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…
It is a funny thing when that happens, isn't it? We always laugh because it is still so surprising even after all of these years.
Heehee, thanks for the compliments and the Steve Martin reference, Sister!! And I find it funny that a few people have used the word "romantic" and that wasn't in my mind at all…just that it was beautiful. So, that is something for me to think about!
Stay warm and safe in the snow, Sister. <3
Merci Barbara Lilian. And it seems like we are out of the really good stuff even here! But there is still, happily, much thyme to be gathered and yes, the perfume in the car on the way back was out of this world…
I am so sorry to hear that your entire crop was lost, Judy.
Aha! So maybe I will have to visit you in Greece for an "olive oil run"! 😉
The lamb was sensational. It is one of my very favorite dishes that he makes…and that is saying something!!
Thank you so much, friend. How I wish that you could come to visit more often but you know that already. I have so much more to show you here…and we barely got to talk! Well, by my standards. 🙂
Merci aussi pour la jolie compliment…
Oh I think that your writing is as clear as a bell. It is if you are talking to me/us! I only wish that you wrote more often but I do realize that you have a business to run.
And of course your response made me smile hugely. It WAS a really lovely, happy moment. The sky…one of our favorite corners of the Alpilles…all to ourselves. I do pinch myself at times and don't ever take those good times for granted!
The rosemary and thyme are tenacious, we are lucky to have something that resists the Mistral winds! Stay warm…
Costco! Really? I have to say that you surprised me with that one, Bill. But maybe they have a good wine selection there?