If I have been posting less of late, it is for a very simple reason–it is too hot. My brain is in a state of suspended animation. For those of you from far away, please be patient with your French bloggers who are all in the midst of a canicule or heat-wave, one that has put several regions on high alert. I had already sweated my way through the last in 2003 when an estimated 15,000 people died. We now know to plan, to conserve our energy and to take special care of our furry friend, Ben. But there are still places to go and people to see, visitors to tend to.
On our way home from a recent outing, we took a small country road that we had never travelled before–as we are wont to do–and came screeching to a halt at the sight of a gift from the heavens. A source or spring burbled in a shallow pool that had been created with old stones and lined with a paved gravel by some kind soul for the benefit of all. The water was icy cold, from deep within the earth.
“Do you think Ben can go in?” I asked. He had rolled in the dirt earlier in a desperate attempt to keep cool. A bath would do him good in more ways than one. “I don’t see why not,” Remi replied. Ben couldn’t seem to believe his good luck. He pranced about, lifting one paw then the next…
…and then sank down with a sigh. His eyes glazed over and he became very still.
I cast off my sneakers and sank in my toes. Remi joined me.
We sat like that for some minutes, utterly content. The chill slowly worked its way up from our feet all the way to our brains until we felt completely restored.
Isn’t it lovely that such a small moment is one of my very favorites from this Summer?
Have a wonderful week everyone…
I wish, Vero! How I love that movie…
My dear friends, I am afraid the only time that I see 6am is when I need to catch an airplane. As this is no longer happening with much frequency, I have to admit that I can not attest to the temperatures but am very hopeful indeed that you are right.
As for Venice, I have full faith that you will have a wonderful time even if it is broiling–but I will be sending good thoughts your way, regardless. Have a wonderful time!!!
Thank you Suze and a heart-felt welcome!
I have thought about that quite a few times today, David. I am CERTAIN the writer is sincere and that is what makes it so wonderful. Yes, I did pass it on to Remi, who, quite simply, did not understand a word of it!
We waited until too late in 2003 to buy a fan and they were sold out EVERYWHERE! On my birthday for that year, Remi completely splurged and took me to a b&b in a chateau–save that they didn't have AC (who does here?) and we were so crazily hot the entire weekend that I couldn't even enjoy the Christian Dior museum! And that is saying something…
Hi Heather
What a perfect oasis. I can read Ben's mind. He is in total extacy. I am sure you have mapped this place for a return visit
Here we are noticing the mornings and evenings are cooler.
Have a great week
Helen
Awwwwwww just look at his face in the fourth pic! He looks so happy as can be! ♥
How lucky that you have access to such beautiful nature to create this simple yet lovely summer memory.
As usual, Paris and New York have traded places with the weather! It's cooling off big time over here and autumn seems to be creeping in. Boo.
I'm sure this French heat wave will be short-lived, but in the meantime, stay cool! #drinkrosé
Oh Heather, I can only imagine the stunning (as in it stuns you into submission) heat you are having in Provence. That stream looks heavenly. Good for Ben for knowing how to cool himself off. And it reminds me of another fresh spring that Paul and I experienced the first summer we were together. We were doing "deep woods" camping in upstate New York and after a long, hot, hike, we came upon such a stream. Being that we were far from civilization, we stripped down and cooled off!
Hello Heather:
How wonderfully refreshing. We can feel the cold of that water trickling over your toes and working its way through your entire body. Such bliss. Such joy. And for Ben too for whom the heat must be so much of a trial. Here each day is similar, hot, hot, hot, with the nights scarcely any cooler but, and we wonder if it is the same for you, the very early mornings, we are up at six most days, have that slightly different feel to them, a prelude to autumn?
We do so hope for cooler days this week in Venice. Certainly the churches, which we love to visit for they contain such treasures, will be respite from the sun. Away from our computer, we shall catch up anon!!