Dawn of a new day!

 

Hello there,

I hope all is well, it has been a while, I am trying hard to make this blog going, I am a beginner, and without help, in isolation, it is not obvious, but I will get there.

Today, a picture is worth a thousand words. Do you know the say ‘’Pink sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning, pink sky in the night, shepherd’s delight.’’ Yes, this was this morning, so warning, it is cold in Apt. Apt is in Provence, the houses are not built for the cold, no insulation, no heavy-duty heating system or double pane window etc. In my studio, only a fire in the stove will keep me warm. Oh, I know what comes to mind, champêtre, picturesque, well for a vacation maybe, for a lifetime, it is what it is, a way of life.

When I come to my studio in the morning, I must start a fire at once, I sit by the stove, and wait until the flames are strong enough and the warmth is spreading, it takes time, no immediate result. But once it is going, me and Ginge the cat, we love the dry heat, the cold damp walls warming up to it, the sun pouring through the French doors, (not today tough) it is worth the pain for now anyway.

Today my friend Michele called to let me know that she will not visit this afternoon. Lulu is not well, Lulu has been unwell for a while but yesterday, she was diagnosed with kidney cancer, she is dying. Lulu is a small black Yorkshire terrier with the most endearing eyes, Lulu loves everybody and cannot, to save her life, understand that some people may not like her. I know Michelle for over ten years, and I never saw her without Lulu. In France, dog goes everywhere you go, restaurants, stores, she even takes her in grocery store in a bag, not certain it is allowed, but no one really sees her, and she does not touch the floor.

I met Michelle in a hairdresser salon. She was trying in a bad French to explain to the hairdresser what she wanted. So, I came the rescue, (I am of French Canadian, living with an Englishman). The particularity about Michele, was that she was having hair cut with a little dog curled on her lap. I had never seen that, I was intrigued. We have been friends since.  It turned out, Michele has no companion, no children, no family so Lulu is everything. After living together for 14 years, it is very hard to face the fact that Lulu is not going to live much Longer. And Christmas is around the corner, I hope Lulu makes it till the New Year, we are not sure.

G, my English partner, suggested that I go see her, but Michele had other things to do today and for me to go in the Alpes, winding mountain road, is difficult sober; if I see her, it will involve a lot of wine to ease the pain, and it will be impossible to come back. To make matter worst, there is no heat in her house, the heating system collapse this morning, which mean more wine to keep warm, there is no way I can go there today. I could always collapse on the sofa, but I am certain she will want to be with Lulu and enjoy her while she can. I know the feeling.

Michele will not come today but since Lulu likes to visit, I invited her for Saturday or Sunday as she feels. We’ll make a nice meal for both of them, loads if wine, she can crash in the guest bedroom if she wants.  And Lulu loves Ginge the cat, Ginge is not a fan of Lulu but Lulu does not give up and still try to make friends! Bless little dogs that know no harm or hatred.

Greeting from Ginge!