Something the French never eat & our first official wine harvest
Monday, September 05, 2016
Our son, Max, delivering more cases to the harvesters, who will empty their buckets of grapes inside.
TODAY'S WORD: réchauffer
to heat, reheat
to warm up
to encourage
Réchauffer le coeur de quelqu'un = to console or comfort someone
ECOUTER: "Kristi a réchauffé toutes les pizzas. Kristi reheated all the pizzas. Download Rechauffer
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE
by Kristi Espinasse
Jean-Marc and I don't see eye-to-eye on many of the wine harvest details. But no matter how different our opinions are, there's one thing I know for sure: my husband is, and will always be, Chief Grape. My job is to support the farmer and winemaker and to keep my own anxieties at bay during his critical vendange! A very emotional harvest at that, given we do not know if we will be here in one year's time--a period of doubt having settled in over these past six months.
Our last harvest or not, it is still extremely difficult not to freak out when Chief Grape will not tell me how many people are showing up for harvest lunch. Exasperated by my constant drilling, Jean-Marc made the decision to order pizza. But if there is one person who can complicate pizza, it's You Know Who.
"So you are going to order it the night before? And store it in the fridge? But the French don't like cold pizza!" I pointed out.
"It won't be cold. You can set it out a few hours early and it will come to room temperature!"
"But the ants will get to it by then!"
On and on we went, until it dawned on me I could get off The Crazy Hamster Wheel whenever I chose to. I could stop worrying. I could put into practice the helpful acronym KISS:
Keep
It
Simple
Stupid
As it turned out, there were twice as many people than expected. And, as wildly imagined, they preferred their pizza hot!
Seeing my distress, Jean-Marc's buddy, Nico, seemed to understand the acronym KISS, too. He suggested that if anyone bothered me again for hot pizza, to tell them to just KISS it! (Only he used a more colorful French expression! No, I'm not going to tell you which one!)
But when Nico himself reached for a hot slice as I ran by with the sizzling pies, I realized the French really are particular about the temperature of certain foods!
Hurrying back and forth from the front porch to the oven, my friend Cyn and I delivered la pizza réchauffée, after struggling with the cheap plastic (free with purchase) pizza cutter to divide it (burning our fingers off in the process). The red floor tiles of this farmhouse were covered with clumps of dirt from everyone trekking in to use the restroom. Each time I looked at the mess it reminded me how out of control things were. Here and there, sticky globs of fig were evidence that some people had taken dessert into their own hands--enjoying fresh fruit from the giant tree by the pétanque court. The fallen figs had gotten smashed into their shoes and were now being trekked--along with the dirt and a coat of our dog's fur (Smokey's entire body wags with joy when guests are here)--across the floor inside the house.
Looking down at the floor which was thick with clumps of dirt, I felt that familiar tightening in my throat. The heatwave, the hot oven, the dirty floors, the polite needs of our harvesters (Do you have another band-aid? More hot pizza? Any more cold water?)....everything was spinning out of control.
Running back to the sink, where I had been trying to filter water from a one-liter carafe to all those empty water bottles, my eyes caught sight again of the dusty, sticky floors--only this time everything came to a standstill.
A peacefulness came over the room. The dusty floors began to blur. Looking up, I saw dusty vineyard fields. I was now remembering the scene from 5 hours earlier, before even the sun had risen, when Jean-Marc's friends began to show up, one by one, to the scorched grape fields. Some even brought their children. All brought an unspoken message: We are here to help you at this difficult time.
Back on the front porch I reached for a slice of hot pizza as Cynthia sped by, and sat down to experience first hand what the French so honorably call la solidarité. Though it hurts not knowing whether or not we will continue with this vineyard (and farmhouse-garden) dream, there is no feeling that compares to the catharsis of manifested solidarity--of two dozen friends holding up, with their nicked, scraped, grape-stained hands, an exhausted farmer and his wife.
And if we are here for the next harvest--si Dieu le veut--I will make pasta salad next time! That's one thing the French will eat at room temperature :-)
COMMENTS
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More pictures from our harvest here on Instagram
Our friends Cynthia and Ian
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BRITA WATER FILTER - I used this one for our harvest! Here are some good water filtering pitchers. Click here to order one.
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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety
good job Kristi!! You are an excellent supporter of The Chief Grape and a stellar hostess. XO
Posted by: Sally | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 05:50 PM
I am sorry to hear you might not be there next year. You both have worked so hard on your house, garden and vineyard. Wherever you go you have each other, your love and your strength.
Hugs to you both.
Posted by: Karen Cafarella | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 05:51 PM
Kriisti...we are here in Menerbes in a wonderful jardin and home. I am feeling like God has given me a new lease on life! Just being in France in the countryside fills the well of my soul....I am not a praying woman, but sometimes there
is nothing else left to do.... I will give thanks to God and the will of fortune tonight and I will pray that you and JM will find the path in life that will fulfill you both. It has been a difficult time for you both, and I just wanted you to know I think of you often and know it is not easy for the wife when many aspects of life seem to spin out of control! Cold pizzas are of no consequence in the overall scheme of your and JM ad your life ahead in the years to come... Follow your hearts desires and in the end fate will be at the wheelhouse of your lives..... Have faith in yourselves.. you have done extremely well so far!!!! Love and huge hugs, Judi Dunn, Tallahassee et Menerbes, France
Posted by: Judi Dunn | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 05:55 PM
Scissors!!! I always cut my pizza with scissors. Perfectly sliced and no burn fingers or difficult instruments needed!
Posted by: Paige Russey | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 05:55 PM
I see we have more in common then just our first names! I too am a frequent rider on The Crazy Hamster Wheel. I will try to embrace the KISS motto. Good luck with the harvest and making peace with life's big decisions this year. Somehow everything will fall into place.
Posted by: Kristin | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:02 PM
Ah, find memories, we did not have that many helpers, I miss that great beer and the picnic table under the tree,congratulations on a good harvest, the reward for all that work. Best to all
Posted by: Louis.bogue@yahoo | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:02 PM
Use Fiskar scissors for cutting pizza AND bread. Work better than any pizza cutter. Also I have a pasta salad for your next bash that will knock them off their benches....
Also a rice salad, made ahead the day before and served with just a squeeze of lemon and chopped basil over the HUGE bowl you serve from. EASY PEASY, Kristin.
xxx
Suzanne
Plus more....NO WORK RECIPES for the multitudes
Posted by: Suzanne Dunaway | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:11 PM
How wonderful to have such caring friends and neighbors who gave freely of their time in order to help you with your first harvest! That alone is something very special even if the sight of your floors distressed you ... your lovely old tiled floor s have experienced many muddy feet in years past and it always "scrubs up" beautifully, I'm certain. Thanks for your colorful post today!
Bonne chance with the harvest and all it entails.
Cynthia
PS: I hope Jules' move to a new home is going along well. Please give her my best wishes.
Posted by: Cynthia Lewis | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:14 PM
Our dear Kristi,
No two ways about it!I am in awe of you for organizing not only food for so many,but being a supportive and loving wife at a time when you no doubt felt more like screaming and possibly tearing your hair out.
The future can be such a worrisome thing,especially an uncertain one.
Years ago when we were encountering a similar situation,a cherished friend gifted me with a Halycon Days trinket box which I loved.
I still have it and still treasure it and,most of all, my friend,but even more,the words written on the top:
"If you worry about tomorrow,you will miss today".
I still read those words almost daily,and they still inspire the same wisdom now as they did then.
I only wish that at times I made more if a point to really follow what they said.
Blessings always to you and your dear family.
Love
Natalia. xo
Posted by: Natalia | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:15 PM
Dearest Kristi,
I am saddened to hear that your future at Mas des Brun is in question. I hope you will find a way to stay if that is what you desire. I had always imagined visiting you when I next go to Toulon but that is still a few years away. I will keep you in my prayers that a path will become clear to you.
Posted by: Laura | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:18 PM
Kristi, your highly successful vendange was the most fun we've had in ages! Then, relaxing under your enormous figier, dodging the falling ripe fruit, topped off the day. Clean floor? Who would expect a clean floor in a farmhouse where a dozen workers and a couple of big dogs are all enjoying themselves? Will this be your first and last vendange at Mas des Brun? My hope is that whether or not it is, next September you and JM feel PEACEFUL. Je t'embrasse!
Posted by: Cynthia Gillespie-Smith | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:20 PM
I buy my wines from small producers across the world thanks to an organisation called NAKED WINES. They, with the help of many angels, financially help producers in many countries and sell their wines without the cost of middlemen to enthusiasts like me. Kristi, please before contemplating a move look them up and CONTACT them https://www.nakedwines.com/about/index.htm
God bless you both.
Posted by: Rupert SUREN | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:23 PM
Suzanne, you sound like a very good cook! Would you be willing to share the recipes for your pasta and for your rice salads? They both sound very tasty! I especially like the "make ahead" part. Thanks.
Posted by: Cynthia Lewis | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:24 PM
Kristi, you had me laughing and crying at the same time! I so wish we were there to help. We'll be in Montagnac for the month of October and the first week of November, so we are hoping we can reschedule our visit to Mas des Brun, which we had to postpone last Fall.
Also, I do truly hope that you will keep Mas des Brun alive, but whatever the reasons, you guys need to do what's best for you, and you will always have the beautiful experiences and memories of getting through the first harvest. Félicitations to that!!
Fondly, Kate
Posted by: Kate Dickerson | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:26 PM
It's Labor Day here in the States. Your friends are working hard, and I wondered, is there anything like Labor Day in France?
I have wondered for some time about your move from your previous vineyard to the one in Bandol. It's commendable that you've taken an old mas and fixed it up, that you've made the yard bloom with trees, fruits and vegetables, have planted olives and grapevines, and now, with the first vendange, are preparing for a new vintage. If the idea was to not work quite so hard, I'm not sure if the transition has accomplished its purpose. Otherwise, you seem content, and I've been following your progress and activities with interest.
Why might you not be there next year? Not enough income? Whatever the obstacles might be, I hope they can be overcome, and that you'll be able to follow your dreams, wherever they lead.
Kristin, whenever I have company (admittedly less work than a bunch of grape harvesters), I resign myself to the fact that I will have to tidy things up after they leave. I still remember an early Thanksgiving when I cleaned house, including the kitchen, had dinner with the family, and had to clean again after they left. This can be the price of fellowship. But having folks coming over, as I will in two weeks when it's my turn to host the town book club, does at least motivate one to get things shipshape. You'll be glad to have had your guests in retrospect.
Posted by: Marianne Rankin | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:26 PM
Dear Kristen,
Yes, big kitchen shears for pizza works a treat!
I have been reading your blog for a long time and have regularly marvelled at your good humour, resourcefulness, and positivity, but you and Jean-Marc are not getting any younger, and things seem to be getting even harder. Maybe you can sell the vineyard to a larger, going concern and act as consultants and even keep the house? The stress of this lovely project is wearing both of you down, leading to depression and other unhappiness. I would counsel you to bite the bullet and move on. You are still young enough to enjoy so much of life, so much France and the world have to offer...carpet diem! Don't let the idea of hanging on to the Dream, fear of feeling defeated, rob you of the joy and life ahead ( grandchildren, etc.), or bankrupt you. Talk to a trusted financial advisor and see how you can extricate yourselves in the most financially sound way. My own mother, a doctor, bankrupted herself trying to keep a private practice going. She had absolutely nothing for her old age. Don't let it happen to you. XXSybil
Posted by: Sybil | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:26 PM
Dear Kristen,
Yes, big kitchen shears for pizza works a treat!
I have been reading your blog for a long time and have regularly marvelled at your good humour, resourcefulness, and positivity, but you and Jean-Marc are not getting any younger, and things seem to be getting even harder. Maybe you can sell the vineyard to a larger, going concern and act as consultants and even keep the house? The stress of this lovely project is wearing both of you down, leading to depression and other unhappiness. I would counsel you to bite the bullet and move on. You are still young enough to enjoy so much of life, so much France and the world have to offer...carpet diem! Don't let the idea of hanging on to the Dream, fear of feeling defeated, rob you of the joy and life ahead ( grandchildren, etc.), or bankrupt you. Talk to a trusted financial advisor and see how you can extricate yourselves in the most financially sound way. My own mother, a doctor, bankrupted herself trying to keep a private practice going. She had absolutely nothing for her old age. Don't let it happen to you. XXSybil
Posted by: Sybil | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:27 PM
Kristi:
Hope all goes well with the wine and with your future plans. Now you can take a deep breath and be thankful for your friends and family.
Wishing you good harvest!
Edie from Savannah
Posted by: edie schmidt | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:31 PM
Kristi, as I read your words "out of control," the thought that popped into my mind was "that depends on what one considers 'control' to be." Perhaps being in control is seeing the reality of the immediate situation, adapting and making the best use of it. In that case, it appears you were absolutely in control! The tiles of that farmhouse floor have seen decades of clumps of harvest-time dirt -- it's lovely to think that continues.
Peace to you both.
Posted by: Gwyn Ganjeau | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:32 PM
Love the harvest photos. Here is an interesting article about crowdfunding. With your loyal following, I believe lots of us would be willing to help. Perhaps Max could investigate the idea?
http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?content=112791§ion=news
Posted by: Sue Lennox | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:33 PM
Si Dieu le veut... I would gladly be there at the next harvest for you Kristi ....sharing all the ups & downs .
Sending comforting thoughts to you & Jean Marc ...
Peace....
Nina
Posted by: Nina | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:36 PM
Just spent over an hour dreaming of living in Provence; your home, your family and those yummy food photos are amazing.......what a wonderfuL way to begin my day in So. California.......will be dreaming from now on, you are stunning and love this post......and Instagram posts of all the food and recipes......I'm in Calli for now....but pray to be in So. France soon......
Posted by: Delores DeMay | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:39 PM
Not knowing what: "A very emotional harvest at that, given we do not know if we will be here in one year's time--a period of doubt having settled in over these past six months." is about, I hope whatever happens works well for You Know Who and Chief Grape, something with which you can be happy or something very positive for both of you. The future may be cloudy but one of the few things we can count on in life is: Change!
Posted by: Rick Spring | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:40 PM
Thank you for this story. I was touched by it and the heart of the story, to me, was amidst all the hustle & bustle, Smokey's entire body wagged with joy. Sometimes I think the dogs are here to teach us!
To everything there is a season as we live, and learn, and love, here on this good Earth.
Much love to you all - wherever your next season, your next adventure awaits.
And it's funny you brought up the acronym KISS, as I was just thinking of it yesterday. I made the decision to change it to: Keep It Simple Sweetheart:)
Posted by: Linda Hampton Smith | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:43 PM
Am I missing something here? In the States you order pizza to be delivered when you want it, in the quantity that you want. Why would you order it the night before? (I just gave up coffee, perhaps my brain's not functioning correctly...)
Posted by: Cyndie | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 06:46 PM
I prefer (but would never let it stand in the way!) hot pizza when it's for dinner. HOWEVER, leftover COLD pizza is just wonderful when it's for breakfast!
Posted by: Cindy in Phoenix AZ | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 07:05 PM
Hi Kristi,
I'm glad the harvest went well! So fun to have friends and family come and help. Pizza is easy when you have a large group! I even love pizza for breakfast sometimes. I just clicked back to your "shutterbug" post with Cynthia. I think I would love a day out with you two just taking in the beauty of France and going out to lunch! I had to look up "si Dieu le veut" and I know God has good things in store for you and your family!
Posted by: Eileen deCamp | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 07:14 PM
We loved visiting you and the property recently. Good luck for whatever comes your way.
Posted by: Jane | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 07:16 PM
la saison des vendages - a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction when all is said and done. The messy floor and cold/hot pizza makes for good memories/stories at the end of the day; best of all are the family, friends and neighbors who come to help. You've had some incredible adventures along the way, Kristin. Just trust that there will be more to come wherever you are.
Posted by: Linda R. | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 07:40 PM
I saw that last picture of Jules, and I have to know-how did her move go? And you-you have survived the vendange? Thinking about you here in Maine- Alyssa
Posted by: Alyssa Eppich | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 07:50 PM
There is another acronym: EGBOK: Everything's Gonna Be Okay!
Posted by: bob haine | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 08:04 PM
Bonjour,
Normally I would pass up this 'comments' section, but am compelled to speak to what I hear and know from experience. Several posts back, I recall your story of Jean-Marc's depression. Fast forwarding to this post-you speak of an uncertain future for Mas des Brun. I am familiar with friends circling around a couple who are struggling, with circumstances out of control. I am familiar with the lifelong dream of an "entrepreneur" - mixed with the strong male ego-(normal), and his extreme pride in keeping the family ship afloat. This is EVERYTHING to a man !
I simply want to say: 'Rachet up'(maybe rechauffer in French?) your communication, no matter what level you believe it to be presently ! Men in this difficult place(due to no 'lack' on their part) can become secret keepers and too self absorbed. THIS IS THE TIME to draw each other 'out' and KEEP priorities in the RIGHT place. My prayers for your beautiful future, and beautiful it will be, because beauty is not bound by circumstances.
sincerely.
Posted by: sarah | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 08:06 PM
Bonjour, Kristin,
Bravo! Your writing eventually gets you to the correct conclusions. It is a special gifted path for special people
to process their feelings in this way. Vive l'écrivain, sa famille, ses copains, et la pasta salad!
Amicalement,
Joanne
Posted by: Joanne Ablan | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 08:07 PM
There is another acronym: EGBOK: Everything's Gonna Be OKAY!
Posted by: bob haine | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 08:07 PM
Dear Kristi, "Be still my soul," the spirit cries,"go sit at Jesus' feet." Do not give up. You and Marc work so hard and care so much, it will work out. May God bless you and help you. Milou
Posted by: [email protected] | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 08:25 PM
My thoughts and prayers will fill my heart and mind for you, Jean-Marc and your vineyard. And if possible even in the dreams of my sleep. And either way, remember, dreams may adapt, change, rearrange themselves ... and/or us, but as long as we have dreams, we have life and hope. I have lost my dream, but I am hoping it is only a period of testing and one day my dream will be realized or perhaps a new dream will take its place and I will see it to fruition.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and allowing us to "come into your home." I hope y'all are able to see your dreams and your vineyard through to fruition as well. Amities and bon courage.
Posted by: Eric Readling | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 08:26 PM
As always, just beautiful thoughts and images.
Posted by: Julie Farrar | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 08:28 PM
Yes! Solidarite! Hope you will consider crowd-funding or any other means that will allow you to continue your best life together. Always remember, there are many ways to live also, and many ways to be content.
Posted by: Ellen A. | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 08:38 PM
THE LAST THING I NEEDED TODAY WAS TO READ THIS BLOG! I COULD FEEL THE TENSION AND THE ANXIETY YOU WERE EXPERIENCING. I HAVE HAD THOSE SENSATIONS FOR THE LAST WEEK. TRYING TO PACK A BAG FOR A THREE WEEK STAY IN FRANCE HAS GIVEN ME A FIT. DO I NEED ALL THOSE TROUSERS? DO I HAVE ENOUGH SHIRTS? EXCEEDING FIFTY POUNDS WILL COST ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS. I THINK AGING MAKES DECISION MAKING A BIT HARDER.. ANYWAY, I'M GLAD IT WORKED OUT FOR YOU. YOUR HINTING ABOUT POSSIBLY NOT BEING THERE NEXT YEAR IS A GREAT LEAD FOR A STORY. "THE FRENCH MYSTERY" BY KRISTI
Posted by: GUS ELISON | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 09:20 PM
I pray that you and your family will succeed and be there for many years to come. You have given it heart. But I know wherever the future takes you you will be up to the task. I love your emails tho I have not ever written.
All my best to you and your beautiful family. Gros bisous
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 09:23 PM
Next year go visit your mother in Mexico for the harvest!!
Posted by: Jeanne Govert | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 10:09 PM
Next year go to visit your mother in Mexico at harvest time!
Posted by: Jeanne Govert | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 10:10 PM
Well said, Judi!
Posted by: Jeanne | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 11:07 PM
Good luck Kristi. Eventually both of you will come to a decision, but don't do anything hastily. You have not chosen an easy life and reinventing your vineyard also from scratch was not an easy task. It will take a lot of soul searching especially since the children are doing their thing and have apartments of their own.
You did a good job with the pizza and no matter how dirty the floor got, it CAN be cleaned.
Kathleen
Posted by: Kathleen from Connecticut | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 11:09 PM
'Bon courage' feels like the right thing to say. May your garden grow, may your young people flourish, may your future be ripe for the picking, may your vintages be heady and may the sun shine golden over glorious memories in the cold days of winter. may I wish you all the best and thank you for the interesting, inspiring, funny, sad things you have written. BON COURAGE!
L x
Posted by: L Flett | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 11:14 PM
Reading everyone's well wishes and want to add my own. I know the past several months have been extraordinarily tough and you have some major decisions to make, but wherever you chose to settle next, or not, you have a life of adventure filled with loving family and friends. We all admire you and J-M and are honored that you have included us in your day-to-day joys and struggles. Bonne chance, mon amie! Je t'embrasse.
Posted by: Jeanne | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 11:15 PM
sometimes you just ride the wave, like a surfer. knees bent, arms out, eyes ahead and go!
prayers for peace and clarity as you go forward.
Posted by: Sue J. | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 11:27 PM
I am hopeful that you will be able to stay in your beautiful spot and I am praying for a "fruitful" and prosperous harvest. If I were there I would gladly help to harvest those grapes, and cold [or lukewarm] pizza would be fine with me. ;) I know you said that the French don't like cold food, and Pasta Salad is fine cold [I agree]...but I come from a French family [in America] and I know we do not like very, very hot food either. At most of our family dinners food can arrive hot to the table but still won't be eaten until it comes down in temperature a bit. That is perhaps why when I am at home in my own house I will prefer to serve the dinner and be the last one to the table, since by then it is just right! ;) Bon Courage!!!
Posted by: Paul Gaudet | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 11:30 PM
What did I miss? I thought the new vineyard was going well. I must have missed something in one of your posts although I read them all. Hopefully this will work out for you both and you can continue to fulfil your dream.
Posted by: Merle Minda | Monday, September 05, 2016 at 11:59 PM
Oh, Kristi, your post brought tears to my eyes as I intuit your ongoing struggle, and survey my own messy house after a whirlwind weekend visit by two sons with their wives plus one baby and one toddler, all coming to gather round following the death of my 91 year old father. Your online friends are all giving good and loving counsel; I echo their support. Stay strong, stay positive and keep the faith, as I do, that all things ultimately work out as they are meant to and life will go on. And you will find joy again even if it seems hard to believe at this moment. Here's to a fabulous harvest and wonderful future en famille!
Posted by: Elizabeth | Tuesday, September 06, 2016 at 01:29 AM
You live your life with grace and beauty. We don't necessarily see the fierce paddling that goes on beneath the surface. I was delighted to read that both of your children are well launched into the world and their future studies. I read today that there are fires near Marseilles, and the winds of change seem to be blowing in the world. And out of your difficult year, you and Jean- Marc have gathered your harvest with the help of your friends. The best grapes grow in difficult terrain? I am not a wine-maker! I hope the grapes are going to produce a cracker of a wine! ( Australian expression for something exceptional).
Posted by: Janet | Tuesday, September 06, 2016 at 02:06 AM
Loved the ending! :)
Haven't gotten up to speed as to why you might not be there next year. Where is the option?
Also, haven't the French started using the insulated carriers for pizza that keep them, if not hot, at least very warm? Pasta salad is a great option. :)
Posted by: GwenEllyn. | Tuesday, September 06, 2016 at 05:44 AM
Meilleurs voeux pour la vendange et pour le futur aussi! Le vrai bonheur est l'amitie. Et vous en avez.
Posted by: Katherine Sinicropi | Tuesday, September 06, 2016 at 04:08 PM
A wine harvest looks like a lot of hard work. How wonderful that Jean-Marc has friends who will come help with this backbreaking job. Please don't worry about keeping the pizza hot all the time, just do the best you can. Smile and say thank you.
Posted by: Diane Young | Tuesday, September 06, 2016 at 04:47 PM
The harvest is a timeless tradition, one I have been blessed to be a part of several years in Burgundy. It can be a nightmare, too! As the chef, I am always amazed when the grape chiefs just think the food arrives hot, and the right quantity, and at the right time because they have decided and maybe communicated this! It's a process, getting information. When you imagine how little the scene has changed over 3000 years, it's a wonder too. It is stressful, but THE chance to try out getting the balance of hard work, stopping work, accepting help, hustling to get pizza hot, eating and taking a moment for yourself. Congratulations on all of that!
Posted by: Leslie NYC | Tuesday, September 06, 2016 at 04:49 PM
Oh Kristi. Reading this entry makes me feel all the same things -- cold pizza, never! Mud, dried fruit, a.k.a. another mess that I have to clean up! And I hear the potential despair about the uncertainty of perhaps leaving your home. I've never met you, I've actually just discovered your blog and your books as I have been searching for more on Provence and considering a possible part-time life there. Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your writing and also the help as I get back to remembering my almost 40-year old college French while attempting studying again today. I hope our paths will cross one day because I think you would be a dear new friend. Merci, and bon chance!
Posted by: Suzette Bannister | Tuesday, September 06, 2016 at 05:02 PM
Read your last story; your mom is courageous, wise, and uniquely beautiful. It would have been a great treat if circumstances would have allowed me to make your helper group "a baker's 'dousin'."It is amasant what Jean-Marc has accomplished on the hill where you live. My French is failing but not my appreciation of the famille Espinasse and of the joys of spending time with you -- especially with my dear wife in Bandol.
Posted by: Frederick Caswell | Tuesday, September 06, 2016 at 05:12 PM
"Jewels" is courageous, wise and uniquely beautiful. Jean-Marc's accomplishments on the hill where you live is a tribute to his hard work and commitment. If I were younger I would have tried to make your group of volunteers a "baker's dozen." But I have cherished memories, especially of our visit to Bandol.
Posted by: Frederick Caswell | Tuesday, September 06, 2016 at 05:27 PM
Best of luck with the vendange.
Posted by: Joan L. | Tuesday, September 06, 2016 at 10:53 PM
Kristi, I'm late to comment. I am working to embrace the idea of uncertainty, planning ahead but also leaving plenty of room for various possibilities. Right now, my mantra to get out of anxiety spells is "Here and Now," reminding me to trust in what is before me and embrace the present moment. It's not always easy, but we must continue to work on it.
Posted by: Katia | Wednesday, September 07, 2016 at 12:04 AM
From where I sit here in Nevada, you are living a DREAM. I hope you will be at your vineyard many more years so you can grow old in your wonderful place.
Every time I get unhinged, I try to pull myself back to reality and thank my lucky stars for all my blessings.
Sometimes I'm not successful, so I whine a little more until I pour myself a glass of French wine and think about my 10+ short visits to France and the wonderful places I have seen. Someday I hope to stay in France for many, many months or years!
Until then, reading about your life in Provence gives me so much pleasure and beauty. Thank you!
Posted by: Linda Faas | Wednesday, September 07, 2016 at 01:27 AM
Oh my..... you are a saint.... one with a very wise heart and the greatest of friends. Wish I could come help you wash that floor.
Posted by: Ophelia | Wednesday, September 07, 2016 at 03:34 AM
You made it through it!! Sad that you may not be there next year...hope that you can be. Have a great visit with your mom despite the circumstances.
Take care and be safe.
Posted by: Buffy | Wednesday, September 07, 2016 at 04:32 AM
Simply writing to send you and JM a lot of support during this uncertain time, Kristi. I hope that the harvest was a great one. xo
Posted by: Heather in Arles | Wednesday, September 07, 2016 at 04:39 AM
I can so relate, Kristi, with my need to know the details so that I can feel better prepared. I'm happy you didn't miss out on a slice of hot pizza and most importantly the beautiful gift that was present. Congrats on your harvest! You are truly lovely! xoxo
Posted by: Stacy - Sweet Life Farm | Wednesday, September 07, 2016 at 05:05 AM
Kristin,
I can relate to why some cannot put words to what fears and uncertainties lie below the surface; it makes them too real. We who stand beside them have to wait quietly until they arrive at acceptance. From what I see in your smile and read in your stories, I know there is strength enough for both of you. Stay strong, Kristin. Solutions and new opportunities will come you way.
Love and best wishes!
Posted by: Brenda | Wednesday, September 07, 2016 at 05:57 PM
Several posts have alluded to a possibility of not staying where you now live. Where are you thinking of moving?
Posted by: Sheila | Thursday, September 08, 2016 at 10:48 PM
Adding to the list of acronyms:THAWOWO- things have a way of working out. I'm thankful you are able to write during these difficult and stressful times. And I can see from the comments community that there are many of us out here who care for you and your family. Sending you strength and courage dear Kristi. And I too have the scissors for pizza, Cutco, because the blades can be separated for thorough cleaning.
Posted by: Cindy | Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 02:14 AM
Kristin, I have followed you on and off for years and always you made my day a little happier. We are all here to support you both. I know everyone will help in any way we can, you only have to blog. So chin up, it is never as bad as it seems, and what are friends for and you have so many, we all love you and your family dearly.
Posted by: ELIZABETH | Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 04:54 PM
My brother preferred "Keep It Simple Sweetheart"
Posted by: leslie dosik | Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 07:04 PM