Soar-Dream-France

Chores and Treats

 

 

Yesterday was our day to take les deux frere into the vet's office who works with the Refuge de Figeac. They are much bigger boys now than they were when they arrived-I now know that Ollie weighs 2.5 kilos (about double to make pounds) and Opie weighs 3 kilos.

 

 

 

When the vet weighed Opie and looked at his teeth she said, with his weight and the size of his teeth he is going to be a big cat. So, all this to say that I needed a ride in with the boys. Jane was wonderful. She got her hair cut. We got shots and chipped. And then, Jane very graciously agreed to take the boys home so we could have fun and not worry about them as we continued our Figeac day.

Good thing. Our lunch at La Cazelle couldn't happen. It was bittersweet for us, but Marc had a full house until 1:30! I was thrilled for Marc.

 

 

 

 

Jane and I headed over to Del Portel in the centre ville close to the Bureau de Tourisme. I'd been there before with family and friends.

I have some pix somewhere (et voilak, my brother Jim on the left and me on the right more than 10 years ago!)

They have a gorgeous arbored terrace across from the restaurant, but we chose to eat inside. We were almost the only ones and it felt like we got very special attention. We joked that we were the first to arrive and the last to leave.

 

 

 

I confess that most of the photos I have are of the food and wine. I had a fabulous torandoes of beef topped with foie gras in a vin de Cahors sauce, with potatoes and cepe mushrooms. It was a splurge, but with the stuff going on in the states, I deserved it. Jane had a chicken curry pizza. Jane likes creamy pizzas with lots of hot sauce and they were willing to oblige.

 

We'd ordered a half pichet, but as I ate my tornadoes in the Cahors wine sauce, I realized a Cahors wine would have been better.

And, shame on me-I decided to splurge there too.

When we asked the price of a half bottle for a little more we could get a whole bottle.

Why not? 

 

 

We even got a "wine glass upgrade!"

I teased our waiter that I can take it home if we don't drink it. And, even if we do I'll take it home and put a "bougie" in it with the notation: Lunch at Del Portel-the date-with Jane. He was so sweet-he adds...AND Nicolas!

Et voila!

Any bets on whether or not there was anything left of that wonderful 2014 Lamartine Cahors?

 

 

We made our way back to Weldom and the Carrefour after sharing a coconut creme brulee and a caramel glace for me and a rum raisin for Jane.

 

 

 

I had some things to order at Weldom and never miss an opportunity to get heavy stuff at the Carrefour. Then, it was off to the Refuge to pick up some of the artwork that Jane donated to their on-line fundraiser after the vernissage last year.

What a great day!

I can tell you it was much easier to return to the Chatette to make my calls to the Republican Senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee. AND, a call to Jeff Flake to thank him for requesting a one week postponement to the full Senate vote on Kavanaugh, so that the FBI can do a full background investigation into the numerous allegations of sexual assault from 3 identified women against this candidate, who hopes to get a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court of the USA. 

 

Happy Saturday!

 

The Lettuce Man Strikes Again-Dad Chimes In

 

I'm going back into the archives today to share a post with you from 2017 of a story that happened during my first full-time summer here in 2006. It's a great story. When I came home from Evelyn's yesterday morning, there on my chaise lounge on the terrace was a a beautiful stash of tomatoes. I knew Francis had been by. They were laid out so artistically! When I talked to Dad at 7 his time 2 my time yesterday, I told him the story for the first time. I always tease that it was the first time I was "wooed" with vegetables. 

 

 

My movie buff Dad teased me: "You know what Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire say in Holiday Inn: Bing says they'll love for my singing and Fred says they'll love me for my dancing?" Dad says: And now we can add-

 

"They'll love me for my vegetables!"

 

 

Leave it to Dad. We had so much fun and giggled together. Love to Dad...Enjoy today's post and the post from the archives.

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

 

 Lettuce Man Memories and Moments-8/9/2-17-Isn't that the prettiest head of lettuce you've ever seen? Ya think? Then, look at these tomatoes!

Yesterday, I heard a car rumbling outside on the side of the road near the drive. I had a feeling it was my friend who I met in Cajarc during my first full summer here in 2006. 

 

 

As you can imagine, my French was much worse then! He said something about "salade" and I thought he was inviting me to have a salade for lunch. I of course go on about my love "aux Etats Unis" and keep going.

 

 

On my way home on my bike, I see a car stopped by the side of the road. There he is again, but he is waving the biggest head of lettuce at me that I have ever seen. Nothing like being flagged down by a new friend with an 18inch in diameter head of lettuce. All he wanted to do was give me this head of lettuce!

My backpack was full. My bike basket had flowers in it. But, I hung on to that head of lettuce on the handlebars and guided my bike successfully back to the Chatette.

 

 

Since then, he stops from time to time at the Chatette with "salade et tomates." I'd come home or wake up in the morning and discover monster lettuce and gorgeous tomatoes sitting on the ledge of the back terrace. What a treat! Yesterday, was his first visit of the season. 

As I've often written, I am spoiled for vege here.

 

After living here, EVERYTHING (fruit and vegetables) tends to taste like cardboard in the states. Yesterday, I couldn't wait. I cut in to one of the very ripe tomatoes for lunch, thinking back on how long it was since I'd had a tomato this red, fresh, juicy, and tasty...of course, my last batch from this friend and other friends' gardens last summer!

I decided I'd have a huge salad for dinner with some left over pizza-Perfection!

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

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Just Like a Man

 

Opie loves my dolls. At first I thought he was madly in love with my Cathy doll. I'd often find him snuggled up and around her n her chair. This went on for a while.

But then, I noticed he had moved on to Jackie Kennedy. I'd find him nestled in with Jackie in much the same way. But by the time he left, poor Jackie was shoe-less and slumped over with her china rose on the floor.

 

 

She had been on the new bookshelf, so she didn't have the same support that Cathy did in her chair.

Pretty soon he'd moved on to his last option, Midge. At the time, Midge was resting on her martini glasses on the other end of the bookshelf from Jackie. She was a little harder to snuggle into. I had visions of martini glasses sailing through the air and crashing to the ground.

Fortunately, that was never the case. But since then, I've moved both Jackie and Midge to spots with more support.

 

 

Last night, I found him all snuggled into Jackie again in her new spot. 

He's continuing to make the rounds. Dare I say: "Just like a man!" But then, that might not be fair since Ollie has NO interest in dolls whatsoever!

 

Happy Tuesday!

 

 

 

Sunday Evening Almosts

 

Even when I go up to bed with my book, this place just keeps on giving. Last night began at almost sunset with the blue, the pink, the pussies, and eventually reflections in the Lot. 

 

 

 

Fade to blue blue and then of course, our almost full moon rose over the causse and made the Lot River dance with diamonds. You might note a few other gemstones in there too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honestly, it was nice to have some distraction from my almost (ha-ha) light reading of Hillary's book:

 

What Happened

 

 

 

Having read James Comey's book and just finished Michael McFaul's book; it was time for Hillary. I have John Kerry's new book waiting in the wings. Do you notice a theme here?

 

 

Needless to say, almost sunsets, almost moon and totally kitties were a nice way to intermission my Hillary reading.

 

 

It's totally Monday-Have a Happy Monday!

 

A Chatette First

 

Last night was the first night I did any entertaining at the Chatette with all my new Monstres Meubles since the fire. Friends from Figeac were coming to Cajarc and wanted to come by with a bottle of champagne to share afterwards. My task was "concoction" that went well with champagne.

First, I had to get the champagne glasses and then I could get busy "concocting!"

I'd already decided that foie gras went best with champagne.

I stopped in at Fins Gourmands and scooped the foie gras and Diamond Salt.

 

 

I already had the Figues de Provence and the Baises Roses. If I say so myself, it was very pretty and tasty too! It's a treat that I don't have very often.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was fun for me to see what felt right with the new furniture. I was surprised to see doubles reflecting in the bonneterie!

 

Of course, it was a cool and pretty night so we found ourselves out on the terrace into dark where we could oggle the almost full moon.

While it is beautiful from the terrace, I knew I had to take Guy and Patrick upstairs to see our Moon River. The reflections were even more spectacular than usual. It was fun for all three of us to hang out the upstairs window together and enjoy the show. 

My French starts off strong and understandable. By the end of the evening my French crashes along with me. But, how wonderful when your French friends tell you how much "mieux" your French is since our last time together over a year ago AND, you'd have no trouble with French Nationalite.

 

 

 

I agree with the first part, but I know I need a lot more work to be prepared for an interview in French. On verra!

Guy and Patrick are actually friends of a friend of a friend. We hit it off right away and manage to get together from time to time. I have a feeling it is going to be a little more regular now.

 

 

After my friends left, Ollie and Opie came out of hiding. They sat on the double student desk and offered to help, with those two sets of eyes gazing into mine as I worked. Pretty soon they were off to a game of deviled egg football! There were only a couple left, so what the hell. They had a great time and I got organized so I can do the dishes when I feel like it today.

I'll probably do dishes like I cleaned the rug-

-Dishes-Read-Dishes-Read-Dishes!

Happy Sunday!

 

Hands and Knees and...

 

...elbow grease were the order of the day yesterday. When I looked at the price of nice area rugs for in front of the fireplace that I wasn't even crazy about, I decided to bring this carpet up from the utility cave. I loved this carpet. It had been Dali's carpet under Monsieur Winkelmann. As you can see, it was a favorite spot of hers. Look at all that dog hair. Sam left a few presents too!

 

I'd surrendered and just put it away because it was so labor intensive. Ironically, it was stashed under a bed in the far bedroom and was saved from the fire and the decontamination crew.

 

These days, I have my "labor intensive system!"

Work-Read-Work-Read-Work!

 

My friend Joan had mentioned long ago that kitchen rubber gloves would get up the hair, I'd tried it then and it worked just as well now.

On my hands and knees with the help of Ollie and Opie, I went to work and read Hillary Clinton's "What Happened" during breaks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It even matches the new poele au bois in the fireplace.

 

We are coming together nicely. As I've said before, taking my time and living in our space so I can feel it has really paid off. Stopping to read as I go, gives me time to feel each step. I sat in my chair and began Hillary's story. From there, I made some furniture rearrangement decisions too.

 

 

Figeac friends are coming tonight with a bottle of champagne. As instructed, I'll be making a number of "concoctions" to accompany the champagne. That, I can do. I had realized though, that I don't have any champagne glasses. So, I've borrowed three from Evelyn and the party goes on!

 

Happy Saturday!

 

Twice as Lovely

 

 

You might think you're seeing double when the light and shadows play on the ancient stone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once again, the very beautiful natural art that is this place.

And, what could be better than TWO Monsieur Winkelmann's?

 

 

 

Happy Friday!

 

A Cajarc Morning

 

Tuesday morning I was on a mission. I needed new hiking boots to replace those that went up in smoke and I needed to get kitchen rubber gloves and some rug cleaner to go to work on a rug I love that was salvaged from the fire. 

I'd already tried on some boots at the Gamm Vert so I knew exactly what I wanted.

 

 

I expected to get my rug tools there too, but no-that required a wander across the road to the Intermarche.

 

 

I didn't feel like rushing, so I took my time and just enjoyed being "in town!" I'd planned a bit ahead and brought my address book. I enjoy going to La Pause for a Grand Creme and to write a few cards to the states. Then, I can easily hop on my bike and post them to the box outside La Poste.

 

 

I hadn't been into St. Etienne to see my Merci Lady for a while, and felt like it was time. In the midst of the insanity, there has been much to be grateful for too. I wanted to thank her again.

It was good to be back. I lit two candles this time and wandered through candlelight and flowers everywhere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I laughed when I discovered that the only stained glass window highlights were on the fire extinguisher. Hmmm, a message in there somewhere?

 

 

 

 

 

These are the days I love in the Lot. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then, later that day I discovered I'm losing another tenant in New Orleans. It all just goes on.

Happy Thursday!

 

 

Angst

 

With ongoing connectivity issues between the blog and Facebook and the many layer upon layers of insanity in the states; I'm making this morning easy on myself. 

Just a rose to make us smile.

It's even difficult to say "Happy Wednesday!" Let's just acknowledge what it will be...

...some kind of Wednesday!

 

Market Magic

 

As much as I enjoy the market in Cajarc, I don't go often enough.

During each month, I have six market opportunities-every Saturday afternoon AND the second and fourth Wednesday mornings!

There are so many reasons to go...photos, friends, fun, and, little surprises that you just couldn't predict.

I love the color.

I love the people.

And then, of course, there are the fruit and vegetables and all the other goodies on offer.

 

 

This past Saturday afternoon, I was desperate for kitty litter that is way too heavy to carry home on my bike. I'd already mentioned to Evelyn that I'd like to go with her the next time she heads to the Intermarche.

As luck would have it...she was going in to the market, et voila! As thrilled as I was with my 3 10 kilo bags of litter for these 2 growing boys; it was the market that made my day.

Waiting while Evelyn scooped some more vegetables; this guy was having a blast! I couldn't resist. You know the drill. They lay that squeaky toy at your feet, you grab it, squeak it, and toss it back!

 

We did this a while.

Soon, there were on-lookers.

He (I assume) was such a sweetie.

If I had to guess, everyone in the market already knew him except me. When I said: Il n'est pas mien. The onlookers said in English-We know!

I'd have been happy if he were mine!

He had "regular" written all over him.

 

 

He was my highlight of the market. I did manage to come home with some tomatoes and strawberries from the market, and many more "heavies and bulkies" from the Intermarche than just the litter. And of course, photos, photos, photos!

 

 

Happy Tuesday!