Keeping things simple and not overworking them is always a good thing. I must admit though that the view from your balcony is better than any chair!!

I was concerned and missed sharing your enlightening thoughts of life in Grasse but after reading what you are going through this came to mind: Patience Patience is wider than one once envisioned, with ribbons of rivers and distant ranges and tasks undertaken and finished with modest relish by natives in their native dress. Who would have guessed it possible that waiting is sustainable — a place with its own harvests. Or that in time's fullness the diamonds of patience couldn't be distinguished from the genuine in brilliance or hardness. by Kay Ryan

It is so interesting to hear about the "Bonk" and the "miniature parking spots" Thanks for sharing all that but where is the picture of the the new hairdo?? or should I say scalpdo?

Great suitcases! I always wanted to own one of those. Grasse sounds like a wonderful place to explore. Please take lots of pictures of all the ordinary and "mundane" places and things that we can never see on postcards!

You definitely deserve this! And we deserve it vicariously with the power of your pictures and some imagination....

Waiting anxiously to see your garden sofa and its raspberry cushions. The outdoor areas of your villa are dreamy and waiting to be "lived". Any plans for an outdoor brick oven???

Thank you for sharing. Great pictures, great potential!. Now I feel the urge to move in with you! There must be an olive oil mill nearby so that you could take your harvest of olives and get your own olive oil!!?? What kind of flooring is on the inside? Are you planning any changes re the floors?

i already commented on this but it got lost! so I will try to repeat: You have a lot on your hands but it must be very exciting. Do you have an architect or interior designer near by? That is what I used when we were remodeling our house about 11 years ago. It is good to have someone for consultation, supervision or even affirmation also to help you with ideas or obsession with the "wrong ideas" ...

This poem is for you my friend. Thank you for your beautiful and honest writing. Ithaca When you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the angry Poseidon -- do not fear them: You will never find such as these on your path, if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine emotion touches your spirit and your body. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter, if you do not carry them within your soul, if your soul does not set them up before you. Pray that the road is long. That the summer mornings are many, when, with such pleasure, with such joy you will enter ports seen for the first time; stop at Phoenician markets, and purchase fine merchandise, mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony, and sensual perfumes of all kinds, as many sensual perfumes as you can; visit many Egyptian cities, to learn and learn from scholars. Always keep Ithaca in your mind. To arrive there is your ultimate goal. But do not hurry the voyage at all. It is better to let it last for many years; and to anchor at the island when you are old, rich with all you have gained on the way, not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches. Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage. Without her you would have never set out on the road. She has nothing more to give you. And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you. Wise as you have become, with so much experience, you must already have understood what Ithacas mean. Constantine P. Cavafy (1911)

Did you say 35 olive trees? WE have to learn how to cure the olives!