Albi France

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We've been busy working in our yard--which the French call "le jardin" (the garden). Our space is divided between the lower garden--which is smaller and runs between the carport and the length of the house, and the upper garden. The upper garden has a large grassy area, swimming pool, and pool house with covered terrace. We hired Sebastian to renovate the crumbling stairs between the 2 gardens, lay a stone pathway from the carport to the house, and bring in some rock around the perimeter for better drainage. He finished the work a week ago, so we threw some grass seed down and hope it fills in soon so Murphy (our giant Labradoodle) can roll around in it this summer without it becoming a mud bath. We also officially opened the pool yesterday because we are going to have unseasonably warm temps for the next 7-10 days. The water was a chilly 78* but felt good in the hot sun, and Murphy was thrilled to be in the pool again (and then out, and then in, then out again, in again, and so on ..... LOL).

Everything is green and lush in Moissac, having benefited from the long, wet winter. We are meeting up with friends at the cinema tonight, as they are showing an English verison of the new "Devil Wears Prada 2" movie. Most movies here are in French (of course) and some will have English subtitles, but a movie spoken in English is a rarity we do not intend to miss.

Last week, we decided to take advantage of the great weather and took a little day trip to Albi, France. We toured the Berbie Palace Gardens--which were amazing. The palace was built for a biship in the 13th century, and is one of the oldest castels in France. It currently houses the Toulouse Lautrec museum and art gallery. We also toured the Sainte-Cécile d'Albi cathedral, with its spectacular painted walls and ceilings. The cathedral took over 200 years to complete (from 1282-1493).

We're hoping to do more sightseeing in and around France this summer, before coming back to visit friends and family in Illinois & Arizona in October. Wishing all of you a fabulous summer. Stay vigil and don't give up hope for better days. And, for those of you who are still fighting the good fight for democracy ....may the odds be ever in your favor. Nolite te bastardes carborundoru.

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