My "joy" these last few weeks has been intensely personal. That aneurism in my gut came under scrutiny last spring just before we wandered off to Lignieres for the late spring, summer and a bit of fall. They firstly greased me up and ultrasonically scanned my belly for the enlarged artery (the aorta) and at the same time my kidneys. Then off I was sent to get an MRI...but wait! I was leaving the country on Tuesday and the appointment was scheduled for Wednesday with no other times available before we wandered off. So, I breathed a deep breath, asked Kelly what she thought and we left as scheduled on the big silver bird.
Our time in France was filled with Ted, Ashley and Andy and Audrey, not at the same time! Ash and Andy worked their asses off in the courtyard laying in yet another 2 cu/meters of fine Loire gravel. I just watched in awe and cooked to keep them fed. The weather was typical French, warm and humid, the house was cool however, so respite was available for them as they worked. They stayed 2 weeks and then were gone and the place became very quiet again.
Ted came a few weeks later, we drove here and there visiting sights and churches, Bourges cathedral and had a jolly good time with him. Lots of time inside our parlor avoiding the summer canicule (hot days) reading and chatting away the afternoons. Ted, always ready to travel somewhere, found himself somewhat thwarted by his frailty and difficulty in walking. He stayed with us about 10 days then ran off to visit a friend in Paris and flew home from there.
Our time in France was filled with Ted, Ashley and Andy and Audrey, not at the same time! Ash and Andy worked their asses off in the courtyard laying in yet another 2 cu/meters of fine Loire gravel. I just watched in awe and cooked to keep them fed. The weather was typical French, warm and humid, the house was cool however, so respite was available for them as they worked. They stayed 2 weeks and then were gone and the place became very quiet again.
Ted came a few weeks later, we drove here and there visiting sights and churches, Bourges cathedral and had a jolly good time with him. Lots of time inside our parlor avoiding the summer canicule (hot days) reading and chatting away the afternoons. Ted, always ready to travel somewhere, found himself somewhat thwarted by his frailty and difficulty in walking. He stayed with us about 10 days then ran off to visit a friend in Paris and flew home from there.
In late September Audrey came and stayed 'til early October. We took her to experience Guédelon Castle, an archeological building project about 2 hours northeast of Lignieres. It is an amazing scene. People in period clothes (13th century!) using hand tools made by themselves and with methods as were used in those days are constructing a full sized castle! A stunning achievement, we've visited it 4 times over the years. Here's a link for you: Guedelon Castle. If you come to France it is a place not to miss.
