Oyes en Champagne: July 2011

Thursday 14 July 2011

Au Revoir Madame Paris

She was a small lady but such a grand person. She had lived her entire life here in the village of Oyes, born on the same farm where she passed away two weeks ago. At a young age she lost her father and that was when she took over the family farm with her husband Felix. Felix passed away some three years ago and madame Paris did feel lonely sometimes.

Once she said to me "La vie est bien faite et puis elle n'est pas bien faite" So simple and so wise.

She carried vegetables and eggs to our house but more importantly she carried great wisdom that was always welcome.

The news of her death was shocking, yes, she had been ill for most of spring but she was always outside and didn't skip one single of the two daily walks she took her dog Dora on, so we were looking forward to seeing more of her during the holidays, exchanging courgettes for lemon cakes and learning more lessons on harvesting fruit and trimming trees.

We had even brought a print out of a picture Michel took of her and her dog in front of our house. Michel gave it to her daughters on the day of her death. In stead of hanging on her kitchen wall it was used for the cover of the folder distributed at her funeral.

Michel and I talk about how it is possible that someone we had only known for a year has had such a big impact on us. I can't tell you the answer exactly, but she was a very special person and we will miss her greatly and cherish the memory of Madame Paris. (1930-2011)

Janinne Paris walking Dora, April 2011

Monday 11 July 2011

Michel 40, Summer Holidays, and Family visit

Finally the long awaited day was here, 2nd of July, party time. We had guests from near and far come and celebrate the forty-year-young birthday boy.

It was a great day, the weather Gods were on our side and made dinner a sunny, happy feast for everyone.

We were really happy and honoured to have guests drive all the way from Antwerp, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Some flew in from the Faroes and my cousin from Pennsylvania was here as well, thank you all. It was quite a day for us.

We are now officially on our summer holidays and enjoying every minute of it, we are as lucky as to have had and still have plenty of family visits. Leyvoy and Alain were here for a few days and my lovely aunt Turid.

Both of my sisters have been here with their families, Turid is leaving tomorrow. My friend forever Marita was here with her family and last but not least we have the pleasure of having our omma around us for a few weeks. So nice to compensate for all the time that we miss each other during the year.

Here are a few pictures, enjoy!