Monday, February 28, 2011

Winter Break

The girls are on vacation for the next two weeks and I must say, a much needed vacation. I am not sure whether it is the dreary Winter we are having or the extreme amount of pressure they have at school, but they are exhausted.

The dogs and I went to the country to check on our house, make sure we had enough oil to heat the stone foundation before we spend a few days of vacation there freezing our butts off. We were out of oil, oops. Thank God I checked. Mr. Salignant a local beverage deliveryman and the only old timer equipped with an oil delivery truck in our region, agreed to meet me on a dryish day. Our house is at the end of a farmer's path one that is extremely muddy at this time of year. He delivered 500 litres of oil for .87 euros per litre. Won't last long, but will get us through the Spring since we won't spend much time in the house until it warms up and the sun shines down on les monts du lyonnais. After all my years in the Hudson Valley, I just cannot bear the cold of Winter and being stuck inside because of bad weather. I guess I shoveled my walkway one too many times and lost my romantic view of it all.

Mr. Salignant is a man of few words and those that he speaks I can hardly understand because of his very thick local accent. There is a patois in this region and when they speak quickly, I have no clue what they are saying. He is a bit too curious about my life. I must be such an anomaly to him, to just about everyone in these parts. I can't imagine what they think of me. I am just super friendly and have learned not to talk too much, not to reveal much about my life. Better to remain mysterious and unknown.

I was struck by the calm of the country compared to the bustling city I live in, Lyon. I wondered why I don't spend more time in the country, why I don't allow more silent space in my head, because I miss it. I thought about how much more connected to myself I feel in the country. I wanted to write, and jot things down. I wanted to just sit and breathe, something I never feel able to do in the city, always have to be moving, accomplishing something. I felt good. I made a plan to come back later this week, just for a few days, before we go off to London to look at Universities for Hallie. God time flies.

5 comments:

north pal said...

are the French not too friendly? i suppose no matter where one goes that it is hard to just fit in right away. we so do get used to our living space the neighbors and friends that we know, that it is awkward to be one of the neighbors like you have been there for years. just my thinking. Bestest,Denise

Boho Farm and Home said...

Thank you for those beautiful pictures! I just feel like I went on vacation!
Caroline

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I also have an affinity for all things French, even though I've never been to the country! Your home is lovely and the views are spectacular! I'm now Following your blog via Blissitydoodah! I've enjoyed my visit today.

bluebirdsandbutterflies.typepad.com said...

Your french home in the country is definitely a place to get in touch with your inner soul. Good place to read or write it looks like... Enjoying your blog and your perspective of the life there in France (with your being a former New Yorker) and love the photos. France seems like such a romantic place. I have a little dog like yours and adore her---Sadie, our little Maltese. They are such sweet dogs! Hope you have a very beautiful day today! Kim
bluebirdsandbutterflies.typepad.com

The Prudent Homemaker said...

Just coming to your blog today; I love Lyon, too.

I lived in Lyon for 6 months (and then in Clermont-Ferrand and then in Geneve).

On the west side of Lyon there is a geriatric home; from the windows you can see the sheep. I used to visit someone there; your photo of the sheep was very much a reminder of my view out the window there.

I find the park in Lyon's 6eme to be quite restful.