Fig & Vine

Last month, I had the unusual experience of returning to the US for the second time this year. Usually, we go once and visit all four states where our family lives. This latest trip was for our niece's wedding in upstate New York. Such a delight to gather and celebrate in a beautiful area new to us. We had to fly through London, so on our way back we stopped for a few days to visit a good friend. Come join me on a whirlwind tour through these two unique places. Our reward for

I got in! And back out again! The fort of St. Hippolyte opened its forbidding doors to the public this summer. Once for a jazz festival that I missed. Then, for the Caminade , which I was fortunate to attend. Come enjoy a dramatic, comedic presentation of local history inside the fort that gave St. Hippolyte du Fort its current name. The word caminade comes from the Occitan dialect and means to follow a long path together, or simply, to walk. Every year a local group of writ

Summer in our little town brings scorching temperatures, scores of tourists, and a plethora of special activities. Join me for a tour of the sights and sounds of summer in St. Hippolyte du Fort. Locally grown summer flowers Our weekly open markets are at their peak, bursting with seasonal produce, flowers, local products, clothes, and so much more. White and yellow peaches, melon from Cavaillon—delicious chilled with jambon de Parma —yum! My home garden grows slowly this year

Recently, I attended meetings in the northeastern French city of Strasbourg in the region formerly called Alsace, now the Grand Est. Thankfully, there was enough free time to wander this incredible city, full of visual delights around every corner. Join me for a stroll or two through a town that reflects its varied heritage over the centuries. Originally independent, then French during the time of Louis XIV, then German after the Franco-Prussian War, then back to France at th