Hi Everybody!

Les and I arrived safe and sound on Tuesday, June 26 here in Campagnan. The house looked great (if a but dusty after 10 months!), and we were able to enjoy our first meal on the terrace, looking out over our beautiful village and the vineyards beyond.

After a few computer frustrations (hooking up new laptops to the wireless and the printer), we were settled in and ready to enjoy "la vie francaise". It's the little things that make such a difference here: beautiful fresh air (not humid!), abundant sunshine, and no bugs! Every day starts with breakfast and a view! And gets better from there!

We'll keep you posted on our travels throughout the summer. We're still stuck in the middle ages, so we'll be visiting various medieval sites (Chartres for sure) in France, but we've also planned a trip to Aachen, Germany to visit Charlemagne's chapel and throne (800 CE). And we have a 5 day trip to Sicily already planned July 25-29.

We've already done one "ballade" (a wall along a prescribed trail) and plan to do at least one a week. We've already visited our favorite resale shop, and I'm already covered with paint to try to resurrect the "treasures" we found there. We've already seen our French friends Benedicte and Michel, and look forward to seeing others as the summer continues.

Thanks to our house and dog sitter, Maggie, all seems well in Charleston. Our children and grandchildren are enjoying a HOT Chicago summer--we were able to see them,and friends and family during a 5 day stay in Chicago before our trip.

So.... la vie est bonne! Hope you check in from time to time.

A bientot!

Elise and Les