A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood
Some days the love is strong….very strong.
It’s been the most perfect of Spring weather this week. Days of cool sunshine with hillsides blanketed in wildflowers and the Pyrénées glistening white and sharp in the background. Everything has seemed particularly colorful this week, with hues super-saturated and the minutia of the natural world coming to life; bees humming, butterflies and birdsongs, all re-surging from their winter slumber into the joy of Spring. We are wrapped within it, intertwined with it, insulated from everywhere else.
Does anywhere else even exist right now?
Polly and I have been lost in this wonderland of ours, oblivious to the outside world as we walk through the grassy fields, sniff the intoxicating scent of lilacs and lie in amongst the weeds to photograph their beauty. It all seems so new that I question if I’ve missed it before, much like a picture that’s been blurred and suddenly becomes sharp. Or perhaps I’m just noticing it now, thanks to time away and being forced to sit still and see what’s right in front of me.
Week two of lockdown three, and we’re rolling right along….
It’s A Dogs Life
Polly is living her best doggie life here in rural SW France.
She’s an older lady now, but she still approaches each day like a fresh young pup.
Mornings she is overflowing with energy, the brisk air heightening her senses. She’ll gallop down the garden slope, tail high and nose to the ground, her old eyes bright with excitement. The beginning of a new day is always the beginning of a new adventure.
Then it’s breakfast and another walk, this time a longer one around the neighborhood. She always chooses the route and we take our time, sauntering along the country roads, saying “hi” to neighbors and neighbor dogs and just enjoying the morning light and calm. We’ll pass at least an hour this way, bringing in the day.
After all this excitement comes rest time. A mix of long naps and leisurely walks, dreams of chasing rabbits, dinner and time in the grass to enjoy the sunset. An evening stroll under the stars is her final adventure before she goes bed. The end of another full doggie day wrapped up with satisfaction as she stretches out on the mattress and falls into a deep, long, snoring sleep.
I like to think this is her favorite time of year.
Just like all animals I think she senses the resurgence of Spring with particular intensity. She relishes the young grass, rich in scent and will spend all afternoon lying in it and absorbing the thousands of smells around her. Often she will groom herself too, carefully licking her front legs and paws before she takes a deep sigh and lowers her head contently into the weeds. I’ve never seen any other dog do this, and can only assume it’s because she was raised with two cats. It both warms my heart and breaks it a little.
Ultimately I just love that she loves it here.
It’s a Photographers Life
I’m always happiest when I’ve got a camera in my hand.
I’m inspired to photograph when I’m in a good place, or perhaps good places inspire me to photograph. In truth it’s a symbiotic relationship that’s intimately tied to my soul. When I’m in a funk my camera gathers dust, a sure sign that the old demon of depression has taken its hold again. But when I’m aware and nature captures my eye, I suddenly see pictures everywhere and can’t help but try to capture them. I go into “the zone” and can end up photographing for hours, lost in my own bubble of creative bliss.
I’ve been traveling many times that way this week.
Spring is going crazy in rural France, with wildflower weeds springing up everywhere and young shades of yellow and green blanketing the hills to the horizon. I forget how…many…shades of green there are, an infinite palette that only nature can produce. This time of year you see the strongest contrast as trees spring, grass grows, and bushes bud causing a ripple of color that flows like an ocean wave across the horizon. The transformation is mesmerizing and so frikkin’ beautiful.
When it’s this good, I want it to last forever.
It’s A Stationary Life….For Now
Obviously there’s not much happening right now thanks to the national lockdown.
Two weeks have passed, and perhaps only two more to go? The virus numbers are coming down, abeit veeery slooowly and hospital numbers are plateauing maybe, hopefully. It’s not happening fast enough IMO, but apparently the will is strong as re-opening plans are already being talked about, the glimmer of hope being offered up in urgency, much like water to a thirsty desert. Perhaps there’s not much else the government can do at this point, without the population going nuts? Either way restaurants and bars are going to be allowed to open outside staring mid-May, and travel (at least within France) will be opened up for summer. We’ll see, eh?
In the meantime we’re stationary here….for now.
Paul’s still in USA of course, and has been fully vaccinated (he got the one-shot J&J, the day before they paused it*). He’ll be staying on a few more weeks to build-up some immunity and visit family, before coming home in early May. I’ve got hopes of maybe, possibly getting a vax in the next few weeks (a few leads in the works) which means that by June both of us could be “fully done”. That would open up the possibility of cross-border travel within EU, which might actually mean going somewhere!
It’s a tantalizing thought that I’m trying my hardest not to get too excited about (just in case), but wouldn’t it be something?
*In case some of you are worried for Paul, or perhaps you got the J&J shot and you’re worried for yourself, the reason the vaccine was paused in USA relates to thrombosis events that are very, very, very rare. A total of 6 cases in over 7 million shots given, which means there is less than a one in a million chance of an adverse reaction. Those are exceedingly low numbers! We will stay aware of course, but at this point we are not particularly concerned, and IMO neither should you be 🙂
So I’ll Just Keep Traveling Here
I’m still, I’m moving, I’m here.
As long as Spring keeps me company I’m along for the ride, and Polly too. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, so I think I’ll get out the camera, take a walk, and travel a while right here. Let’s see where the journey takes me now.
Where has your journey taken you this week, my friends? Perhaps you’ve also traveled in your neighborhood, or perhaps you’ve picked up your wheels and rolled further? DO share and comment below!
I think this time is the absolute best time of year. Fall is gorgeous, yes, colorful and intense. Summer can be fun when it isn’t hellaciously hot. Winter can be beautiful, and restful if I give it a chance, puzzles and quilting and such. But Spring??!! Oh my. It is the awakening promise of it. Here the moment I call “green leaf day” showed up in town a week ago, and here at our place, just 2 miles and 300 feet higher in elevation green leaf day came yesterday. The oaks burst with neon chartreuse. I think that new green in the spring might be my favorite color, mixed with the pale pinks of blooming purple leaf plum trees, the brilliant yellow of the happy daffodils, fluffy white trees of all sorts. It is a short moment, and in just days the chartreuse new green will turn darker, the fluffy whites will fade as the darker pinks of dogwoods appear, and iris and roses begin their riot of color. I treasure that moment of new green, and like you and always trying to capture it with the camera. Although this time I tried to capture it with my toenails. A pedicure, masked well, both me and the person doing the pedicure, double vaccinated, and plexiglas between all the stations. I decided on a brilliant what appeared to be early leaf green. Turned out to be neon green almost yellow and it hurts my eyes. So much for spring green toenails. LOL But a pedicure is a luxury I really appreciate again. Thanks for the great photos, Nina, and a big hug to sweet Polly.
Ahhh what bliss! I’m intensely jealous here in the suburban hellscape of noise, cars, people, building works, helicopters. Even the small wilderness pockets available nearby aren’t enough to placate the frayed nerves. I will soothe myself by imagining I am a pixie or a fairy fetching a ride on Polly’s long coat hairs as you enjoy your many wild walks.
Beautiful photos, worthy of picture books. Enjoy the Spring
I hope to set off for an RV trip next week, finally after none for 2 years. Last September I tried one trip north from north CA, but had to abort and return home after just 4 days, due to the thick atmosphere – no solar power to boondock! – from all the west coast forest fires! THIS time I’m heading for Utah (via the Loneliest Road in America!), BUT this time I’m now worried about possible ‘overcrowding’, and/or camping areas being shut down, sadly, due to the inconsideration by many newbies uncaring about trash or overall RV etiquette, all because of the huge spike in RV travels. So maybe you’re better off NOT travelling right now Nina, whether in USA or France?! I look at the rosebuds and rhododendron buds outside our house, which I might miss blooming in my absence, and wonder if in the end I too would be better off simply staying put?!!!
Paul and I both got the J and J shot the same day! I’ve only had a very slight temperature, off and on for a couple of days. No other symptoms, but they say to watch for 3 weeks. What a relief! I know you’ll be glad to join the club!
So glad you got your vax. Paul was really tired for a day (wiped out), but that seems to be the only symptom he had. He’s feeling great now.
Nina
So glad to hear Paul got his vaccine. I was worried that he might not be able to get it when I heard about the J&J pause. Spring in Virginia (where my family and I are) seems very similar to that in France, and we are enjoying watching the flowers and ferns pop up through the earth, though my photography skills fall far short of yours. Your photos are breathtaking. I particularly love the last one, of the snow-capped mountains, and the two of Polly. You manage to capture the look of pure doggie happiness — a sort of essence of living — in her eyes. BTW, I follow you for pleasure (loved hearing about your journeys when you were travelling, and love the poetry of your chronicles while stationary) but also you have provided some very useful information. I love that you are both a “numbers girl” and also very poetic. It was your post last year noting the numbers and science behind COVID and giving the advice to “get where you want to be and stay there” that struck me early on. It was spot on. My husband and I had just returned from a month in Spain and Portugal (we’re newly retired), and I passed that advice on to family members of mine. So thank you. We’ve just gotten our second vaccine dose (Pfizer) and are planning an RV trip to the Outer Banks. It’s an experiment of sorts. I grew up travelling in a camper trailer on vacation, and have a deep seated desire to RV in the US and Canada. My husband is not convinced. But he is a board game designer and has designed a game on Blackbeard, and so is open to the idea of an RV trip to Ocracoke, NC in May. I love Virginia but I’m so looking forward to getting on the road! Cheers!
Oh how very exciting that you’re off to the Outer Banks. I so enjoyed our trip there a few years ago, especially the beaches and lighthouses. Fascinating that your hubby designs board games. I hope he enjoys the trip as much as I know you will! Best of travels to you!
Nina
I sometimes envy the “Dog Walkers” as they go by the front of our house with a sense of purpose. To me, anyway.
However, I’ve had dogs in years gone by, and no longer have the desire for a pet. Just don’t want the heart break of “when the time comes”. And that’s likely a character flaw, or selfish, or something.
Both T.C. and I have had our “jabs”. The Pfizer, if it matters. One of our retired “Pub Buddies” who is a former Pharmacist basically said, when asked, “Take whatever vaccine is offered”. Which I would have done, but T.C. had a pulmonary embolism when in for her knee surgery a few years back, so she was hesitant when it came to the A-Z. Of course, the odds of the blood clot was in line with winning a Lotto. We’re in another “lock down” here in Ontario which, to me seems like “more of the same”. I have no desire to go anywhere, even though I suspect sailing this summer will once again be off the table. And that sucks. Keep your stick on the ice.
When « the time » comes is the worst. I’m still not over our cats from last year, and know more heartbreak is coming with Polly in the future. It’s tough, so I get it totally. Glad you got your shot, and really hope you get some sailing in this summer. Surely Ontario will be open again by then? Fingers and paws crossed for you.
Nina
Love your words and your photos. So glad you wrote about Polly. Enjoy Spring. Sitting here looking out my windows watching the snow pile up, the low temp tonight will be 15.
Thank you for another colorful blog post. I enjoy you pictures very much. We just got back from four months in the Rio Grande Valley. Hoping for New Mexico in October and Arizona for next winter. A few short trips in between will round out our travel year. Take care and keep blogging.
Sound like the perfect travel plan!!! So many beautiful things to see in those areas. Enjoy!!!!!
Nina
Beautiful post Nina–spring is mighty brown in southeast Arizona and we are just about ready to head north to some of that green you so elegantly described! I totally agree with you about the J&J vaccine stats and I’m glad Paul was able to get his vaccine before the pause. Polly is so beautiful and I too am glad she enjoys France–it can’t have been a fun trip for her to get there! Emmi is almost 12 now–energetic in the mornings, sleeping a lot through the rest of the day. At times she still plays like a puppy.
I’m sure you are soooo ready to see green. I know we always looked forward to it after our winters in the desert. So glad to hear Emmi is still doing so well. It’s hard to see our little babies age, but they bring us so much joy.
Nina
Our 19 year old with Autism got the Johnson and Johnson vaccine one week before it shut down he was happy, one shot and done, he doesn’t like leaving the house. Social distancing has not been a problem for him . No side effect 3 weeks out. He is an incredible artist and we have no way of we’re it came from as he was adopted but he is definitely our son and we love him forever you can check his art out at http://www.ronniesartworld.com
Gorgeous photos! I love reading how much Polly loves her country lifestyle too. I’ve received my vaccines, and one of my close friends as well. So I visited her, and we enjoyed our rubber stamping craft time and walking through her neighborhood, an older, beautiful, full of spring flowers section of Seattle. Lots of people though, compared to where I live, so mask in hand (ready to don at any hint of a person in our “lane”) and social distancing kept us safe. Like you, I am so excited and hopeful that we can travel soon. I’ve searched online…only to find nothing is really open yet. Sigh. One day!
We are at home base for the summer. The drive from Tucson to Ann Arbor was easy (a small side benefit of the pandemic.) First shots are under our belts (well, in our arms actually) and we are looking forward to “immunity” around May 21st. With that behind us, we can hopefully visit my family back in New York and some friends “up north” in Michigan over the summer. Hopefully your “leads” will pan out and you too will join the anointed soon. Enjoy the Spring and Summer! 😉
Your feelings about spring echo mine, though I have to admit that this spring in North Carolina, the pollen has me pretty miserable. I’m sneezing, coughing, my eyes are itchy, etc., but the beauty of the riot of flowers, new greens of the trees, and birdsong make the misery worth it. I am wondering if perhaps lovely Polly is feeling a bit allergic herself; licking of paws and legs can be a sign of allergies in dogs. As long as it’s only once a day and doesn’t become severe, likely it will pass with the seasons. I’m in between Pfizer doses and looking forward to being fully vaccinated next week (+2 more weeks to build full immunity). We won’t be traveling, as our own pooch is elderly and blind and requires enough care now that staying put is a given as long as she graces us with her presence. She, and we, traveled for many years together, so now we honor her winding down by staying put ourselves. Good luck getting a vaccine soon, Nina, and glad Paul was able to.
Regarding the licking, you’re absolutely right that it can be a sign of allergy in many dogs. For Polly however, it’s simply a habit she picked up years ago from the cats. She only does it right before she rests in the late afternoon. Thank you for the thought though!
Sorry about your allergies (ugh!), but it’s so nice to hear you’re staying put for your old dog. We did that for the cats and it was SO worth it. Their retirement years in France were some of their most relaxed, and I’m so thankful we were able to offer them that. I hope you have lots of time and many happy moments with your paws.
Nina
Thank you, Nina!
Oh sweet Polly … I so love seeing her pics. Our dear Sydney and my amazing Mom so loved the freshness and glory of Spring. Sydney was especially fond of Lupines and my mom (being Dutch) loved all flowers, but especially a vast field of tulips. I lost both my Mom and Sydney just a month apart. The darkness that envelopes our hearts during these moments seems hard to grasp and for me a powerful lesson in letting go. And then, here comes Spring. The embrace of Mother Nature, who lets you know that brightness, light, renewal and joy are always there. Somehow, this post was the first I got back to after months of not reading any…and aaaaahh, thanks so much ]for Polly and your perspectives. BTW, we got our vaccines the same day as Paul, and all is OK here too. We are finally back in our motorhome after having it in storage for a while and headed to the PNW. Yesterday’s drive through redwoods with raindrops spattering our windshield was the perfect first day back out.