Just a bit of Sunday-styles but when I was out walking the pupper this morning, I was fascinated by the sound emanating from the jacaranda tree on the corner. You see, I spoke with a touch too much of hope as a mighty Mistral wind has kicked up, plunging the temperatures and shaking our bones. Not to mention the seed pods of the afore-mentioned tree.
While I love my camera, the sound quality of the video is atrocious. Can you hear the metallic click of the jacaranda maracas under the Mistral’s howl?
Yesterday evening, it was predicted that the wind would reach points of 120 km/hour (yes, 75 mph) so today is perfect for bundling up, making tea then settling in to read while the listening to the shutters shake in their bolts…
Bon Dimanche…
If I could have identified it, my friend, I would have already written about it, as would have you. But let's imagine that Riveria breeze, shall we?
Ooh, I do believe anything involving S. Powers requires that word. Isn't that what is behind her signature regard? Quite sassy.
*not quite waving but sending my best nonetheless*
With tornadoes in the area just last week – I'm happier with bitter winds than the eerie warm air that forewarns of terrifying storms. But my preference would be a soft breeze on the Riviera. Wouldn't that be nice for the month of February?
(I will mention there is a particular whoosh of the cold wind through the trees that reminds me of Flanders and spots in Normandy. I have wonderful memories of both – bittersweet at times – but always delicious. What is it about the sound of the rushing air through leaves that is so evocative?)
Aidan it was 120 km/h here! Y'all in Montpellier have it Lucky!
And of course it is not bad, I only know it is that because of its beautiful flowers in the spring, it is a tree I first learned of in Nairobi–they were the only beautiful thing during one of our visits there! 🙂
oh, i love it. but the wind freaks me out. it makes the kids act insane. we had gusts of up to 80km/h!
aidan xo
ps is it bad that i didn't know those were jacarondas? I love them and have always wondered. so, thanks. as usual.
Isn't it true, Karen? I know when I go home to visit my Mom and Sis in Ann Arbor, MI in the winter that it is technically waaay colder than when the Mistral blows in Arles and yet that wind is brutal and it feels much worse!
Whenever we hear tales of the mistral we always hope that in at least one household the residents are watching This: http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0086762/
Right?!
Not very French.
But suitably Tempestuous, non?
😉
*wavingfromlosangeles*
I've read about the mistral but never experienced it. Sounds like a good choice to stay cozy indoors with a good book and a hot beverage to hand.
I don't know what is worse trying to walk in a cold mistral or below zero weather here in Minnesota… I remember mistral season in Aix and Nimes… I have never been so cold… thanks for the chance to hear it all again.
Heather, I beg to differ. Never seen a silly post here…fun sometimes, deep most of the time. I'm owning the silliness department today all the way…:) Stay Warm. And double yikes, the 49'er lost.
XO
A
Judith, thanks for the heads up for Cheryl's pupper post. I am her newest follower. 🙂
Oh my goodness, did you not get my card yet? I got it two weeks ago and immediately sent a thank you card!!! I am so sorry! Perhaps they put it in the "boat" so you will get it say…in March? 😉
Thank you again, I am loving it!!
Oh my, if it weren't for Ben who does need to go for his walks, I would most certainly would not have dressed either! In NYC, I could occasionally get away with going out to the corner deli with a long coat over my jammies but have only done so here once…I love Sundays.
Hello there everyone! Thank you for your lovely comments even for such a silly post! 🙂
Ah yes, today was an official Stay In Your Jammies Day if ever there was one…Hope that you all enjoyed it!
It is the word for Sunday, Suzamahtooze.
I've heard tales of the Mistral but never had the pleasure…:) I'm imagining you with a hot cup of something good, a wonderful dessert, great book in hands and the jacaranda tree doing the rumba from the corner outside. If the winds pick up a knot or two, don't be surprise if you hear a mariachi band…lol. Heading out soon with my better half to watch the Super Bowl at our friends' house. Have a great Sunday,Mistral and all.
XO
Amelia
What does 'dimanche' mean, shinshillion?
It turned cold here too. February is usually a capricious month. I am not in a hurry for the weather to warm up just yet. Though I must admit, I adore spring.
Of all the bad weather conditions I hate the strong winds the most. I would be inside too. Waiting for the Super Bowl just to see what Beyonce will pull off. xx's
I was in Aix one yer when the Mistral struck. Wish I were in Provence now instead of in the snow here in Cambridge, Ma.
Enjoy your day Heather! I enjoy a good wind or snow storm every now and then (providing the power doesn't shut down!) Perfect for baking, reading, and relaxing in some warm lounge wear. Enjoy your day!
xxL
Hey Cheryl! (Heather, Cheryl and I went to high school together),
I'm in wool leggings and big sweater. The snow started later up here near Boston. Right now it is gently sifting down, lightly dusting the yard like confectioner's sugar on cake.
And Heather, check out Cheryl's post [http://acoastalpointofview.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-new-normal.html] it is an homage/ open letter to her houseful of four-footed beauties.
I'm with Jane and Lance, still in my comfy flannel PJ pants…. pretending to get things done around the house. It was actually snowing at "FIVE OH OH" when the pups decided I should get up! No wind, though, so that's good!!
I remember the good old Mistral… a force to be reckoned with in Southern France, certainly. When you get a minute, let me know if you received the book I sent you, ok? Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
Hello Heather:
Brrrrr…not the weather to venture outdoors. And a confession…….just between the three of us of course…….we have not even dressed properly today, let alone set foot over the threshold!!!!
Happy lazy Sundays!!!
It does seem to be all about the wind this weekend. Mistral maracas is the perfect description! We just returned from our walk, and I'm heading for tea right now too!