All by Myself

Paul left for Holland on Saturday, so I'm here alone with the dogs for the time being.  It isn't so bad being here alone, but the weather hasn't been great.  The neighbors,and Paul and Miriam's business partners, have been kind enough to allow me to eat dinner with them, so I'm not completely by myself, which is nice.

It rained almost all day on Sunday, so my plans to go into Vaison were dashed.  You can't exactly bike in the rain. Well, you can, but it isn't pleasant.  I spent most of the day inside with the dogs looking at food recipes on foodgawker.  I think that website must only exist to tempt me.  When I get home, I'm going to be more adventurous in the kitchen.  I need to find more actual food recipes as well. Though there are plenty of desserts for me to still try.

The rest of the weekend was pretty standard.  There was cleaning on Saturday.  Friday was mostly nothing as well since the house we clean on Friday is still occupied until the end of this week.  Paul and I didn't get to see any fireworks on Thursday night for Bastille day. Unfortunately, the Mistral was too strong, and they canceled the show.  The music was nice, however.

Friday was also a dinner at the neighbors with the same friends we went up the Mount Ventoux with.  The food was delicious as usual.  However, I got to make dessert. Paul and I had to go to three different stores before we could find rhubarb. I guess the season is ending here in France, but we found it, and I made strawberry rhubarb pie for dessert.

The highest compliment I could be paid? Being asked to make it for the table d'hote if the ingredients can be found and aren't too expensive.  It was good pie.

Marion (neighbor), took me to Bedoin this morning, and we went to the market. It was a nice market, much smaller than the one in Vaison. It served for a fun morning with a few more fantastic views to add to my memories.

Afternoon was largely uneventful.  I thought about riding my bike to Vaison.  Looking at the clock showed that it was two in the afternoon, which meant all of the shops would probably be closed.  I went on  a walk instead because I'd done nothing all day yesterday (and I ate a lot of chocolate today).  I also finally explored the pottery shop near the house.  I found several things I wished to purchase; however, the shop doesn't take bank cards (seriously?), and I only had five euros.  I bought one of the items and will have to return later with more cash in hand.

Tomorrow, if the weather is alright (and I hope it is), we might go and see the part of the Tour de France that is near the area.  It is supposed to rain in the morning, but I hope it is nice enough to go.  It would be fantastic to witness part of the Tour while I'm here.