You may have already met this lady on her blog where she shares her love and knowledge of gardening, travel and life in general. But there is one aspect of her career you might not know. She and her friend Jeanine Rougier taught French cooking classes in Texas before moving to Gloucester.

Patricia “Trish” Cowan grew up in a family that traveled a lot. “My father was in construction. I was raised in the country so I’m a country girl sort. Loved to read the book on Anne Frank and was always interested in knowing more about World War II and the French Resistance.”

Later while living in Colorado and operating her Design Shop, Trish met a woman who visited her design business. “She was the epitome of what I thought a French lady should be. Before she left I was invited to her home for a Bastille Day celebration.” That was in 1973 and Trish’s interest in the French and French cooking was growing deeper.

Moving to California and working for m...