Spring Rain... France (Spring Sessions 2012)

We returned to France on the heels of several weeks of wet weather which left the rolling terrain beyond our train window understandably green, a color heightened by the electric yellow of rape seed fields. While farmers are struggling Stateside with the early heat and dry conditions it brings, our French farming neighbors in the Charente spoke of the want for sun. No strangers to re-entry, we pride ourselves on being able to pop shutters, lift linens, and have a fire going in short order. No need. Thoughtful friends had been airing the house for a few days, then filled our fridge with staples (cheese, milk, butter, ham, etc.) to ease the arrival. Humbling is such generosity.
 That evening we were treated to dinner, as well, so as not to have to struggle with the fatigue of travel. Alice and Aleric, two friends who go out of their way to make sure we are always well received, insisted we take dinner with them. The afternoon had warmed a bit, but I got a fire going anyway, the better to lift any residual damp from stone walls. Alice, seemingly taking a cue from the show of sunshine, treated us to a taste of North Africa with a chicken braise and couscous meal that was perfect and light considering we'd be hitting the sheets promptly. A shredded zucchini salad and small balls of bufala mozzarella had gotten us started, Aleric opening some of local vintner Roland Villneau's rosé. Just right. Some young goat cheese... a few small strawberries... some crème brûlée... a short coffee. (I'm weird that way. Able to hit a coffee, then sleep directly afterward.)
 And sleep we did. Rain returning as we settled in for the night made me glad to have added a log to the fire;  the better  to "open" the house up a bit more. Then sleep, that wonderful, thoughtless sleep after having traveled long distance.

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