Dave got in the pic without me!

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

Alanea made real olives

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

My own Sapin Noel

Me with Dave

David, Dave and me.

The French LCBO

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

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

Window on a new world

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

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

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

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!!!

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.