Spring Nest-Building

Brought some sunshine and glimpse of spring into my living room

Last week was devoted to nest-building.  Isn't that what creatures do when they sense spring isn't far away?  They work hard to make a place for themselves.  

Oh, make no mistake, I indulged in some other leisure activities--I saw Sunset Boulevard, in black and white on the big screen at the art house theater around the corner.  I met up with friends at Bar 98 for Irish music and conversation.  Sophie and I indulged in an "American" dinner, with a bucket of French KFC (it's really not the same) I made the cole slaw and mashed potatoes.  We had a baguette instead of biscuits--I am in France, after all.  Next time, however, if there is a next time, I am making the fried chicken!  (Has anybody seen Crisco in France?)  I  also met my UK friend Veronica for coffee and a catch up.  Today, my friends John and Catherine are in town and coming over for more of the same.

But the majority of the time last week was devoted to what I think of as round #2 of nest-building.  After several months in my living space I have a better idea of just what would make my life easier.  I needed patience and perseverance, as I set about the city, here in the Bastide and out at the "big box" stores, searching for the items on my to-purchase list.

New, kinder shower head on the right

I had a list of "little" items:  a box grater, a spray bottle, a new sink stopper, a new shower head, another doorstop, some regular wine glasses, and the holy grail--a hand held pastry blender.  Unlike many of the stores in the US, there's not really one-stop shopping here. OTC medications, like ibuprofen have are found only in pharmacies.   The sink stopper and door stops have to be purchased at a bricolage store, sort of like a Home Depot. 

On the "medium item" list: a kitchen step-stool, or something akin to it so I can finally reach the light bulbs and curtain rods.  And a hand truck to ferry the boxes of my belongings that are arriving soon from the US from the post office to my apartment.  They make these nifty ones here that sort of fold away and I can easily store it in my closet. 

And on the "big ticket" list: a microwave and a cart to hold it, a coffee table and maybe a PINK loveseat!  Still thinking about that last one.

New desk lamp for late night writing

The item that's been the most fun finding has been the hand held pastry blender--you know, that U-shaped device with either wires or blades designed for cutting fat, usually butter, into dry ingredients, usually flour.  This item is unknown here. Why on earth would the French make their own pie crusts?  There are boulangeries and patisseries here who do that better than anyone.  The ladies at the housewares store had never heard of one, much less had one in stock.  I ended up taking them a photoof said blender, and they are now in on the hunt.  Everyone is good-natured about it and they are expanding their knowledge of kitchen gadgets. 

Splash of color

Twigs and branckes--truly nest-building

I bought a couple of things not on the "needed" list--a splash of color for the living room, some red ramekins (on a great sale).  It's like having fresh flowers in the house--these things help make the quality of my life here in France, which is already wonderful, that much better!