Part 2
Won’t go into details, but that was a bust – as we find out from various stops along the way it’s still a bit early in the “season” for many towns and attractions to be open for tourists – except on weekends. So, after our hour-long trip to sightsee we’re happy to change plans.
So, it’s back to Pey Au Bruc (the house) to enjoy our last full day just doing whatever. As we get closer to the house the sun just gets brighter and brighter. The girls are giddy about getting into the pool as soon as possible and I’m mulling over massive decisions, like when to attack the final prep for the stew. Should we run out at some point and buy a special dessert for our last dinner here….
Once home, the girls are in the pool, David has donned his bathing suit and has taken the plunge (not for me…. an unheated pool!!!!!). Jacqueline insists on helping me in the kitchen with cutting up vegetables for the stew (I wanted to ass some more al dente veggies to those which had been cooked for 3 hours along with the beef). All in all, it’s another wonderful day. Jacqueline and I, in the kitchen with all the windows and doors open. David and the girls, in the pool playing games. No need to guess which game it is, since David’s repeated shouts of “Polo, polo, polo, polo, polo” give us a pretty good clue about what’s up in the water.
After dinner prep, Jacqueline suggests that she and I take a walk, together, to continue on a road which she and David had taken earlier in the day. I was game. So off we went. Stunning views from the gravel lanes curving here and there with 6 foot talk ferns on either side growing wild. It’s not long before we’re at the previous walk’s stopping point. A whole heard of steer come sauntering over to the fence, right across from us….it’s pretty clear to Jacqueline and me that we’re not the only ones who pass by this spot – though we’re guessing that other passersby probably have food, since their reaction to our walking past was pretty Pavlov-like.
After the walk it’s time to assemble the stew and get it into the oven for it’s final 1 hour of “finishing”. I guess it could be the setting and the company, but I’m pretty sure that this is the best stew I’ve ever, ever made. And the wine David bought in Saint Emillion – perfect. Desserts – an assortment of tartlets from the boulanger, picked out by Jacqueline, during a quick run into town. Things are upbeat, considering we are leaving. But, it’s definitely less festive, without Idris.
The girls are all back in the pool, after dinner. Jacqueline and I clean up the kitchen. It’s time to face reality. WE ALL have to head to our rooms to pack.
YUP. It’s time to do the unthinkable: pack our bags for the return home!!!!! Time for bed….
Pictures:
Jacqueline, from our walk, today
Morgan and David get in a final game of ping-pong game
Madeline, poolside
Margaux, taking a break from Marco Polo, before dinner.
Our last dinner at Pey au Bruc
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