Soar-Dream-France

A Cajarc Christmas Window

 

Growing up as a child in St. Louis, every Christmas we'd find our way downtown to see the Christmas Windows at Famous-Barr. Stix-Baer and Fuller had decorated windows too, but it was Famous that always seemed to win our hearts.

It didn't hurt that it meant we got to spend time with our Nannie and sometimes Nannie AND Papa.

 

 

 

 

 

My memories of how we got there and who we met aren't surfacing at the moment (maybe some of my siblings have clearer memories than mine).

All I can say is that they are some of my fondest holiday memories of growing up in St. Louis.

I've now decided to start another little tradition here for myself.

 

 

I am going to make a point to see our specially decorated window in Cajarc at Christmas, and if I get my act together I plan to go to St. Etienne to see the Creche that I'd seen being assembled earlier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's important to make new memories and new traditions.

 

 

This one will certainly bring me joy!

 

 

Happy Friday!

 

Feeling Complete...For Now

 

Yesterday's foray into Cajarc almost didn't happen.

Just as I was getting my hiking boots on, a friend called and I was close to missing my morning window of opportunity before lunch closings.

I managed to chat and still get off to get everything done in time, if all went well.

Fortunately, I breezed in and made my drop at La Poste.

 

 

I breezed into the Pharmacie and was able to confirm the exact time for my Covid Booster next week and hit the ATM machine, with more than enough time to spare before the Petit Casino closed for lunch.

The sun was out. It was a beautiful day, and as long as you were in the sunshine outside was comfortable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After so much success, I decided while I was in the Casino to treat myself to things I almost never buy...a diet coke and bag of either chips or Doritos. Checking out, I kept those two items and the milk out of my backpack and put them in the basket for easy access!

 

 

Somewhere between the Casino and my turn towards home, I decided to keep going around the circle to a bench somewhere and enjoy my reward. My original choice for a bench was in the shade, so I decided instead to head down to the waterfront that I was sure would be in the sunshine.

Et, voila! It was even a better idea than my original.

 

 

It was so wonderful so soak in the sunshine and enjoy my decadence. I shot a few photos and remembered some other photo ops that could be fun in the center of the village

But, for today...On the Waterfront!

 

 

Happy Thursday!

 

One Moment in Time

 

Sharing this yesterday moment with you today, as I head into Cajarc this morning to take care of a few errands. And, the sun is even out at this moment. I find myself taking everything in life moment to moment these days. Here's a little filtered shot!

Enjoy and Happy Wednesday!

 

Settling In

 

By the end of yesterday's penguin placing event, we'd settled here for lots of reasons!

Some was safety, some was access to electricity, but they mostly looked best nearby and close together as one big happy family!

 

 

I did some leveling.

 

 

I did some mailbox and Little Free Library (still leaking so no books yet) placement, but together was better!

 

I have a few other ideas to dude us up further, but there is still a little problem solving to do on that front.

I think they're loving it.

Just seeing them makes me smile, especially that sliding little guy on the end.

It's a petit a petit process here...stay tuned.

 

 

 

Happy Tuesday!

 

A Day of "Frencher" than French

 

Yesterday I was absolutely overwhelmed with the fact that OUI-"I live in France!" (Or, J'habite en France...as the locals say!) It doesn't take much...just being able to have an amazing lunch of deer/champagne terrine and cheeses, garnished with apple, pickles and fig jam. I was pinching myself!

 

 

As if that weren't enough to push me to overwhelmed, today's advent goodie turned out to be an amazing fig chutney!

I had some yesterday leftovers still out, so I had a little petit dejeuner that was more French than usual.

It was exceptional.

I am now hunting for a nice next season fig chutney recipe.

 

 

As much as I have looked forward to unpacking my Valette Advent Calendar, it was for the delicacies I could look forward to each day.

Little did I know, that many daily feelings and the spirit of life in France were hiding inside.

When I'm in the states, I have often "pretended" France with friends in New Orleans and elsewhere.

 

 

Here, I don't have to pretend and can be hugely grateful that I am right here enjoying these delicacies and quality of life.

 

 

Happy Thursday!

 

Kings and Wise Men

 

From one end of the book shelf to the other, I don't think our three guys are going to miss our star (from Joan) that is hovering over our special manger scene in the distance!

Their path this season at the Chatette is a different one from the last two seasons.

 

 

 

 

I would guess a bit more beautiful and festive than just the lighted journey on the stone evier.

 

 

Although, last year they did join in the milking the cubi wine bag festivities of the season. And yes, there was only one!

 

 

This season is yet to be seen.

I'm still wandering around and trying to decide exactly what I want to do.

Thankfully, our guys are settled on their path and moving toward the star and the manger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The poor penguins are going to have to wait till it stops raining long enough to get them out and situated. 

 

At least, our Wise Men should be on time!

Happy Wednesday!

 

Special Small Things

 

With the holidays approaching, the shape of the postal systems, and high customs charges here; sending parcels becomes a challenge. For me, being so far away means being creative in the gift and thoughtfulness departments.

Those of you who know me well, know how much I love beautiful stamps. French stamps are particularly pretty and can be perfect little presents for friends and family who may or may not be into stamps.

 

Sometimes it's the stamp, other's it's the subject of the stamp. Stamps are "little presents!"

 

My sister is the queen of special small things in the mail.

We love stamps so that works perfectly for us.

She has sent L'Occitane hand-creme and scent samples, stamps, bookmarks, etc.

But, this last time she out did herself.

I received a packet of this beautiful The du Louvre from Palais des Thes (don't have accents on this computer)!

 

 

I am NOT a hot tea drinker as a rule, but this one has me hooked.

The packaging and the muslin tea bag itself was so special.

I had 4 cups on this one tea bag.

It was heaven. 

I've gone on-line and can order more. I think it's in my future.

We are easily entertained.

 

Happy Tuesday!

 

Patient Penguins

 

I'm ready for my close-up Mr. DeMille! Can you stand this much penguin personality and cuteness? I'm not sure I can. These three and the 10 babies have been living in their box in the "off-season, so they were ready for their coming out today.

I plugged everyone in and gave them a little air.

 

 

I think I have the best spot in mind for this season. It might even be more fun that last years. My goals are to have fun and make it all easy on myself. We'll see if we reach our goals!

 

 

In the meantime, I still need to find a place for the Candy Canes!

Off to continue!

 

 

Happy Monday!

 

From the Other Side

 

Another rainy Sunday, when all I really want to do is sit beside the fire, enjoy our Christmas tree and other decorations, and read or watch Hallmark movies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's not like there aren't things I could be doing. I just don't feel like it!

Besides, it's Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I like to make myself something nice for dinner and enjoy some of my regularly scheduled calls with friends and family.

 

 

 

Bringing wood in yesterday, this scene through the door close to dark as I was getting ready to close up, made me return with my phone.

It was the gold that really grabbed me.

But then there was the realization that I'm usually on the other side of this photo looking out.

It was fun to see the "looking in" version.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I find myself thinking a lot about sides, views, perspectives, and just different ways of looking at things these days.

 

It helps me to find visuals in my everyday life that encourage those ponderings, like this did.

 

 

I guess being more on my own and talking to Lola, lends itself to more thoughtfulness and mindfulness. 

I am enjoying the MORE of those things that seem to appear during periods of solitude. 

 

Happy Sunday!

 

Missing My Old Friend Cahors

 

A Saturday in Cahors was a regular occurrence for me pre-pandemic.

It's Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Between the time when these photos were taken back in April (almost Easter) to the December of today, there have been NO Saturday trips to Cahors.

 

 

And, no trips on any other days of the week.

 

Although my trips to Cahors had been severely reduced due to the change in bus companies and bus schedules; I would still go in from time to time when: there were things I loved that I could only get there; I had friends to meet; I was catching the train from there; or, I just wanted to wander around town and take photos.

The new bus schedule meant very quick shots, or long, leisurely days of shopping, eating, visiting with old friends, and taking photos.

 

 

 

Now with the pandemic, I only go if I absolutely must. My only must so far this year was to finalize my Carte de Sejour. Now, that was important.

 

I grieve Cahors today.

The market is today and Wednesdays.

Both, were days that I'd enjoy my bus ride in and my bus ride home and all the time in between.

I miss Cahors, like I would miss an old friend. 

I believe that should our lives become more our own again, Cahors and I will be like old friends.

We will be able to easily pick up where we left off.

 

 

It's yet to be seen if our lives are going to become more our own again. Until then, if and when it happens; life in Cadrieu goes on in a way that nurtures me and makes me happy. I am hoping to be looking forward to a when and not an if!

 

 

Happy Saturday!