Remi and I have been known to read each others thoughts.
It just happens and when it does, we will invariably make the same comment, “You aren’t allowed to do that! Get out of my head!” And then we laugh. It is an old joke between us but it never does, actually, get old.
So I knew before he spoke that he wasn’t willing to just go the grocery store as planned for our last run before New Year’s Eve but had something else in mind. “Why don’t we go get some good olive oil to use for cooking the lamb?” he queried. I was already nodding before he finished his question and so we took a different direction at the upcoming roundabout and headed towards the Alpilles.
Nearly 80% of this years olive crop was struck down not only here but throughout Italy and Spain as well. Remi was planning ahead. He knew that the good stuff – which we buy regularly at the Moulin de Jean-Cornille in Maussane – wouldn’t last through the winter and he was more than right. There was hardly any left.
We bought three one liter bottles but still were disappointed. The energy in the boutique had been bizarre with other customers clamoring for the oil. I didn’t want our brief foray in the Alpilles to end on such a sour note. Not that afternoon, not ever.
“Why don’t we go and pick some fresh thyme for the lamb as well?” I suggested.
Despite what one might think, les Alpilles do not unceremoniously sprout les Herbs de Provence – rosemary, thyme and sage – partout. Not entirely. Luckily, we have our spot. A tried and true destination…
…amidst olive groves and running vines, parasol pines and stone chopped hills. But would it be there?
We arrived just in time…
…for the most beautiful sunset of the year. As if it knew that it had to take one grand swoop of a bow before time had run out.
And the thyme? No, it had not run out.
It was Remi who insisted that I take this photo of his victoriously brandishing our récolte or harvest, one that would, indeed perfume l’agneau marvelously along with such exceptional huile d’olive.
He did so because he knew that I was already thinking of you at this beginning of the end. Because just as Remi and I can read each others thoughts, so, oftentimes, you, that royal You, can also pop up inside my head. With a moment so beautiful that it shimmies up next to the sublime, of course, my only recourse was to share and share alike.
Have a wonderful weekend…
Merci Karena.
Love and thoughts you share together are almost sacred treasures. You go out and take a walk in splendid colors of the day and picking gifts from nature’s bounty “…a moment so beautiful that it shimmies up next to the sublime..” What else can one ask for.
Thank you Heather.
What a beautiful story, Heather. What a lovely way to wrap up the year – and thanks to you and Remi for thinking about the Royal You while on your adventure. Hope that this year is filled with many more moments of beauty. I feel so lucky that we get to share them with you! XOXO
Oh, Heather, how beautiful !!!!!
A glorious triumphal expedition. I'd go 'shopping' with you any day. 🙂
Wonderful sunset, wonderful story, and images! So important you haven't let your feelings for the Alpilles gotten spoiled. You kept them in a fine way! I hold myself sweet memories from that one day in les Alpilles. There is a certain magic in the air there. And the rocks are definitely an impressive setting.
What happened to the olive crops? Was is the weather?
Thank you for feeding us with another beautiful story! I actually think I start to live of them. (;
The same problem here in Italy. We were very sad! Let's hope in a better future!
Love your stories and pictures Heather.
I hope you enjoyed your meal!
Have a Wonderful weekend my dear!
Bisous
a search for ingredients in the nature is the most exhilarating preparation for a great meal aside from eating it and when it happens in such beautiful surrounding ,with the most beautiful sunset, what else can make you more happy.
Mind reading …so intimate and it works more often with my husband the longer we are together too.
See how you taunt us with your romance? While the rest of us go to Costco (or Meijer – eek!!) for our herbs and veggies, you and your lover romp over the Provencal countryside during sunset. Le sigh! I like not only the beautiful, beautiful orange-y photos, but also the idea of long term couples reading each other's minds! Also love the victorious bunch-of-thyme shot – suc-CESS!!! Thanks for sharing with us; we are so grateful!
Always love reading your posts and seeing your wonderful photos, capturing all the things of why I love living in France. The importance of how a meal is prepared & cooked. Collecting your Thyme took me back to when I picked my first thyme, which was growing high up in the mountainous Provence area along side of the road, the perfume was overwhelming. I'll be searching frantically now on websites to find good Olive oil. or better still making a trip down south .Hmm ! that sounds like a good idea. Thank you Heather, you have brightened my morning as the sky is grey. Enjoy your weekend.