Playing Hooky

Limoux's old bridge in the afternoon autumn light

As I typed that phrase in the title box, I realized how strange it looks in print.  Do people still "play hooky?"  We used this expression when we skipped a day of school or failed to show up for some obligation....

The sun turned the leaves into stained glass

I don't have to answer to anyone buy myself now for how I spend my time.  It's a condition of my new life that I intend to zealously guard.  But sometimes I am my own worst taskmaster.  I know that I have certain chores I should be accomplishing every single day, and taking the afternoon to hop the 1 Euro train to Limoux felt very much like playing hooky from piano practice and French grammar lessons.   

The Aude was low but clear.  Mr. Duck's green head glowed.

I am not going to feel guilty.  It was a spectacular day and I got to stretch my legs and turn my face to the autumn light.  I took my camera and played.  It was a splendid afternoon that bears repeating as often as possible.

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Upriver view of the Aude from under the "New Bridge"