During our month and a half near Marseille in the tranquil village of Allauch we’ve been embraced by the Pascal family who’ve included us in their lives and celebration.
We first met Colette and Jean-Paul 12 years ago at an organic Florida farm stand. We’ve often reunited since that day in Florida, Vermont, and Avignon, France. This is our first time staying together in their daughter and son-in-law’s guest house. Anne and Sebastien have demanding careers in the shipping business, but even so, have taken the time to make us feel completely at home. We’ve shared meals in both houses and the birthday gala for Anne’s parents, our dear friends.
Most of the family arrived from Paris, Anne’s sister Sophie, a political appointee, (who will run for mayor of her suburb in the future), her older son Simon, and twins, Margo and Thomas. All are in their twenties and engaged in careers in theatre and film. Colette’s sister, brother and his wife drove down from their homes in Avignon.
Duane and I made cole slaw with cabbage, carrots and apples that was served as the first course before Anne’s dish—the quintessential Provençal soupe au Pistou which is loved by all. It was delicious. I took notes to replicate her grandmother’s recipe. Zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions, green beans, potatos, special local pink and white beans, garlic, tomato, lots of basil, olive oil, and elbow macaroni. We sprinkled Conté cheese on top. I devoured three servings myself.
Colette’s sister made Charlotte—a luscious birthday cake with pressed layers of pears and chocolate cream made with mascarpone cheese and surrounded by French lady fingers. A light flan was served beside the cake.
We hung American “Happy Birthday” signs around the long table in the garden where over a dozen of us sat. Sun, shade and a perfect temperature graced the lovely afternoon. Champagne toasts, wine and café with chocolate passed around the table.
The gifts followed, ours from Vermont, including my plein air Kent Pond watercolor (with two kayaks since Judy Intraub introduced Colette to the sport). Five-year-old Cabot cheese, maple leaf candies, maple cream, and chocolates sweetened with maple syrup. Thank you Killington Locals for great ideas!
We toasted with Champagne to the health of the happy couple then Colette toasted her love, Jean-Paul of 57 years.
“You’ve reached your 80th birthday in spite of all of the challenges involved. Congratulations. Bonne Anniversaire. I am relieved and very happy.”
Then Jean-Paul spoke. “I used to be annoyed when I got older, but looking at my three grandchildren, I am uplifted and reassured. They’re all grown up, tall like me, and have my sense of humor. Alors, the succession is assured.”
Marguerite Jill Dye is an artist and writer who divides her time between Killington and Bradenton, Florida where she exhibits her art in The Spa at the Woods and The Island Crêperie which was in the path of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. She loves to hear from her readers at jilldyestudio@aol.com. Her column is online with updates from France until the end of October.
Colette and Jill with Kent Pond watercolor, photo by Duane Finger.
