Closing a Chapter

I wasn’t 5 minutes out of the car from my month of being in the States when I was checking planters, pulling weeds, and taking stock of the garden. While I endured some violent storms in California and bitterly cold days in Colorado, spring seems to be arriving early in the Dordogne this year. The storks are flying over, which signals the end of deep freezes. What a wonderful welcome home!

Leftover forced daffs from last year are starting to rebloom. Yeah!

Had a blast in California visiting friends and doing some design work for a dear friend who lost her beautiful home to the Santa Rosa fires of 2017. She is rebuilding and we pored over the plans, resulting in three pages of changes! Not sure the builder is liking this “designer from France” lady. Hee-hee! Got the paint schedule nailed down and am now ready to calculate the fabric order for the bedrooms.

Paint scheme and fabrics for four distinct bedrooms: upholstered headboards, drapes, other upholstery, and pillows. Very fun!

Lucy treated me to a wonderful massage and facial and gave up her bedroom for a whole week, so that she could crack the whip (just kidding, I’m secretly getting my design fix!) She is the most amazing person to collaborate with—good tastes, lots of laughs, and doesn’t drag her feet.

Cindy and Lucy

Gettin’ some doggie love before my haircut.

Could hardly wait to get my hair colored and styled by Dulce, the most amazing hairdresser! What a relief. I might just have to travel every six months or so to fix what they do to me here in France!!!! Fifi agreed that something HAD to be done!

My granddaughter with one of her cats.

I did not take enough pictures on this trip. Sometimes, I’m really good about it. This trip, not so much.

Had some time with my daughter and grandkids in Carmel Valley, caught up with friends in Santa Cruz, and bought a year’s worth of clothes. I traveled out with the clothes on my back, one small suitcase left by Mary last summer mostly filled with the balance of her French finds, one pair of pants, two sweaters, tester sizes of cosmetics and wore shoes that were ready to be thrown away. Came back with two large cases filled to the gills at 50 pounds each. You name it, I bought it—tops, pants, sweaters, jeans, a wool coat, 8 pairs of shoes, cosmetics, a new watch, undergarments, and a couple of dresses!

During the last week of February, I finished a chapter in my life and probably will never return to eastern Colorado where I grew up. As many of you already know, my dad passed away on December 20 at the great old age of 89. We got his house emptied (with expert help from haulers) and ready for sale. We hosted a simple celebration for him and it was nice to see old friends that attended.

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Visited with many friends from the area and finally put to rest what happened to my best friend from high school—unfortunately, she died 3 years ago. Got my fill of Mexican food by eating it almost every day, as I do miss it in France, but have found sources for raw ingredients to cook the cuisine.

All in all, a great trip. Probably won’t have another one to the States for a while. Too many other places yet to see in the world. But it’s always good to be home.

Even some little wild violets welcomed me home.

P.S. And here’s what happens when you leave your husband on the loose for a month!!! Bwhaaaa…

Cheri and Theo ‘loving’ up the sunshine. ❤️😎🍷