Re-entry

Newly cleared dining table

After 19 days of house guests, I am having a hard time re-enterng my life.  This process has been further complicated by the changeover this past Saturday night from Standard to Daylight Savings Time.  I have never spung forward very well, but this year is turning out to be  really difficult.

But like everyone else, I do the best I can.  I have stopped beating myself with the guilt razorstrap,  I sleep so poorly that if I don't wake up until 10:00 now, well, that's when I wake up.  I did manage a bit of an earlier morning this morning and have been moderately productive. I got a load of bed linens and towels washed and dried.  Now I will iron the pillowcases---yes, you heard me, I will IRON the pillowcases, and the napkins, too!   I made a quick trip to Lidl for melons from Maroc, and oh my, fresh flowers!  I got 18 stems of lilac-colored tulips for only 3.99 Euros.  And they had pots of brilliant red geraniums, 2 for 5 Euros.  I couldn't pass them by.  So, half of my total grocery bill this morning was for flowers!  How French.  

Geraniums on the windowsill

It's not just the time change that has my head turned inside out; it's also trying to get back into my old routines and to get back into speaking, reading and thinking in French.  I had a 30 minute conversation with an older woman at the bus stop this morning and that helped.  It's a bit of a setback in French immersion to speak English for such an extended period of time.  I liked that it required zero effort to do so, but to the end of becoming une vraie carcassonnaise, it didn't help.

But my geraniums are on my kitchen windowsill and that is also a step further into French-ness, non?   As I have told countless students in my life, we eat an elephant one bite at a time, and I am learning the French ways one word at a time.  As usual,  comme toujours

Des Visiteurs

Sometimes it's hard to have house guests, especially, for 19 days. The biggest challenge I face is getting people to understand that while they are on vacation, I am not.  

Joann and Cynthia head out to go exploring--on their own.

Joann and Cynthia arrived on the 7th.  I think we have achieved some sort of equilibrium of "going" and "being."  Because, after all, part of the wonderfulness of life in the south of France is the "being."  I know it's hard for people from the States to get used to two hour lunches, but once you've surrendered to that rhythm, it makes such sense, especially to your physical well being.  Plainly speaking, if you're not hungry at noon, well, get hungry at noon.  That's when things really slow, we enjoy our big meal of the day, a glass or two of wine and visiting with friends and family.  Sunday lunches are especially revered.

trail markers for the Chemin de St. Jacques

Walking in Collioure

The Aude running full

Timeless view of Limoux

We've been to the Mediterranean, to Limoux for Carnaval, to La Cite.  

View of La Cite from the Canal

We've walked along the Aude, and the Canal du Midi, which are all activities that one might enjoy over and over, and yet again.  The light is always different, the air smells different with each walk. There's no need to hurry--the Canal and the Aude are timeless and will always be there.  

Ever-present Canal, except when they drain it for cleaning in the winter

Chairs in waiting for Collioure visitors

And I have taken my guests with me on my daily errands--bus trips to the "big" stores.  Going to buy toilet paper can be an adventure if you are open to the universe and the gifts it brings.  

My downstairs "neighbor" gives a lesson in "being"

I have also enjoyed the movies, and the St. Patrick's Day festivities.  I've had the great pleasure of running into acquaintances in the market.  Yes, it's important to "do" but the reason I live here is the "being." That is the biggest gift I try to give to people who come for a visit.

A gift from the Universe

Is yellow the color of welcome?

Foot chart in the cobbler's window

Cobbler, cobbler mend my shoe.....

Carnaval 2017

Parading down one side of the Place

Spring would not be complete for me without a trip to Limoux for Carnaval.  Every year, it's different, but comfortingly the same.  I am sure that in terms of money invested, Limoux could never hold a candle to the perhaps more famous celebrations:  Rio, Venice, even New Orleans.  Limoux is not a big town, nor a rich town, but it can and does boast the oldest and longest-running Carnaval in the world. 

The children head off to the opposite side of the Place

It does have a little bit of local "amateurs putting on a show feel."  And I say this with absolutely no disparagement.  It is presented by amateurs; local clubs and organizations take turns presenting the festivities, which take the same sort of format.  There might be a speech, a skit, a performance of some sort in the middle of the Place de la Republic, and then two groups, each accompanied by a "marching band" retire to opposite diagonal corners of the square to parade to local traditional songs.  I notice locals singing to the bands' playing.  They occupy opposite corners so as to not get in each other's way.  

Stewardess costume

Pilot and his plane

Both groups proceed around the square, stopping in the bars and brasseries for libations.  Members of the parade wave wands--I have seen anything from hazel switches to wands festooned with glitter and shiny ribbons.  This year, one of the groups presenting provides activities for children; thus the children were parading around in costumes.  They were obviously not being given wine, but their leaders had a portable grill on which coils of sausage over hot coals emitted the most tempting aromas.  The kids gathered around, knowing their reward was coming, one only had to wait for the presentation to finish. 

Mouth watering!

Basque colors

Little Spanish senoritas

Pierrots with their purple ruffs

Costumes vary, but a few can always be counted on to appear; Pierrot the clown with the wide ruffs and white androgynous masks; the "beak" masks; Basque country red and black color combination costumes; assorted political figures.  This year, the Pierrots sported royal purple ruffs, the children wore the red and black lace and masks, and Donald Trump made an appearance, carrying his sombrero.  

Donald made an appearance at the "American" table

Because of the children, I guess, or the nature of the groups presenting yesterday, the tone was not as racy has I have seen in the past.  There were fewer cross-dressers and men flaunting balloon breasts.  And Madame (actually Monsieur) Piment d'espelette (Madame Chili Pepper) in full bustier and thong regalia was absent.  Perhaps at a later presentation he'll lead the parade again.

One of the bands

By far my favorite sight during this year's festivities was a young lady who was not one of the official participants.  She had on a red mask and a red cape, and "flew" around the empty fountain, hopping on an over the statues that are placed around the circumference.  There wasn't a hint of show-offiness about her; she was as unconcerned about being watched as it is possible for someone to be.  There was nothing in her manner except the sheer joy of movement, delighting in her agility, and the wonderful-ness of the moment.  Oh that we could all feel so free.  

A momentary pause to look around for the next perch

Yes, it's sort of amateurish, yes, it has a "small town" feel to it, but that's exactly why I like Carnaval so much.  A mere 1 Euro train ride, a warm and sunny spring day, a delicious lunch at a cafe on the square, and a dose of Carnaval festivities make for a glorious time.  

What century is this?  I never, ever tire of this view

Quelle Surprise!

Snow during the early morning hours

I was, as usual, awake at 3:15 A.M.  It was raining and blowing against the shutters of my bedroom window.  As is often the case, I arose and walked into my office to check on the view. (Do other insomniacs get up and roam around when sleep eludes them?)  A wonderful photo opportunity presented itself, but my card was not in the camera--it was still in the laptop.  I didn't want to go to the trouble of firing up the device, removing the card, putting it in the camera and taking the shot.....so I went back to bed. Other photo opportunities will present themselves, I rationalized.   The rain's patter lulled me to sleep in no time. 

I awoke to the alarm, and trudged to the bathroom....how I envy people who are early morning bounders and not trudgers.  As I looked out the bathroom window, I got quite the surprise--snow on the surrounding roofs.  Quelle surprise!!!!  I didn't think it was that cold last night; obviously I was wrong.  The white stuff fell some time between 4 and 8, I guess.  

Makes a lovely pattern on the tiled roofs

I must confess that I had envisioned at least one wintry day comfortably seated in my kitchen, by the window, coffee and the newspaper with me, while I looked out on the snow.  I should mention that the kitchen chair is right next to the radiator, so it's always a toasty spot.   I was feeling a little "cheated" because we'd not had any white precipitation.  Snow is pretty rare here; I know that, but it doesn't keep from wishing.

This mess is what I should be working on

So, as my friend Mo pointed out, Dame Carcas has arranged to fulfill my every wish.  I have a ton of chores to do and errands to run to get ready for company, which arrives on Tuesday, but this morning, coffee, yesterday's paper, and snow-gazing made the number one spot on the list. 

So that all my space can be this serene and orderly

 Merci, Dame Carcas!   

But instead, I will spend some time gazing out the kitchen window

New Digs for Old Friends

My desk became the work bench

After so much adventure experienced in putting together the cart for the microwave, I took a little break on Sunday.  I played for church and puttered and napped away the afternoon.  I knew I had a box waiting for me, but I just didn't have the oomph to tackle it on Sunday.  The microwave cart nearly finished me.

Limoges berry dishes work great to hold the hardware!

I arose this morning, loins girded for battle, and opened the box containing the shelf unit.  I had planned to simply take out the pieces, look at the instructions and asses whether or not to call Yannick.  I decided that I could indeed put this together; it looked far simpler than the cart had proven to be.  The only obstacle was that this was going to be much heavier.

Instructions and the magnifying glass I need to actually see them

I used my desk and my bed as workbenches.  The finished unit was heavy,  as I expected, but I put it on a rug and dragged it from my bedroom to the office.  I am proud of myself for having done it, but I really do hope I am finished.  I simply don't want to do this again.

Pieces are un-boxed and in order

The postman arrived with what I think and hope are the final two boxes of my belongings. I wrestled them up the stairs, thanking the neighbors for not being at home to bear witness to my struggles.  But, the boxes are in the apartment now, and I will begin the task of the final unpack.  It's as if old friends have come home. 

More old friends arrived today

To be dealt with

I have the CD player I bought a couple of weeks ago up and running and am in bliss--listening to Bach.  Home is sweet, indeed.

Finished shelf unit

The Right to Assemble

Finally, my microwave, the cart on which to place it and the bookshelf unit that I purchased were delivered yesterday evening.  What I didn't fully understand was that I was going to have to assemble the cart and the bookshelf.  I thought I was thought with furniture assembly when I finished the last of my IKEA products.  I would have gladly paid the delivery people to assemble the pieces, but they were running behind schedule and could not spare the time. The "chef," Yannick, did leave me his phone number if I need help. 

Come on, Charlotte.  You can do this.  You've done it before.  All that is true, but now I am hampered by lack of good tools and lack of decent eyesight.  Even with, or maybe because of, these progressive lens  glasses, I simply cannot judge distances, and constantly am fighting to figure out just where the hole is that some screw or joinery is supposed to go.  Most of the time I have to resort to simply blind feeling about.  It really becomes apparent when I try to get a key in any door lock, especially mine, these days.  So, yes, I have done the assembly bit before, but am not as well equipped as I once was.  I also seem to be suffering from declining fine motor skills, as I can't seem to hold on to a nail or a bolt without dropping it several times.  And, oh yeah, I can't drive a nail straight, either.  So, the task that was to take two people an hour and a half took me about 8 altogether.  But hey, I am retired, so I have the time.

I used my kitchen table as a work bench.  The instructions are almost non-existent:  just a series of line drawings that I had to get out my magnifying glass to read.  Last night I managed to get the hardware installed in the sides and the drawer assembled before there simply was not light enough for me to work. 

Together enough to hold the microwave

This morning dawned cloudless and bright. Plentiful light streaming in the kitchen windows meant that  I was able to get the cart put together far enough to at least hold the microwave, which I tested.  It works beautifully--after all those years without one, I seem to have joined the ranks of those for whom it is a necessity. This one will also grill, so I will be able to cut down on the use of my big oven, which is an electricity hog.  My friends in the US might be interested to know that the instruction manual comes in 14 languages, including Greek, Polish, Czech and Portuguese...a fact of life for businesses wanting to market their products in the EU. 

Doors are on, but sans handles

The cart is assembled, and needs to be leveled--I think the fault lies with my floor, not my handiwork.  And I need to attach the handles to its doors and  drawer, but that part of the process requires a drill, which I do not own.  I may be handle-less for a bit, until I can locate one.  

Now , on to the bookshelf!  Or to the phone to call Yannick.

Next--the bookcase

Busy Week

My little "French" windmill, back in France at last

I have heard other retirees wonder aloud how they ever accomplished anything while they were working, and I now understand what they mean.  I always excuse the fact that the weeks pass by so quickly here by saying that the week really doesn't start until Tuesday.  So many shops and businesses here are closed on Mondays that we don't really rev up until Tuesday morning.  I sort of like that, but it makes Thursday's arrival come as a surprise more often than not.

My "essay" about retirement.  Hung by my desk

This past week's rain gave me an excuse to stay indoors and work on my nest.  I got lots of writing done and some significant time in piano practice as well.  My scatter rugs all got a bath and dried on the rack and were put back down on pristine floors.  Of course, defrosting the freezer always is accompanied by washing the kitchen floor.  Frost free seems to be an unknown concept here, at least for smaller fridge models.  My refrigerator came with a scraper.

Contents of the 48 Euro duty box.  Really?

I rearranged a few cupboards--actually I have only a few cupboards.  My last boxes of belongings are starting to arrive from the US and I now have to find places to put books and music.  I am furious with the French customs officials, as they are charging me exorbitant duty on my OWN belongings.  This has never happened before, so I am really flummoxed. They have me over a barrel--if I don't pay the duty I can't have the box.  If I send it back to Brookings for re-labeling, I will have to pay to ship it once again, which costs about the same as the duty they are charging me. My plan is to pay it, and then fight with them for a refund.  They are not supposed to be charging this on my personal household items, and believe you me, it did set my teeth on edge to be charged 48 Euros for a box containing a family photo and a 45 year old Joy of Cooking that's batter-spatterd!!!!

Family photo placed

I went to see the movie Silence.  I cannot recommend it highly enough.  It has made me think, almost non-stop, about the big issues it raised for me: the difference between religion and faith; how far to go in defending one's beliefs.  Do you have the right to cause other people to die for YOUR beliefs?  It's certainly not an evening of laughs, but is well done and gives you plenty to think about.  

I need to re-pot my plants, and found a gorgeous cachepot for at least one of them.  I spent more than I should have and certainly more than a plastic pot would have cost, but not THAT much more!  I bought a beautiful, uniquely colored primrose that the florist assured me would live very well in my windowsill.  

New pot for the jade plant

I am having some art framed, and will get my favorite watercolor re-framed.  Neither will be cheap, but you get what you pay for.  I've begun hanging some of my "art," and my home is actually starting to reflect my personality.  I like the way it feels!

Beautiful "striped" primrose