Friday, May 27, 2011

Today is blog catch up.

I am in Marseille.
Tomorrow I am visiting overnight with the Garde's. Then I hit the road.
In the meantime, I am thinking about everyone with the Festival. Praying for nice weather because I understand that its been a rainy spring back home. Good luck everyone!

So let me backtrack a bit. I had a great 5 days with Bob and Inez Roy and their friends in Pernes-les-Fontaines. It seems like the Roy's are meeting people on their own and introducing them to the other people. So now because of Bob and INez, it appears that there are French people who did not know each other before the Roy's came along and now they are good friends. Is anyone surprised?

Here are a few pictures from the days in Pernes.


The Paella that Max prepared for all of us.

Bob and Inez and I headed out one day on a field trip. North of Pernes in Mont Ventoux. WE visited a little village, Brante,  perched on the side of a mountain facing Ventoux. This is the view from the terrace of the little place where we had lunch.
The terrace at La Poterne in Brante.
Another view from the terrace and towards the slopes of Mont Ventoux.
A typical house in this area of hillside towns.
In the center of the little twon of Bannon is a bookstore, 3 stories of books. It is a destination for people all the way from Paris. I'm standing next to terrific sculpture of books carved out of a tree trunk.
Nothing like a cold one on a steamy afternoon. It's even more fun when the name of the place is "La bar de la paroisse", or, The Bar of the Parish.
Years ago, Bob's interest in cars took him into a small car museum. The owner, Pierre, and his family have become good friends. The museum has expanded to include a wonderful little cafe with an automotive theme. Bob and Inez hosted a party there on the last night of their 2011 France stay. Julie and Gregoire are to Inez's left. They are a couple who staff the tourist office in Pernes-les-Fontaines.
Right to left: Georges, and Jeanine, who have visited in East Freetown, and Marie-line, the proprietor of the "gites" where the Roy stay.
On the left is Max, Marie-line's husband.
Suzette and Patrice, relatives of the Museum and Cafe owner.
One morning, we were taught by Natalie, Marie-line's sister to make fresh mayonnaise. So delicious! Another recipe to add to the repertoire.


Mayonnaise class going well
Success!
Preparing dinner for Max and Mari-line - Traditional New England Fish chowder.
At table for traditional New England fare in France.
I left Bob and Inez at the airport. I figure they must be home by now.

Wishing everyone a great time at the festival. SJN at its best.
Blessings everyone