Thursday, April 30, 2009

Fin de Avril 2009

Fin de Avril

I know I say it all the time, “this month has gone by fast”, but it has.

Most of the month has been very quiet. I just looked at the calendar to see what was there, and it was rather empty except for my usual Photo Club, Genealogy Club, Pottery, and French lessons.

I have been helping set up a website for the genealogy club. It is at : http://sites.google.com/site/lestracesdupasse/ [if this does not open for you let me know along with what system you use ..Internet Explorer or FireFox or...and Mac versus PC and any other info you have ]

On the same subject, there was a talk at the Centre Social Friday night about the archeology dig that was done in the field just to the north of us. They found pottery, seeds and carbon from 3500-3000 BC, same for 1500-1000 BC , same for the bronze and iron age. The area was an agriculture area for 5,000 years as exhibited by the grains found. In the Gaul and Roman time, the field was planted in grape vines. I am always in awe about time here, or maybe amazed or humbled.

As soon as I collect my pottery this Thursday (I hope she is firing it all) I will take photos of what I have made so far (minus a couple little bowls). Still busy with it and enjoy my Thursday mornings very much. When I concentrate on my work, I do miss some of the french gossip going on around me. It does not flow in like english does, but maybe someday. Or concentrate less on the pottery and more on the gossip? Could do.

Keith went south to Avignon for work meetings the 3rd week of April. After the meetings, he decided to camp for a couple of nights with his bike. Then Saturday morning he attempted to climb Mont Ventoux. This Mont is famous in the Tour de France, located in Provence. It is 1,912 metres (6,273 feet) at the summit, a climb of 22km. Keith missed the summit by 600m. The road was closed because of snow. Next time. For those of you who ride, a chart with the of the climb is below.

I have been out a couple of times looking for mushrooms. Had nice walks, but did not find any mushrooms. We have had some rain now, they should start to pop out.

I went to Precy sous Thil for a Fete du Vins with friends on Saturday the 25th. There were not many exhibitors, but since I wasn’t driving, I did taste a few (or more than a few). After about 5 tastings (degustations), it does get difficult to discern the nuances of the wine. I bought only two bottles. On the way there however we saw a mare with her new colt. A real photo opportunity.

My niece was in Munich and stopped for a visit. Well it was not that simple. She drove from Munich when she had a few days off to spend a little time here. We really enjoyed seeing her. What a pleasant surprise. We toured the village of Gilly-les-Citeaux.

Church of Gilly -back side

So the month closes. May day tomorrow is a national holiday. It is Labor Day.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Cake (in french : Cake)

This is not cake as we know it. It is baked in the shape of a banana bread, and can be sweet, but more often it is savory. Here is an easy recipe, and change the ingredients as you please (that is the olives, cheese and ham. Try red peppers, or feta cheese ).

Ingredients

  • § 4 eggs
  • § 1 2/3 cups plain white flour
  • § 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • § 1/3 cup olive oil
  • § 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • § 3/4 cup milk or cream
  • § 1 1/2 cups pitted green olives or pitted black olives
  • § 2 cups chopped ham
  • § 2 cups gruyere or emmental cheese
  • § salt
  • § pepper
  • Directions

  • 1. Heat oven to 200C or 400°F.
  • 2. In a bowl beat the eggs until pale yellow and frothy.
  • 3. Stir in flour, baking powder, olive oil, melted butter, and milk.
  • 4. Chop the ham, cube the cheese and slice the olives.
  • 5. Stir in ham, cheese, olives, salt and pepper to taste.
  • 6. Pour into greased bread tin, loaf tin or cake pan (11 X 4 inches would be a good size).
  • 7. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until golden brown. (check with knife, insert and done when knife comes out clean)
  • Cut into slices and serve as an appetizer.

    MONT VENTOUX Chart

    Kilometre

    Average gradient

     

    Kilometre

    Average gradient

    1

    1.9 %

     

    12

    10.1 %

    2

    2.8 %

     

    13

    9.2 %

    3

    3.8 %

     

    14

    9.4 %

    4

    5.8 %

     

    15

    8.8 %

    5

    5.6 %

     

    16

    6.9 %

    6

    3.1 %

     

    17

    6.6 %

    7

    8.6 %

     

    18

    6.8 %

    8

    9.4 %

     

    19

    7.4 %

    9

    10.5 %

     

    20

    8.3 %

    10

    10.1 %

     

    21

    9.1 %

    11

    9.3 %

     

    22

    10.0 %