Sunday Doings

We changed back to Standard Time from Daylight Savings Time last night, so I got my extra hour of sleep, and did I ever enjoy it!  The good thing is that it is easier for me to wake up when the sky lightens earlier.  The downside, of course, is that the daylight ends earlier.  I have always thought that the very definition of richesse is being able to rise and retire with the sun, with no alarm clocks ruining our sleep.  

Mums at Portail Jacobins

I took my camera for a walk today, looking for the colors of autumn.  We don't have the colorful maples of New England here.  The leaves of the platanes don't run to brilliance; they turn a brittle brown and fall to the ground.  But the flowers here are still putting on a show, especially near the fountains.  I watched the watering patrol doing its job earlier this week.  They have quite the system to keep all of the city's flower boxes thriving.  

Sunlight on the wall of the Bastide

On the way to get my paper, I was stopped by Mrs. Rabat, who told me that they had an American in the shop and asked if I would like to meet him.  I said of course and she introduced me to Boscou, a guy from Chicago, currently living in Paris and who visits Carcassonne every so often to eat and drink well, and commune with the locals.  We began a conversation, or rather I should say he began to talk.  I have never, ever met a bigger boor.  He barely came up for air, and he cut me off every single time I tried to add to the conversation.  He was awful. Really!  I was able to get away with the excuse that I needed to get to the tabac before they closed.  Boscou is of Pakistani or Indian (sub-continent, not Native American) descent, and I was left wondering if his rudeness to me was an expression of his cultural upbringing or whether jerks are jerks no matter what their roots!

Side street in the Bastide

I took lots of photos; a few were worth keeping.  La Belle Helene, a  canal boat whose owner Norma and I met at the #2 bus stop at Leclerc, is berthed back in the port, snug for the season.  I got some exercise, had a chance encounter with a lovely older lady on the street, soaked up some sunshine.  I hope everyone could have such a peaceful day.

La Belle Helene at her winter berth

On my way home I got to smiling--maybe Boscou was Mrs. Rabat's revenge for all the flirting I have done with her husband!!!

Colors of autumn