April 13, 2014

Jacques Report

At the moment my architect has one set of keys and my potential gardener the other. This leaves me effectively locked out of my own house. I decided to take Jacques for a drive. I had been wanting to explore the coastal towns. We live so close to the coast that it influences the weather and the light, but it is surprising how soon one loses a visual connection with the water. Anyway, I drove south, almost to La Rochelle, then took a side road when I saw the word "port." That seemed like a good sign. Of all things, we came across a 17th century fortified church, the Eglise Saint-Martin, which still has its paintings inside; I guess the fortifications were effective. Jacques is good in churches. He never squirms. We explored and launched ourselves north. The port itself was where bored guys go to hang. They bring their fishing rods and their radios -- tuned to a soccer game, of course -- and who knows what all, but Jacques and I were definitely wrecking the mood, so we cut out pretty quickly. I found one of the clear advantages to living close enough to a tourist area. The stores are open on Sunday. I stocked up at one, my big discovery being Jambon de Vendee: cured, not smoked, and quite nicely flavored, too. On then to real deal tourist towns, with churros and fries and tourist tat. The beaches are lovely but in summer driving there will be not much better than having to babysit your parked car. I'm glad we went today. And finally we came home, where I took this photo. — At the moment my architect has one set of keys and my potential gardener the other. This leaves me effectively locked out of my own house. I decided to take Jacques for a drive. I had been wanting to explore the coastal towns. We live so close to the coast that it influences the weather and the light, but it is surprising how soon one loses a visual connection with the water. Anyway, I drove south, almost to La Rochelle, then took a side road when I saw the word “port.” That seemed like a good sign. Of all things, we came across a 17th century fortified church, the Eglise Saint-Martin, which still has its paintings inside; I guess the fortifications were effective. Jacques is good in churches. He never squirms. We explored and launched ourselves north. The port itself was where bored guys go to hang. They bring their fishing rods and their radios — tuned to a soccer game, of course — and who knows what all, but Jacques and I were definitely wrecking the mood, so we cut out pretty quickly. I found one of the clear advantages to living close enough to a tourist area. The stores are open on Sunday. I stocked up at one, my big discovery being Jambon de Vendee: cured, not smoked, and quite nicely flavored, too. On then to real deal tourist towns, with churros and fries and tourist tat. The beaches are lovely but in summer driving there will be not much better than having to babysit your parked car. I’m glad we went today. And finally we came home, where I took this photo.

6 thoughts on “Jacques Report”

gmnussbaum says:

April 13, 2014 at 8:14 pm

Did Jacques get some Jambon de Vendee too?

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1. bizzyella says:
  
  April 14, 2014 at 7:38 am
  
  No way. I can’t remember whether I mentioned that last Sunday I took him to Caffe Armani, where he slept on the banquette next to me like the perfect little French dog he is. If he knew he was ignoring some really great food, well, he wouldn’t. He’s not that perfect. Let’s keep him in the dark on all that.
  
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Erin says:

April 13, 2014 at 8:29 pm

Your yard looks so peaceful. And how nice to have all the time in the world to explore. Its still a little surreal that you live there.

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1. Sue Sheuerman says:
  
  April 14, 2014 at 12:06 am
  
  In my mind you are living a dream come true. I hope you feel the same. On a separate post I will send you a pic of my dog, Harold Truman AKA Mr. T or T-bone to his dog friends. he looks a lot like Jacques, knowing eyes.
  
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2. bizzyella says:
  
  April 14, 2014 at 7:43 am
  
  Erin, it’s cheaper than living in many parts of the States. There are no jobs out here but it’s a wonderful place for people who are retired or can work from home. Of course “work from home” gets you into a whole other hassle with regard to visas but it can be done.
  
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Tracy says:

April 14, 2014 at 5:21 am

The flowers in the grass resemble a majic carpet. Your Jacques looks so happy. I am glad to hear that he is good in churches – no barking or squirming is good! Just the phrase my architect and my gardener are enough to make me smile. Enjoy.

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