Sorry about That!

Symbol of Celtic Brittany

Camelia by the Castle

Sorry to have been away for so long.   I've been greatly distracted by the SUN!!!  Finally!  Everyone has had cabin fever and is out and about all day, catching rays and enjoying the end of those gloomy grey days.  

I think it has been the same there with you.  All over the northern hemisphere it seems to have been a very long and very cold winter.  Even now, the temps are not very high, still mostly in the 50's here and now and then a 62 or so.  BUT to have the sun shining is everything!  Everyone is cheerful and full of energy.  Maybe I'll eat these words in mid July, when it is 85 without air conditioning.  No one here has it.  Maybe in the south, in Provence, but not here. 

It has been fun walking around town taking pictures.   Just stuff.  Popular car insignias.  Plants, buildings and some of my little excursions.   Books seen in the window of the English Book Store. 

Pictures of my favorite grilled goat cheese on toast salad.  Over and Over.  (like I said: my favorite)

There has been a Haiku Festival here, also this weekend there is a Flower Festival at the Chateau. (castle)    Oh yes, I'm going.  Also, I'm told that in summer evenings on the Marie Square (town hall) there are pop concerts with live bands sponsored by the area restaurants. 

Across the street from me, in the old Pharmacie, a Druid shop has opened.   They have books and crystals and other paraphenalia. 

There are 2 or 3 new jewelry shops and word is.....the shoe store next to me will open on the 27th of April.  Speaking of the 27th, Lucille and I are going to the cinema to see a special film.  I have not idea what it's about, but I'm following her lead for what is good.  I did love "Under the Fig Tree" which starred her 99 year old cousin, Gisele.   I hope I mentioned that before. 

French class is suspended for 3 weeks.  It's semester break.   I was "demoted" to a different class, in order to reinforce some basics, which I still do not have.  I had entered a higher class because it was peopled with "friends' who are fun and entertaining.  So, while I had a ball in that class, I was only glossing over much needed info.   In my new class I am made to actually work.  But it is also fun and full of very likeable people.   It's fascinating to hear peoples' stories and backgrounds.   I am the only American in any of the classes, that I know of.    Most are French (for the reverse instruction)  English,, Welsh and a little Scottish, I think.  

My biggest problem here is that I have been unable to lose weight!  I suppose it is very foolish to move to France for a year and expect great success in suppressing one's appetite for those very French foods one craves the most.  Bread, Cheese, Pastries, lovely sauces, and of course wine.

Having confessed, maybe now I can renew my effort with more success.  The veggies and fruits are great so there is really little excuse. 

This week I start an exercise class here in town.  We'll see how that goes.   :-)

Very noticeable to me is the scaffolding on the castle tower which was installed back in January.  I have never seen anyone doing work on the tower since that time.  Now it seems just in the way for all the photos that will be taken during the season.  I really hope they take it down soon.  Even this weekend with the flower show, it will be an eyesore. 

Speaking of Season!!!!   I am so excited to be having my daughter and her husband coming over for a good long visit!  We are planning so many things and I am really hoping for good weather.   It's a 3 hour drive up to Omaha Beach in Normandy which is a must for any visiting Americans. We will stay at a great B&B ( La Beauconniere )  www,labeauconniere.com   in Lamberville overnight and drive to Mont St. Michel on the way back to Josselin.   Later (another day) we will drive the 80 min. trip to Vannes, on the south shore of Brittany to check out the old town of Vannes and the beaches there.  They will then leave Brittany (and me) and go on to Paris for a sort of 1 year anniversary honeymoon!! 

Last Saturday, I was happy to spend the afternoon with Sue in her garden, soaking in the rays and reading a book while she was doing some gardening.  She invited me to just hang out as the unfortunate thing about the location of my house here in Josselin is that it just doesn't get any sun.  That could be a blessing in July, but for now it is frustrating.  

 

Saturday Sky

Cartoon of Sue's dog, Gus as
"A Bone Apart"  (as Sue is crazy about Napoleon)

Speaking of books, I've just gone through a little reading frenzy.  I read in spurts and one of the books I recently devoured was Life after Life by Kay Atkinson.   I highly recommend it.  It's an unusual premise but once into it, I couldn't put it down.   (It has nothing to do with France.)

 Now I am reading a memoir by Pascal Khoo Thwe, From the Land of Green Ghosts, a Burmese Odyssey.  It's very well done and explores Burma's volatile history and dismal human rights record.

Every day, Skippy and I go by the English Book Shop and peruse the books in the window.   Every couple of weeks or so they change them out.  The most intriguing one so far has been "Donkeyness".  I forget the author.  It is a look into what makes donkeys to be donkey-like.   One of these days I know I will break down and buy it.  (unless someone beats me to it)

Finally, I actually got my nerve up and went to get my hair cut and colored!  It's been since the week before I arrived that I had that done and it was really looking like it.  I am pleased with the outcome and glad that I don't have to dread that anymore.  Silvie and Emilie at LaCoif did a great job!  Thanks!

Skippy in the sun