Trying to cope with a cold winter!

Trying to cope with a cold winter!

After a long short story in my last blog, I hope it will be clear that it’s my purpose to update you on life in France and, to be more precise, my life in France. This blog is my way of showing the beauty of it all. It will be filled with memories of how it all began, but it will also be a peek into the day-to-day life of a Dutchman who is keen on settling down in the ‘golden triangle’ of Gordes, Menerbes and Bonnieux.

Many books have been written about this region and I cannot even guess the number of photos that are taken of its many attractions.  So what I want is to share my thoughts in a simple blog, and maybe if I look deep inside myself it’s also a way of satisfying me that we were right to choose to live here. And if with a bit of luck others take an interest, that’s a bonus.

Villa Dæsch is just recovering from a very cold period.  Winter took an interest in bringing us the lowest temperatures in years. How funny it is that we still have guests who blithely think the outdoor life goes on all year long. When winter strikes and the mistral blows in cold air from the Alps, life can be hard. And the last couple of weeks have made me realize that we have to live with the seasons. Looking for shade in the summer is one thing, but protecting the house from freezing is quite another task in winter.

However when I took this photo in a deserted Lourmarin, I knew that winter also has its beauty.  A stylist would work for days to create a décor like this!

A visit to the DIY shop in Cavaillon confirmed that I’m not the only one who’s protecting their house. Four men in a row behind me at the check-out had their arms full of insulation for their plumbing.

Even Villa Dæsch was confronted with frozen pipes and the moment the sun began heating up our hamlet, the neighbours saw water running under our large sturdy gate. Imagine, just a few hours after I had left for a trip to Holland, we got a text message saying  ‘après Edvard le deluge’!

We’re so lucky with our neighbours who take care of Villa Dæsch when I’m not there. By now the plumbing is fixed and I’m preparing the construction of an extra studio. So within a few weeks we shall have a loft where we can host 2 persons.

The temperature is rising and so is my hope for a warm springtime. It might be a matter of days before the first blossom can be admired. The rental calendar is starting to fill up. Time to get the house ready for guests. Goodbye winter!

A bientôt!