TIFF's French Adventure

I found out where Alanea and Dave go

2012-02-27T06:24:00.004-08:00

2 photos that Dave took, one on the 9th tee of the golf course on Friday. It is getting much warmer now so they are leaving me home to play golf. I have included another photo for fun. Dave took it while cycling up a hill near Johnny Depp's house close to Plan de la Tour.

Marcel revisited

2012-02-19T05:19:00.003-08:00

A few months ago Dave posted a pic of Marcel of the blog. While Dave was running up the hill at the Domain de Plane Marcel scared Dave but the joke was on Dave because Marcel is a very calm boy. A few Days ago Dave took this pic of Marcel and Alanea. Alanea was feeding Marcel a Madeleine cookie. Marcel is now a father of 2 little baby goats. They must stay in the house because it is too cold.

Apollon my friend from Paris

2012-02-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

Apollon, my nice fuzzy friend from Paris sent me this picture of himself with some Apollon pupcakes that Joan made I think. Joan and Apollon visited us here last year and we had a very nice time. Maybe Apollon will come again and bring me a pupcake. Until then I will have to eat Madeleines.

Pizza in France

2012-01-28T06:56:00.000-08:00

For those who may have wondered whether Dave still makes the best Pizza in the whole world here is proof that while some things change others just get better. Our big pizza stone is with close friends but the little one works just fine. The dough is so good that Dave cannot duplicate it yet. He buys it at La Napole in Saint Aygulf. Everything other than the dough is Dave's own creation (well he bought tomato paste). Olives, roasted peppers (I love red peppers so much), lots of garlic, small tomatoes, corgettes, mozzarella on half and feta on the other half. There is a big bottle of Italian wine behind the pizza that did not last long once Dave got the pizza in the oven. Today Alanea is cooking a chicken marbaya (spelling). I am sleeping because it is raining for the 1st time in many weeks. I had to poop in the rain, then I walked on the clean floor with muddy feet. Monday I go to the groomers and will post a nice picture of my new look.

Hiking

2012-01-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

I have always been a good walker but Dave and Alanea took me hiking a few days ago. We went away up into the hills behind Roquebrune Sur Argens and Alanea took my picture with Dave. Dave took a sunset picture later that I hope you like. We are into our 2nd calendar year in France. A few days ago the wind blew in some great weather. Dave went cycling this morning in shorts but a warm top.

Road trip to Bologna

2012-01-11T00:50:00.000-08:00

Alanea and Dave took me to Bologna, Italy on a 5 day road trip. We drove directly to Bologna (about 500km) and stayed 3 nights. Jeff, Cindy and Tyler, from Toronto, were visiting Cindy's brother and sister in law in Rome and so we met them all in Bologna which was very nice. We all stayed in a great hotel 5 minutes walking (which I love to do) from the centre and the statue of Neptune, God of the Sea. Bologna feels good, lots of good food, wine (according to Alanea), restaurants. Bologna has the oldest degree granting university in Europe which is interesting to Alanea but me and Dave just ate gelato. We were bundled up good because it was cold. Our hotel had a great roof top terrasse where Jeff and Dave had their photo taken with me. We left Bologna and traveled south toward the coast rather than go the short distance further to Florence or the even shorter distance to Parma (think ham) or Modena (think balsamic vinegar). We drove the coast road to Santa Margerita and Allassio (we saw lots of hot looking Italian cyclists on the windy road) which is are nice towns to stop for the night. There are earlier pics on the blog of Allassio however here is one of Alanea drinking expresso on the pier in the sunshine and me of course. Alanea says out next rip is west toward Basque country, stay tuned.

Cargo @ Christmas

2011-12-27T06:15:00.000-08:00

My friend Cargo from Toronto sent me his picture for Christmas. I have never met Cargo but I know him from Alanea and Dave talking about him, he is a special boy with a lot of responsibility. He is bigger than me and Oscar too . I knew Oscar in Toronto but he now lives in England and Dave said someday we will see each other again.

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-22T08:22:00.000-08:00

As this is my Blog I have the awesome responsibility and pleasure of wishing all of my loyal followers and friends a very Merry Christmas. Dave got me this lovely hat that Alanea says makes me look cute. I am not so sure about the cute referrence but if I can scam an extra cookie or 2 and sleep half of the night with Alanea in her bed by looking cute so be it.

We have had a good year. Alanea has been working hard, Dave is riding strong and travelled to Canada in August. Alanea went to Canada in November and I stayed here all year because I have an International Pet Passport. They both play golf which is a "pain in the ass" because I have to stay home alone.

Dave was granted French residency yesterday but was fined 220 Euros for being illegal for a year.

My world is good. So is yours if you let it be.

Have a great 2012.

Computrainer and me

2011-12-18T04:32:00.000-08:00

Because Dec 18, 2011 was cold in southern France west of Nice (2 degrees celsius) and one of the few Sundays that Dave would not go outside cycling with the ASR Club, I got a ride on the Computrainer. Dave rides the Central Park 9.70 km course. Dave's average watts is 212 over 9.70 km but he is not happy with his Spinscan numbers. We really like it here in France because we (he) can ride outside most of the year but for those crazy windy or cold days the Computrainer is just the thing. Dave likes to ride the Central Park 9.70 km course to test his average wattage output. Follow us by becoming a follower. Note the new mezzanine that Dave built. His new Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL3 is behind us in a nice zippered cover. OH YA lets not forget the Gardin hanging on the wall after all it has completed 4 Ironman Triathlons before I was born.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-16T23:50:00.000-08:00

It is Christmas time again and what would Christmas be without me going for a car ride to Saint-Tropez to see Santa Claus. Well OK that's a stretch but here are some nice pics of the event held at the Boutique des Maitres Vigneron where Alanea and Dave bought 4 X 1o litre boxes of Rose in the summer before Dianne, Bob, Warren and Joanne came to visit. We had a glass of the new Rose and Oysters and Santa gave me a special hat that I can wear on Christmas eve. Before the event Dave and Alanea took me to French class and Francoise the teacher gave me a cookie. I will post more Christmas later.

Santons at the fetes

2011-12-13T02:32:00.000-08:00

These little figurines are Santons. People collect them and display them at Christmas they are very elegant. They depict life in France and are quite authentic. Dave is impressed with the workmanship and quality Alanea likes the colours and variety of forms and I like going with Dave and Alanea.

Christmas fetes and mal de tetes.

2011-12-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

Alanea says that I am a PIA but Dave took me to the Fete de Noel at Chapelle St. Roseline, wine tasting a Chateau Font, lunch at a restaurant (see my picture). At the restaurant I ate some Daube de Sanglier (look it up) and knocked over the Santa Claus behind me (he starting playing music and Alanea said she was embarrassed but laughed). After lunch we went to the Fete de Noel in Roquebrune Sur Argens (see the Santons). I bought Alanea a secret New Years card and she put it in a place where it won't get lost before the 31st. What a place.

Dave's new mezzanine

2011-11-20T03:50:00.000-08:00

For over 1 year dave has been planning to have a mezzanine built. He has had various quotes, comments and recommendations. After considerable research and planning he decided that he could do it himself and set about the task when Alanea went to Canada for a few weeks. He was delayed by the rain and flooding in parts of the Var however the real lessons were in the process. Dave opted for a chemical fix (cheville chimique) of the joist hangers to the cement block (parpaing) walls instead of expanding lag bolts. This was interesting because Dave had never used the chimique and some holes had to drilled into solid concrete and some into hollow cement block. Perhaps the most annoying and laughable part of the process was purchasing the 5 70MM X 150MM joists which support the floor at 500MM centres. The pieces are sold in 4 metres lengths and Dave needed 5 @ 2.7 metres. Imagine Dave's surprise when he was told that the lumber yard did not have a circular saw to cut the lumber. The guy driving a fork lift gave Dave a tree pruning saw and told him to cut the lumber himself. What the guy did not know was that Dave had frequented lumber yards with his father (JL) and grandfather (George) since he was 5 years old and he had no intention of cutting with a pruning saw. Dave went into the store, took a new Stanley saw (cie) and set square off of the wall and cut the lumber in no time. When he was finished he put the saw and set square back on the wall. The really dumb thing is that like so many stores Chiffreo closes for lunch at 12PM. Had the dumb guy helped Dave he would not have had to wait 30 minutes and close at 12:30PM. Dave was pissed but amused, see the pic of him cutting lumber. The mezzanine is finished, strong and costs about 1/3 (400 Euros) of what a contractor would have charged. Now the garage looks tidy and the only thing left to do is paint the floor.

Pizza is best served with love and Italian vino

2011-11-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

I made a special pizza for Alanea while Dave was planning the garage mezzanine and wondering whether he should spend his money building a storage area or an Arc (as in Noah). If I have to go out and round up 2 of everything I think that 2 Sangliers will take up most of the mezzanine (no room for wine) so we probably should just build an Arc and be done with speculation about the fucking weather (oops did I say fucking or was that Dave). The pizza was very good (we have 3 pieces left) and will last at least until the helicopters find us floating in the Med.

What a crazy week for me.

2011-11-07T06:50:00.000-08:00

The rain came down from the sky like I have never seen, Dave said it was worse than June 15, 2010 when we had bad flooding in the neighbourhood, lots of fancy emergency equipment and Pompiers. This time there was more rain however the flooding was contained to the lowest areas. That said the water was almost over the main road. Roquebrune Sur Argens remains closed to traffic and Dave had to go the long way to Castorama (like home depot) because he wants to build a mezzanine. Pierre and Claire left on Friday, Heinz and Francoise will come soon. George and Birgit are freezing in Demark, Alex is driving all over the Var and Anne went to England on Sunday after a drive to Nice in the pouring rain. Dave misses Alanea but gets a lot of work done while she is in Canada visiting her dear mother. I took a few pics enjoy. In case you are feeling sorry for me, in January and February it will be sunny and 15 degrees. I will have lunch outside with Alanea and Dave on New Years day. Dave says that I am starting to stink from walking in the rain so I am going to hide now.

Victoria College alumni summit in the Var, Rose tasting in disguise

2011-10-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the photos, still working on why Julie's great photos only half loanload to my computer. These are the best that I can do for now.

Tom & Julie made it to Chez Tiffer and settled in very quickly. Alanea says that she is writing this post since I'm too young to remember those good old days.

With good friends you can just start talking as if no time had gone by....that's exactly what happened lots of talking in between rose tasting. Tom and Dave could hardly get a word in so they resorted to driving "the girls" up steep roads to scare them.....didn't really work but it gave us something else to talk about.

We had a wonderful, too short visit. We hope they will come back next year for longer. There are so many more places to explore together.

PICs to follow, problem with compatibility of Julies camera and my software

That's me!!!!

Gorges du Verdun

2011-10-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

Dave, Alanea, Pierre, Claire and I went for a drive to the Gorge which is the Grand Canyon of France. We drove a total of 217 km and saw lots of things. The roads were very narrow and winding but I did not get sick. Pierre drove and Dave navigated when Claire and Alanea were not telling Pierre what to do. There was a bungy jumper jumping from a bridge which was 190 metres high, crazy.

Dave with new bike in front of wagon full of grapes

2011-10-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

On this ride Dave had the group stop while he had this photo taken. The grape was very sweet as was the ride.

Pizza in France

2011-10-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

This is an authentic French pizza made by Dave in our new kitchen.

1 year later

2011-09-14T23:29:00.000-07:00

Sept 12, 2011 marked the beginning of year 2 for us in France. We keep saying that we should have kept a better diary of our experiences however it is well accepted that whe world does not need yet another book about survival in PACA (Provence / Alpes / Cote d'Azur) or does it. From a little dog's perspective new things are intriguing and smell different therefore everything requires thorough scrutiny.

Just when you think that you have everything figured out, Dave drinks Coors Light, Alanea likes champagne and I get a raw food diet from Bark & Fitz in the Beach in Toronto where I walk on the sand every day they go and change things dramatically. Now I eat Canadian dry kibble imported from England (and madelenes), Dave drinks Rose and Alanea still likes champagne. Fortunately I am adaptable, where my people are is the best place for me.

We have visited lots of the 100's of wineries in the area, we have had lunch in many of the small towns that dot the countryside, we have walked on the beach at St Aygulf and taken a boat ride from Les Issambre to St. Tropez but we have not seen BB.

Dave has joined a cycling club called ASR Roquebrunoise (Amicale Sportive (Socialable)Roquebrune). He was doing well until the heavy hitters showed up in the spring then things got tough. When Dave returned from 4 weeks in Canada with a new bike things were worse as 4 weeks of no riding and lots of Coors can be bad for average wattage output. He now is riding stronger again but lags behind on tough hills. The best he can do for now is 4th or 5th however the gauntlet is down and coming wattage up. I think that the Computrainer will see the light of day soon.

I have met lots of very good friends. I live at Villa 24. 23 is Francoise and Heinz from Switzerland, 25 is my friends Pierre and Claire from Paris (they have nice grandchildren that talk to me in French through the fence. George and Birgit from Denmark live across the road, they are fun friends and they like me too.

Alex, Tatiana and their son Stephan are from St Petersburg in Russia. They are learning English and French fast and Stephan is going to school here now. He is a good boy but is unsure about me.

Ted and Irna are from Holland, Anne and Pascal from Lille, Judy and Roger from Australia, Chuck and Dianne from England.

Anne from England lives here all of the time and her son James visits from Kent in England. She is very nice and lets me out sometimes when Dave is away for a few hours if Alanea is not home. Dave cuts her grass and helps with little problems. Anne's husband passed away a few years ago and she is a real trooper, I like her to come here because she knows where the cookies are and she talks to me.

There are lots of little dogs around here but I don't play much with them. I sometimes look at Lola the Boxer through the fence but she is a big girl. There are 4 other Yorkies but they are yappy and immature.

A farmer named Gerrard grows olives behind my house, I now have 2 olive trees that I let Alanea take care of, Dave bought a new one for the 1 year anniversary.

It is fun here most of the time but gets very hot in July and August. Dave was in Canada in August and Alanea said the traffic was very heavy so she spent a lot of time at the pool. Alanea is now a great swimmer but I cannot go to the pool. Nothing much happens in France except vacations in August.

Alanea is busy as always working on her business and reading Ango Info and other web sites. I sit on a click clak couch and watch her work. She was going to sell my click clak couch but decided not to do it. Thank goodness.

Dave and Alanea play golf a few times per week and I have to stay home. Alanea is good golfer, Dave is a hacker. That is a drag however I do need to rest occassionally as you see by the new pic I like the lounger in the yard.

We are only an hour and 30 minutes from Alassio in Italy where the picture of Dave was taken. Alassio is nice because there is a long pier to walk on. Italy feels different, the pasta is finer and I like the drive along the coast road. Our friends from Toronto Rick and Karin bought a nice house on the coast and we go there often.

The house is fully furnished the garden is great for me. There is a wonderful new pave terrasse and an umbrella to shade Dave from the sun while he has an afternoon aperitif and Alanea works.

Alanea and Dave bought a lot of nice wine at the annual Foir aux Vin (a big sale on wine).

I will add to this in a few days. Let me know if you need any info I am full of it.

Tiff

OK OK OK Dave got a new bike

2011-09-02T02:13:00.000-07:00

Dave is a PIA he wants to show off his new bike. I just had a bath and Alanea will come home later to be with me.

August in the South of France

2011-08-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts....July and August have been so hot I have been the King of the Siesta....on the cool tile floor and Alanea feeds me ice cubes shaped like stars to keep me cool.

That's what all these people on the beach under the umbrellas are doing...keeping cool and swimming in the sea. I don't like the sea it tastes salty. Alanea likes the pool but I don't like that either...it's too wet.

The lovely grapes are right by our house and part of my 3 km walk....although last time I had to be carried part of the way it got so hot by 9 in the morning....and then there were more ice cubes. Before we knew it Dave was on his way home and our lovely neighbour George picked him up at Nice airport. Dave is very happy to be home in France and he thanks all his friends and family for allowing him to drink their beer and stay over night in Toronto and Woodstock. I would suggest that you consider buying some Coors stock before the next quarter results and sell a few days after.

Roquebrune Marche Nocture and Village pics

2011-07-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

Dave and Alanea took me to the Market at night "Marche Nocture". It was really 6PM. Dave took a few Village pictures on Saturday. They are mixed to give everyone a sense of what a small French village is like and how it has not changed for many years (like Dave). Alanea is very good to me. We went for a walk on the beach at 7AM today. Dave was scandalized by what he saw. I cannot post a pic. Alanea laughed. I saw Maiken and Jens from Demark again today.

More evidence that there is a God, perhaps she lives in Switzerland

2011-07-20T10:23:00.001-07:00

Our neighbours' son and his beautiful wife (my friend) brought Dave some Coors Light from Zurich. The 10 bottles were gone before you could say "contraband". Alanea gracefully declined Dave's offer of a mere sip of the Nectar of the Gods. The expiry date was not a problem. Today is July 20, 2011 the wind is blowing like crazy. Alanea calls it the Mistral but it keeps me awake at night. Dave said that it will stop tomorrow but George's daughter does not believe Dave so she is holding on to her bikini top. Her husband Jens is a Tour de France fan so Dave and he talk about that while I peed on the fence.

Dave & Alanea's boat trip to St. Tropez without me!!!

2011-07-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Dave said it was too hot to take me, so Anne my friend came over to watch me and let me out for a nice pee. Here are a few pictures. There is a pic of Alanea on the Espadon (boat) to St. Tropez, an aweful looking scultpure, St Maxime from the boat, skinny models at a photo shoot on the street, inside a fancy shoe store that uncle James would like and Dave on the same boat. St. Tropez is hard to get to by car because of the traffic so Dave and Alanea took the boat from Les Issambre, they were very POSH (port out starboard home). They had a very nice lunch at a little restaurant (Petrus). John McEnroe was scheduled to play tennis at a specially constructed court across the street from the restaurant last evening. Dave concluded that he will never drive to St Tropez again as the boat is so easy and he can drink at lunch. Sorry about the lack of updates, please sign up as a follower and let me know how you like this blog. If enough people like it maybe it will be a hit and I can buy more biscuits.

Coors Light is God's way of saying that he loves Dave and wants him to be happy.

2011-06-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

Alanea is the other way. Dave is shown in this historic photo drinking his 1st Coors Light since Sept 2010. The 1st Canadian visitors brought him a can. The brought 2 other brands but Dave is saving them for George from Denmark. Nice, 3 nights in 1st class accomodation, food, wine tours and stimulating conversation and all Dave gets is a can of Coors Light. It was worth it and Dave would do it again. Alanea did all the work and Dave took the glory.

First Canadian visitors

2011-06-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Holy invasion the Crawford / Birtch nee Silcox clan descended on Villa 24 on June 14th and Alanea & Dave were very happy. It was fun to see the family, Dave's 2 sisters Dianne and Joanne and their husbands Bob & Warren. I went with them everywhere except the Frejus market but I have been there and it was too hot for me. I liked the attention and only barked a few times to let Dave know that they were coming for breakfast. I got my picture taken at the Chateau D'Esclans with everyone. We ended up at Chateau Palayson speaking to Alan about his experiences as a wine maker and historian. The 1st Christian church in France was discovered on his property. Dave always saves Alan for last because he really likes Alan and the wine is great for anyone who enjoys a more robust northern, warm by the fire at night wine. Alan's wife Christine is nice to me but she has a problem with Alan sometimes.

Marcel vs Dave

2011-06-09T04:09:00.000-07:00

So when Dave went out for his morning run little did he expect to see Marcel. Dave was running hard up the hill toward Domaine de Plane, a vineyard close to home, when much to his surprise Marcel was standing there looking at Dave. Dave nearly crapped his pants because Pierre, Dave's running friend from Paris, had told Dave stories about Sangliers and other wild beasts in the forest. Dave thought that Marcel was a wild and hungry or horny beast and went to the office at Domaine de Plane to report the danger. After much gesturing and terrible Francais the owners started laughing. They said that is Marcel the pet goat (with massive horns). He is tethered to a tree so that he can eat grass and not run off into the wilderness to have wild, noisy goat sex with unsuspecting female goats (or runners). Needless to say Dave was relieved to hear that Marcel was not wild and even happier that Marcel was tethered. Dave had just shaved his legs for cycling and did not want to be mistaken by a near sighted, long horned, randy billy goat for hot female goat playing "hard to get". The vineyard owners drove Dave down the hill and all was well. The story of Marcel.

How to create a library

2011-06-04T23:10:00.000-07:00

Alanea is a bookworm! She is always looking for books and decided to create an English book library in Roquebrune Sur Argens. This is the first contribution of 250 books from Alice. Alice and her husband (I think Leon) donated the books. Now Alanea has too catalogue all the books and find a place for the library. This is a big undertaking which could involve lots of wine, cooperation by the Mayor and advertising for more book donations. We love France and the people but reading books in English is easier for now.

This ain't no LCBO

2011-06-04T22:57:00.000-07:00

In Ontario, Canada wine and spirits distribution is highly regulated and sales are prohibited through any outlet other than LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) stores. In France Dave and Alanea can buy wine like we buy gas for the car. Dave still cannot buy Coors Light but there is light at the end of the tunnel John our friend from Switzerland found the Nectar (Coors Light) in Zurich and will soon be here with the Dave's favorate brew. In France we have discovered many excellent wineries restaurants and new friends. I like it here, Lola lives across the road (I will get Dave to take her pic, she's is a Boxer), Enzo lives down the street he is white and fluffy. There is a big guy that live up my street but I told him who was boss a few days ago.

1 year after

2011-06-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

The only thing missing is the girl.

Early morning shadows

2011-05-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

This is the rose garden place that Dave passes at 7:30AM 2 days per week on his way to Roquebrune to meet the cycling group. Sometimes Alanea and Dave take me in the car to the market and I see it too. The big rock in the background is where Roquebrune gets it's name. It is very nice here but I am feeling rough today. I was sick but now I am OK. Alanea is worried about me but I ate some food and now I will sleep on the couch.

Preparing for a vist from Dianne, Joanne, Bob and Warren from Canada

2011-05-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

OH no Dave will be busy, Alanea bought this wine for the visit 40 litres of great Rose from near St Tropez

Home made Pizza

2011-05-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

Some things should never change, some things like Sea Doos and ankle bracelets should be banned. One thing that has evolved from simple beginnings in London Ontario 30 years ago but has never received the notariety and level of detailed documentation that it deserves is the Friday night ritual of pizza making (and wine drinking). I have decided after years of procrastination to share Dave's recipes with the world through this blog. Herc was not there at the beginning but watched Dave and Alanea make pizza most Friday nights for 13 years. Now I watch and some times I get cheese. Today just a photo. Next time the full recipe. Cook Books are for chumps and non achievers. This blog is for real men, right Alanea?

2011-05-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

So Dave is taking French lessons from Francoise LEFRANC. Alanea, dave and I visited Francoise's exhibit of Peintures sur Porcelaine last week. Francoise is very talented but it will take more than talent to teach Dave French.

Nan visits "le sud"

2011-05-18T01:04:00.000-07:00

These are the cloisters in Frejus at the cathedral...Dave and I stayed outside at the market.

Here she is the photo master herself.

This was an old chapel in Roquebrune sur Argens which is now a chocolate museum.

A few weeks ago Alanea's friend Nan from Paris came to visit....when I saw that she arrived with not one but two cameras I thought it was going to be days of taking Tiff pictures....can you imagine that she wanted pictures of scenery instead?? Here is a sample of some of the pictures she took including one of the photographer herself in Gassin....that's the Golfe de St. Tropez in the background. You will see that I did manage to get into one picture.

Looking back and moving forward

2011-05-04T23:43:00.001-07:00

I lost a good friend this week named Peter. He was nice to me and had a little dog like me named Cargo. I have never met Cargo but I think I will soon. Peter died suddenly at home without warning or cause other than a heart that was worn out. He was only 51 years old. He visited Alanea and Dave and me several times and the last time that I saw him I sat on his lap in Toronto. Dave and Alanea drank too much Rose a few nights ago and cried about Peter. I have posted a picture of me hiking on a trail and contemplating life, loss and the beauty that surrounds us. Slow down world. Cheers

Easter in France

2011-05-04T23:34:00.000-07:00

George brought Easter beer from Denmark. George is one of my new friends. George is a talented man, anyone that can get Dave to mow grass is talented. He has a lovely wife, Birgit, (she is too good for him) and 2 nice daughters Maiken and Ebin. George is a fine chef and great host and makes salmon on the b'bque that is unbelieveable. Dave is very sensitive but takes Ebin's teasing in stride. A great family and a pleasure to know. Denmark is a small country with a big heart and taxes but it produces good beer. Each season beer is produced and labeled to match the season. These are Easter beers.

Outdoor gardening show and competition

2011-05-04T23:29:00.000-07:00

Alanea and Dave took me to a nice garden show in La Bouverie which is 10km from here. Local garden centres bring flowers and we had to vote on the best booth. We never did find out who won but Alanea had fun. I wanted to pee on everything but Dave would not let me.

Salon des Saveurs Roquebrune S/A Apr 2011

2011-05-04T23:17:00.001-07:00

French communities are proud and support of traditions and local artisans. Food is a priority. At the Salon des Saveurs in Roquebrune village quests are treated to samples of everything from truffle flavoured salt to fancy cookies. Here are a few pictures, note that Roquebrune is twinned with Peche in Quebec, Canada. The committee has organized a trip to Quebec in Sept.

Sunset from the bedroom window April 2011

2011-04-11T01:17:00.000-07:00

The sky and the stars are quite amazing here.

New terrasse with plantings

2011-04-11T01:12:00.000-07:00

Alanea is working hard on the new garden, Dave is a slug.

Dave's 61st birthday lunch

2011-04-11T00:48:00.000-07:00

Alanea took Dave to Les Pignatelles for lunch, tres gastronomique. It is a very nice place (see pic) just outside of La Motte (20 km from home). I am sitting on a big flower pot that is on its side. Dave is doing good for an old bugger. Alanea and Dave had the 18 Euros menu which was a 2 nice big salads, a light cod done in a very elegant and parchment thin crust, desert was included which made me happy, tarte au pomme with whipped cream. I did not get any Rose but Alanea said it was good. Car riding through the French country side is fun when I don't have to ride in my crate. Alanea holds me and I look out of the window.

http://www.currenciesdirect.net/David Silcox

2011-04-05T04:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.currenciesdirect.net/David%20Silcox

Further pictures of trip to St Remy

2011-04-04T22:57:00.001-07:00

Dave wanted to post more pics. We posted Cloisters at the asylum, gardens where Van Gogh painted, Starry Night and Van Gogh holding flowers. Colour and life were Van Gogh's passion.

Road trip to Maussane les Alpilles and Saint Remy

2011-04-04T22:39:00.001-07:00

We stayed in a little hotel where Dave ate beef 2 days in a row, there was Pintade on the menu but Dave could not be convinced that it was not Pigeon. The restaurant owner translated Pintade to Guinea Fowl. We also went to the Olive Oil place and bought the oil that we bought on one our 1st trips to France. It is a very flavourful oil and worth the trip. The only problem is that Alanea won't let dave touch it, probably a good thing. We went to St. Remy where Alanea bought a very nice table cloth and Dave drank a beer. We went to the museum which was was an asylum (hospital) for mentally disturbed people. The asylum is famous because Vincent Van Gogh the Dutch painter stayed there for a while in 1889. Vincent died shortly after his release but left us with many extraordinary paintings. I have posted Starry Night. Les Baux diappointed however Alanea has fond memories of the ancient pirtched village during low tourist season.

Road trip and wine tasting

2011-03-19T00:14:00.000-07:00

We drove along the sea today and stopped for wine tasting and lunch around St. Tropez. The restaurant was very nice called Le Pescadou in Gassin. Despite the fact that they forgot about our order, overcooked Alanea's steak and brought Nan the wrong dish (all remedied in short order) it was quite good. The view is the reason people visit Gassin as it is perched on a hill at about 400 metres and overlooks the sea around St. Tropez. There are 4 restaurants with a great view and a little hotel called Bello Visto that would make a great end of day or lunch cycling destination. Nan is visiting from Paris and took a lot of pictures with her fancy camera.

Mimosas reflected in the lake that I walk around

2011-03-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Alanea takes me around the lake. This is where the French national water skiing team practices. I like it because I run free here.

Forgot Alanea's flower photo

2011-03-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

In the Ventimiglia market there are lots of flowers and clothing and cloth. I like it.

Road trip to Ventimiglia, Italia

2011-03-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

We drove to Ventimiglia which is just across the border from France beside Menton. It is an overlooked town on the Italian Riviera because it is usually on the way to somewhere for anyone traveling from Italy or France by rail or car. San Remo which is a little further is very nice too and often the perferred destination of people traveling from Provence or the Var. San Remo has a great market as well but no better for the time spent getting there. Once you have spent some time in Ventimiglia and witness 1st hand the hospitality, the progress being made on the new port, (across from the hotel Sea Gull where we stayed for 2 nights) the great Friday market and the sea side restaurants (look close beside Alanea's chair at the restaurant and you will see me) you will agree that Ventimiglia is a great place to visit. I have posted a few pictures for the gentle reader (thanks Abby) to enjoy. If you are traveling through Ventimiglia it is worth a stop over.

Tiffer le vigneron

2011-03-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

In the early spring they cut the vines back and leave them for little dogs to sniff. This is Syrah I think. Dave & Alanea take me walking up the hill through the vines and then home for dinner.

Bonne Anniversaire auntie Pat

2011-02-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

I wanted to toast your birthday in style but I couldn't decide which one to pick so I got all of them. Alanea, Dave and Me wish you all the very best.....xxxxoooo.

I am famous

2011-02-15T07:35:00.000-08:00

Not every day does someone get their picture taken with a super star. Mike Barry, a good Canadian boy, rides professionally with Team Sky. Dave and I met him outside the team bus at the Tour de Medit.... Mike will ride in the Tour de France again this year. Dave hid his bulging quads under baggy pants so Mike could look even better.

It had to happen

2011-02-06T03:51:00.000-08:00

Dave and Alanea took me for a grooming or as they say en Francais, Toilettage. See me before and after. I feel better. I am sitting on a nice new stool that Alanea bought so that she could watch Dave make dinner and have a nice Rose.

The Med in January

2011-01-31T01:29:00.000-08:00

The sea can be rough in January. Driving back from French class on Thursday the 27th Dave stopped the car and took these pics. The pics are taken from the coast road facing east toward St. Raphael between St Aygulf and Les Issambres. This is a very scenic route however in the summer with touristas it can take 3 hours to travel 40km. If the pics were taken facing the opposite direction St. Tropez would be in the distance.

Cat's away Dave will build shelves

2011-01-26T08:54:00.001-08:00

So Alanea went to Poland and Dave went to a Galette des Rois party on Monday evening held by the ASR Cycling Club. What is Gallette du Rois you ask.

Partial definition

The Galette des Rois or Cake of the Kings, commemorates Twelfth Night when the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem bearing gifts for baby Jesus. A single porcelain fève (charm) is hidden in each galette.Epiphany's date is on 6th January but you can find the galette in every boulangerie in France during nearly the whole month.

Very cool, Dave found the charm in his Galette but gave it to the club Pres. tres politique.

Dave is having his 1st real life experience with French bureaucracy, more on that to come.

Monte Carlo Casino

2011-01-20T02:21:00.000-08:00

Dave went to Monte Carlo by himself yesterday. He said he was going to a meeting of the Monaco Venture Capital Assoc. but he only took a picture of the Casino. He bought Champagne and Foie Gras for me. I will share with Alanea but Dave won't eat it. Sure is a fancy place Chiens Interdit!

Mimosas blooming Jan 18. 2011

2011-01-20T02:11:00.000-08:00

Dave and Alanea take me walking up to the Domaine de Plane sometimes. Today the Mimosas are in full bloom and looking very yellow. Spring is coming in the Var. The days ar 30 minutes longer than they were on Dec 22, 10. We only walk half way up the hill because it is steep and there might be a Sanglier waiting behind a bush. Our neighbour went picking Mimosas later in the day.

The Abbey

2011-01-17T05:49:00.000-08:00

Dave and Alanea took me to the Abbey of Thoronet. I was indognitio hiding in a napsack because there was a pas de chien sign but Dave got me in, enjoy the pics this is a very old place.

Just when I thought I had seen everything!

2011-01-13T03:57:00.000-08:00

I see a lot of things hanging around with Dave & Alanea but when I saw this ring that doubles as a bottle opener I thought "Now there's a reason to repeat your wedding vows". Imagine opening a Coors Light with the flick of a finger. Actually France has many odd and curious things that make no practical sense but add immeasureable to the culture. Come see for yourself but don't say I did not warn you.

6 km 40 minutes

2011-01-13T03:02:00.000-08:00

I watched out of the window for 160 lb. fat boy Dave, then he took me for a walk. He was very happy about the run and says he is feeling better every day that he can ride his bike or run. The pool is close but it will open when it gets warmer. Today it is 13 degrees and sunny. I am going with Dave and Alanea to Monaco tomorrow. Dave is going to a Institute of Directors meeting that he was invited to but I cannot go. I will post a few pics of Monaco when I return.

Frejus plage

2011-01-10T00:09:00.001-08:00

Dave and me like to run on the beach. Dave does not like sand though. This is a beach on the Med, it is 10 km from our house near Saint Aygulf. The beach is very busy in the summer but is not so busy in January. We saw someone go in the water for a swim and people are fishing there every day.

Latest addition to the family

2011-01-10T00:04:00.000-08:00

Dave & Alanea say that the place feels better now that they have a Jura coffee maker. They had to sell their 11 year old Jura before coming to France because the voltage was wrong and could not be altered. So look at that, a new Jura, a new pizza, Chianti and a 10.

Me again

2011-01-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Alanea took my pic and disturbed my rest. I love my window. I watch for Sangliers.

Dave with ASR the Roquebrune S/A cycling club

2011-01-03T05:28:00.000-08:00

That's Dave, back in the saddle so to speak. He is doing good and riding strong again. Simone is in red, she is the President of the cycling club. ASR means Amicale Sportif Roquebrune. Judging by the number of grey haired cyclist around here Dave should be good for a few more years. NOTE to Dan Yang: Sorry about the D'Ornellas vest. It was a gift and works. Dave promises to show off the BCC gear in a later post.

Dave got in the pic without me!

2010-12-28T06:03:00.000-08:00

Francoise took the picture before I could get in. Dave is drinking Champagne too, he has not had a Coor Light since Sept 10, OMG. Heinz let me sit on his lap and Auntie Francoise is going to take me for a walk before she goes home to Switzerland. We called Georg Jensen in Denmark, he was busy but spoke to us for a few minutes. Georg won't be here until Easter. Maybe he will bring a bunny.

What a lunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Alanea made a great lunch. There was turkey, and lots of very tasty stuff to eat. I did not get turkey but I got cheese and some of that buche. They let me taste the Champagne.

Grande Marnier buche

2010-12-25T02:46:00.000-08:00

How about that?? Dave went out and came home with that buche. Buche schmuche it looks like cake and I am going to get some because it is not chocolate. Francoise and Heinz from Switzerland came yesterday. They have the house next door and it took 7 or 9 hours for them to drive here in their new little red Citroen C1. They are coming for lunch and Alanea is busy cooking again. I am so hungry but Dave and I are locked up in the office room. I cannot understand why Alanea does not want my help in the kitchen.

Merry Christmas to all

2010-12-25T02:35:00.000-08:00

To all of our familiy and friends, Merry Christmas from southern France where there is no snow but it is chilly. Dave & Alanea had a great dinner last night that Alanea planned and prepared. Smoked salmon on blinis with Creme Fraiche, 18 Oysters (which Dave shucked without incident), scallops and shrimp on lettuce with red rice from Provence a splash of balsamic and one or 2 glasses of Champagne (when Alanea reads this it will get edited so come back later). I got smoked salmon my fave.

This is Dave in rehab

2010-12-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

Still nursing a stiff neck Dave manages a few degustays to loosen up. Wearing his Big Sur Marathon "T" he has promised to get strong in 2011. He should run the Medoc Marathon but who knows what would happen if he did. Water stations have Oysters and wine, yikes. I get water and a little Champagne after Alanea of course.

Back to summer 2010

2010-12-24T06:40:00.000-08:00

Bandol Rose is Alanea's favourite. A road trip and a few degustays later she was Living strong.

Alanea made real olives

2010-12-24T06:35:00.000-08:00

First attempt was a success. Against the odds and popular belief it can be done in the comfort of your own kitchen. This was the 1st of 2 batches which turned out very good were a hit with our guests. I do not like olives. As hungry as I am I spit them out.

Christmas time

2010-12-24T06:34:00.001-08:00

My own Sapin Noel

Me with Dave

2010-12-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

David, Dave and me.

The French LCBO

2010-12-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

Acronym: Lot's Of Booze & Olives. Alanea and Dave say the secret to a long marriage is inexpensive but good Champagne, look at that smile.

Roquebrune Sur Argen

2010-12-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

I asked Dave why they called the town Roquebrune. He said look north young man. Nice rock eh!

Window on a new world

2010-12-21T02:01:00.000-08:00

Alanea opened the window and looked out on a new world. Actually it was the same world but it tasted like sunshine, Rose and 6 years of hard work.

Adapting to change can be hard

2010-12-21T01:57:00.000-08:00

One must allow a few months to get used to a new environment. Food is a major source of concern. There are so many choices.

The Olive Farmer Oct. 2010

2010-12-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

I sat on the deck and watched Alanea pick olives. They taste horrible. I much prefer cookies and cheese. Alanea made real Olives you will see them in jars later.

December

2010-12-14T00:59:00.000-08:00

I had my first guest here on Dec 3, his name is Apollon and he is vey nice. He came with Joan from Paris and stayed for 4 days.

They did it!!!

2010-11-27T04:31:00.000-08:00

I am in France. That's me Tiff. The pic is taken in the house Dave and Alanea sold to make my dream come true. I now eat croissants every Sunday (Dimanche to you Oscaroo).

It is quite an adventure, one I am sure you will enjoy reading.

Alanea is Paris, Dave is watching CNN. Sit back and enjoy, contribute, ask questions and don"t fall off of your bike.