The sun was up when I woke up and it was good to see blue sky. The weather has been mild and is always changing. Clouds with sunny breaks mostly but the last few days had been more grey than bright. I got up, hung out the wash, made my breakfast and got Sophie out for a walk.

She seems to know our usual route and I am able to keep her off leash for 80%
of the walk. She is so happy charging down paths, smelling everything and is always willing to wait for me if I do have to reconnect her to a leash. Today we said hello to a pony that was as interested in us as we were her. We also collected a bag of walnuts which I came home, cleaned, and set to dry.

After my chores were complete, I took advantage of the weather and set off for a longer bike ride that would take me to through gorgeous countryside to three villages that surround my little town. I drove through Ernee and revisited Montenay taking time to circumnavigate their small fishing lake, and stopping to look in their large church. Opening the doors to a massive cathedral and finding it empty always makes me feel like I’m breaking the rules. It is like looking in a beautiful jewelry box that isn’t yours. I quietly wandered around the church and marveled at the gorgeous stained glass windows and massive scale.

I popped on my bike feeling a bit more settled and took off towards Vautorte which is a village that sits between Ernee and Mayenne. I got to ride on the N12 which Matthew has remarked is the straightest rode he has ever driven on. It is incredibly straight and because of the nature of the topography, one can see far ahead to many long hills and valleys. There was a wide bike path and I felt really comfortable even with big trucks whizzing by.

I noticed a nice bar/brasserie here which tempted me to stop. There was seating outside in the sunshine but I knew I had a lot to do so I kept on. This town’s church while more modest felt a bit more ancient. Again, I peeked in and sat for a few moments watching the rainbows play across the walls from the stain glass. I was overcome with gratitude.

And that is the feeling or sentiment I carried with me on the final leg of my journey. The countryside was so picturesque, the sunshine warmed my shoulders, and I couldn’t help but feel completely blessed. I have gratitude for the ability to be able to do this, as I know it is a privilege that most won’t have. My husband, family, and friends deserve so many thanks for supporting me in this endeavor. I am so lucky. Maybe it was the sunshine, some acquired grace from my time in the churches, or just taking some time to think about it, but I knew true gratitude.