Packing

To get out the suitcases or not to get out the suitcases, that is the question. Wait till the last minute, which is tomorrow, and put off thinking about leaving for another day, or stumble over suitcases for an extra 24 hours, but pack more slowly?

Normally we'd only have hand luggage. But we are moving to a new-to-us condo and thought we might take: a few sheets and towels, books, sofa cushions, books, salad bowl, tea towels, books, napkins, pot holders, books, placemats, books, a winter coat, books...ie, some of all the things (books) that are more than we need in one place. The model sailboat my son built. Books.

Here's another Christmas photograph. The village is La Roque Alric, looking towards the Dentelles de Montmirail, a great climbing spot. We walk there several times a week, 3.5 km of fairly steep up and down. In autumn there are vineyards with grapes to glean. In winter the mistral can be fierce, but the Place de l'Eglise, when you get there, is sunny and sheltered. In fact, you never want to leave. On this day a woman came along with a key to the church and we were able, for the first time, to go inside. She was taking away some of the Christmas flowers.

Photos by François Brahic