While I take a break visiting family, step back with me in time to 3 years ago, when we were homeless, to the beginning of this project…. And all of our frustrations: I have read that major house restoration projects can cause permanent rifts in an, otherwise stable, relationship. Divorce, in other words. I now understand how this happens. Last Thursday we went to Bordeaux (a bit over an hour's … Continue reading →
In honor of both the end of the Shopping Season and Mon Mari, I thought I'd reprint this from 3 years ago… For years mon mari and I traveled together. Then we moved to Ireland/Andorra/France and it changed. For the first five years I was still working in the U.S. and flew back and forth 5 or 6 times a year, by myself. Mon mari would join me every two … Continue reading →
I confess. I like to shop. I don’t do it very often, and, fortunately for my wallet, I like window-shopping best. Still, being on my own in the US for 2 weeks, it was inevitable that I succumbed to that great American past time. What really clinched it for me was the new (to me) US Post Office’s flat rate shipping boxes. One can ship up to 20 lbs (9 … Continue reading →
Veal Blanquette I have concluded, in my vast and intensive study of my fellow humans, that everyone has a 'thing' which, totally out of proportion to the rest of his or her lifestyle, is deemed not worthy of expense. The attitude is considered totally logical and even virtuous, by the holder and ridiculous and pitiable to the observer. I knew two extremely successful physicians, married to each other, who refused … Continue reading →
Oriental Zucchini and Brown Rice Salad Are you a plural purchaser? Do you buy in bunches? Amass in multiples? If you see a gorgeous sweater that comes in seven colors, do you buy three? Or four? Then pat yourself on the back for the great restraint you exercised in not buying all seven? When you find a pair of jeans that fit perfectly, do you immediately buy two more… Just … Continue reading →
Chicken with Spanish Rice I’ve been wanting to participate in Gay’s (A Scientist in the Kitchen), Market Event, but, frankly, our markets are kind of boring up here in the Vendée. Could be all the rain. The markets we went to in Spain were all outdoors, taking over most of the streets and plazas in the village. They were loud, bustling, raucous affairs, teaming with shoppers, people meeting and chatting, … Continue reading →
Go directly to recipe Country Girl City Living has been teasing us with the scent of "the most delicious chicken paprikash known to man", which started me reminiscing about our stay in Budapest and my lovely "Blue Fountain Flutes". We were in Budapest just after the 'wall' came down. Actually we needed a visa to get in but, 4 days later, when we left it was no longer necessary. We … Continue reading →
