Provence, France - Day 6 - Cherries and Fender Benders

Thursday, June 24 – We wouldn’t appreciate all the perfect vacation days if we didn’t have at least one “not so perfect” day to give us a little jolt of the real world. Thursday was that day in a couple of ways.

Started out pretty good except I woke up feeling a little punky – maybe too much rosé? I didn’t have the headache to go with that malady but I sure didn’t feel right.

Ignoring that not-so-great feeling, I prepared to go into the Goult to get some early morning photos of kitties coming in from their night of partying. Preston had plans to spend a part of the day with a French co-worker, Celine, visiting some Daf (the European Peterbilt truck) dealers.

Here’s where I made one good decision. Preston was to meet Celine in the center square of Goult at 8 am. He could drive up there but how was I to get the rental car back since I wasn’t a registered driver? According to Preston, it was only a ½ mile back to the mas – I could surely drive the car back. Nooo….I didn’t think that a good idea – what if something happened. Stu said he’d drive us up so off we went.

Just out of our driveway on the narrow dirt road to Goult we passed a lady on her morning walk then suddenly in front of us – directly in front of us – was a little white pickup barreling around the corner. Stu reacted quickly and went up onto the bank but it wasn’t quite enough and the little white pickup slid right down the side of our van – ba-boom! Dang! A French Fender Bender!

Fortunately, our walking neighbor, whom we found was American, spoke French as the pickup driver didn’t speak a word of English. After much talking and gesturing back and forth Laura (our American neighbor) said Bruno (the pickup driver) wanted us to follow him back to his house just on the other side of Goult.

After dropping Preston to meet with Celine, Stu and I followed Bruno to his farm – a cherry farm. After a conversation with Bruno and his wife, if you can call gesturing a conversation (she didn’t speak English either), Stu and I left with an appointment to come back that evening with Vicky as translator and a crate of cherries. Yes, cherries! Bruno is a cherry farmer and wanted to give us a bit of an apology. Fender Benders French style!

We went back to the mas to share our story with all hopes of kitty photos abandoned. Good thing, too because shortly after we got back my punky feeling turned nasty and I went down for the rest of the day – fever, chills, aches, vomiting – what fun!

Talk about being pissed off – there’s nothing worse than wasting a day of vacation being sick! I kept trying to get up and get on with the fun and headed right back to bed.

When Preston returned from his morning with Celine to be greeted by a green wife he decided it would be more fun to go to the Lavender Museum than hang with me. Can’t blame the guy! But, the Lavender Museum? Well, that’s a place that Sarah and Sue wanted to visit so Preston generously agreed to be their chauffer for the excursion. So, next time you see Preston be sure to ask him all about Lavender and Lavendine – and how wonderful it smells in the Lavender Museum.

Vicky and Stu did meet with Bruno and his wife to get all the information about filing for insurance. And, they came home with another crate of cherries!

So, there’s the story of how we modified our unscathed rental van to match the swipe down the side of the 2nd van that was there when we rented it. Now we had a matching set of side-swiped Mercedes rental vans.

Here’s a few pictures of the day (none at the Daf dealer or the Lavender Museum?!) - http://fieldhaven.phanfare.com/4192290#imageID=74989962

Provence, France - Day 5 - St. Remy

Wednesday, June 23 – An early morning call to head to the market in St. Remy, one of the biggest markets in the area. St. Remy was quite the bustling town and the market was very crowded. We got some great cheeses, sausages, pasta and mussels for Wednesday night’s dinner at the mas.

After returning to the mas in the early afternoon we lounged by the pool for most of the afternoon until we found out there was a tack shop in a nearby town. Sarah, Preston, Sue and I piled into the VW and went in search of the French tack store. Of course, we couldn’t leave France without finding one. Hey, at least I didn’t go in search of any animal shelters!

After another stunning dinner by Chefs Fran and Vicky we headed to Goult for our now routine evening walkabout winding up at the local terrace restaurant for after dinner drinks and dessert. We could certainly get used to this lifestyle!

For today's pictures go to http://fieldhaven.phanfare.com/4169569#imageID=74225385

Provence, France - Day 4 - Gordes and Roussillon

Tuesday, June 22 – Preston elected to have a casual day at the mas while Sarah, Sue, Leann and I went to market Day at Gordes, a stunning Cliffside village that has become an “in” place for the rich and famous to buy houses. The architecture is incredible and the views unmatched but the crowds of people take away the charm of the village. While I was in awe as the tour bus drivers negotiated the narrow main streets and tight roundabout in the center of town, I couldn’t help but think how sad to see such a 21st century blemish mar the picture of the simple centuries-old village. With the possible exception of St. Remy (where we’ll go tomorrow) I think Gordes was the most tourist-spoiled city we visited in France. For the most part, all the villages we visited have been untouched by modernism. And, actually, to the credit of the French, even Gordes and St Remy have no lasting scars by way of fast-food restaurants, modern buildings and such. At the end of the day when the tour buses leave the village is returned to its sleepy, ancient charm with only a few discreet mentions of modern day marvels; an occasional ATM machine or a satellite dish hanging off the side of a 16th century home.

After partaking in the market in Gordes – and steering very wide of the kitten and puppy displays by the Gypsies – we went on to Roussillon for lunch. While Roussillon is just as breath-takingly beautiful as Gordes is best known for the ochre from local mines that is used as a coloring agent in some many of the buildings in this area of France. The red, brown and yellow colors in they are so vivid and spectacular. Even walking around Roussillon will result in some souvenir ochre collecting on your shoes.

We had a leisurely lunch in Roussillon before heading back to the mas for some serious pool lounging (with lots of rosé), a light dinner in and our evening walkabout in Goult.

For today’s pictures go to

http://fieldhaven.phanfare.com/4168253#imageID=74174117

Provence, France - Day 3 - Visiting Ancient Rome

The Mistal continued to blow as we caravanned to Glanum http://www.softseattravel.com/Glanum-Roman-Ruin-in-Provence.html the site of some fascinating Roman ruins that were buried for centuries then discovered in the 1920’s.

After strolling the ruins we walked to the nearby Asylum Saint Paul de Mausole where Vincent van Gogh was hospitalized for a year and where he painted some of his most famous paintings, including Starry Night. That was quite the depressing place! Blood-letting, ice baths and other treatments of that time were described. Makes getting a root canal without novacaine seem tame in comparison!

In the afternoon, Preston, Sarah and I navigated our way back to the train station in Avignon to pick up Sue who was just arriving. Her departure for France had to be delayed 2 days as she awaited the return of her husband from a 4-month stint in Iraq. I love Sue’s attitude. “Hi Honey, welcome home from the warzone . Here’s the kids – I’m off to France for a vacation. Have fun!”

Back to that navigation thing. Finding our way to the train station was definitely an adventure especially not understanding the road signs, the roundabouts (which we sometimes went around 2 or 3 times before figuring out which road to take) and the crazy drivers. A near miss with a vespa vs our bus, some dirty looks for the “American tourists” and we finally found the station….and Sue!

On the way back to Goult we stopped at the local wine cave (pronounced “kav”, meaning the wine cellar) to fill up on rosé. “Fill-up” literally. Check out the pictures!

That evening we took the first of several evening walks into the village of Goult that always ended at one of the village restaurants for a nightcap. In the village I discovered – guess what? Cats! No surprise there I’m sure to most anyone who knows me. Cats were snoozing on the sidewalks, in the streetside gardens, on the stone walls – kitties seemed to be in every corner. And, much to my relief they were almost all healthy, friendly kitties. And, yes, I immediately checked out the most important thing – nearly all were spayed or neutered! Whew! I would not have to stay behind when everyone went home to implement a French spay/neuter program! My camera started going crazy snapping pics of the kitties. More on the Cats of Goult to follow.

For pictures of today's adventure go to http://fieldhaven.phanfare.com/4165236#imageID=74092656

Provence, France - Day 2 - Market Day at Isle sur la Sorgue

Sunday, June 21 – Market Day!

The markets in France are similar to our Farmers’ Markets but much more “authentic” – each town has a market day and this is where the restaurants get their fresh produce. On Sunday we went to one of the largest markets in Provence; Isle sur la Sorgue. This market is known for vendors that sell everything from fabrics to antiques.

It is here at the market where I had my first encounter with a French chat (cat). You see, there was this sweet mom cat with 2 kittens that one of the vendors was displaying in a little wooden cart along with a puppy and a miniature goat. Was this perhaps the French version of a pet store or even a rescue of some sort? Since I couldn’t read a work of the signage I had not a clue. I picked up a darling kitten (and very healthy looking) for a cuddle and a much needed kitty fix. The proprietors of the cart chatted away to me in French, thrusting boxes of candy into my face. I had not a clue what they were saying since I understand barely a word of French. After a quick snuggle I put the kitty down and strolled away with the people continuing to talk to me. I presumed they were trying to get me to buy the kitten or donate to their rescue.

It was later that I learned that I had just fallen for one of the biggest tourist traps in the French Markets. Vicky, who speaks fluent French, apparently got an earful from them and they were not happy that I hadn’t paid to pet the kitty! Now there’s a new angle for fund-raising – charge to pet the kitty. We ought to try that at FieldHaven! These people are gypsies who live in RVs traveling around to the markets with their cute and cuddly animals, convincing tourists to give them money. And, from what I learned, they also use the animals as a diversion for distracting tourists while they pick their pockets. At least I didn’t get caught in that scam but leave it to me to get in “trouble” over a kitty my first day in France!

After the market we retired back to the mas for a lunch of some tasty paella from the market, some lazy time by the pool and more rosé – lots more rosé.

That evening we had a fabulous catered dinner by Helen, a local woman originally from England. Helen can create a fabulous meal!

For pictures of Day 2 go to: http://fieldhaven.phanfare.com/4158044#imageID=73850442.

Provence, France - Day 1

Following is a journal from a 12 day trip to France Preston and I took to celebrate the 50th birthday of my oldest (length of friendship, not age) friend, Sarah Boudreau (aka “Jones”). There were 10 of us in our group. The trip was organized by Sarah’s sister, Fran, and her step-mom, Vicky. Also accompanying us was Stu, Sarah and Fran’s dad, Fran’s husband, George, Leann and Paul , friends of the family and Sue, a friend of Sarah’s from Norfolk.

Because I was “forbidden” to bring along a computer (insider joke) I couldn’t write up my journal until our return to the states. Of course, I could’ve done it the “old-fashioned” way of Vicky and Fran by hand-writing it everyday. But since I often can't even read my own hand-writing that may have been a fruitless effort. So here I am post-vacation recreating each day in my mind. Now, there’s a challenge for this almost-49 year old, menopausal brain!!

I’ll do a blog entry for each day – may take me a couple of weeks to get the whole trip done.

Day 1 - Saturday, June 20 – After flying all day Friday and overnight then losing 9 hours of time (6 for Sarah) Preston, Sarah and I arrived at Charles De Gaulle in Paris early Saturday morning. Somewhat – no – a LOT tired as we met up with the rest of the crew at the high speed train station. A 3 hour, super fast trip through the French countryside brought us to Avignon in Provence.

Here is where we learned what the “Mistral” is in France. Here in Sacramento we’d call it a Delta Breeze on steroids. Bright sunny skies with a wind forceful enough to knock you off your feet if you weigh less than 100 lbs (not me).

The rental car process was a lengthy one but the monotony of waiting was broken up by the eye-candy at the rental counter in the form of some very darling Frenchmen – all in their 20’s. Nicholas’ transparent blue eyes – oh, we talked about them all week.

Our rental cars were 2 Mercedes “buses” and a VW. One of the buses had a lengthy scrape down one side and was missing some molding. We’ll revisit that fact later in the week.

A 45-minute drive to the village of Goult and we found our mas (farmhouse) down a quiet dirt road near some vineyards. The mas was everything described to us and more! Just an absolutely quintesstial 1700’s stone house with all the period charm but with every modern amenity. Even a (very slow) wireless internet connection.

Preston’s and my accommodations were a remodeled pigeonnier (yes, a pigeon house) that opened right to the pool. Cute, cute, cute!

Fran and Vicki bought out the local market of some wonderful fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and rosé wine. Yes, rosé. One of the first things we learned about France is that rosé wine in a staple in France. No, we’re not talking about the socially-unacceptable White Zinfandel that all of us Californians cringe at when our out-of-town relatives order at a restaurant embarrassing us to no end. Yes, we are wine snobs. But in France It’s cool to drink rosé. And, just wait til you hear how it’s dispensed!

Enjoy the pictures of our first day at http://fieldhaven.phanfare.com/4157904#imageID=73845913

A Tale of 2 Cats and 2 Years (and the importance of microchips)

Blake went missing nearly 2 years ago from the home of his adopter. The teenage black kitty had been adopted from FieldHaven just a few short months prior. Blake was on the “shy” side and one day he scooted out an accidentally left open door. His family searched and searched, postering the neighborhood, checking the shelter – anything to bring this kitty home. A kitty whom they had fallen in love with in spite of the fact that he seemed to not be fond of human affection. As time marched on their hope waned and they adopted 2 small dogs into their family.

Last week I was just stepping out of a meeting at Placer County Animal Services when a staff person stopped to let me know that a semi-feral cat had been surrendered in a trap that morning. At first he seemed destined to be classified as a feral but, alas, a microchip was found – a microchip that had been implanted by FieldHaven. Thank you PCAS for checking for microchips on all incoming animals no matter how un-owned they may appear.

I quickly checked the chip in our database and found his adopter’s contact information. The adopter was surprised by the call – after all Blake had been missing for so long they didn’t harbor any hope that he’d be found. She was ecstatic and told me her daughter really missed that silly shy cat. She said she’d love to bring him home but was concerned about the 2 new canine family member – would Blake be comfortable with them?

After a conversation with her we elected to bring Blake back to FieldHaven where we could all work together to work out the best solution for him.

We have found that Blake has reverted back to his mostly feral state. Volunteers are working with him to see if he can be re-socialized enough to return to his family or if a different living situation would be better for him. But, thanks to his microchip, he is safe and cared for. And, his family is comforted by knowing where he is.

River was found by a jogger wandering in the open space behind the Lincoln Home Depot in October 2007. He was skinny and starving. A neutered male that obviously belonged to someone at some time but he was not microchipped and a search did not turn up an owner. Several months later River was adopted into a great home. But River knew he didn’t belong in that home. He let his adopters know that he didn’t want to be there in that unpleasant way cats do – he peed everywhere he wasn’t supposed to.

The adopters tried everything; a medical workup, the pheromone plug-ins, trying to reason with him, whatever they could try they did. But to no avail.

Tearfully, they returned River (now known as Linus) to FieldHaven after a year. That was 2 months ago. We did another medical work-up in the hopes something had been missed. Nope, River was just a chronic bad kitty!

We love River but, heck, do you know how hard it is to adopt out a 5 year old, black/white, slightly overweight pee cat? We’ve been down this road before and we just try and keep the faith. You just never know when “that person” will come along. Sometimes it takes months and months but we just keep trying.

River hasn’t had the best of times at our PetSmart Adoption Center – he gets stressed there and doesn’t put his best face forward to the public. Instead he hides somewhat and just sits there. No head-butting “take me”s against the adoption center windows for this guy.

This week Jen decided to try River again at PetSmart just to see if he would like it any better. Who would’ve known how that decision would turn out.

Last night Kristian was shopping at PetSmart when she wandered by the adoption center and began looking at kitties in the adoption center. When she saw River sleeping in his bed she thought of her family’s black and white kitty, Charlie who went missing shortly after they moved to Lincoln nearly 2 years ago never to be found in spite of months and months of searching.

When River lifted his head to look at Kristian she was stunned by what she saw – a black nose and a black dot in the center of his white chin just like Charlie. It was Charlie!

Admittedly, we were skeptical when Kristian called last night. Could she really recognize her black and white cat after 2 years? Kristian came to FieldHaven today with pictures – no doubt about it – it’s Charlie.

Today Jen and I had the most incredible joy of witnessing the reunion of Kristian and Charlie. These are the times in rescue and animal shelter that make our hearts swell with love and pride for the work we do. How can it get better than this?

Charlie/River/Linus now has a microchip. But we hope he never needs to use it.

The Lincoln News Messenger was also there to witness the reunion – watch for the story in next week’s paper.

Please microchip your pets.

Kristian and Charlie - see the black spot on his chin?