French Country Kitchen

This weekend we visited old friends whom my wife has known for over 40 years. They live in St. Dizier, a town of 30,000 some 210 kilometers from Paris, to the east in Champagne-Ardenne. We took the train--very convenient despite needing to change once. They have a large 19th century house on the main street, which they have renovated progressively since moving in twenty years ago. The well-equipped kitchen boasts a large table in the center which is typical for France. There is a wood stove against the wall behind us. We ate wonderfully--every meal at home.