Today St. Denis felt like Florida. The wind was balmy and blustery. The humidity was high and the temperature warm. The sun peaked out a few times but for the most part it was a cloudy day. A consistent wind allowed me to line dry my sheets and a few towels.

I hadn’t felt well on Saturday. I had a terrible stomach ache all day and it made it hard to do anything really enjoyable. My stomach may be recalibrating to accommodate a different diet in this country. I am eating lots of fresh bread, more cheese than normal and a good amount of chocolate. Lest it sound like I am giving up, it is important to note I’m also enjoying beautiful fresh vegetables and fruits.

Since Saturday was a bit of a low day, I packed my Sunday with activities. I had my friends and owners of le Houx, over for coffee and fresh croissants from the boulangerie. It was so nice for me to see their kind faces and show off my little house. I had forgotten I only had two mugs for coffee so we had to take turns having our beverages. They were good sports about it and Sophie was thrilled that they brought their dogs to visit. Sophie was less thrilled when Indie found her prize bone that came with her from America!

After they left, Sophie and I did our walk around the village and spent an hour working on cutting back the garden. I have to pace myself out there, as I lose track of time and find myself unable to stand at the conclusion of my forays, I have gone systematically around the garden cutting back overgrown shrubbery and perennials that have passed, It is has allowed me to have a.better sense of all the treasures in that garden: magnolia; holly; wigelia; hydrangea; butterfly bush; and Japanese willow. The perennials include: geranium, bearded iris, fuschia; pulmonaria, globe thistle, primrose, cyclamen, lily of the valley, shasta, viola, roses, and so many bulbs! The garden is filled with blues, whites and soft yellows and I can’t wait for it to reveal itself through the seasons.

I had invited my lovely neighbors for dinner, so after a short run, I set to making a meal. It felt so good to have a project. My outdoor dining table (currently utilized inside) while I wait for my shipment, was set with care. I made coq au vin which filled the kitchen with the comforting smells of chicken, wine and shallots. I made a fresh green salad and mashed up some potatoes. It was my intention to make chocolate brownies for deswer but unfortunately, I broiled rather than baked them so they ended up in the garbage. My oven continues to offer a steep learning curve. Luckily I had some cheeses, a fresh apple I picked on my walk and some nuts for a cheese course in lieu of sweets.

It was nice to put on a dress, light candles and make my home comfortable to Dave and Matt. I get so much joy out of having people in my space. Having my neighbors was especially rewarding as I felt like I was able to return some of the kindness they had afforded me.

Sophie progressed from barking ferociously each time she saw them to cuddling between them on the couch after dinner. It didn’t hurt that Matt had cheese on his plate, but I really do think she has begun to understand they aren’t a threat to us. They are instead one of the blessings of this new life in St. Denis!