Author Archives: lydia

About lydia

An avowed francophile who speaks very broken but earnest French, Lydia is married to Joseph, of ancient Basque and modern Mexican lineage who has spent the past several years studying his Spanish heritage. In the course of their 50 plus years together, they have been abundantly blessed by a wonderful family which now includes 9 grandchildren, many longtime friends, and the desire to search their roots. Since Lydia doesn't have any French roots, her love of France must have come from her highschool teachers and from her father who never lost his ability to recite "The Grasshopper and the Ant" in French. His reading her the horrible wonderful French fairy tales didn't hurt either. Lydia plans their trips and Joe has the power of veto, sometimes! Genealogy research in Spain has led to a wonderful friendship with our Artajona Banales family. Our love of the Camino de Santiago has led to a love of the Camino Real de California. And then, there's always France, and Ireland, and Croatia, and, and.... This blog is an attempt to share some of the stories as they happen to spare their family and friends when they get home. We hope you enjoy it.

June 17th Trying new things

Going to try to show you what I’ve been doing in Lourdes this past week. Can’t show the kitchen photos cuz they are on my iPhone. Can’t seem to insert the other photos from today either. Oh well, I tried. … Continue reading

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June 16, 2011 Winding Down

On the way out the door to go to breakfast and my flower duty this morning I encountered Esther, an Irish girl I’ve met a few times. She wordlessly held up her new Hospitalite medal for me to see and … Continue reading

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June 15, 2011 10 Seconds of Fame

The highlight of the day was the International Mass. I finished my kitchen work in plenty of time to get to the underground basilica of Pie X. Without a photo it is hard to imagine the vast space of this … Continue reading

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June 14, 2011 Errand Day

Usual day of dishes, flowers, dishes. In the morning I did a bit of shopping and bought myself a belated birthday gift of a santon – actually 3. 2 are olive grove workers and one is a very sweet lavender … Continue reading

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June 13, 2011 Lemons turned to Lemonade

When I checked in here on Saturday and received a less than wholehearted welcome and a less than hoped for assignment I was pretty dejected. But sometimes you get what you need, not what you want. (Where have I heard … Continue reading

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June 12, 2011 Lourdes day 1

“Spain and France were wonderful, every day. Now I am at Lourdes where the food is ordinary or worse, my quarters are very plain, and I don’t know anyone. Time to reach inwardly to find that great adventure that was … Continue reading

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June 11, 2011 Au Revoir, Farewell

Double whammy today; had to leave Domaine du Crestet and say goodby to Joe at Lourdes. Leaving Winnie, Paul and Monique is always so hard because they have embraced us as more than just guests. We had such a lovely … Continue reading

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June 10, 2011 A Happy Birthday

Joe started my day with a surprise breakfast complete with a small vase of poppies. Such a sweet gesture. He even had a little card. We sat for a moment then got ready to go the the Monastery of St. … Continue reading

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June 9, 2011 Applying Lessons Learned

I have received very good advice lately from two women 10 years older than I. Each said “Live in the present.” My controlling nature tends to worry a lot about the future, mine and my family’s, and the world’s. What … Continue reading

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June 8, 2011 From the Vaucluse to the Luberon

This title may not mean much to you readers, but it means a lot to me. The first time we came to Provence, we stayed in Bonnieux in the Luberon valley on the advice of a friend. I had seen … Continue reading

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