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,…

Another hurricane after Helene, terrible Milton hit Bradenton where we escape winter weather. We were fortunate. Our home is intact. Only our shed and fence are toast. A huge tree limb crashed onto our shed, knocking off part of its roof and walls and crushing some the wooden fence. Considering Milton’s size and force, we…

We looked forward to venturing out in Marseille since the Spine Whisperer healed my back. But walking down a long corridor behind a woman who was coughing her head off exposed us to a lousy virus that kept us house-bound for the last week. It was another unexpected pause during our seven week holiday in…

I was in terrible pain when we arrived in Valence to spend several days with our dear friends. My guardian angels, the DonCoeurs, rescued me from a Pyrenees storm 20 years ago. I was alone on the Camino de Santiago when a violent tempest arrived, leaving me exposed on a cliff top, shivering and terrified.…

I must confess, I haven’t been honest about our last two weeks in Provence. There’s a bit of trouble in Paradise. The challenges we’re facing traveling abroad as seniors aren’t for the faint of heart! Colette left Marseille for her Avignon home to see her doctor for her annual checkup. She fell on the sidewalk…

Vermont and Provence share the distinction of a charming village and breath-taking view in any direction where you may go. While Vermont is verdant from rainfall and snow, Provence is quite arid despite the Sea since Mistral winds blow away the rain clouds. Both places are noted for rocky outcroppings—Vermont with granite, marble, and quartz,…

The view from Anne and Sebastian’s guest house of the Massif de l’Étoile leaves me speechless and mesmerized. The color and light changes every few minutes (like when our son Danny and I painted the Grand Canyon). Just to the east stands Garlaban Peak (over 2,000 feet like our Killington Dream Lodge). Can you imagine…

Can you feel how the energy changes depending on your location? Which places on Earth stir your soul, pull on your heartstrings, and make you whole? Vermont is a state that settles many minds, lowers blood pressure, and inspires through nature. Vermont is a state that stands for freedom where people come to flee oppression.…

Building our Killington Dream Lodge part 26 in a series on the Dye family adventure By Marguerite Jill Dye We’re headed for Europe as this column comes out to visit with friends and see old and new sites where I’ll paint en plein air like French “artistes.” I’ll take a break from my series of…

Part 26 in a series on the Dye Family Adventure by Marguerite Jill Dye A child’s awe Some of the stress and pressure in our lives was lifted once I quit my job to care for Danny, cook, keep house, and recover from months of sleep loss. My pay was low and child care high,…

Part 25 in a series on the Dye Family Adventure by Marguerite Jill Dye Motherhood, the next frontier We were awe-struck when our son was born. Duane cut the cord and bathed Danny in warm water. I held him on my chest as we fell in love with the sweet little fellow, all rosy red…

Building a Killington Dream Lodge part 24 When my husband Duane and I fled to Vermont to take a break and recover from my miscarriage, we spent time with my parents who were very encouraging as they always were. Dad, also had updates on the house. He’d been hard at work completing projects, both down…

Building a Killington Dream Lodge part 23 Duane and I spent time in Vermont when we could get away for long weekends. Duane enjoyed helping Dad catch up with two-man jobs delayed due to his cancer surgery. They talked while they worked about their lives, careers, golf, fishing, and other guy stuff. Dad listened intently…

Building a Killington Dream Lodge, part 22 Bright Vermont moonlight flooded the great room as we entered the upstairs of the Killington dream lodge. Flickering firelight from Dad’s new wood stove danced across ceiling, walls, and floor. The aroma of gingerbread filled our nostrils. Mom placed it on the counter to cool and cried out…

Building our Killington Dream Lodge, part 22 Vermont was the best healing balm for Dad’s cancer and my Argentine trauma. Our spirits were truly at home in our Dream Lodge where my parents had just moved upstairs! I ran up the real steps (the slanted ladder was long gone) and let out a cheer when…