Bonjour. Life has gotten very simple for Dad and I. Today is Friday. We got up around 7 and walked into the village of Mougins which is below the mountain. Dad had heard that the Petite Provençal, a small pizza place, served breakfast to the locals. Petite Provençal is a small rustic place with a long, wooden bar. Dad ordered a Cappuccino and a croissant. They were out of croissants so one of the other patrons walked across the street and bought one for us. They say me and didn’t want to disturb my nap. This is so typical of the South of France. The people are kind…particularly the working class. Just living quiet lives in a beautiful place.
Dad got a text from his Dutch friend Joost asking if we would like to go for a walk in the forest with their family…Joost, Betty and their dog Indie…a cocker spaniel mix who I enjoy running and playing with. Joost and Betty picked us up at our house…I rode in the back of their Volvo SUV. The forest is about 10 minutes away…and it is total wilderness. Indie and I ran, jumped and played…always staying close to Dad, Joost and Betty. Joost showed Dad where they pick local mushrooms…yesterday we saw a man who had gathered a full bucket of natural mushrooms…they are small and yellow. Joost told Dad that the locals keep their mushroom patches very secret…so no one else raids them. At the end of our walk, Betty gathered a couple of small stones. At the top of the hill is a small pile of rocks in honor of Paga Mama…or Mother Earth. Betty stopped and placed her rocks carefully on the pile and said a small prayer to Mother Earth for her Daughter and for Dad and I. Very touching. I love how these people live such simple lives in such a beautiful place. Yesterday she showed Dad a small statue of Mother Mary. She is not Catholic but stopped to say a small prayer to the universe. I use love these people…so kind. Joost and Betty are Dutch but they speak English around Dad so he will understand.
Joost and Betty recommended that we go to Valbonne to the Friday market. Valbonne is about 15 minutes from Mougins. It is a small old village with narrow streets, beautiful restaurants and shops. Dad bought a scarf from one of the vendors and then we (HE) had lunch at Bistrot Du Sommelier in Valbonne. Dad was in heaven. Lunch was a small salad with greens and shrimp…followed by a small skillet of fish with sauce and potatoes. Desert is a tart topped with local pears. Of course Wine and sparkling water. Dad was in heaven…relished every bite of the meal and the kindness of the staff and the patrons around us. We love going out for a big lunch…then eating a smaller dinner. Dad is typing this while looking at the desert and Macchiato. We learned that the French don’t drink Cappuccino after breakfast…preferring the smaller Macchiato after dessert. This time I got nothing but water…and I slept at Dad’s feet with my head on his foot while he ate. I am so happy to be here…with him…and to meet new friends. It’s like a dream.
This afternoon, we will go back to Mougins for a nap. Dad will probably do some writing and reading. He tried to wake up early to watch the Cowboy game which came on at 230AM…but I think he only lasted 5 minutes. The Cowboys lost (again)…this time to the Bears. In candor, I don’t think Dad really cares…things that were important to him in the states seem to minimize the longer we stay in France.
Tonight starts the Christmas festival in Mougins so we will walk up and check out the festivities. Tomorrow we will explore more of Mougins and then back to the festival.
On Sunday, we are driving to Verona Italy. We have a VRBO for a couple of nights…and hope to connect with Arturo’s (from Osteria 177) sister who lives there. I am excited to visit Italy. We plan to take the train to Florence and Rome…then back to Verona and home to Mougins. We are very excited that Ryane and Ian are flying into Nice for two weeks on the 17th and will be here for Christmas. It will be good to spend time with both of them.
Thanks for reading about our exploits…we are doing well.
Maggie (and Doug)
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