A Sign Of Life From The Auvergne, France

It has been way too long since I blogged last. I apologize. But you see, the days have been flying by here in rural France and there never seems to be a dull moment.  After spending the first two weeks re-connecting with friends and catching up with the neighbors, my husband and I have started some projects around our 1866 stone farm house.  Since we are at least fourty-five minutes away from the nearest 'Mr. Bricolage', the French equivalent of Home Depot, everything takes longer, everything is a bit more complicated.

Since the weather has been absolutely glorious here, despite the occasional thunderstorm. I have also been working in the garden, happily planting anything that is hardy enough to survive the cold winters here in the countryside.

And at night, when the sun finally goes down at 10 pm, we make a fire, open a bottle of red wine, roast a chicken over the open flame and enjoy a home-made cherry clafoutis.

And then, we sink into bed, bone-tired and happy.

But no worries.  I have not forgotten about Brooklyn and will be back in just a bit. And I promise, I will resume reporting about Carroll Gardens. C'est promis.

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Market Day In Ambert

Thursday is market day in Ambert here in the Auvergne.  And though there are lots of Farmers Markets back home in Brooklyn. I must admit that I wait impatiently all year to be able to come back to this one.
Not only are the fruit and vegetables amazing, they are allowed to ripen before being picked, so they are full of flavor.
The Auvergne is known for its cheese, so besides the produce, the market is a great place to purchase such varieties as Bleu D'Auvergne, St. Nectaire and the famous Fourme d'Ambert.
Besides the cheese, the Auvergnats also make some of the best saucissons sec, made of pork, boar, pheasant, or donkey and flavored with nuts, blueberries, cognac and of course, cheese.
For those who have less time to cook, there is an abundance of meals ready to take home.  My favorite is the aligot, made from potatoes, crème fraiche, butter and cheese.  You can see the vendor scooping some of this delicious goodness into a container above.
And if you are shopping for a canary, chipmunk or would like a free kitten, you can find it all here as well.
In case you were wondering, yes, I was very tempted to take the little kitten home, but refrained.

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Is Lightstone Group Tearing Down Gowanus Building On Development Site Without Proper Permits?

photo credit:Jeff Anzulewicz

Meanwhile, back in Gowanus...
I am still in France but have received a string of emails from Gowanus residents reporting that workers began tearing down the roof of an old brick building at 363-365 Bond Street, between 1st and 2nd Street yesterday. The building is located on the site of the 700-unit, 12 story Lightstone Group development.

According to reports, a crew of about 25 men with pick axes and saws started demolishing the rooftop of the building yesterday afternoon. Gowanus residents became concerned when they realized that no permits had been posted. More troubling was the fact that no asbestos monitoring equipment was present on site and the crew did not wear any protective gear.

Residents contacted Councilman Brad Lander's office and Community Board 6 to ask that the work be done according to local laws, with proper permits, and proper protections for workers and the local community. They also placed several calls to 311. Inspectors came out to the site later in the day and work stopped yesterday afternoon at about 2 pm.
Today, a crew was back building a plywood fence around part of the building. In addition, red and yellow caution tape with the words "Danger-Asbestos" has been put up.
NYC Department of Buildings has recorded a 'pre-filing' for the site on its web site. A permit for a plywood fence has also been recorded. There is, however, no sign of a demolition permit.

In addition, Lightstone has applied for the NY State  Department of Environmental Conservation Brownfield Cleanup Program. The program requires that any action on the site be first approved by the agency. It is likely that demolition work would also need to be approved.

This not a very good start for Lightstone Group and its highly contentious project.  Stay tuned for more...it's bound to be a long hot summer in Gowanus.

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Back In The Auvergne, France

A sunny day in the Auvergne

On the way to the neighbor's house

My desk while in France

I meant to post photos of the last few days sooner, but somehow, I have not found the time. And last night, when I finally wanted to sit down at my computer, lightning knocked out the electricity for a few hours, so I lit some candles and forgot all about posting an update.
No more excuses, though. Let me tell you what I have been up to.
After spending a few days in the South of France, my husband and I finally arrived in the Auvergne and in the little village where my family has owned an old stone farmhouse for the last 41 years. Coming back here feels like coming home and many childhood memories are associated with this place. Reuniting with friends and neighbors is always a joy and much information about the last few months needs to be exchanged.
All have been complaining bitterly of one of the rainiest springs here in recent memory. Even though the Auvergne is not blessed with the best weather, it must have rained all the way through the end of June.
Luckily, since we arrived,  the sun has made an appearance, which makes it easier to settle into the house.
Because there is much to do.

Setting up the outdoor table for a lunch under the linden tree

Hanging the blankets outside for a bit of fresh air

Stocking the kitchen with basics

making sure not to forget the rosé

Adding flowers in planters on the stone wall

and in the big pots in front of the house

Replanting the basil and rosemary which died over the winter

all while taking the time to enjoy the sunset.

And when it gets cold at night, it's time to light the fire

and to reflect on the day.

So there you go. This is what I have been up to here.  I promise I will post more often in the next few days.  And for those who have been complaining that there has not been news of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, I will make sure to add some news from our neighborhood as well.

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