A daily walk in my hood takes me by a river, to the mountains, by an olive orchard, through vineyards, to a chapel on the hill, brings me to a bakery and a market… all less than fifteen minutes by foot.
For lent I am going to walk one hour everyday. That should be a challenge… if it rains I am forgiven. Could I walk to the sea in an hour? No.
Where I live is at the base of a mountain, going downhill is more fun than going up.
One lent I gave up meat… that was over thirty five years ago. I gave up sugar once… but that didn't stick after lent.
Within a ten minute drive from where I live there are almonds, cherries, apricots, grapes, pumpkins, onions, lettuce, honey, goat cheese… if I had to eat only locally grown food I wouldn't starve.
Have you ever grown a garden?
What grows ten minutes around where you live?
Our fireplace and chimney will be repaired next week. Heat will be a welcomed gift. I wonder if giving up heat since December counts for lent? I can hear my mother, "That is ridiculous- did you offer it up to anyone?"
"No. But I froze and sometimes swore."
Taking photos with my cell phone for my blog is proving time saving. Maybe they aren't as good but I need some "time saving" so bare (or bear) with me.
The trail was tempting. My biggest fear in walking the back roads is that a dog will jump out and bite me. I am afraid of dogs. Even ones behind a fence.
I am thinking to carry a stick.
Olive trees grow everywhere.
Spring is in full throttle explosion, I can almost feel it.
I was amused to day watching birds tending to their nests.
One of many many stone walls. Amazing me each and every time: How they have stood the test of time. Will anything we have built last as long?
Who can take pride in a wired fence? The art, tradition… the France that captures foreigner hearts is changing. Who will manage this stone wall? Many have fallen in the last few years due to the enormous amount of rain. And since they are too expensive to repair, they aren't rebuilt the same way.
Soon the cherry trees will bloom. I heard on the news that French crops are three weeks in advance since it hasn't been a cold year. The last few years have been record breaking cold. Thank God it hasn't been too cold this year, otherwise it really would have been cold in our home.
In all honesty our home hasn't been that bad. The house is in the village, faces full south and has three feet stone walls. Insulation plus.
The little house is called a "Cabane". They are historically protected. They were used as shelter for hunters, traveling pilgrims and to hold farming tools. Lately a few of my favorites cabanes have been "tagged" or decorated with "urban art" graffiti. Very sad.
Another peek into my Provence.
I can say that I have lived here nearly 25 years.
An old building's doorway. If it is ever tagged I will scream.
What is around your neighborhood?
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