Disqus - Latest Comments for joawils

Re: Cemeteries, chrysanthemums and customs

joawils — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:40:44 -0000

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the posting. It seems that most villages have a church and, often, a cemetery in the center of the village. The influence of religion, in this case, Catholic, is apparent throughout France.

Re: Cemeteries, chrysanthemums and customs

joawils — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 13:48:00 -0000

Gloria, Indeed, the Day of the Dead is an enormous celebration in Mexico. I'm glad you are enjoying the posts. I am so fortunate to be able to experience life in rural France outside of the usual tourist experiences. I keep looking for ways to step into life in France and be a part of it and not just an observer.

Re: Cemeteries, chrysanthemums and customs

joawils — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 04:18:34 -0000

As for walking in the cemetery It is quite acceptable and common in France to visit and walk through a cemetery. It gives a real sense of the history of the village and surrounding area, with many of the graves dating back in time. Shona is the dog who lives in the house where I'm currently renting an apartment. Another very common practice in France to to take dogs everywhere. Dogs are regularly seen in the cafes, some shops and restaurants. So walking with a dog in the cemetery is in no way considered disrespectful

Re: Cemeteries, chrysanthemums and customs

joawils — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:33:29 -0000

Today I went back up to the cemetery to take more photos....it's an amazing sight.

Re: Pension reform in France

joawils — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 05:04:35 -0000

Gene, many thanks and I hope you will continue to enjoy my experiences here. There are days when life seems no different at all from that of my Traverse area surroundings. There are other days, however, when the differences jump up at me. All in all, I find life here much less focused on the material ... and more on the human...just my observation.

Re: What I did on my winter vacation: Part I

joawils — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:10:16 -0000

After a while you get used to seeing slot machines everywhere and you begin to realize that in order to get to any shop or restaurant, you have to go through the casino. But what I really like about Las Vegas is the fact that behind the gambling lies a world of excellent entertainment and fantastic art! Be sure you go to the Bellagio Hotel and look at the ceiling of the lobby. It contains 2,000 blown glass flowers done by artist Dale Chihuly. As if the fountains outside aren't enough to leave you breathless, the lobby flowers will! Check out Steve Wynn's art collection and enjoy the weather!

Re: Village neighbors

joawils — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:56:21 -0000

Yes, quite different, which was a goal of mine for this year. I'm truly enjoying feeling much more immersed in the experience of living in France. I keep meeting very interesting people and feeling grateful that they seem to accept my being here!

Re: Snowbound in Saignon

joawils — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:45:22 -0000

Well along with ice and snow came the 24 hours without my Internet connection. Now THAT was serious! Gratefully, I'm back online. Weather all over Europe and the UK has been very strange this winter. Most of our snow has melted and after 8 days in the village, I'm set to venture forth today. I don't get down to Salon de Provence often...but will keep your family in mind. Thanks for the news from Ticino canton.

Re: The Village

joawils — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:40:26 -0000

After my past five winters in this region, I still find that Saignon feels like "home". There's not much to it in terms of shops, etc., but it's a vibrant village. As I was struggling to get the door to my house locked the other night, I was greeted by an older man, walking his dog. He introduced himself, and his dog, and proudly told me that he's a native of the village. I saw him again a few days later and he told me he'd come by and sprayed some oil in the lock to my door, to ease the process. Nice neighbor!

Re: The Village

joawils — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:36:59 -0000

The Auberge changed hands a couple of years ago and I have not visited since. However, several of my friends report that it is still charming and a good place to eat. I walked by the other day and they had an ad out front for hot mulled wine. I'll be sure to give you a first hand report.

Re: A correction and I'm ready!

joawils — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:25:54 -0000

The weather has been glorious, although cold is on the way. There is, however, the ever present sun.....and I am on my way to a real new adventure living in the village....

Re: Summer here and plans for there

joawils — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:14:03 -0000

I'll look forward to hearing from you and following your adventures. Will you be posting on your blog? Bon Voyage!

Re: Healthcare: A conservative's perspective

joawils — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:43:52 -0000

I appreciate your reply and the obvious ample amount of time you have to research and explore the information floating around from various sources. This only supports my contention that we need to push aside the politically spun cobwebs and deal with the facts.

That said, is the French system perfect? Of course not!

One inescapable fact is that someone or entity has to pay for any system. No one expects physicians or nurses to work for little or no salary. Now we head down the road of the philosophical discussion as to what is "fair" for whom and under what conditions.....and on and on it goes.

Another inescapable fact: We are not going to find the magic answer with our "conversation". What I do applaud and encourage is a continued sane and calm exchange of facts and a willingness for all individuals to examine them without fear, anger or blind political fervor entering into the discussion.

Re: Healthcare: A conservative's perspective

joawils — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:59:17 -0000

As some readers know, I spend much of my time in France (or have, at least, during the past 5 years). Here's what I know from first hand experience.

The French health care system is superb. Why? Among other reasons...they pay for it. The French pay very high taxes during their working years.

Here's what I have experienced: On several occasions over the 5 year period, I needed to go to the doctor for flu, ongoing issues with blood pressure control, etc. I was seen by the physician...no fancy office, no office staff, no nurse on duty (this was true of the two I visited). The doctor spend a minimum of 1/2 hour to an hour with me. Office call cost? 22€ or $31 at today's exchange rate. If I had been part of the system, no charge! All included.

I had blood work done at the lab. Roughly $19 (and I'm rounding up.)....Monthly medication..$30. If I had been part of the system, no charge, all included.

A year ago a visiting friend fell and broke her wrist. A Sunday morning trip to the local emergency room: She was promptly seen by a doctor, got x-rays, which were read on the spot, received a brace and prescription medication for pain. At no time were we asked for money or an insurance card. They took her name and stateside address period! A week later, we went back to pick up the x-rays for her to take back to her Stateside physician. Total cost? Roughly $125.

I can go to the local pharmacy and pick up the annual flu vaccine. Cost? $5. Take it to the local nurse's office (yes, their nurse care system is also comprehensive and included in their covereage)....my cost, without any insurance? $10 for the injection. (I know, it would be free to me in the States with my Medicare coverage, but I was not here!) Oh, and had I wanted or needed, the nurse would have come to my house to give me the injection for the same charge.

I won't ramble on. I think you see my point. We are the greatest country! Why can't we do it?

Let's get the political wrangling out of the discussion and deal only with the facts, please!

Re: Climbing the Mountain (of Life)

joawils — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 16:23:27 -0000

What a lovely reminder to us all....stop and smell the roses and be sure to share and enjoy the view all along the way! It all boils down to living life mindfully.....very nice, thank you.

Re: Spring planning

joawils — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:24:26 -0000

Oh how lucky you are! I'll be sure to look and see. I wish I were not so entrenched with friends and a way of life in the Luberon since I know that France has a multitude of spots to enjoy!

Re: Spring planning

joawils — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:22:57 -0000

I agree that it does seem to be hit and miss. Whereas I often stop at the cafe in France for a cup of coffee, I seldom just go out here for the same. Maybe it's the atmosphere that makes it taste better there, do you suppose? The last coffee (translate expresso) I had in France cost 1,50 euros, which at today's exchange rate is abut $2. I'm still having trouble getting past the price of a good loaf of artisan bread here! I miss my less than one euro baguette!

Re: Back in Michigan

joawils — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:21:21 -0000

The grammar is just fine! I do know I'm very fortunate. That said, living life with one foot each on two different continents is not without its problems!

Re: Linguistics and other challenges

joawils — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:11:19 -0000

Yes, indeed, just like vegetables in the soup, we are all mixed into the pot. Now if we could figure out a way to stop people from war and terrorism, we'd be able to concentrate on blending the veggies to make delicious soup.

Re: Linguistics and other challenges

joawils — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:05:17 -0000

Language has always fascinated me! As I spend more time here, I'm realizing that being able to function in another language opens the door to all kinds of new opportunities, experiences AND, challenges. In the past month I've had to grapple with the need to expand my vocabulary to include padlock, dehumidifier, work estimate, and safe box....it's a never ending process!

Re: Moving on

joawils — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:49:07 -0000

The miserable winter and my commitments to frequent moves has made this one of the less enjoyable stays. However, I will be sad to leave and am already exploring some options for my return. This area of France will always be a part of my life. I have such good friends here, and continue to expand my circle. The way of life, even in miserable weather, is very special to me.

Re: How to deal when you are young and naive

joawils — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:29:10 -0000

You handle them by being consistent and persistent and keeping careful notes about what action you took, when you took it, and (if you are ever fortunate enough to speak with a real person), the name of the individual with whom you spoke! Don't give up! No, they do not always know what they are doing and often times rely on the fact that they can wear you down! I've often been most successful by just being very polite but firm, and when all else fails, ask to talk with (or see, if you are in person) the supervisor! Good luck!

Re: Tempests, markets, and meatloaf

joawils — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 10:09:58 -0000

I did have a nice red in mind, just wasn't sure which local vinter to choose. Opted for Constantin Chevalier, a small vineyard just outside the village of Lourmarin, to the south of here. I'm pleased to report that my British friends, loved the meatloaf!

Lemon Parsnip Soup
1 bsp butter
1 onion, peeled & chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp finely grated lemon peel
1/2 tsp each salt, pepper
6 C peeled, chopped parsnips
10 C chicken or vegetable broth
1 tbsp lemon juice
Thyme sprigs & Lemon slices
Heat butter in a large saucepan, over med. heat. Add onion, thyme, lemon peel, salt & pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 5 mins. Add parsnips, cover and reduce heat to med/low.
Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 mins or until parsnips become tender. Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, for 20 - 25 mins or until parsnips are very soft/mushy. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor in batches. Puree until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and bring to a boil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve in soup cups garnished with thyme and lemon.

Re: Tempests, markets, and meatloaf

joawils — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:29:41 -0000

The markets here are truly a way of life. It is one of the things I miss the most when I am back in the States. Traverse City does a nice job. I just wish more people would shop the markets. Having veggies and fruit grown close by makes such a difference.

Re: Tempests, markets, and meatloaf

joawils — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:27:03 -0000

France, like any other place, has its magic and its not so magic. It is, however, a wonderful country with a fantastic history, culture, food, and superb people!