I bought a walking stick in Avignon


Down a narrow lane near the Palais de Papes, on the rue de la Monnaie, you will find a small wine shop, the Cave du Bouffart. Through a narrow door, down a few steps, into a space the size of a compact bedroom is a wonderful selection of local wines and wine paraphernalia, where you…

Rainy days, gardens, tea, and old books


Rainy days hold pleasant surprises when you travel, yet you probably won’t see them on the Travel Channel. Another of my travel maxims is, “Don’t let the weather decide how much fun you have.” Rainy days make a cup of tea taste the best. The Bath Bun tea shop in Bath, England is a wonderful…

Tuscan beans, a quick lunch!


  Working from home does not mean boring lunches. I whipped these Tuscan Beans in about 15 minutes. It is good to treat yourself well even when you are eating alone. Started by dicing a bit of onion and clove a garlic, sauté them for a bit Then add drained canned beans, (cannellini, pinto, or…

Wild mushroom tart


Wild mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, with a hazelnut crust, topped with fontina cheese.