The country around, through the seasons

Walking from the door, going down to the market, bathing, climbing to the ridge: what changes from one season to the next.

Four seasons

Each season changes what one does; the paths stay.

The meadows grow back, the paths dry out, and the walnut trees are the last to come into leaf.

The paths start at the farmhouse; in spring the meadows are high and the ditches full.

The first vegetables and the cheeses of the season, on the village square.

As soon as the sun holds, the table moves from the large room to the orchard.

Long evenings, cool water, early starts to walk before the heat.

A bend of the river within reach of the village, where people bathe in summer.

The ridge path is best done at the end of the day, when the light drops and the air cools.

We lend bicycles; the mid-mountain roads ask for legs, not for daring.

Low light, yellowing woods, walnuts to gather.

In autumn the orchard gives its walnuts; guests may gather a few.

The view carries further when the air is dry; bring one more layer for the way back.

It is lit again in the evening: a book, an armchair, and nobody asking for the television.

The house is closed in January; in December and February it stays open.

We do not take guests: the house is closed for the whole month.

The paths are emptier; bring good boots and be back before nightfall.

The stove heats the room. It is where everyone meets after the walk.

The rooms are open all year, except in January.