Author Archives: Jason

Cherry Pickin’

Since late March when the cherry trees around the village bust into an amazing display of white or pink blossoms, we have been waiting and watching for the payoff. Well, the time has finally come and we’ve been stuffed with cherries, filled buckets, pie pans, and jam jars and there’s no end in sight. Continue reading

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French Gotic

I think the photo says it all this time. Plenty of Kitch, Plenty of Class, Plenty of Le Vignaud Blue. Just wish the number 11 was more visible… With love, from Le Vignaud. Continue reading

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Bastille Day and the Tour de France

Caught the Tour De France today- What better way to spend the French national holiday? But, who knew the Tour de France had more cars than bicycles? Three hours of waiting and then all the bikes had passed in a matter of seconds. Had I blinked, I would have missed it. A little disappointing it was… Continue reading

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Jeneane, Odette, and a Polaroid Camera

After lunch one day, Odette pulls out her old Polaroid camera… I just happen to have a pack of trusty 600 on hand. It was great teaching Jeneane, a 74 year-old Creusois, how to look through the fuzzy viewfinder and snap her first Polaroid photo. And- most importantly, what to do after you take one: Shake it like a Polaroid! (Or according to the instructions on the package: Keep it in a warm place for 3-4 minutes.) Continue reading

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Cutting Hay

Anyone who happened through Le Vignaud or rode with me through the country roads during hay season probably knows I have a strange love of the ubiquitous bales dotting the countryside. I couldn’t help but pointing them out nearly every time we passed by a newly cut field, or a nicely arranged pile of hay. So, please forgive me for indulging this bizarre passion. Here, I present my new series: French Hay Bales. Continue reading

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Mushroom Hunting

When spring arrives in the Creuse the rain falls often, the weather begins to warm, and most importantly- the mushrooms begin popping up everywhere. The Creuse is well known for it’s wild mushrooms, and there is a wide variety of species which are commonly harvested. From tiny white agaric growing in the meadows, to oyster mushrooms growing from dead trees, the land provides seemingly endless supplies of fresh mushrooms for anyone who cares to spend a few minutes looking. Continue reading

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You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere

Gigi’s gone. She left La Creuse this afternoon bound for the sunny south and Dirty Darren and I were left at the train station in Gueret alone… We took one last trip to Le Vignaud to say au revoir to Jeanine. Her grandson Damien was there, and he took over my camera for a while. Continue reading

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Summer is HERE

It’s been a long wait and after all those cold winter days, summer has finally arrived. It’s this time of year that we all remember exactly why we are here. It’s a beautiful time of year to live here, with beautiful weather and nature rewards all who are in it’s presence. Continue reading

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Just to Prove That They Really Existed.

Summer is here and the garden is full. It’s a wonderful time of year to be in Le Vignaud, and living off the land becomes easier, healthier, and oh so enjoyable. Cherry trees are full this time of year, mushrooms are popping in the woods, and all the fresh veggies you can eat are at your fingertips. Continue reading

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The Yard in Spring

Mid June: The Irises that we planted in March were blooming. The Poppies covered the front yard. The sunflowers were growing tall and their buds were getting bigger. It was at this time of year that I received the most compliments about the yard and how great the flowers and gardens looked… It was late spring and the wildflowers had reached their peak. It was a wonderful time of year to sit back, relax, and finally enjoy all the hard work that was finally paying off. Continue reading

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