Last month, I had the unusual experience of returning to the US for the second time this year. Usually, we go once and visit all four states where our family lives. This latest trip was for our niece's wedding in upstate New York. Such a delight to gather and celebrate in a beautiful area new to us. We had to fly through London, so on our way back we stopped for a few days to visit a good friend. Come join me on a whirlwind tour through these two unique places. Our reward for

Recently, I attended meetings in the northeastern French city of Strasbourg in the region formerly called Alsace, now the Grand Est. Thankfully, there was enough free time to wander this incredible city, full of visual delights around every corner. Join me for a stroll or two through a town that reflects its varied heritage over the centuries. Originally independent, then French during the time of Louis XIV, then German after the Franco-Prussian War, then back to France at th

I visited Scotland for the first time a little over a year ago and fell in love with the country and the people. The biggest percentage of my DNA is Scottish, possibly explaining the affinity. Cultural connections seem to exist in our very being that go beyond experience. And since God has put unique attributes in each culture, there is much to be discovered and treasured. Recently, I returned, traveling to new areas and deepening these connections. Come enjoy some highlights

Our youngest daughter visited recently... quelle joie! After spending time in our home and visiting spots in the south of France, we...

Drive a short distance down the road from my little town, St. Hippolyte du Fort, and you'll find this charming scene: Welcome to Sauve, with its rich history dating back to the 11th century. Come, wander with me across the river, through narrow cobbled streets, under stone arches, and past ancient buildings. If only these walls could talk! We enter the village by Le Pont Vieux, the Old Bridge, built between the 11th and 13th centuries. These dates cause my American head to sp

We recently visited the charming medieval town of Aigues-Mortes, about an hour south from our home. Set in the Camargue region, this...

After a long season of not traveling for various reasons, my husband and I made up for lost time this past fall. And to our great...

Although our trip to Scotland was two months ago, this enchanting country lingers on in my heart. Is it my Scottish DNA? Maybe. I felt at...

My recent journey to Scotland far exceeded expectations. Full of surprises, delights, revelations, and more. Each region we visited...

I've visited Marseille many times over the years, including this past week. Known as the city of 100 neighborhoods, I doubt I'll ever...

One of the best things about living in France is the continual discovery. Even when revisiting places, taking friends and guests, there's...

What could be better than a day in Provence? Two days! While that's not nearly long enough to explore this enchanting region of France,...

One of my great joys this fall is having my sister and her husband in the region for several months. It is a huge and unexpected gift to...

For the first time in two years, I recently traveled back to the USA. As everyone knows, a world of change has occurred during that time....

The Nooooorth Several years ago, my husband and I watched a popular French film called Bienvenue Chez Les Ch'tis. The basic plot revolves...

Waiting is never easy. At least not for me. In this season of a worldwide pandemic, a prolonged election, mounting terrorism, and so much...

The name Fig & Vine came to me over a year ago as I walked through our garden thinking, listening, praying about starting a blog (does...