L’automne est là et nous aussi (Autumn is here and so are we)
Ah dear friends, we haven’t forgotten you. It’s just that there is SO MUCH to do. When we moved in (mid-July) the neighborhood was ablaze with sunflowers, which quickly turn from Van Gogh vistas to
large agricultural business plots in the blink of an eye. We live in farm country, where tractors and hay wagons are the source of “grid-lock” on the narrow two lane roads. [Note: This is an observation NOT a complaint.] There are four main crops–sunflowers, wheat, corn and rapeseed and, happily, not a lot of spraying. We won’t go into the use of manure to “nourish” the fields…
You may be wondering what could have kept us from posting these last few months? Turns out, when one buys a 500 year old house, even one in great shape like ours, there’s a shit-ton of work to do (“shit-ton” is French for A LOT of fucking work). Since we last met, we’ve been scraping, painting, demo-ing, prepping, weeding, gardening, contacting artisans and getting devis (quotes/estimates for work)…or in many cases NOT getting devis despite having multiple long meetings with artisans (aka contractors). We met with 5 different plumbers to discuss a new master bathroom and installing a whole house water softener/filter system…and got exactly 0 devis!! Luckily, when we ordered the water softener/filter from the manufacturer, their devis included a certified installer! We have met and worked with a few great artisans. The ébéniste (cabinetmaker) is a multi-talented, joyful human named
Sean, who was able to squeeze us in between large jobs and tackled a number of projects with great skill and spirit. As a result, we have a coffer, an antique door installed in the office, side tables in the guest bedroom, demolition and “new” closet made from the ancient wood that was removed in the future master bedroom and lots of other bits. Our stone mason has repaired 3 badly worn stairs (hundreds of years of walking up and down), repaired and regrouted floors and helped us obtain stone
tablets to go on top of the radiators, making them more efficient (and better looking). Other big pro-
jects will happen next spring. Stay tuned.
Sallie’s vision and tireless work on the furnishings is starting to come together too. She has had ample opportunity to use her polyglot linguistic talents, speaking French, German, Italian and Spanish to various manufacturers, sales reps, logistics company personnel and delivery people…often multiple languages in one conversation (e.g. the Italian furniture rep who tries to speak French (badly)). Of
course, there have been many frustrations–delays, more delays and errors (like the couch being configured wrong). Happily, through perseverance, experience and ingenuity, we have been able to overcome the problems thus far. Living room, dining room guest bedrooms and office are substantially
complete! Our “stuff” is coming out into the house after being in storage. We’ve even had our first
guest from the U.S.!! The future is bright…
I have been working in the potager (vegetable garden)–weeding and weeding and…did I mention weeding. I have cleared the major stuff, only to have new weeds pop-up where I first started! C’est
comme ça. We’ve already enjoyed shallots, potatoes, tomatoes, raspberries, herbs and spinach from the garden (and some cut flowers too) and we haven’t planted anything yet ourselves!! The spinach came up recently from what was once a 3 foot tall jungle of weeds. After some final winter maintenance (more weeding, cutting raspberry canes back and adding compost), we’ll be planning and planting. Looking forward to lavender, basil, lettuces, strawberries, etc. And there’s pruning to be
done in the verger (orchard) where we have lots of different arbres de fruitier. Joyful work. Until next
time, be well, stay warm and think about coming to visit.
OMG C’est magnifique! Can’t wait to see it dans la vraie vie
Merci Sylvia. We can’t wait for you to be here. BIG HUGS. Love, G & S
Looking great, Geoff. Can’t wait to visit in May!
Mark
Thanks Mark. We are looking forward to your visit too. Take good care. G & S
Hi Geoff & Sallie- It’s just great for you to share the adventure. It’s wonderful to see how well you thrive in France. Things here are most difficult & all of California is so greatly affected from the Wildfires and devastation. We are safe and lucky; our rural home provides a great backdrop for a gentle life. Lakeside Organics is the farmer whose land envelops our area, with Morris Grassfed Cattle Ranch having the grazing rights so we have a version of our own little protected hideaway. It ain’t the French countryside, but our best version of it. Wishing you a fine Thanksgiving week upcoming. Let’s stay in touch as I value knowing you both.
Merci Barry. Glad to hear you’re safe in your CA oasis. Seems like a lovely situation for you guys…much deserved. We love CA and all the beauty, abundance and grandeur it encompasses–we have friends who lost all their stuff and homes in the fires. Still, their spirits are undaunted. I am stunned and amazed. We are loving life in France…un grand adventeur. Played my first “open mic in France (and in many years)…heard Buddy Holly, Tom Waits (!) and the Deraileurs (!!)…it could have been Austin (with different funny accents). Take good care…I hop our paths cross again soon. Come visit if/when you can! Best regards, G & S
Love the positioning and black -ish fabric (needlepoint?) Of the chair in the hall! My (ex) sister in law has a lamp exactly like the one in your dining room…in her dining room! Sounds like progress is being made. Beautiful!
Can’t wait to visit! Your hard work is certainly paying off, it looks MARVELOUS! I LOVE the antiques!!
And I love you…. so happy to hear the guest room is ready!
Extremely interesting! Everything sounds challenging, but fulfilling at the same time. Miss you greatly.
Hi Brenda:
Thanks. I miss you greatly too. We look forward to hosting you here whenever you’re ready. It will be great to catch up in person. Big hugs. Take good care.
Love, Geoff
Stunning! Magnificent!! Persimmons, & lavender~oh my! An orchard…dreams do come true + work, work, work, work, work …. amazing home, just amazing!
Hi Geoff and Sallie,
I love the photos of your new (old) maison, and I wish you joyful times and also some moments of relaxation as you settle in. I recognize the dining room chandelier from the Santa Monica house, and the dark blue paint reminds me of that house too. Oscar is one lucky dog.
Enjoy your adventure, stay well, and have fun.
Paula
Hi Paula:
Good eye. Same model of lamp…just a new one, but we kept the personalized pieces of rice paper from Santa Monica days…more than 16 years ago! Hope you can come visit. Love, Geoff & Sallie.
It’s fabulous! Congratulations.
fabulous. A lot of imagination, creativity and hard work. Looks great!
Seems very romanic, Sallie! Makes me think of Under the Tuscan Sun…
I think everyone should do more than think about visiting…..it’s a really lovely place all around!