Mental preparedness

Although my next trip to Duras is still a month off, my Duraquoise brain is in full mental preparation to accomplish everything I need to do there, while still leaving time to savor the flavors, vistas, aromas and sounds of my chosen village and home.

When my head is full I wonder sometimes if I've done the right thing. "Normal" tourists, headed to France for a spring holiday, would now be occupied with pleasant tasks like picking out a new rain jacket and luggage, then choosing restaurants, wine bars and shops at which to spend some Euros. Not me. 

Fully focused on the Clocktower Cottage, I am mentally picturing each wall that doesn't sport a piece of art and trying to come up with solutions to quell the nakedness. I am wondering just how full my propane gas tank is and whether I will need to replace it. I am remembering the condition of each of the sheets, towels and blankets in my linen closet and wondering if a trip to Leroy-Merlin or IKEA is required. I am thinking about my homeowners insurance agent and the questions I will have to prepare in advance in French as she speaks no English. In short, sometimes I think I have taken the fun out of France for myself by being a homeowner with all the accompanying concerns.

Humbug! In truth, I cannot wait to be there. I cannot wait to shop for and find two big pots into which I will plant blue hydrangeas for either side of the front door. I cannot wait to open the tall glass doors to my balcony and let the air ruffle up my white linen curtains. Even when looking down at the winter's worth of pigeon crap on the balcony, I cannot wait to toss a bucket of warm, soapy water on the floor and scrub it spotless with a stiff brush. Then I will watch the sun turn the wet floor into steamy little puffs that carry the winter away on a breeze. When it's clean and dry, I cannot wait to unfold my aqua-blue bistro set and make a little ceremony of carrying it out there, topping the table with a candle, pouring a local rosé, and sitting down. I cannot wait to look toward the chateau and the tiny, waving people atop the tower.

I cannot wait to enjoy my apricot-hued wine and know then that whether the day brings highs or lows, I will be experiencing the magic and the heart-filling moments of this incredible journey.