My "Late" MAY POST

May 25, 2008

It is almost June. We had a couple of very warm sunny days at the start of May. It was wonderful. Since about the 18th of May, the temperature cooled, and the days have been partly cloudy to cloudy. I really do not mind the cooler weather.

As I stated in my April notes, Keith had his first trip as a guide May 5th to May 17th. He really did enjoy the trip. The weather was perfect and all went well. He said the guests seemed to really enjoy the trip. At this point he is not scheduled for another trip. I guess it is wait and see when he gets called up for another trip. He really does not want to do more than 2 a year. He came home very tired.

While he was gone, the tourist train in Bligny (the narrow train where Keith volunteers his time) had their 30th anniversary. Unfortunately Keith had to miss the big celebration. This last winter they had extended the track about 1km, to reach Pont d’Ouche. The opening of this line was part of the grand inauguration day. Keith had built the shelter at Pont d’Ouche. I ( as a very dutiful wife) went over and took some photos of the celebration.

Then also on the same day, a friend had a grand opening of his horse stables. Of course I know him through Marie Therese. The new stable is in a small village called Clemancey. The village sits in the valley of several hills. I have a few photos from there too.

On the 14th of May the work on the bathroom started. All the old tile was taken off (it was pink and white), the bathtub was removed (it was pink) as was the sink (yep it was pink) and the sink cabinet and bidet. Then the tile man came and put in the new tile (floor and walls-same tile), and the plumbers came back and installed the new shower and connected everything else. We have ordered wallpaper, and Keith has skimmed the walls (where tile was removed and we did not put in new tile) so it is ready to finish. Keith also went out and ordered a mirror that would just fit between the tile behind the sink and light fixture. They cut it 2 cm too large, so it has to be re cut.

We will really get down to work next week.

This week however is play time. I have friends here and we are touring. There are four friends and they are staying at the Gite (it is about 5 miles away and the owners speak English). A gite is basically an apartment or house that is rented. Keith decided to take some time on his bike, and packed up his tenting equipment loaded the bike and headed for the Vosges mountains.

This month’s recipe. Better make it an easy one.

Asparagus

INGREDIENTS

Bundle of asparagus ( I usually think about 5 stalks per person if this is a started or a side dish for a large meal…or increase to about 8 stalks per person). Wash, break off woody bottom and cut into 3 inch pieces (or leave whole if you wish).

Mild onion chopped

Grilled red pepper cut in strips

1 cup fresh peas (or if necessary use frozen)

1 cup (loose) of basil

1 tbsp of butter

2 tsbp parmesan cheese grated (optional)

Salt and pepper

PREPARATION

Heat large skillet pan that has a good cover

Add butter and sauté the onion until soft

with heat on low medium add peas and asparagus

Cover and cook about 10 minutes. Watch carefully, or rather listen. If possible to not remove the lid. Let it cook. Shake pan to move around.

In the meantime, tear or cut the basil leaves

When the asparagus is finished, add the basil and red pepper, season with salt and fresh ground pepper, and toss.

Sprinkle a little parmesan over the top .

Serve

Bon Appetit