Mombrier August 4 & 5

Aug 4: Up and out by 4a. The trip into Bordeaux was uneventful, except being as dark as possible. On our 2nd or 3rd attempt to find the right fuel station, we never managed. We will pay the ridiculous fuel charges because there is no one to call for help at 5am. Next we attempt to find the parking garage where we must return the rental car. That took a couple tries as well but we did find it. We caught our train at 6:30a as planned. Toting the heavy suitcases, changing trains, etc. It took a toll on us today. Stuart helped me with mine so he is extra exhausted. By the time we arrived in Barcelona we decided to get a taxi to the airport instead of a 3rd train. Our flight left on time and was uneventful. Again, 12 hours in the air after already being up 13 hours in the car and on the train. We are tired. Stuart got candies for the flight attendants and they brought us a little glass of champagne. A mere 12 hours later we landed in San Francisco. It took about an hour to get through everything and Uber to the hotel. We ordered Door Dash pizza and collapsed into sleep right after that. It was a very long day we do not wish to repeat! That said, we are safe and sound in the USA.

Aug 5: Up and out. Stuart headed to the airport in the hotel shuttle for this flight home. There was a delay but he made it home safe and sound. I took an Uber to the rental car location. From there I drove to Hollister and met my little great grandson Noah Lee Wakeman. I ordered Door Dash for our lunch and we had a nice visit. I left about 3p with ETA home at 5:02p. However, that ended up being about 6:30p. There was a fire road side on Pacheco Pass which made a long delay. Anyway, home safe and sound. I planned to spend the night in Hollister but instead I just wanted to get home. 

Mombrier August 3

Today is the day to start the packing process. I fixed our last breakfast here, probably our last meal here. We walked around to see all the clean up work they have been doing in the out buildings the past couple of days. It is well organized and now they have even more storage. They have some interesting antique items and of course, farm equipment.

Stuart went into Carrefour in Bourg to get a few things. We gleaned the fridge and cleaned out the freezer. I spent some time putting things like pillows and things back in place like they were when we arrived. Suitcases were packed, garbage delivered, and then we got ready for our 8p dinner with Paul and Fanny. We took them to Halle Italienne tonight for a farewell dinner. We had a lovely time. What good friends we could be if we actually lived here. They are a delightful couple. 

 

Mombrier August 2

Today we are going to take care of some details preparing for our departure. Laundry was the first order of the day. We went into Bourg so I could get more Euros at an ATM, I like having a decent supply for my next trip to Europe! We made sure we know how to refuel the car so we don't have any issues in Bordeaux in the wee morning hours Sunday. We spent a bit of time collecting our various things that found new homes here. At least I didn't buy anything at all this trip, so everything should fit in my suitcase! I did look for specific tea towels I liked, but never found any. 

On our way back from Bourg we took a little side trip to Chateau Beaulieu, a winery by the same name is in Napa Valley, and I wanted to see it. Lovely place, but closed. Stuart read there are a lot of things closed in July/Aug as it is typical vacation time here in France. We took a few other little roads, one was even dirt with grass growing in the middle! Fun little outing. 

Mombrier August 1

I'm rather sad to see August arrive. We have just 3 full days left. This morning they were again pulling posts out of the abandoned vineyard. I suppose if we ever get to come back, something else will be planted there! 

Stuart fixed us a sort of relish plate for lunch, which included celery, carrots, salami, cheese, olives, pickles, etc. Trying to use up everything perishable that we can. We did all the usual things today including my scrapbooking, games, Stuart's writing. In addition, Stuart wanted more photos of the bee boxes, so he went down there a managed to get stung. Not much swelling, but it is really red. Stuart made scallops for dinner, which were delicious.

 

Mombrier July 31

It was so humid we left our windows open last night. That wasn't wise as mosquitoes came in buzzing around. We won't do that again. It looks like it rained overnight as well. Right now the humidity is 90%. It is another warm day. In one of the abandoned vineyards across the road, they are pulling out posts today. A tractor with a bin behind it and 2 men pulling out posts and tossing them in the bin. Sad to see. 

We went into Bourg to get a few things at the grocery. On the way, we see much progress where thy are pulling out another abandoned vineyard. While in Bourg we decided we would attempt to find that location for the wine festival we had on AmaDolce. Just by chance, we did indeed find it. It is called Maison du Vin. Mystery solved as we could not locate it before. We came in a different entrance and didn't recognize it before and I didn't look on the daily for the cruise until later for the name. 

After that we decided to go to our favorite little cafe, Bourg'Joie for the Croque Monsieur, probably for the last time. That was a bit bittersweet. We enjoyed sharing the plate of 2 sandwiches and a small salad. It was quite filling and where would we get this any place else for 8.50€? Anyway, for the first time we ate in the square where the market is held. The outside portion of the cafe was in use and it was too hot to sit inside. The square is called Liberation Square or Place de la Liberation. I couldn't really find anything much about it but I think it signifies the liberation of France at some different points in time.  

On to the market where we bought the ingredients to make our own Croque Monsieur. We had asked about the type of cheese the last time we were at the cafe. Sara joked with us saying it was a "secret" but then told us. Both inside and on top is Raclette cheese. We found a lot of it in the local grocery store. 

Heading home to our somewhat cool residence. Scrapbooking, games, writing took up the rest of the day. Stuart fixed a nice cheese plate for us in the late afternoon. Dinner was - Of course - Croque Monsieur. Next time there will be more cheese on top. I thought it would spread more.

 

Mombrier July 30

It is very overcast today with a chance of rain! What a change from yesterday. It will get warm today but the humidity is high so it feels warmer than it really is! Quiet day, trying to stay cool. I cooked zucchini patties that were pretty good. Mid afternoon we had a little cheese plate. I think we might need one more piece of cheese before we leave! Stuart fixed ribs again for dinner. We are trying to use up all our food. 

I worked on scrapbooking and Stuart wrote a lot today. 

Mombrier July 29

It is hard to believe we have less than a week left in this lovely place. Laundry today. Maybe this will be the last washing? Today the heat we expected is finally here. We spend a couple hours in the pool in the early afternoon. There are a lot of hornets and yellow jackets. At the time I wrote this the weather app says it is 102F and that it feels like 107F AND it is not the hottest part of the day just yet! See below. It is surprising how cool the inside of a stone home stays. It is quite nice! We are not complaining at all, the weather has been pretty nice most days.

Stuart fixed the ribs and avocado, I fixed the baked potato for dinner. We will miss our little kitchen when we leave here!