“I think that I am on your street.” I looked out of the window to see a lovely blonde precariously balancing a tray while leading a Golden Retriever and talking on her cell phone zoom past our corner. “Wait! Stop! Back up! Look up!” I leaned out of the window and waved like mad. I could see Aidan’s smile blossom from a far and with a “Hooray!” I ran down to open up the front door to let her inside.
I remember writing to Aidan on her wonderful blog Conjugating Irregular Verbs pretty much immediately after we first came into contact asking “When can we meet?!”. She had somehow stumbled upon my Haunted series and we clicked right away. And she lives in Montpellier! A mere 40 minute drive away! Alas, these things take time. There are children to be wrangled (Aidan has three beautiful ones) and schedules to be balanced. Six months later, it all came together.
Although I am shy, I knew that Aidan and I would get along and it felt wonderful to not be even the slightest bit nervous, just excited. And I wasn’t the only one! Within minutes our words were over-lapping and we could barely finish one thought because it sparked off several others. There was so much that we wanted to cram in we were practically hyper-ventilating! Although we eventually settled down to a fine lunch of the crisp pissaladière that Aidan had generously baked, the five hours we spent together passed far too quickly and we were literally still chatting in the parking lot as she was loading up the car to head home.
But I wasn’t the only one that was thrilled. As previously mentioned, Aidan brought along her one year old Golden, Clementine. The meeting of our two beloved puppers was just the icing on the proverbial cake. Oh, how she tortured Ben! She chewed on his ears until they were a soggy mess and pounced on his back until they rolled into the furniture. And he loved every minute of it. Goldens seem to have an innate recognition for other Goldens and they quickly formed a big brother/little sister bond. Unfortunately, it was way too hot to take them on the stroll that I had imagined (32°C/90°F) but we did manage to stop off at the new gelato shop with dollops of salted caramel for Aidan, beet and cucumber for me. Surprisingly, Clementine was less than thrilled when I offered for her to lick the bowl for the last crimson stain of beet! I wonder why…
Aidan’s writing is open, honest and so funny, just like her wonderful self. Now I know firsthand and I am so thrilled to have made a new friend. I have to say it has been a pretty fabulous week as far as connecting due to the internet and thank you to all that were so supportive about Wijnand Boon’s peace-walk. Such positive experiences. Let’s hear it for the joy of discovery!
Bon weekend!
For those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is running at an Olympic pace so let’s make the most of it…
Hooray! Aidan, Ben and I are pretty darn pleased with ourselves to be even in the top ten of your happy list because holy cow do you have a lot to be happy about! I loved meeting you too, also as you know! I went on and on to my Mom today. So fantastic to meet a new friend, someone you just appreciate SO much. That isn't something that I take for granted in the least at our age–or any age actually.
And I love Clementine! I actually missed her today! Ben alas is in a similar state as she is and has slept all day. Each time I took him out he would do his business and when I suggested more of a walk he looked at me like "you are kidding right?" 🙂 I cleaned up the hugest pile of dog hair–all probably from Ben that Clem chewed off!! We need to start that sweater company…
I know you will not only nail but improve the beet sorbet recipe!
Gros bisous Aidan and much love to you and yours…
Bisous right back at you Liene. And Aidan's secret ingredient is…Aidan! She cooks from her heart and you can taste it. And I know for certain that Aidan is not a girl to lie so there you go! It was sooooo very good. Remi and I finished it up at the apero and I am embarrassed to say that I was fighting him for the last bit even though I was the one who had eaten it for lunch. Oops!
Heehee. Wacky but wonderful! And so was my time with Aidan. I wish you were still here–you would have LOVED all of it Sister. Ok not the beet gelato but everything else!!
My dear Hattats, I should have known that you would have seen that the evening light is changing too. Isn't it wonderful? Bring on the autumn!
And yes, it was a bit of a crazy scene at first between the dogs going absolutely bananas and Aidan and I like two breathless kids on a playground! I am not even entirely sure what was said during those first few minutes, so crazy was the scene!
Of course, for it to be in the fabulous category, one also needs good food and wine and we had that as well. Aidan's tart was addictive–I couldn't stop eating it! Onions, anchovies, capers, garlic on a crisp crust. I served a salad with artichoke hearts (I can't seem to get enough of them this summer), sun-dried tomatoes, red peppers, pine nuts and goat cheese and we both quaffed a bit of white Cairanne (and as we are NOT French we didn't have to serve it too cold!). Lovely.
I believe that Hungary had a medal in swimming, yes? Well and perhaps others but that was the victory I saw. Wondering who you cheer for?
What a happy meet up. How lovely to find another kindred spirit! An clearly Ben agrees, he and Clementine are quite the pair! Beet and cucumber sorbet? Wow. I doubt I'd find that at the corner grocery store – or even at our favorite ice cream shop. Only in Provence! Happy summer weekend, Heather! XO
I must say, between this post and Sara Louise's, I'm so jealous of these Provence meet ups!!! You ladies know how to have fun! I'm glad you two hit it off!
Have a lovely weekend – and yes, summer is speeeeeeeding by! Let's make the most of it.
Cheers!
Heather,
Thank you so much for this lovely post. And for such a wonderful day spent with you in your beautiful apartment hiding from the heat and sharing secrets. I loved meeting you, as you know, and am so thankful that our blogs have given us the opportunity to connect. You and Ben are at the top of my happy list! Clementine hasn't moved today, exhausted from her wild abandon, puppy escapades.
And the salty caramel ice cream was divine. But not as good as your beet sorbet. It really has got me thinking. Look for a recipe soon.
So much love to you and Ben,
Aidan xo
Blogging is fantastic on so many different levels – when I started I never dreamed I would meet people, isn't it fantastic? Tell me, after eating Aidan's baking, do you think she includes everything in her published recipes, or does she keep back a secret ingredient ? 🙂 Bisous! To both you girls and the puppies!
Oh my goodness, look at those happy, panting puppies! I can't believe how much they look alike – I guess there are only light Goldens in France? I'm SO glad that you had such a great time connecting with your friend – hopefully you can get together again in the near future! But beet/cucumber gelato?? That's where you lost me! (ew!).
Hello Heather:
Gosh, we are out of breath just reading this post!
What fun you two bloggers had and puppy love too, this has to be just the most perfect of times!As you say, the internet can be a powerful tool and when it connects like minded individuals, then it really is at its very best for the miles of separation can simply disappear in an instant!
Yes, Summer is marching on and the nights are noticeably drawing in. You are absolutely right to urge us all to make the most of these golden days!