotland. He drove wooden poles into the ground near the coast and
stretched nets between. Mussels began growing on the pole. He
realized it was more profitable to raise shellfish. Normandy remains the leading producer of bouchot mussels. In France, bouchot mussels are protected by Appelation Protection d'Origine status.
Moules marinières recipe:
Chop a red onion or shallots and garlic. Gently sauté in butter. Add chopped parsley or if you have none, dried parsley and if pushed use rosemary and sage as I did. Add a quantity of water, white wine, pepper, salt and bring to the boil. Add the washed mussels... mine didn't have any beards to remove. This must have been done in the harvesting process! All mine were closed. Stir the mussels in the sauce. Put a lid on the pan! When they have cooked for ten minutes in the sauce, if there are any closed ones, they are discarded. Pour the mussels and juice into a large bowl and enjoy eating using an empty shell as pincers!!!!!
REMINDER:
1. Discard all open mussels before cooking; discard all closed mussels after cooking!
2. Don't eat mussels if you have been ill eating shellfish; probably you have an allergy to them!
I couldn't eat all the sauce and mussels so they stayed in the fridge overnight. I washed the empty mussel shells with boiling water which extracted herbs and onions. In that liquid I slowly cooked risotto rice and some sliced carrots and at some point added the mussel sauce, again cooked slowly and this risotto was delicious for another day
Friday 19 September 2014
Sea changes
Full fathom five, thy father lies, Of his bones are coral made,
Those are pearls that were his eyes, Nothing of him that doth fade,
But doth suffer a sea-change, into something rich and strange,
Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell, Ding-dong.
Hark! now I hear them, ding-dong, bell.
William Shakespeare: The Tempest
I hadn't heard this expression for many a year. Then three times within the last week it occurred.
Odd, because I have recently started a E. J. Howard novel "The Sea Change".
Those are pearls that were his eyes, Nothing of him that doth fade,
But doth suffer a sea-change, into something rich and strange,
Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell, Ding-dong.
Hark! now I hear them, ding-dong, bell.
William Shakespeare: The Tempest
I hadn't heard this expression for many a year. Then three times within the last week it occurred.
Odd, because I have recently started a E. J. Howard novel "The Sea Change".
Thursday 18 September 2014
Intermission in-between Island Reportage
Thursday:
Last night a storm with over 30cm rainfall! Logs arrived at 8h30 - six steres which is two cords. They weren't much wet... meaning they are good dry logs, three years old!
It is true that I had agreed with the man that the second week of September was better for me because I'd anticipated assistance from a friend, whose agenda then changed! Instead, I was invited to 'les iles' and as I hadn't got there by myself as intended, it was all speed ahead to get Autumn garden, admin and household tasks sorted for an impending visitor to come and help me with some moderate tasks that need four hands!
Although I had thought about doing so, I didn't leave a note for the man to say my holiday week had changed unexpectedly from the first week to the second! Anyway, he was OK about it.
Last year, it was a nightmare when I had a female friend to help, AND I paid her son to help, AND the man had to chainsaw the 50cm logs into halves! It took she and me eight hours each!
Yesterday, I prepped the areas for potential stockage, contacted two female friends to see if they were likely to be available. It's OK ... I get used to challenges!
Logs arrived at 8h30. Annoyingly the bulk was discharged onto the road just near the back entrance. I wanted the lesser amount there. Not to worry. His vehicle cannot get into my courtyard. For an hour and three quarters I cleared the lesser pile of logs sprawled onto the roadside. Important to get the road clear!
Then coffee time! I ate that Ile d'Oleron croissant stuffed with apricot jam. But, as I put the pot onto the table it slipped and spilled onto my furniture and carpet! Coffee grounds everywhere! Fortunately, the chair fabric had been scotchguarded! Can I say that word with the referendum today? Also, the French say Scotch for sellotape! It was/is a brand name! Will they be able to say that word?
Then low, an Angel from heaven appeared, her name meaning Light, to help for an hour! She brought another wheelbarrow. Between us we moved the larger split logs and round ones, but as quite a few are weird shapes, they were set aside for the electric splitter at a later date!
My man has been good and not only has he delivered the logs in the requested 33cm lengths but also split quite a few.
First of all, find the half moon shaped logs and start to build the end stacks. Gradually fill the space between with the other logs. Keep the lengths the same and marry up the front edges (which I did not do!) In today's case, I had two rows developing, the shorter thirds and the longer thirds. It has stacked quite well. Small, thin round logs have gone to the back of the house as they are lighter to carry further to the indoors in the winter!
Half past noon and the risotto from yesterday was warmed. Need to take on carbs! I rested for less than an hour including 15 minutes with my back on the floor following the advice I received from the Alexander Technique man whom I saw in UK in April!
Worked for another couple of hours when I needed tea and cake. Thank you to those from the CCC whose cake slices are stashed in my freezer! Taken a second ibuprofen as my back reminds me it exists! It's a 45 minute break whilst I type and rest my back. Get back to it girl!
At this point all the logs have been removed from the road and now there are those that have been brought to the courtyard. Split and stack. After the rain the sun! It's hot again! I'm fading fast! Well done me and Claire. Good day working. It's satisfying to see logs stacked!
18h Will continue tomorrow.
UPDATE:
Monday 22 September
It did seem surprising to me that I managed to clear the pile of logs, mostly alone in effectively about 8 to 10 hours and it did seem surprising to me that the initial pile did not look as much as last year... need to compare photos... but I have measured and it seems that I have 3.65 cubic metres of logs and not 6.00 cubic metres. It seems to me the man has charged 50e per square metre plus 40e perhaps to cut the 2 cords into thirds. In which case I am about 100 euros out of pocket!
In my other residence my former partner made a big song and dance one year of the measurements checking the space and the logs and verifying in a way not to embarrass the French supplier and neighbour ... and after that we were never supplied short measure.
I think that I have been short measured!
TODAY I have measured the existing logs bought in 2013 including those I bought from my friend when he sold his house and I have 10 steres.
Making a visual comparison of the section that measures 5.70 sq metres and the amount I have just stacked accounting for the smaller logs I have put elsewhere as there wasn't sufficient space, it is my opinion I have been definitely been short measured!
I'm not sure what I can do. I think nothing, but next time, I need to make clear with big gestures and the tape measure that the space I wish to fill measures six square metres!!!
THAT would indicate I know what I am talking about!!!!!!
Last night a storm with over 30cm rainfall! Logs arrived at 8h30 - six steres which is two cords. They weren't much wet... meaning they are good dry logs, three years old!
It is true that I had agreed with the man that the second week of September was better for me because I'd anticipated assistance from a friend, whose agenda then changed! Instead, I was invited to 'les iles' and as I hadn't got there by myself as intended, it was all speed ahead to get Autumn garden, admin and household tasks sorted for an impending visitor to come and help me with some moderate tasks that need four hands!
Although I had thought about doing so, I didn't leave a note for the man to say my holiday week had changed unexpectedly from the first week to the second! Anyway, he was OK about it.
Last year, it was a nightmare when I had a female friend to help, AND I paid her son to help, AND the man had to chainsaw the 50cm logs into halves! It took she and me eight hours each!
Yesterday, I prepped the areas for potential stockage, contacted two female friends to see if they were likely to be available. It's OK ... I get used to challenges!
Logs arrived at 8h30. Annoyingly the bulk was discharged onto the road just near the back entrance. I wanted the lesser amount there. Not to worry. His vehicle cannot get into my courtyard. For an hour and three quarters I cleared the lesser pile of logs sprawled onto the roadside. Important to get the road clear!
Then coffee time! I ate that Ile d'Oleron croissant stuffed with apricot jam. But, as I put the pot onto the table it slipped and spilled onto my furniture and carpet! Coffee grounds everywhere! Fortunately, the chair fabric had been scotchguarded! Can I say that word with the referendum today? Also, the French say Scotch for sellotape! It was/is a brand name! Will they be able to say that word?
Then low, an Angel from heaven appeared, her name meaning Light, to help for an hour! She brought another wheelbarrow. Between us we moved the larger split logs and round ones, but as quite a few are weird shapes, they were set aside for the electric splitter at a later date!
My man has been good and not only has he delivered the logs in the requested 33cm lengths but also split quite a few.
First of all, find the half moon shaped logs and start to build the end stacks. Gradually fill the space between with the other logs. Keep the lengths the same and marry up the front edges (which I did not do!) In today's case, I had two rows developing, the shorter thirds and the longer thirds. It has stacked quite well. Small, thin round logs have gone to the back of the house as they are lighter to carry further to the indoors in the winter!
Half past noon and the risotto from yesterday was warmed. Need to take on carbs! I rested for less than an hour including 15 minutes with my back on the floor following the advice I received from the Alexander Technique man whom I saw in UK in April!
Worked for another couple of hours when I needed tea and cake. Thank you to those from the CCC whose cake slices are stashed in my freezer! Taken a second ibuprofen as my back reminds me it exists! It's a 45 minute break whilst I type and rest my back. Get back to it girl!
At this point all the logs have been removed from the road and now there are those that have been brought to the courtyard. Split and stack. After the rain the sun! It's hot again! I'm fading fast! Well done me and Claire. Good day working. It's satisfying to see logs stacked!
18h Will continue tomorrow.
UPDATE:
Monday 22 September
It did seem surprising to me that I managed to clear the pile of logs, mostly alone in effectively about 8 to 10 hours and it did seem surprising to me that the initial pile did not look as much as last year... need to compare photos... but I have measured and it seems that I have 3.65 cubic metres of logs and not 6.00 cubic metres. It seems to me the man has charged 50e per square metre plus 40e perhaps to cut the 2 cords into thirds. In which case I am about 100 euros out of pocket!
In my other residence my former partner made a big song and dance one year of the measurements checking the space and the logs and verifying in a way not to embarrass the French supplier and neighbour ... and after that we were never supplied short measure.
I think that I have been short measured!
TODAY I have measured the existing logs bought in 2013 including those I bought from my friend when he sold his house and I have 10 steres.
Making a visual comparison of the section that measures 5.70 sq metres and the amount I have just stacked accounting for the smaller logs I have put elsewhere as there wasn't sufficient space, it is my opinion I have been definitely been short measured!
I'm not sure what I can do. I think nothing, but next time, I need to make clear with big gestures and the tape measure that the space I wish to fill measures six square metres!!!
THAT would indicate I know what I am talking about!!!!!!
Wednesday 17 September 2014
Ré-island
An island for a morning stroll along sand, where two hours pass unbelievably quickly as a half hour. Tide goes out. Mesmerised by morning colour, light, pattern, form, people, events, she wandered along the sands dreaming blissful thoughts.
An island for a fashion shoot, where a woman moves this way, that way, as her ego is stroked by others who ré-position her clothes, ré-preen her hair for the man who shoots the shots! People paid to perform! Narcissism!
BUT, She ré-turns for breakfast! She ré-turns to her inner isle to cycle! It's all Her réverie!
Wistfully, reluctantly, she departs this île, this last image first viewed 27 months ago. It is a memory.
An island for a fashion shoot, where a woman moves this way, that way, as her ego is stroked by others who ré-position her clothes, ré-preen her hair for the man who shoots the shots! People paid to perform! Narcissism!
BUT, She ré-turns for breakfast! She ré-turns to her inner isle to cycle! It's all Her réverie!
Tuesday 16 September 2014
Ré-turn
When I ré-turned to this fabulous, luminous Île I was immediately in Heaven, in Paradise, with all the angels singing without a cloud in the sky, without anxiety, without a care in the world! I know because I wore that 'certain smile' all day and each day whilst on and off my bike, irregardless of whom I met or what I did! Age did not matter! Nothing mattered! It stayed until I moved to Île d'Oléron, which was equally, if not more luminous. However, it is absolutely truthful that the continuous blissfulness witnessed for four full days on each of those three visits, faded as I left that isle. Maybe, ancestral roots of Saint-Onge call me to that region. Although sitting on beaches for long is difficult, here the sand is soft, the water warm, with space to move to or away from people, to walk, cycle, read, paint, or water sport if one fancies but that latter is not for me. Like the Cancerian Crab that I am, a shoreline needs to be available to scuttle hear and there! September sunrise and sunset make this the most marvelous of beaches. I kid myself to believe that I could stay for ever... but when the tempests come, ... , I like everyone will find a different haven for safety and security.
After pitching tent before five pm, the beach beckoned me insistently, to paddle and to picnic on peaches and a mirabelle tart. A bottle of water to quench the thirst.
After pitching tent before five pm, the beach beckoned me insistently, to paddle and to picnic on peaches and a mirabelle tart. A bottle of water to quench the thirst.
 |
| To the south |
 |
| To the east |
 |
| To the west |
 |
| To the north |
 |
| To my taste buds |
Monday 15 September 2014
Friday 12 September 2014
Thursday 11 September 2014
11 august 11
On 11 August 2011 I purchased a brand new petrol lawnmower. There were no Acacia trees and no garden to speak of.. just land, just grass, just clover after chickens, dogs and a vegetable plot. I am told it had beautiful flowers in it but the previous occupants took them.
Two of the four directional views, to South East and East North:
This it has been wet and dry and much mowing has has been required:
To the South it has looked 'comme ça':
This year I had to buy an electric lawnmower because it was not good for me to pull the cord of a petrol mower whilst suffering from biceps tendonitis. So each mower serves each piece of land and I don't have to push one up and down the lanes. It is still too much hard work and I know that nature will overcome me if I cant keep hold of nature!
Two of the four directional views, to South East and East North:
This year I had to buy an electric lawnmower because it was not good for me to pull the cord of a petrol mower whilst suffering from biceps tendonitis. So each mower serves each piece of land and I don't have to push one up and down the lanes. It is still too much hard work and I know that nature will overcome me if I cant keep hold of nature!
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